The thrilling world of ultramarathons is rife with challenges, personal victories, and lessons that can transform the way we view endurance running. My latest encounter with this compelling reality was the Run the Blades 50km ultramarathon, held amidst the serene and captivating landscapes of Whitelee Windfarm, Scotland.

The Run the Blades race is a key highlight of a riveting three-day running event, popularly dubbed as the ‘Running Trilogy.’ It’s an endurance testing ground starting with a 10km run on Friday, peaking with a 50km race on Saturday, and wrapping up with a half marathon on Sunday. This unique format offers myriad running experiences and challenges, proving a magnetic draw for running enthusiasts across the UK. This time round, I chose to keep it to “just” the 50km.

Preparing for an Ultramarathon

This year’s race added an extra layer of unpredictability – the looming threat of torrential rain. Preparing for a race isn’t just about physical training or mental strength; it also involves adapting to potential weather changes. Such forecasts remind us to be flexible and adaptable, valuable traits for any runner aiming to ace their ultramarathon experience.

Drawing upon lessons from my previous 50km ultramarathon, I realised the importance of pacing in long-distance running. Managing your adrenaline, conserving energy, and employing techniques like walking on steep inclines can be a gamechanger in endurance events. For runners embarking on their ultramarathon journey, remember that endurance races require strategic pacing over raw speed.

The Running Community

One of the most rewarding parts of such events is the chance to connect with fellow runners. Before the race, I was fortunate to meet friends from our global Instagram running community. Their presence highlighted the importance of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm in running. Running communities offer unparalleled support, motivation, and fun – factors that can greatly enhance your overall ultramarathon experience.

What to East and Drink for an Ultramarathon

Another crucial aspect of long-distance running is efficient fueling and hydration. Ensuring that you have the right nutrition during the race is as critical as your pre-race meal. Despite the challenging heat, I was able to consume a banana and a jam wrap in the first half. I chose this event as an opportunity to try something new – salted roast potatoes. Something I thoroughly enjoy, even cold. So I thought it would be a worthy high carb and salty snack. However, I found that on the day, it just wasn’t what I was craving. Perhaps the heat? I also brought with me my favourite tortilla crisps, but as I prepped the night before, these ended up being slightly stale and lost that epic crunch I was needing. Prior to the race, I also experimented creating my own “energy balls” packed with dates, nuts, oats, cacao, coconut and ginger – absolutely delicious! And a recipe I will look to share soon. These were shared with my fellow runners before we started, and I also enjoyed a couple during the race.

In the second half of the race, I discovered an unconventional energy source – mint sweets. Their cooling effect and slow energy release proved vital in maintaining my pace and stamina. The experience served as a reminder that sometimes unconventional strategies can make a significant difference in your ultramarathon performance.

Looking back at the day, I realised I did not eat enough, and need to keep refining my nutrition strategy. Part of what I love about ultra-running is the continual learning!

Each runner’s nutrition strategy will vary, so it’s essential to listen to your body, understand what works for you, and be ready to adapt.

Finish Line Feels

I did struggle during this race, I felt tired early on. My legs just weren’t feeling it. It felt harder than any marathon, ultra or long run I had done to date. But, the exhaustion I felt after crossing the finish line was identical to my mid-race fatigue. This taught me an invaluable lesson about endurance running. Regardless of the fatigue, we often have more energy reserves than we realise. Balancing these reserves, maintaining mental focus, and nurturing a high spirit can all contribute to an improved ultramarathon performance.

In summary, the Run the Blades 50km was more than an ultramarathon race. It was a journey of learning, adaptation, community bonding, and personal growth. As a fellow runner, I urge you to embrace the trials, celebrate the shared connections, understand your body’s needs, and be open to creative problem-solving. Remember, every race, every ultramarathon, is an opportunity to learn, grow, and emerge as a more skilled and resilient runner.

Shop new arrivals

---