For those of you who don’t know, on the 9th of November I will be attempting my very first long run. By long run, I mean 50K (so roughly about 34 miles.) 
WOOHOO. Have I ever done a marathon? Nope. I sort of skipped over that step. Unfortunately, my brothers and I seem to have all received the “obsession” trait from one of my parents. Once we get fixated on something, we just don’t let it go. I became fixated with running an ultra-marathon, and now I won’t rest until I have at least attempted one! Unfortunately, when running any ultra-marathon, the running is one of the easiest parts. The training and food planning are a completely different story. For the last 2 months I have been training for a long race (although I was not sure how long), so I feel semi-prepared. Unfortunately, when it comes to the nutrition side of running an ultra, I am completely and totally clueless. According to our race guide, we have aid stations about every 4 miles that include water, Gatorade, potatoes, granola bars, bananas, figs, gummy bears, pretzels and cookies. Trust me, when I read it I thought it was the weirdest assortment of food ever. I know that while running I will be needing to replenish my store of electrolytes and carbs, and it was also recommended that I run with a backpack to replenish my water supply constantly. Quite honestly, the food aspect of this thing is scaring me more than the actual mileage. So, for any of you that may someday be attempting to run a marathon (or an ultra), I have researched and compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you!
- For the first 4 hours of running, a runner can usually supply on a steady stream of gels and other simple carbs to keep from completely collapsing. Not surprisingly, after about 4 hours, the body will require a more complex form of carb like granola bars, potatoes or cookies.
- In regards to hydration, I will need to be drinking about 14-16 oz of water per hours. Of course, with the awesome cold weather I am bound to have, I will probably be sweating less. The amount of water required also depends on the pace you are trying to keep.
- Many ultra-runners like to drink coffee in an attempt to keep their energy levels up. Coffee, however, dehydrates the body and needs to be balanced with a steady intake of other fluids (like water).
- After finishing the race (assuming I finish of course) replenishing my body with protein for recovery will be key!
After doing all of my research, I really realized what a newbie I am at long races. Apparently I should have had an eating plan for the last 2 months. Opps. Too late now! Hopefully, through sheer will power I will be able to focus and complete the entire course! Make sure everyone is extra nice on November 11, as I will be a very tired girl.
This is absolutely awesome! You’re actually the first person I know who is doing an ultramarathon! This was actually so interesting to read about because I was actually curious how food and everything would work out in such a long race, and you can explained it well! Best of luck to you!
This is a nifty set of tips for anybody who would wish to participate in a race of that magnitude. I did not even know you had rest stops when it came to long runs… I just thought you kinda… ran. Perhaps I will need to give one of these huge runs a shot so I can understand how fun it can be. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Don’t get too soar!
More power to you haha, that’s insane! I wish you the best of luck and now I feel like I am prepared to hop on the bandwagon as well. I’m curious to hear where it is that you are running this ultra marathon. But you seem to have it all figured out even if the food side of things is scaring you a bit. Good Luck!
That’s insane that you’re attempting this huge run. It’s good you know this will be a large stress on your body but make sure you keep up the research and you will do EXCELLENT in the race. Make sure you drink plenty of water the three days before too. Best of luck!