My second book, “101 Things I Wish Someone Had Told In Me Before I Ran My First Ultramarathon,” is finally done, and off to the printer! Whew! And since I’m over here doing the happy dance (which looks suspiciously like something from a bad ’80’s video), I thought I’d share a few of the things I wish someone had told me. These are condensed versions of real items in the book. I know no one wants to read paragraphs of information on a blog, so I just kept it simple, and gave you the highlights of some of the entries.
1. You don’t have to start with a 50k. Really. It’s only 5 miles more than a marathon. If you train properly, you can run a 50 miler for your first ultramarathon.
2. Train 75% of your mileage on the type of terrain you will be racing on.
3. It is about discipline. Discipline to train adequately. Discipline to rest adequately. Discipline to race intelligently.
4. Unlike road race where you can drop trash anywhere near a water stop, this is not the case in ultras. Most ultras are held in State and Federal Parks which have very strict “no littering” policies. Be very careful with gel packets, orange peels, paper cups, etc. You will often be disqualified if you drop trash anywhere on the trail.
5. Many runners experience stomach problems after being on their feet for a long time. Practice how to handle it. Stress, a lot of sugar, electrolyte imbalance, and heat will all contribute to GI distress.
6. Try trail and road ultras. See which you like best. Don’t just go by what others think you should do. Everyone has a bias. You will often surprise yourself at what you like, and what types of races you are good at.
7. Weigh yourself before the race (in full gear) and write your weight on the back side of your bib. Check your weight at the mid-point of the race and at the end. A little underweight is okay. Overweight is not good, as it signals that you are not processing fluids. Hyponatremia is always a risk when you are running for a long time. Race officials will often make you wait until you urinate before they let you go on if your weight is up.
8. After the race, replace electrolytes. Drink Pedialyte or other electrolyte replacement drink. Check urine output to monitor hydration status.
9. However you feel, it will change. Keep moving.
10. It is going to hurt. Deal.
What do you wish someone had told you before you ran your first 5k, marathon, ultra?
Mom, ultrarunner, four-time US 24 Hour National Team member, adventure athlete, food writer. Graduate of the Pro Cooking Program at the New School of Cooking, Los Angeles. Will run for food.
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Marathoningmom here……Wow this was so timely. Got talked into a 40 mile Trail run for my first ultra. I am excited and scared. I have 8 marathons under my belt but this is super scary to me! 🙂
So incredibly excited for you! I think you will love it. There is such a great vibe at ultras – the people are great, the scenery is usually spectacular, and there is no better way to spend the day. Can’t wait to hear how it goes!
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