wannabe ultra runner?

Veggieboy

It's a really good book. I think the guy helps out at aid stations for Badwater and the like so really knows his stuff. I also never knew that there were so many ways to protect against blisters!

I have ordered it today

 Next purchase will be some debris gaiters

runspundrun

That's not a problem. 

If you can stretch your LSR out to 18 miles over the next few weeks, you will be fine.  I suggest that you peak at 18-20 miles three weeks before the marathon, then drop down to 15 miles for the long run two weeks before the marathon.  After that just do as little as possible to let your body recover. 

The act of running the first marathon will ensure a significant boot in performance for the second.  After that we can talk ultras!

top report, veggie boy- it's good to know that you can get running again, even if you think you can't even stand/ walk- hope the feet are recovering by now. I can't even contemplate what 100 miles must be like!

Blisters under toenails is a big problem for me too= I get at least 3 every time I do a marathon, so I imagine it might be a probelm during the longer races. For the marathons they are only a problem the moment I finish, and going up by a size in shoes has certainly helped.

Runspudrun- try going slower on your LSR's. it will help with building distance- plus "time in feet" is more important than distance covered.

I've done no running to speak of at more than marathon pace, but I'm managing much bigger mileages than I used to, and recovering quicker- my marathon is 6 weeks away, and I'm going to try to pick the pace up a little ( not least because I have a half in 2 weeks), but I'm more concerned with endurance than pace, I alsways run too fast in the marathon anyway, and I presume that in an ultra the effect of an early burst of pace would be pretty ghastly in the longer run ( so to speak!)

Chilibean wrote (see)

Loula - That looks like fun! So which year are you planning it for? I might join you.

Bear B.Hind wrote (see)

I've done the Druids' twice.  Great friendly event, only downside is that if the weather has been wet then end of day 1 and start of day 2 can mean ploddding through heavy clay mud.

runspudrun wrote (see)

oh dear I think after reading this thread I may try for an ultra!

i'm doing 2 marathons in October so think I will just continue and train for a 30 or 33 mile race after then see how it goes!

However am only up to 14 mile distance on my LSRs with only 8 weeks to marathon to go - training not going well!

Just back from holiday, spent a lovely week at Rutland Lake and managed a 18 miler around the lake, beautiful place.

Loulabell, I assume you've found the link to the London Ultra 50k ?, if not here it is -> http://www.ultrarace.co.uk/events/details/?eventid=111

Regarding the backpack discussion, I've opted for the Camelbak Octane 24. 3 litres with plenty of space for the extras.

Winter all the way for me

Most of my running is commuting to work setting out at about 5.30 in the morning

Last winter the water in my hydration pack tube froze a few times!

veggieboy wrote (see)

Last winter the water in my hydration pack tube froze a few times!

....i was out other day running and had a thought about that , as i have not yet run with a pack during winter. last year i was nowhere near higher mileage OR thinking about ultras....i had the odd thought that just putting warm water or tea in it might be nice...a:to stop it freezing up           b: something nice to drink       c: keeps your back warm!!