The “24 Hours of Adrenalin” was a popular mountain bike race that consisted of riding a technical course all day and night until 24 hours had elapsed. I’ll never forget a biker grinding to a halt near the timing table in the middle of the night. He was splattered with mud and thoroughly beat from negotiating miles of rocky trail. He got off his bike, shook his head and said, “This ain’t bowlin’.”
Acknowledging running as a form of body language balances the need to identify self-destructive behavior, yet have the sensitivity to make small and gradual changes with heavy doses of affirmation. After all, we all love running, and hold deep in our hearts that we’re the best runners – and people – that we can be.
Trail running, road running, and ultra running are all forms of running, but trying to understand the differences between each type can be confusing. The important thing to remember with trail running is that it generally takes place in nature and away from developed areas.
Don’t miss the opportunities that fall brings. Being free from a formal training structure can be very liberating and should be unique to each athlete’s needs. Address areas that need attention, take the opportunity to connect with nature in ways that will be novel and revitalizing. Appreciate what your body has allowed you to do during the racing season but take the break you need.
As welcoming as the ultrarunning community is, there can still be a lot of intimidation related to the unknown for new-to-the-sport athletes. The following are a few specific tips for negotiating aid stations and may help you develop a successful race strategy come race day.
There is a wealth of information on ultrarunning nutrition, what to eat in training and how to consume calories during your race. But not a lot is mentioned about how to practice eating in a way that simulates a race environment and introduces your body to the stresses you’ll be experiencing. Here are a few ways to practice nutrition during training to better prep your gut for race day.