ULTRA RUNNING

ULTRA RUNning

Ultra running; for some a one off challenge, for others a way of life...

An ultra marathon is anything longer than a standard marathon of 26.2 miles, with common distances including 50 and 100 miles and 50 and 100 kilometres (31 and 62 miles).

Taking on your first off road ultra marathon or progressing onto a longer, more challenging ultra run requires good preparation, not only in running training, but through building up mental endurance.

A special diet might also be need to be considered to ensure that you are taking in the right proportions of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to enable your muscles to repair and recover properly during training and during the event.

Discover Yorkshire Dales and UK ultra events via the Fell Runners Association (FRA). Its races are coded so ultra marathons are category MM (mountain marathon). Further information about the categories, races and all distance running safety information can be found on its website.

Tempted but need more help? Ultra running preparation courses based in the Yorkshire Dales are available through Due North Events.

Experienced ultra runner and founder of Due North Events, Mel Steventon offers the following training tips:

Learn how to eat on the move, including what to eat and how your body reacts to certain foods. Find what your body likes and stick with that.
Get mentally prepared for hours of being alone and hours in the dark. Remember your training runs should be as realistic to the forthcoming event as possible. Be prepared for lonely times.
If the event means running through the night, practice running in the dark with a head torch. Once you get used to it you will move as quickly and confidently as you do in daylight.
Preparation is the key. The longer the race, the more kit you will need. Try out your kit on training runs so that you know it’s comfortable. Get used to putting things away in the same pockets, it makes a difference when you are tired.
The best thing about ultra running is that you go slower, and most ultra runners walk up the hills. It really is about the hare and the tortoise. The term ultra running is fairly new and actually some of the best ultra runners have come from long distance walking backgrounds.