How to Take Sport to the Extreme: Tips and Strategies for the Ultramarathoner
For those seeking to take their sport to the extreme, the ultramarathon may be just the right fit. While running a marathon is a challenge worthy of praise, the ultramarathon adds an extra level of difficulty and commitment. An ultramarathon is any running event longer than the typical marathon distance of 26.2 miles. Races can range from 50 kilometers (31 miles) to hundreds of miles over multiple days. Whether you’re an avid marathoner looking for an extra challenge or a novice runner who wants to scratch their competitive itch, an ultramarathon can be an exciting and rewarding experience.
Be Committed to Your Safety
As with any type of physical activity, safety should be your number one priority. If you’re a novice runner, it’s important to start slow and build up your mileage. Before tackling an ultramarathon, you should already have a good running base and should have experience running long distances. It’s also important to make sure that you’re well-stocked with the necessary gear for the type of race you’ve chosen and that you’ve studied the course to familiarize yourself with the terrain.
Train for the Event
Like with any other competition, proper preparation is key. When training for an ultramarathon, you want to focus on slow and steady progression. The key is to gradually build up your mileage, allowing ample time for rests and recovery. You want to gradually increase your mileage to that of the race while still allowing your body time to adjust and recover. It’s also important to include specific training runs that are close to the race distance. Stubborn injuries can derail your training, so make sure you warm up and cool down properly, stretch, and foam roll.
Stay Motivated
Going the distance of an ultramarathon can be a daunting task, and it’s important to stay motivated throughout your training. Setting short-term and long-term goals can help keep you focused and motivated. Keeping a training log is also a great way to track your progress and hold yourself accountable. Reaching out to fellow runners for support is also a great way to stay motivated. If you’re feeling defeated, reading inspiring stories from other racers can be inspiring and help keep you motivated.
Eat and Hydrate Properly
Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for endurance athletes. Before and during the race, you want to make sure that you’re getting enough calories and hydration. During a race, make sure you know what nutrition and hydration options will be available and plan for them accordingly. You may also want to practice with different types of nutrition and hydration options before your race so you know what your body can tolerate.
Pace Yourself
The key to taking on an ultramarathon is to pace yourself properly. Going out too fast can result in severe fatigue and an increased risk of injury. It’s often best to start off at a slower pace and increase it as the race progresses. Remember, the goal is to cross the finish line, not win the race. It’s better to take it slow and steady and to resist the temptation to go out at a race-day pace.
Have Fun
Above all else, ultramarathons should be fun. The entire experience can be incredibly rewarding, so use it as an opportunity to have a good time. Enjoy each step and all of the scenery that a race has to offer. Make sure to laugh, have conversations with fellow runners, and remember why you took on the challenge in the first place.
Ultramarathons are no small feat, but with the right amount of preparation and dedication, they can be great challenges that offer a rewarding feeling of accomplishment. So lace up your shoes, set a goal, and get out and take on an ultramarathon.