Eat For You Dietitian

An ultra marathon is ‘a long-distance running race that is longer than a marathon (which is strictly 26 miles 385 yards/42.195 km).’ 

A few months ago I signed up to my first ultra marathon following the motivation and inspiration from taking part in the Long Run Race Series held by Twice The Health duet in preparation for April/May marathons.

So, which ultra marathon am I taking on?

Dixon Carphone Race to the Stones, a UK based ultra trail marathon that takes place over 2 days in July. In total the challenge is 100km along Britan’s oldest path, The Ridgeway. Luckily for me this challenge can be split in 2 days with the option of camping in the middle to rest up before the remainder of the 50km, or you can choose to do 50km on either Day 1 or Day 2. My chosen option is 50km on Day 1 which I think is a good choice for my first ultra marathon.

I’ve done quite a bit of reading around advice and tips for completing your first ultra marathon and the most common advice I have seen is that the main pro of ultra marathons in comparison to other races is that there is no time pressure. You can run, jog or walk. My goal is to complete it in under 6 hours.

Have I been following a training plan?

Nope. I know I probably should be but unfortunately I never found one that is flexible around my schedule. However I do recommend following a training plan as it structures how to build upon mileage and training etc. Unfortunately I have experienced injuries this year highly likely from incorrect training which I have treated with expert advice. From all the advice I have received there are specific training sessions that I make sure to include on a weekly basis

For example:

Monday – 6.4km/4miles – 40 minute Easy Run plus 25 minute Power Yoga workout

Tuesday – 25 minute Cardio Resistance Band workout (focusing on maintaining a high heart rate)

Wednesday – 2 hours+ long walk OR 2 hours+ bike ride 

Thursday – 25 minute Strengthening Resistance Band workout (focusing on reps and form) plus 10km/6.2miles Easy Run

Friday – 2 hours+ long walk OR 40 minute Power Yoga workout

Saturday – 20 minute bike ride plus long walk OR 50 minutes Cardio and Strengthening Resistance Band workout

Sunday – 21km/13.1miles Long Run at marathon pace

This is a mixture of how the last 6 weeks have been in a combination so not every week has looked like this. I have a few tools that make it straight forward such as following Fiit 4-week Resistance Band Training Plan which includes 4 workouts – one of which is a yoga or stretching workout. This is a great reminder to ensure I am including strengthening and conditioning work which majorly supports a good form whilst running.

Adjustments to training recently

Most recently I have started a new dietetic position which has allowed me to incorporate active commuting – cycling and running to/from work which I am super excited about as I have grown to love moving! It makes me feel great and energised ready for the day.

Cycling along the Thames Path is gorgeous and running through Chelsea is interesting for a very non-Chelsea type girl.

I now have a folding bike, bike pannier bag, running commuter bag which all accumulated to a cost. My tips to keeping costs down is folding bike (not a Brompton FYI) bought on 0% interest free 12 month finance, bike bag on amazon and went for good reviews not most expensive, Ronhill running commuter bag bought on eBay which saved me £55.

As the weeks go by I will keep you posted on nutrition and tapering prior to ultra marathon …