How to survive a long run when you have no idea how far you will be running
This spring I got the wild idea to run a 6 hour race. Since the start of the year I’d been challenging myself to try new things with running, and the best idea I had for April was to run in a circle for 6 straight hours. Being still new to the ultra-world with only one 50k under my belt, I really had no idea what I was getting myself into let alone how to prepare for and execute 6 hours of successful participation (lying next to the snack table in the fetal position doesn’t constitute successful participation).
When I arrived at the start line on race morning, I realized most of the other runners had brought a lot more gear than I had: camp chairs, coolers, canopy tents. I was slightly intimidated by their level of preparation as I had only brought an extra pair of shoes (it had rained like the dickens the night before), a towel (for the ride home), and my lunch box (needs no explanation). After completing all 6 hours, I had a few thoughts about how best to prepare for and survive a long run of unknown distance.
- Prepare for the BEST. Its race day, you’re in the zone, and you are cranking off laps like you’re the next Meb. It’s tempting to skip the aid station so you don’t break your rhythm, but maintaining your nutrition throughout the 6 hours is one of the biggest keys to success. I carried a handheld for most of the race and a few gels maximize my time on course when I had a good rhythm going and limit my breaks at the aid table.
- Prepare for the WORST. We all hope to have race days that are all sunshine and rainbows, but it doesn’t always go that way, and when you are aiming for 6 hours or more of running, you’ve got to be prepared for when things get ugly. Bring a bag of the essentials (body glide, Immodium, and sunscreen), your favorite snacks in case you start to bonk (Fritos and a Coke are my jam), and extra shoes. Timed format races tend to have looped courses so you will have many chances to access these items if the going gets tough.
- Relax. Easier said than done, right? If you start thinking early on how much time is left, you will drive yourself mad before the finish. My Garmin died midway through the run and it was a blessing in disguise. I no longer worried about pace and distance, and just focused on running. I already knew my time and the organizers kept track of everyone’s lap count, making it easy to calculate your total miles at the end.
- Make friends. 6 hours is a lot of time to hang out with your own thoughts, and frankly, I only find myself entertaining for so long. The best solution I had was to make friends along the course. Find another runner to team up with for few laps. I had the pleasure to run with quite a few of my fellow competitors (including one awesome canine) and not only did it make the time go by, but it made the whole experience more fun.
- Bribery. When all else fails, bribery is an amazing motivator. Promise yourself gummy bears each time you complete 3 laps or a victory lunch if you hit your mileage goal. It’s amazing how much more you kind can find in your legs when pizza and beer is on the line.
Resposted with Permission from Running on E