Image: worldrunning.com
A Columbia University professor, Sharyn O’Halloran, PhD, teaches political economics. A dedicated runner in her spare time, Sharyn O’Halloran has completed an ultra-marathon.
An ultra-marathon is considered anything longer than 26.2 miles. If you intend to run one, consider these tips.
Keep drop bags organized. An ultra-marathon allows racers to have one or two bags filled with personal items along the route. Two-time national 50-mile trail champion Michele Yates recommends breaking nutritional bars into bite-sized pieces in advance and placing them in bags to ease accessibility. Using bags with clear pockets also helps identify gear and food quickly.
Run two long days in a row. Running back to back long days prepares the mind. Specifically, it gives you a chance to prepare a plan of action for running on tired and sore legs. When planning these training days, determine how long you expect to take to complete a race and divide the hours between the two days. You can vary the hours as well. For example, if you think you can finish a race in six hours, run three hours one day and the same time another day. The next week, complete four- and two-hour runs on back-to-back days.
Try out equipment before a race. An ultra-marathon requires additional gear, such as headlamps that aid in visibility when starting and ending a race. It is important to get comfortable with these items before a race. You may find you will need other essentials, like a bandana to keep your headlamps from becoming uncomfortable.