more supportive (but without narrowing the toebox), and on the outsole, Nike has added its ‘waffle grip’ (a lighter, more flexible material) for a more efficient toe-off. And although no changes were made to the rearfoot, or to the ultra-stable midsole

groove (or ‘crash pad’) for a smoother ride. And while the upper keeps its ultra-soft feel and airy open mesh in the toe-box, it’s been vented in the overlays around the midfoot. The midsole itself has been slightly built up to give a little more arch

(stability) £60Pearl IzumiPearl Izumi Float (stability) £75 PumaPuma Complete Phasis (cushioning) £65 Puma Complete Tenos II (stability) £70 Puma Complete Theron (stability) £60 Puma Complete Phylas (motion-control) £75 ReebokReebok Premier Ultra DMX 2

, sand and intensity of the MdS, but smart training will get you as close as possible. Nail down a long-term training plan and sign up for an ultra or two (there are a growing number of multi-day stage races on our events listings). For a pre-race multi

Time not givenI had high hopes of this race, having done an ultra with a marathon PB 6 weeks previously... But on the other hand, I wanted to appreciate the day, something I didn't manage last year  I wasn't prepared for the weather, so despite a

, eat a high-carb, low-fibre snack a couple of hours before the start, followed by a final pre-race boost of a gel or sports drink 30 minutes before the gun.Starter’s orders“The two primary goals of feeding the ultra-endurance athlete during the event

of its ability to help runners of all abilities and disciplines, from track and field events to cross-country and ultra-marathons. It has a large coaching staff, with 25 UKA-qualified coaches. "Friendliness is a theme for us," says Leigh. "We welcome

’m not even sure I like running now! But for me it is a means to an end.I will never win a running race but I will never give up either - that’s part of my character. I have run in several ‘ultra’ races (over 26 miles) and have completed them all except one

such as the Pyramids, all in just seven days."Running an ultra marathon every day for a week is incredible enough without having to contend with a huge dollop of jet lag and a temperature range of between -25 and +35 celsius!” says record-breaking long-distance cyclist

or the increasingly popular ultras and others will be looking to run fast times! Whatever you decide on, make it ambitious but also work out achievable short-term goals and consider the following points, which we'll cover in the next few pages: •Planning•Conditioning•Consistency•Motivation