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Hi guys - new to this forum!  I'm stuck in a bit of a rut and contemplating my first ultra, would be interested to hear peoples views/advice
I run a lot of miles a week - typically 60/70 plus - and have done for around 2 years.  Includes  a long run on both Sat and Sunday mornings (2-3hours each day).

Problem is - I did my second VLM this year and it REALLY hurt!  Its strange cos I can run 20miles OK-ish on a Sunday morning - but both marathons have found really tough and not enjoyed.

Since marathon I'm doing 18 mile runs on Sat and Sunday mornings as matter of course... so I feel like I should be able to do an ultra of some sort and need somethign new to aim for. 
The issue is how much the marathon hurt, I really did not enjoy it at all.  Do people run the whole way in ultras or is their a mix of walkiung/running?  Do you have to run with a backpack?  Has ayoen else found the same issue around not enjoying their 1st few marathons - how did you get over it?  Thanks!

I was in a very similar situation to you last year - I never took even water out running with me, and was training for my first marathon (which I ended up doing in 3hr48mins so was OK)

As I run from work most days and love a long run on weekends, I tend to run high mileage - around 70 miles a week - and even now nearly all taking nothing on board during the runs.  

My own findings have been:

* Weather makes a HUGE difference.. and most marathon training is done in cold weather for a race which is much hotter. 
I can run for 3hours in the winter without anything.  Take the temperature above 15 degrees and I have to drink something after an hour and a half or I'm hallucinating about a cold drink all the way.  You *will* need to drink during the marathon unless it is a very cold day.  Practise drinking water on your long runs now, even if you dont' feel like it
* Whenever I race, I drink water at each station - after all, why not if you're not having to carry it!  Its nice and refreshing even if you don't feel like you need it
* I also eat jelly babies when they are on offer - not sure two babies are really going to make a difference but I enjoy eating them and distracts my brain for a bit
* Did the 21 mile Cranleigh race yesterday and tried Lucozade jelly beans... liked them a lot and may take some to VLM with me this year - I like the idea of having a few sweets as a treat every few miles?

In summary - I think you can do without gels etc, but in warm weather not drinking anything will be a killer.  All our training is done in the cold - the marathon day last year was hot and it taught me a harsh lesson!