Running an ultramarathon is a titanic undertaking that requires a lot of planning, and will test both your physical endurance and mental resilience. Regardless of whether you're a seasoned veteran, or if this is your first crack at one, here are some key pointers to help you conquer your next ultramarathon, along with how Active Root nutrition can support your journey.
Essential Ultramarathon Tips
1) Smarter Training
Your attitude to training can make all the difference. Training in the right way can help prepare you both physically and mentally for your Ultra.
- Slowly Increase Your Mileage: Increasing your weekly mileage can help improve endurance levels. To prevent injuries from overuse, increase your weekly mileage by no more than 10%.
- Include Long Runs: Incorporating long runs into your training regime can help develop endurance and mimic race conditions. Try doing two weekend long runs back-to-back.
- Strength Training: Strength training is often overlooked by runners, but including it can build muscle endurance and is another way to help prevent injuries.
2) Get Your Nutrition Right
The right nutrition is a key element to any race. Making sure your body is healthy and stocked with the right foods can give you an extra boost.
- Balanced Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to fuel your training, and vitamins to help build resilience.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can impair performance and recovery. Drinking regularly and using electrolyte drinks to replace those lost in sweat can keep you on track.
- Practice Your Nutrition: Regardless of the nutrition you use, make sure you try it out during training to find what works best for your body. Never try anything new on race day!
3) Mental Preparation
Getting in the right mindset can help you overcome challenges during your race. and give you the strength to reach the finish line!
- Stay Positive: The best thing you can do is to cultivate a positive mindset. Remember the reasons why you're doing this and the hard work you’ve put in to get to this moment.
- Break It Down: Mentally divide the race into smaller segments. Focusing on reaching the next aid station rather than the finish line can help keep you going during difficult sections of the course.
- Visualise Your Finish!: Visualise crossing the finish line! This can give you the drive to power on and achieve your goals.
4) Gearing Up
Due to the demands of an Ultra, the gear you use will need to tick a number of boxes in order to take you the distance.
- Test Your Gear: Make sure that all your gear, including shoes, clothing, and hydration packs, are tried and tested during training. Make sure it isn't overly heavy, but not too small that you can't carry all you need.
- Comfort Is Key: Uncomfortable clothing and gear could really hinder your race. Make sure packs and shoes don't cause chafing or blisters!
5) Race Day Strategies
Having some pre-planned strategies for your race can give you an extra edge in those key moments.
- Pacing: Start your race slow and stick to a pace that feels comfortable for you. Consistency is key, and Ultramarathons are long, so conserving energy is crucial!
- Your Body Knows Best!: Listen to your body! Pay attention to signs of fatigue, dehydration, or injury. Adjusting your pace or taking a short break might make the difference from finishing and retiring!
- Aid Stations: Be efficient when using aid stations. Grab what you need to keep you going and try not to linger for too long.
How Active Root Nutrition Can Help
Our ginger-based products are full of natural ingredients, covering a multitude of nutritional needs that arise when taking on an Ultramarathon.
Stomach-Settling Ginger
Root Ginger is a staple of our products. Ginger is scientifically proven to help prevent bloating, nausea and stomach discomfort during exercise. This can help give you peace of mind and focus on your performance during your Ultra, instead of worrying about gastrointestinal distress.
Natural Energy Boost
Our range of energy products use unbleached cane sugar, which holds a unique 50/50 combination of glucose and fructose that may offer distinct advantages as an exercise fuel source. This formula provides a steady stream of fuel to power you through extended periods of physical exertion, perfect for long distance races like an Ultra!
Optimal Hydration
By incorporating natural sea salt into our products, we are able to provide runners with a reliable source of electrolytes without artificial additives or unwanted side effects. Due to the nature of Ultramarathons, maintaining electrolyte balance becomes crucial, as it helps prevent muscle cramps and supports faster recovery, whilst also keeping you hydrated and performing at your best.
Variety
Our wide range of products offer Ultramarathon runners a multitude of solutions to help support their races. Whether you're looking for fuelling with Sports Drink Mix, Energy Gel Mix, Energy Chews, or just hydration alone with Electrolite, both options will supply you with the extra benefits of ginger, giving you the safety of no gut bombs during your race!
With a variety of flavours available as well, there's something for every runner!
