Signed up for a BIG RACE
Three Questions you must ask yourself.
You have signed up for a big ultra race, four that come to mind that have recently opened up for registrations are Ultra Trail Australia, Tarawera Ultramarathon, Buffalo Stampede and Hubert 100.
You have entered and now you need to start training. But where do you start?
Whenever I start working with an ultra runner I ask myself three questions and these are the same three questions you can, and need to ask yourself.
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What skill set do I need to complete my run? This includes the skill set needed in training and racing.
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What experience do I need to be able to confidently tackle my goal event? The experience needed varies from event to event. This experience can be built up both through session in a training program and through selecting appropriate trail and ultra races in the lead up.
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What will my biggest training week look like? This week is the culmination of your training. This is the final week prior to your taper. After completing this week you will know your fitness is fantastic and you are prepared for your event.
These questions give me (and you) the big picture framework of what you are working towards.
The last step is that you need to fill in the blanks. Build training experiences, sessions and the long term plan taking you from where you are now, Point A to lining up and then finishing your best ultra, Point B.
Enjoy the adventure.
Run, smile and have fun!
Nick Muxlow