You can run lots of super long runs well beyond the 31-mile race distance, but just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.īuilding your mileage base and preparing for the increased stress of hours on foot should be a gradual affair. Yes, in order to race longer, you need to train longer, but you don’t need to go crazy. Will the course be flat or roll up and down gradual hills? Is it a typically hot and humid or dry climate? Will you be running on singletrack (narrow trails) with tree roots and rocks? The more you know, the better you can tailor your training to weave in similar terrain and optimally prepare your body and mind for race day. Do your research on the course to identify the hills, altitude, weather, and level of technical difficulty (if trail). The more closely you simulate the terrain you’ll be racing on in training, the more prepared you’ll be. However, trail races frequently entail grueling climbs and descents, so those running their first ultra would do well to choose a moderate trail course. Trail ultras tend to dominate race calendars because the more forgiving surface has less of an impact than that of roads (see trail-specific tips below). While it may be tempting to travel to an ultra in an exotic locale with a dramatic course profile, that allure can quickly turn into more challenge than you bargained for when the effects of unfamiliar altitude, temperature, humidity, footing, hills, or other factors take their toll over many hours. It is much easier to race in an environment and climate similar to that in which you train. Selecting an ultradistance race depends on your taste for adventure. Play icon The triangle icon that indicates to play Pick the right race for you.
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