Perpetual Forward Motion.

This is what I repeat to myself when the training or racing gets tough.

Perpetual Forward Motion.

When you are running long miles in training, or racing a long ultra, these three words can often mean the difference between a good effort and a great effort.  Covering lots of miles, either in training or racing, takes many things: patience, perseverance, discipline, and the unlimited ability to convince yourself it is a good idea.  Perpetual Forward Motion encapsulates all of these into one mantra, reminding you that, in order to succeed, you MUST keep moving forward.

Often, runners look at ultras, and the training that goes into them, as a place to Run and then Rest.  This is fine if your only true goal is to finish – at some point.  But, if you are running ultras for the challenge of doing them to the best of your ability, then a more measured approach will really pay off in the long run (pun intended).

Now, I’m not saying you will run every step in training or in a race.  Of course there are going to be times when you slow to a walk (or a shuffle) because you need a break, the terrain dictates it, or you have purposely made it part of your training/racing plan.  That is all part of ultrarunning, and smart runners know what the best mix is for a specific course, and for themselves.  What I am saying though, is that the  more you are moving during training/racing, the better your results will be.

I can’t tell you how many runners I’ve seen who look at each aid station like it’s a buffet, populated by party guests just waiting to entertain them.  The only thing missing is the disco ball.  These runners will lose 10 plus minutes per aid station just eating, chatting, changing clothes, etc.  Add up those 10 minutes, and in a long ultra, you can lose up to a couple of hours in time!  And you didn’t gain anything!  You are using just as much energy with all the aid station activity as you would if you grabbed what you needed and walked while you were eating, drinking, and putting on your gloves or jacket.

Yes, I know some things cannot be done while walking (I know some people can pee while moving, but I DON’T recommend it!), but most of the unnecessary time spent at aid stations is spent TALKING.  I get it.  Long runs are lonely, and you are uncomfortable, and just want a little lift.  That is all good. But if you want to do well, you have to curb your desire to be more comfortable.  Revel in the discomfort!  Expect it!

And keep moving forward.

Perpetual Forward Motion.

Happy Running!

Tagged as: perpetual forward motion, Ultra training tip