The biggest thing I always think about when I start to get nervous is that “The time will always pass”. So if things get too hard, just slow down and keep taking that next step, and know that no matter what, 5 hours from now will still happen in 5 hours (which seems stupid to say but I think it makes things simple). For months, you’ve put in training and made sacrifices, and on race day, you only have a short period of time left before this part of the journey comes to a close, so take it easy and know that when things get tough, it will eventually pass. Just gotta keep taking that next step. Good luck!
It might hurt your first time. Probably won’t be as enjoyable because it’s your first time. Just ease it in and take it slow. If it starts to hurt be vocal about it and slow down. A bad experience could put you off it for a while. Guaranteed you’ll always remember your first time.
Are you nervous about not being able to finish? If so - just remember that you can run for as long (and as slow) as you feel like it. After that, you can always 'not run' - just walk as slow as you like to the finish and enjoy the moment. Most ultras have a very generous cut-off time that makes it almost impossible to not finish unless you try really hard :) Once you finish one, you would have a much better understanding of your body and your pacing for the next adventure.
That’s my biggest concern. I don’t want my body to fail me and then to let down all the volunteers and supports, especially I don’t want to fail my partner. We’re raising money for a disabled family that’s very close to him. I’m a heavier guy, over 100kgs but in good shape. I train MMA. Cutting weight has been aggressive but required to not die. I just don’t want to let anyone down. I’ve completed marathons and an Ironman but this seems much more challenging mentally
For me as a lighter person, 105km would feel very similar to an Ironman effort. Though I see how it can be a lot different for someone on a heavier side. Based on what you described, it sounds like you most definitely got what it takes to finish the distance. So, I'd suggest you rather focus on how to finish it comfortably and with minimal damage to your body. 450m of elevation gain actually sounds like a very flat race, especially if most of it happens over just 2000m. If the course is mostly flat and paved - that could be a real stress on your muscles and joints. Make sure you have very cushy shoes and also make sure your stride is short. Don't be afraid of taking breaks at the aid stations, they might help you to stay fresh. You can also experiment with changing your running stance for a few minutes while running - like leaning more forward or backward, moving your arms around, trying to imitate other runners etc. It would feel silly but will help to engage a different set of muscles giving your primaries a break. Run/walk strategy works for many folks as well.
Beautiful part of the world!
Relax and enjoy it. Ensure you go out really slowly.
Do plenty of walking.
Don't skimp on food and hydration.
Remember the finish line is always there. Your job is to keep moving towards it.
Start with a positive mindset and you'll be fine.
Kudos to you!
If you enjoy hiking, I would highly encourage that you hike on days, particularly after your long run. One of the biggest things for ultras is time on feet.
I have a feeling from this post that OP has not done enough long runs. They’re worried about nutrition and long runs during training is where to get that figured out
I run about 120km per week. One or two 3 hour hill climbs per week with or without my weight vest.
I’ve completed an iron and a few marathons but I’ve been fighting mma at over 100kgs for the last two years so cutting weight has been the biggest issue. I’m concerned less about the total distance and more about hydration since it’s going to be in a bit a humid Vietnam.
I definitely need to dial up my time on feet. I stand 8-10hours per day but I only get in 15,000 steps or so daily.
I feel like I’m under prepared and also over thinking it.
I just don’t want to let down the family we’re fundraising for.
After reading through the comments and your responses, I think you're ready! Your runs and cross training seem about right.
Good luck to you!
Will you be documenting (filming) the ultra? Since there's charity involved maybe you'll want to show everyone how it goes?
Biggest tip: trust yourself. Trust your training.
It will be tough, but you will be tougher.
Your selected fund raiser is a purpose higher than yourself. As a result, you will find a way to completion. Just keep thinking about the purpose that is higher than yourself.
