If you plan to run your first ultramarathon or are relatively new to ultra running read on and make sure you are not making these 5 common mistakes in your training and racing.
1) Not training Smart
There are two parts to this. Not starting consistent training early enough and not doing the right training.
Often people are running consistently but don’t start focused training towards their BIG ultra goal early enough. When challenges (work, illness, other commitments) inevitably come up they are not in a position to be able to easily accommodate these. Start focused training early, your piece of mind with thank you for it.
The second part, is that based on the time someone does have available to train, they don’t do the right type of training to yield the best results. In short they just go out and run. This will get you so far but you can improve your fitness and running a lot quicker if you implement some specific long distance training principles.
2) Not having a Plan
You have a BIG dream that you are working to fulfill. You have turned this dream into a goal. You are actually doing it! You are investing yourself into this ultra. Time, money, emotion, and pride! While it takes time to set up a plan, your chances of success are greatly improved with this in place. At the lease you could have a crack at setting up a basic plan yourself. For more information on what to include consider using our ‘Ultra Runner Workbook’ to guide your personal ultra plan. Alternatively you could consider getting an experienced ultra marathon runner to be your mentor or hire an ultramarathon coach to help with this.
With the investment you are making you owe it to yourself to have a plan in place J
3) Not Practicing and Refining Pacing
Pacing is an essential yet often over looked skill required to be a successful ultramarathon runner. Fronting up at the start line not having practiced pacing is not the way to go! To be successful come race day you need to practice pacing in training.
4) Not understanding Nutrition
The hidden discipline! Unlike team sports lasting one to two hours, your ultra is going to take you a lot longer. This means that you don’t have enough fuel on board to power you through to the end of your journey. You are going to need to take fuel on while you run (a.k.a. eat). Some people overshoot and some people undershoot with this. But the key message here is that to be successful you are going to have to practice this one in training. For more information consider booking an appointment with your local Accredited Practicing Dietician with a specialization in endurance sports.
5) Too Much or too Little Recovery
Too much recovery is simple; you need to run more to achieve your goals. On the other hand too little recovery can also cause big problems. Recovery is key. It is during recovery that your body adapts to exercise… the running that you are doing. This running makes you stronger, fitter and faster! You need recovery both on a weekly basis and depending on how much you run on a monthly basis. Above all you need to recovery before your BIG event. You need a taper, recovery period before your BIG run. The weekend before is not the time to be doing your longest run!
Making sure you avoid these 5 common yet critical mistakes will go along way to ensuring that your first ultra marathon is a huge success and the positive experience you are looking for.
Have fun,
Stay safe,
See you out running!
Nick Muxlow
The Ultra Journey
#theultrajourney
P.S. If you are looking for some more guidance why not join our ‘Free Live Online Ultra Runners Masterclass’ the details on how to join can be found on our homepage. www.theultrajourney.com