10 THINGS I LEARNED FROM MY FIRST ULTRAMARATHON

[@SustainablyVegan]

this was super helpful, I still can't believe you ran 50km up and down hills, so so impressive! you've inspired me to get back into running!

[@FloraBeverley]

Thank youuuuu and yes yes yes get on out there!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@gary6514]

As a recent convert to running I have only managed to achieve 5Ks. Cannot yet even imagine ultramarathons!!!!but I can dream.......many respects Flora.

[@FloraBeverley]

It's all steps in the same direction!! Well done you 👏🏼

[@Kelly_Ben]

Thank you so much for this! I've been running my whole life, & have always loved trails & hiking in the mountains. I knew I'd do an ultra one day, but figured it'd be years down the road. At the start of covid, I came across skyrunning series videos, especially the Glen Coe Skyline in Scotland, & a switch was flipped. Just like that, I discovered the KZbin ultra community, who were even more friendly & welcoming than other groups, & informed my husband his bucket list trip to Scotland was happening in 2022. Time for covid to ease up, to train, & to save money. I signed up for vert.run, an online training/ coaching app, & have seen so much progress. I'm married to a non runner & work 50-60 hours a week at very physical jobs, & when I start feeling overwhelmed at the time involved- 5 hours a week, & increasing- I watch the many KZbin channels from people who are married, work full time, & have 4 kids. There are many of them! If THEY can squeeze in training, I've got no excuse! My first 50k is in 5 weeks. One tip I've learned from experienced runners is how important TIME ON FEET is. Chasing after kids, walking the dog, hiking, hours working while standing/ walking... it's all ultra training. I can't wait to see your next challenge! A bunch of us nominated you for challenges with your friend Anna. That would be so fun to see! And it's be so great to see you do more ultras, the lead up training and gear, etc. I know you're crazy busy, but I think you'd be a great ambassador for the sport for us normal people!

[@FloraBeverley]

This is so great to hear, and well done you for allthe training! Totally agree, the ultra community is such a friendly bunch, from the elites to us mere mortals 🙈 Would love to do another challenge with Anna - keep pestering, I'm sure it'll happen someday! 🤗 good luck with the ultra!

[@Tonyr2]

Beachy Head marathon for me in just over 3 weeks. Ran it last year and spectate in 2018. Such a brilliant day/event/experience, 2 runners got married half way round the course last year btw 😍. Stunning trail marathon my favourite.

[@FloraBeverley]

Thats so exciting and how wonderful! Although I think I'd be really annoyed if I had to get married mid-run 😂

[@Tonyr2]

@@FloraBeverley 😃😃

[@ThePlantPoweredRunner]

Congrats Flora. Running an Ultra is an amazing adventure. I know when I ran my solo 50 miler in 2020 I had experiences that I will never forget. Keep up the videos

[@FloraBeverley]

thank you so much!

[@canningsimon]

Great info for anyone thinking about an ultra. Thought you did great in the Peak District. I think it is well worth training for the downhill if one is going for a hilly event. And generally being strong. You should look at the Cotswold Way (Bath-Chipping Campden) as a very challenging and rewarding run. The whole Way is 100 miles or there are options to do slightly shorter; check out the ultrachallenge team. I would definitely recommend any of their ultras. Not the cheapest but very well organised.

[@FloraBeverley]

Thank you very much! Yeah I definitely think training hills is so important- and strength training! Ill check that out, thank you. Sounds tough!

[@trtcommunity9248]

👉One of the most helpful videos for practical advice I've seen on this subject (and I've watched a lot in preparation). Thank you!👍

[@landyncb8751]

When flora said that eating a big bowl of pasta the night before a race was one of the worst things you could do, I felt personally attacked...

[@FloraBeverley]

Hahahah I'm so sorry, I would still do it anyway 😉

[@Kelly_Ben]

It's something I've always done... but when I think about it, it's actually a terrible idea! Lol So the giant bowl of pasta moves to lunch instead of dinner. Lol

[@josansom5246]

Fab tips Flora..did Beachy Head 10k last year and am doing Beachy Head Marathon in 3 weeks have prepped well but the injury info is something I will definitely take on board.. especially as an older runner and being my first longer distance race . I truly echo your advice about enjoying it...it's kept the training program easier to follow 😁

[@FloraBeverley]

Good luck with your race!! 🥳 enjoy it 🤗

[@aidanthompson664]

Good timing for this video, I will be running my first ultra this weekend. Well in the end it will be a training run due to covid pushing mu event back, just dont wanna waste 6 mths of training. So 52kms here I come

[@FloraBeverley]

Ahhhh good luck!! Well done you 👏 try to enjoy it!!