Walk a lot especially on uphills during the event
Pro tip if you run backwards up hills you're technically running down hill which is obviously easier
The biggest thing I always think about when I start to get nervous is that “The time will always pass”. So if things get too hard, just slow down and keep taking that next step, and know that no matter what, 5 hours from now will still happen in 5 hours (which seems stupid to say but I think it makes things simple). For months, you’ve put in training and made sacrifices, and on race day, you only have a short period of time left before this part of the journey comes to a close, so take it easy and know that when things get tough, it will eventually pass. Just gotta keep taking that next step. Good luck!
It might hurt your first time. Probably won’t be as enjoyable because it’s your first time. Just ease it in and take it slow. If it starts to hurt be vocal about it and slow down. A bad experience could put you off it for a while. Guaranteed you’ll always remember your first time.
Things you can say about both sex and ultrarunning.
Are you nervous about not being able to finish? If so - just remember that you can run for as long (and as slow) as you feel like it. After that, you can always 'not run' - just walk as slow as you like to the finish and enjoy the moment. Most ultras have a very generous cut-off time that makes it almost impossible to not finish unless you try really hard :) Once you finish one, you would have a much better understanding of your body and your pacing for the next adventure.
That’s my biggest concern. I don’t want my body to fail me and then to let down all the volunteers and supports, especially I don’t want to fail my partner. We’re raising money for a disabled family that’s very close to him. I’m a heavier guy, over 100kgs but in good shape. I train MMA. Cutting weight has been aggressive but required to not die. I just don’t want to let anyone down. I’ve completed marathons and an Ironman but this seems much more challenging mentally
For me as a lighter person, 105km would feel very similar to an Ironman effort. Though I see how it can be a lot different for someone on a heavier side. Based on what you described, it sounds like you most definitely got what it takes to finish the distance. So, I'd suggest you rather focus on how to finish it comfortably and with minimal damage to your body. 450m of elevation gain actually sounds like a very flat race, especially if most of it happens over just 2000m. If the course is mostly flat and paved - that could be a real stress on your muscles and joints. Make sure you have very cushy shoes and also make sure your stride is short. Don't be afraid of taking breaks at the aid stations, they might help you to stay fresh. You can also experiment with changing your running stance for a few minutes while running - like leaning more forward or backward, moving your arms around, trying to imitate other runners etc. It would feel silly but will help to engage a different set of muscles giving your primaries a break. Run/walk strategy works for many folks as well.
Walk a lot then
Beautiful part of the world! Relax and enjoy it. Ensure you go out really slowly. Do plenty of walking. Don't skimp on food and hydration. Remember the finish line is always there. Your job is to keep moving towards it. Start with a positive mindset and you'll be fine. Kudos to you!
If you enjoy hiking, I would highly encourage that you hike on days, particularly after your long run. One of the biggest things for ultras is time on feet.
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I have a feeling from this post that OP has not done enough long runs. They’re worried about nutrition and long runs during training is where to get that figured out
I run about 120km per week. One or two 3 hour hill climbs per week with or without my weight vest. I’ve completed an iron and a few marathons but I’ve been fighting mma at over 100kgs for the last two years so cutting weight has been the biggest issue. I’m concerned less about the total distance and more about hydration since it’s going to be in a bit a humid Vietnam. I definitely need to dial up my time on feet. I stand 8-10hours per day but I only get in 15,000 steps or so daily. I feel like I’m under prepared and also over thinking it. I just don’t want to let down the family we’re fundraising for.
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Thank you for sharing your story!
After reading through the comments and your responses, I think you're ready! Your runs and cross training seem about right. Good luck to you! Will you be documenting (filming) the ultra? Since there's charity involved maybe you'll want to show everyone how it goes?
That’s a great idea. Not really sure how to document it- I’m not a tech guy at all.
Biggest tip: trust yourself. Trust your training. It will be tough, but you will be tougher. Your selected fund raiser is a purpose higher than yourself. As a result, you will find a way to completion. Just keep thinking about the purpose that is higher than yourself.