An individual new to running could complete a 50 Mile ultramarathon, but remember this race distance takes months to build endurance. The more time you spend sitting or standing still means you are losing the forward momentum to keep going.Running Club and Running Stickers for the Endurance Enthusiastsīefore you take on a 50 Mile training plan and race, runners should have a few years of experience with consistent running and racing at least at the marathon or 50k distance. Keep Moving ForwardĪ body in motion, stays in motion, right? Resist the urge to linger at aid stations too long. When a negative thought pops up, replace it with a positive one. Having positive mantras on repeat, even when you are feeling good, will keep you mentally in the race. The physical side of running is tough, but the mental side is what's going to get you across the finish line. Repeat Your Positive Mantras Throughout the Race-Even When You Are Feeling Good You'll probably feel better in a few miles. Assess the situation (usually it's an eating or nutrition issue), and take care of it. Don't feel like the race is over as soon as you start to feel poorly. The good thing about the distance in an ultra is that it's long enough to feel good again after feeling bad.

You Will Cycle Through Feeling Good and Not-So-Good Multiple Times

There are so many factors that go into your race day pace, like elevation, trail conditions, weather, and terrain that it's best to go by the effort you are putting out rather than what your GPS watch says. Keep up with your nutrition plan for the duration. The last thing you need is to bonk a few miles from the finish line. Eat early, eat often and don't stop eating/drinking in the later miles because you think you are almost done. Don't be tempted to change things up when you hear some other runners talking about their nutrition plan. Finding what works for you prior to race day will help eliminate any surprises. Stick With Your Hydration/Nutrition Planĭuring your training, practice your hydration/nutrition plan. Decide prior to the race if you will be using your own nutrition or hitting up the fuel provided.

Most races also list what will be available for nutrition and hydration at each station. Knowing how far apart the aid stations are from each other will help you plan if you need to use a hydration vest, a handheld bottle or strictly rely on course aid.

Download running an ultra marathon