[@aidanthompson664]

@@FloraBeverley I am sure i will love it, i have trained on part of the track and some amazing waterfalls and cliff views. Stunning place to run

[@Kelly_Ben]

Good luck!!

[@wallyevans4228]

Training for my first marathon ultra 50k this August at Leanhorse 50k. Thanks for your tips. Trying to go all raw. For my 70th birthday. 💯 % plant based ! 👍🏽

[@JackBrady]

Hey Flora, it's awesome everything went so well and you enjoyed it this much 😊. I'm really inspired now and wanting to sign up for one, but know how much work it will take. Thanks for the article, it was really interesting but I don't think I'm smart enough unfortunately 😂! Loved the LTA video too, you both smashed it ❤️

[@FloraBeverley]

You should, they're so much fun and the camaraderie is such a great feeling :) Thanks for your lovely words!

[@IRunThings]

This was a REALLY good video. Great pointers and now that I am running my first race this weekend, they will come in handy

[@FloraBeverley]

Thank you so much!! 🙏🙏🙏 good luck with your race 🏃🏼‍♀️

[@tamarlevy3692]

Love your videos!! 💖

[@FloraBeverley]

Thank you so much!

[@AimeeandApollo]

Loved this! Really informative! I've signed up for a trail half marathon [my first] I'm so nervous but this video has really helped me and inspired me to have more confidence! xxx

[@claire1157]

Great video!! Almost tempting me to start upping my running distance 😂 Totally agree about the power of running in groups. I recently joined a run club and have managed to power up the hills I normally really struggle with alone!!

[@rubywillett134]

Amazing advice! I have signed up to my first ultra in the Peak District this September. Super excited now! Thanks Flora

[@ralphbradley]

Good video, balanced points. I ran my third ultra on Saturday (Endurancelife - North Yorkshire Moors) and would possibly add the following: On point 3, 'before matters', so true. I did my last proper run (15 miles, at target pace) a fortnight before, then only popped out for a 2.5 mile 'check' run a week and a half before, then nothing. In this time the legs start to feel aches etc and your mind makes you think of phantom muscle niggles you don't actually have. With muscles retaining water, they feel heavier/more lethargic so this is all normal. Food and sleep related, a few days before the race, start waking up at the time you'll need to for race day, then adjust your bedtime to make sure you're still getting at least 8 hours sleep. I stop coffee for 2-3 days so sleep is good and tailwind caffeine has more effect on race day. Go for a 20 min walk after getting up to stretch off the legs, this helps on race day to wake up the body and warm the legs before driving to the event, so there's no static/cold muscle stretching happening! For food, agree, and also reduce fibre and protein a day or two before. For carbs i love turmeric (anti-inflammatory for muscles), salt (need more as will lose in race), pepper & olive oil crushed new potatoes! 5, 'find your people'. Event organisers are doing really well with Covid etc, i'm sure we're all delighted to be running still! But the time trial format is annoying, finishing minutes behind the next place when you've nobody to chase is frustrating...! 6. 'don't try and run all'. True, but i'd add the nuance that being aware of heart rate also helps, if that's spiking then you know you need to reduce your effort/walk for a bit. [nb. See 'Build your running body', p. 371 'Effort vs Pace'. It's a cracking book in general] 8. 'plan ahead'. Agreed. Regarding hills, for any ultra, hill repeats are a great part of training, they improve speed/form on flat too. You mentioned 'wrapping up before you have to'. My tip would be to do a 10-15 min casual warm up jog in the clothes you think you'll want to race in (with vest too). If you're a balanced temp after that you know you're good to go :) You shouldn't be too warm after a light 'warm up', we;re running for hours after right... I also use gloves & a buff to regulate temperature during a race. They're easy to take on/off, much more so than layers on top and stash in the vest. They're also parts of the body you can lose/conserve lots of heat from, so they have a disproportionate effect on body temperature. One/only disagreement from the video, you mentioned 'you should only drink when you're thirsty'. Could be not what you meant/i'm picking up on a detail etc but i think that's too late. Chose regular time/distance intervals and make sure you drink at those. I like at least one swig/gulp from water and one from tailwind every mile, and then also before hills (as it's harder to drink using poles and/or power hiking/running, especially as heart rate rises) 10. 'new races'. Spend an hour on itra.run searching for different races around the world, most inspiring! Broadens ones horizons and also allows you to pick races distances and elevation you're targeting. I'd have never found (and now signed up for) the Tjornarparen (Sweden) race in Feb (50m) and Ecotrail Oslo in May (80k)!

