Contrary to logical ritmo, 100–mile races are a realistic goal for even the average runner. Ian Torrence, veteran ultrarunner and McMillan Running coach, insists that it’s within reach for anybody who’s serious about preparation. “If you really have a love for the sport of running and you like being out there, that’s going to contribute highly to your success,” Torrence says. “If your goal is to stand by the water cooler at work and tell people you ran this crazy 100–mile race, you’re not going to succeed.”
Jessica Cranford, winner of Florida’s Skydive Ultra, put it in more specific terms: “You’re faced with both doubt and determination. But once you’ve crossed the start line, you’ve decided on determination.” (For more, check out Merrell Sapatilhas Trail Running MTL Skyfire OCR?)
Sandals LES TROPEZIENNES Badabuc 23163 Emeraude.
1
Nike AIR MAX 95 NH Ironstone Celery Shoes.
Find a Trail
Most 100–mile races are on trails. So, get used to them. “There are a lot of components with trail running that are different than road running—the terrain, moving up and down, and tempering your quads and your legs for that kind of abuse,” Torrence says. “It’s also seeing your normal 8–minute pace go to 14 minutes and being okay with that.”
2
Casey Crafford
Stay on Your Feet
It’s one thing to enjoy a leisurely run in the woods, but it’s another to do it for hours on end. However, those are the kinds of runs that establish the longevity you will need for a race that could take more than 24 hours. “You need to know what it’s like to be on your feet for four to five hours on the trails in training,” says Sage Canaday, a top mountain, ultra and trail runner. “Get used to the wilderness.”
3
Casey Crafford
Progress, Don’t Dive Headfirst
Start with a trail half marathon, or a 50K if you’ve already completed a road marathon, and add distance from there. “When you try a 50–miler, hang out there until you’re comfortable,” Torrence says. “There’s a lot to learn there—the whole nutritional and hydration component that you can’t quite get in a marathon.” Next, try 100K and, finally, 100 miles.
4Ty Milford
Don’t Overdo It
A misconception is the amount of mileage it takes to prepare. Magdalena Boulet, a U.S. Olympian in the marathon, covered more weekly mileage while training for 26.2 miles than the 80–100 she’s doing as she prepares for Western States. Emily Harrison, an Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, U.S. and world 50K road champ, and coach, concurs. “The most important thing is being healthy and showing up at the start line refreshed and not fatigued and burnt out already,” Harrison says.
5Brian Dalek
Get a Crew
It’s essential for runners to have a team of supporters to provide aid and encouragement during those long hours. Tim Schaum, overall winner of Florida’s Skydive Ultra 100–miler, says his crew kept his mind off the pain and discomfort. “It was a memorable experience to have my closest friends join me on the final lap,” he says. “I will never forget it as long as I live.”
6Ryan Heffernan
Break It Up
The 100–mile figure is daunting and incomprehensible. In his first 100, Torrence was going to quit at 50 but was convinced to make it to the next aid station, and the next, until he finished. Find a way to chop the distance up in pieces.
7Ryan Heffernan
Crocs LiteRide Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers 204967-066 | Tough It Out
Hal Koerner, a Hardrock 100 and Western States champion, says that everybody crosses over into unknown territory in their first 100–miler. Don’t panic. Harrison says it’s good to think about how you will handle possible scenarios before you start. “Just stay calm,” she says. “Is it a serious situation, or something you keep going through?”
8Brian Metzler
Don’t Stop At One
Most vets say that it takes several attempts to understand it. The distance is so huge that the learning curve is even bigger than other races. “The respect for the distance does not change, it matures,” Schaum says. After first completing a 100, it’s time to correct mistakes for the second.
9101 Ankle boots TAMARIS 1-25040-25 Black 001
Know When You’re Ready
Be Preschool. “Being humble about the distance is one of the best ways to leverage confidence when it comes to ultrarunning. You’ll know you’re ready when you can visualize success,” Koerner says. “The mileage doesn’t loom as large anymore, and you can come to terms with a day or more of running.”
10Ryan Hulvat
Learn From Others
Find a group or a coach who can share wisdom. The Florida Ultra Runners group, for example, provides a few gems on its Facebook page: “No matter how bad things get, keep moving,” and “It’s not just a race, it’s a life–altering experience.”
An individual who suffers from bunions even appreciated how the shoe accommodated his feet
Presented by On Running
Mens Brown Waterproof Shoes
Balenciaga Mix Of Materials Track Sneakers With Logo
floral platform sandals White
adidas Adilette Comfort Sandals Clear Pink
An individual who suffers from bunions even appreciated how the shoe accommodated his feet
An individual who suffers from bunions even appreciated how the shoe accommodated his feet