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18 Posts
Hi,
I'm planning to train to be an ultra runner. I have done some research on the subject and I am aware of just how enormous the distances involved are, and just how long the potential training period is, so my idea is not based on fantasy, although obivously there has to be some dream element involved or nobody would ever find the motivation to do such things.
I have no intention whatsoever of competing with anybody in terms of speed. I am looking only to complete the distances. My intentions are to run long distances to raise money for charities such as cancer research and the like dressed in costume.
To date I have run 14 miles in one go, as the longest single distance I have ever completed. I run regularly, doing 6 miles most days sometimes longer distances like 8 and occasionally 10. I don't really find 6 a problem at all anymore and the only reason I will miss a day running is if I have muscular pain. I find however that if I do go up to 8 miles or more I develop muscular pain in my quads, and this then progresses to include my thighs right on the joint by the hip.
I have had a look at the Higdon website about ultra running training and it seems to start fairly gradually (5-7 miles a day and a 14 mile at the end of the week) and I reckon I could cope with it, but I want some experienced advice first before attempting it, which is why I'm here.
So having got the background out of the way here are my questions:
1)Where can I go to find a proper and fully comprehensive warm-up and cool-down programme for my running training to prevent any muscular pain developing.
2)Are there any specific dietary requirements involved in the training.
3)Am I ready to begin the ultra training schedule yet or should I spend more time building up my training technique and mileage.
4)Is it practical - once fully trained - to run 50-60 miles a day for several days on end provided the distance is spread out over a time period of 16+ hours each day.
5)Do I need to include such things as hill running and the like or is strength training not applicable to ultra runners.
6)My final question, should I visit a physiotherapist to get checked out for any muscular problems I might have before I start training.
Thanks for any help offered, there is no time limit on this, the training can be open ended. If possible I'd like to be thinking of my first massive distance run in the summer of 2009 so there's a good 18months (slightly less) time to go yet.
I do not smoke or drink alcohol ever, so that is not an issue either.
Thanks.
I'm planning to train to be an ultra runner. I have done some research on the subject and I am aware of just how enormous the distances involved are, and just how long the potential training period is, so my idea is not based on fantasy, although obivously there has to be some dream element involved or nobody would ever find the motivation to do such things.
I have no intention whatsoever of competing with anybody in terms of speed. I am looking only to complete the distances. My intentions are to run long distances to raise money for charities such as cancer research and the like dressed in costume.
To date I have run 14 miles in one go, as the longest single distance I have ever completed. I run regularly, doing 6 miles most days sometimes longer distances like 8 and occasionally 10. I don't really find 6 a problem at all anymore and the only reason I will miss a day running is if I have muscular pain. I find however that if I do go up to 8 miles or more I develop muscular pain in my quads, and this then progresses to include my thighs right on the joint by the hip.
I have had a look at the Higdon website about ultra running training and it seems to start fairly gradually (5-7 miles a day and a 14 mile at the end of the week) and I reckon I could cope with it, but I want some experienced advice first before attempting it, which is why I'm here.
So having got the background out of the way here are my questions:
1)Where can I go to find a proper and fully comprehensive warm-up and cool-down programme for my running training to prevent any muscular pain developing.
2)Are there any specific dietary requirements involved in the training.
3)Am I ready to begin the ultra training schedule yet or should I spend more time building up my training technique and mileage.
4)Is it practical - once fully trained - to run 50-60 miles a day for several days on end provided the distance is spread out over a time period of 16+ hours each day.
5)Do I need to include such things as hill running and the like or is strength training not applicable to ultra runners.
6)My final question, should I visit a physiotherapist to get checked out for any muscular problems I might have before I start training.
Thanks for any help offered, there is no time limit on this, the training can be open ended. If possible I'd like to be thinking of my first massive distance run in the summer of 2009 so there's a good 18months (slightly less) time to go yet.
I do not smoke or drink alcohol ever, so that is not an issue either.
Thanks.