[@FloraBeverley]

These are great tips, thanks so much! Totally agree with them all 🙌🏼 On the water front, I only mentioned it as for newbie runners, dry mouth from nerves and the knowledge to 'drink a lot' can lead to hyponatremia i.e. lack of salt or excess water. It's much more common in marathons than dehydration. But there's a balance to be had esp with ensuring electrolytes in the water 😊

[@FloraBeverley]

Also I hear endurance life is great, would you recommend?

[@ralphbradley]

@@FloraBeverley Good point on context, i agree. Hydration/nutrition is probably the 'one' thing you have to get used to, that comes from just putting training miles in. I actually changed my nutrition during my training block for this last race. This was a learning curve for me as i thought i had it 'sorted' before. Was also eating mini chi charge salted caramel flapjacks which are delicious. This was because i appreciated 'eating something' and the flavour/enjoyment was also a psychological boost. I listen to 'science of ultra' podcast and a cracking point was made on a recent episode about the limit of calories the body can adsorb per hour. I realised that whilst i enjoyed and liked eating the chia charge bars, they took me over what my body could absorb after 2 scoops/500ml of tailwind every hour. It was only on my 2-3 hour training runs this manifested itself and i didn't have a fully 100% comfortable stomach (nothing more serious!), so now i just scoff the bars (and cashew nuts) as part of recovery... :)

[@ralphbradley]

@@FloraBeverley Yes, i've ran Northumberland (first ultra), Sussex (three weeks later with a work trip in between, dnf'd...!) and now NYM. Northumberland and Sussex were faultless (Sussex timing was on the cusp of things getting serious/lockdown etc but they were great/flexible at a time everyone was kindof guessing/making it up [for time context, running in Central Park the week before was packed/normal, and we know how NYC turned out!] so they already had socially distanced checkpoints and options of different start times which in hindsight was spot on). NYM had some initial course changes which were well flagged and gpx files updated, but then on race day there was a further last minute additional change which hadn't been communicated. So it was a case of following signs (which were there, but it was foggy...!) whilst watches bleeped to say you're off course. They run shorter distances (hence why the general courses were changed, to avoid too many 10k, half, marathon and ultra runners on the same routes at the same time) which makes events lively but perhaps does have drawbacks in other ways (during Covid times?). I'd balance the above by saying i haven't run events by other organisers, so i don't really know!?! But that'll change next year!

[@iberiksoderblom]

Ten really good and valid points, that I can confirm are correct. Good and informative video.

[@FloraBeverley]

Thanks for watching! ❤

[@dreamingofvintage8365]

Thank you, I’m running my first ultra-Marathon in a couple of weeks in Dorset. Love your videos xx

[@FloraBeverley]

Amazing, is it Maverick? If so I'll be there!

[@dreamingofvintage8365]

Hi it’s Run to the Sea, I couldn’t get a space on the Jurassic one but I’m thinking of entering Maverick Hampshire in November x Good luck for your next race

[@steveperkins6308]

Hi Flora. I have signed up for the IOW Ultra challenge for next year which is 100k either spilt into two days or continuous. Also the Clarendon Half Marathon Trail.

[@jkou5549]

Thank you for making this video. I’m planning on my first 50K in 2 months so this video was very helpful!

