Top 10 Tips for your 100-mile Race

You signed up months ago and put in all the hours of training through wind, sun and rain, and the days have passed by. We’ve compiled some excellent tips to consider before your 100-mile race. 

Whether it’s your first or your twenty-first 100-miler, here are some ways to make your run run smoothly. 

Understand the Race Course 

It may seem simple, but it’s so important to really understand the course before you set off. Most races nowadays supply a GPX or route map on their webpage, making it even easier to look at the route. 

While reccying the route is somewhat preferred, it’s not always possible. However, using your route map or GPX, recognise where your checkpoints are, how many miles/kilometres are between each checkpoint and what the elevation profile could be for each section. 

>> Rowan Wood: Preparing for an Ultra

Know which checkpoints provide what amenities, and based on your training, try to set a time to get there. Some people choose to make laminated flashcards that you can slip into your pack, giving you a thorough understanding of what you have to come. 

Determine Your Why!

Purpose is a powerful thing. Understanding why you are choosing to take on this challenge may be the difference between giving up halfway through and finishing with a smile on your face. 

Your why can be anything but must be strong enough to pull upon in your weakest moments. When you’re cold and tired, it can help to pull the motivation of why you started in the first place. 

Be Mentally Prepared 

Through the pain and sacrifice of your training, you will have gained a resilience you may have thought you were incapable of. Nevertheless, enter knowing that there will be hard moments, and prepare to tackle things that may be out of your control. 

>> Mental Preparation for Ultrarunning: Conquer challenges with self-talk and self-belief.

You may not be able to control certain aspects of your race, but you can control your perception of them. Being prepared for cut, scrapes, blisters, tiredness, hunger, and depression can mean when they arise, you will be able to tackle them before they get worse.