Ultras

Not too many people know what an ultra is mainly because crazy amazing people participate in it! Ultras are defined as anything longer than 26.2 miles. The most common race distances are 50k, 50miles, and 100 miles. The idea of running an ultra is like running three or four marathons back to back. I read something that said one should not run an ultra non-stop, it said something like "runners need to shift their gears" so they won't get injured or hurt. Another mindset that and ultra runner must have is..keep moving forward! once one starts something..plan on finishing it! Ultras require being fit of course, but mainly require being mentally prepared. It is a big MENTAL CHALLENGE. Most ultras are on trails instead of being on roads like most marathons. The race does take a lot longer than a marathon, so one can count of running at night and needs to be prepared. It is important to include extra warm clothes, a flashlight, first-aid kit, water bottles, energy bar/gels, and some small snacks like bananas or oranges in your drop bags. People "crew members" or "pacers" help deliver and give the racers their drop bags and certain needs at every few miles or so and help the racers stay on the right course so they won't go another way and get lost. Hydration is key to running a good race! so if one is planning on running an ultra, plan on drinking lots of water!