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Ultra training for beginners

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oumaumau Oct 2019 9:08am, 16 Oct 2019 1,253 posts	Quote Pin oumaumau To a large extent I agree with the time on feet being key (if you're going to be out for 12hours or more, best make sure you don't hate being out for more than 4), but then the speedwork does provide adaptations that long days won't - in terms of form and efficiency. If you can run a 6 minute mile, a 10 minute mile is much easier etc.
HappyG(rrr) Oct 2019 9:29am, 16 Oct 2019 32,736 posts	Quote Pin HappyG(rrr) The only other perspective I'd give is that unlike "a marathon" there isn't "an ultra". There are many! By which I mean 50K flat road - this is basically the same as a marathon! (see Binks's sage blog and article on this very topic!) Train same as mara! Up to 50 mile, trail or mixed. So 8 - 14 hours. This is where walking, eating, possibly changing kit, dealing with chafing, changes in weather etc. come in. So much more than just physical training. Loads of other things to prepare for. Do we call that training? 70-100 miles. It's another level (I haven't done much over 100 so I'm sure 200, 1000, multi day etc. count as yet further levels!). Seriously though 14-24 hours. It's different - night time (night time(s)?), despair (I'm not joiking!), retrieve (logistics of people to save you, depending on how remote), safety kit, map reading (again depending on remoteness etc), motivation (DNF vs. finish, vs. time) etc. It's all part of the fun! G
HappyG(rrr) Oct 2019 9:30am, 16 Oct 2019 32,737 posts	Quote Pin HappyG(rrr) Or am I making this too complicated?
oumaumau Oct 2019 9:34am, 16 Oct 2019 1,254 posts	Quote Pin oumaumau I think you're talking specificity there HG, not complicated - sensible
Derby Tup Oct 2019 9:36am, 16 Oct 2019 34,897 posts	Quote Pin Derby Tup Great summary G
geordiegirl Oct 2019 10:21am, 16 Oct 2019 9,044 posts	Quote Pin geordiegirl love your post HappyG I am in the 8-14hr category as my 50k hardmoors took me 8hr20m but I do aim to get this down. I am very excited to do another it would always be largely trail/off road and I need to work on carrying less unless its mandated. Exciting!
flanker Oct 2019 10:42am, 16 Oct 2019 18,653 posts	Quote Pin flanker gg- you need to carry what you need. This may be (and normally should be) more than is mandated.
geordiegirl Oct 2019 10:50am, 16 Oct 2019 9,045 posts	Quote Pin geordiegirl I keep taking too much or rather forgetting to eat what I take. I fell during my ultra and hurt my shoulder so I struggled with the pack at Loch Ness I think I need to master this area too. An example my wind/waterproof jacket is great but a bit bulky and I really struggle with the reservoir so maybe more soft flasks would be preferable. It’s all learning isn’t it. Thank you
HappyG(rrr) Oct 2019 11:13am, 16 Oct 2019 32,739 posts	Quote Pin HappyG(rrr) Absolutely. Kit is half the battle! All part of the fun. My front mounted bottles worked fine. I took off hat n gloves but never needed to change my jacket/ upper layers. Food was also "front mounted" (snacks in side pockets) which all made it easier. Only went into the back for major stuff. Chatting is fine, but you have to have a rigorous eating plan - a pal of mine had a watch beep at him every 20 minutes for hours and hours, to remind him to take a sip of drink X or eat food Y. That would drive me mad, but it worked. Don't fall. I'll just put that out there! Sounds like you're enjoying the journey. G
HappyG(rrr) Oct 2019 11:14am, 16 Oct 2019 32,740 posts	Quote Pin HappyG(rrr) Lol. I read that as "talking too much" and forgetting to eat. Hence my chat comment! But yes, mechanisms to remind you to eat. Actually, same pal also (very clever this guy) MEASURED out to the 00s of ml, the exact amount of fluids (presumably same with foods) to take between check points to avoid muling far too much stuff. Clever fella! G