[@FloraBeverley]

Amazing, good luck!! Glad the video was of use :)

[@alastairbaldwin2904]

Excellent advice! I have a 17km race this weekend. Crossing my fingers for nice weather :-)

[@FloraBeverley]

Goooood luck! If its anywhere like around here good weather might be asking too much 🙈

[@alastairbaldwin2904]

Thanks Flora! I'm actually in New Zealand - Spring is upon us and it's starting to warm up! I feel for you, being in the UK... 😁

[@FloraBeverley]

@@alastairbaldwin2904 aha very jealous!! Enjoy it 🤗

[@Kelly_Ben]

Good luck!!

[@NepThach]

Thank you for sharing your experience, I am working on my training, third week in. These help moving forward

[@steveruppel]

What amazing tips, great video!

[@emilys1447]

My one worry with some ultras is the cutoffs. I'm doing my first next year with ultra challenges who allow you to walk, jog or run so I don't have to worry about my pacing. At least then that will bridge the gap to ultras with cut offs. Also looking to do the 50km day of ultra X England next year - and after watching your vlog I can't wait!

[@FloraBeverley]

Yes I understand that! Thankfully with the 'shorter' ones the cutoffs seem quite generous, esp in summer when days are longer 😊 just need to choose the right ones but I think there are plenty. Great to hear you'll be doing UltraX England! 👏🏼

[@Phatkid1013]

Please check out the virtual ultras. The do a 50k by doing 5 miles every 4 hours for 24 hours. Great intro into the ultra world and a great group of runners.

[@jhooton75]

Very helpful tips, thanks for sharing!

[@RunwithBrad]

Going to add one, Look up and smile, I find that smiling while running makes the hurt go a way at least for a moment😁

[@FloraBeverley]

Love this! Totally agree 👏🏼

[@sara-jaynebarker7273]

Definitely inspiring me to want to do an ultra !

[@Sasha-vs6sd]

Thank you for this. I am doing my first ultra next weekend (41 miles for my 41st birthday). I have been debating whether to stop along the way because there are highlights and overlooks, but I’m afraid of not finishing before dark as the days are getting shorter very quickly. Although, the beauty of the trail is why I’m out there, too - not just the running. Perhaps I will hold up better mentally if I stop as you suggested. Thanks again!

[@FloraBeverley]

That sounds incredible, I hope you enjoy it! I understand the desire to go fast, as it is a long way, but don't forget to look up and take the occasional picture every once in a while 🥰 have an amazing time!

[@peterseager6970]

Thanks for the tips. I have just started preparing for a 50k in New Zealand. The Tarawera Ultra. The event is next Feb 😳.

[@FloraBeverley]

Amazing!! Good luck with it!!

[@davegibb3175]

Great well balanced honest video.

[@georgiaaindow3245]

I love your videos. They give me something to look forward to. Thank you for vlogging 😊

[@FloraBeverley]

Thank you so much!

[@JEKYLLHYDE123]

Covered all bases I think, good video

[@michaellynch6964]

Great video, helpful to see a video that is not from an ultra pro; much more relatable

[@FloraBeverley]

Thank you so much

[@stevejodoin9937]

Two most important points are nutrition/hydration and mending early on hot spots and taking care of your legs/feet.

[@FloraBeverley]

Exactly!

[@PoppyOxymoron]

One of my good friends James did this run this year. He did both days and came first both times! I doubt that I’ll keep up with him next year but I will try to

[@FloraBeverley]

Amazing! Pretty cool accolade

[@annettesolis]

good advice!

[@theamiazingworldofsebastia4962]

Hi, I am doing Noble canyon 50k in San Diego this September 2023. 50k for the first time

[@jemimaburgess7032]

Love this video Flora and your channel! Do you think it’s important to have run a marathon first, to get to grips with the long distance? I’ve done a couple of half marathons but I know I’d much rather be running out on the trails rather than a road run.

[@FloraBeverley]

Thank you! I dont think so, I know someone who went from 10k - 250k haha, but of course you'll have to do all the distances in training! Would recommend giving a few longer trail races a go first 🤗

[@Kelly_Ben]

I'm running my first ultra, a 50k, in Nov with no marathon experience. I thought I was crazy, but apparently that's not uncommon!

[@Kg_travelandrun]

Very helpful video! I’m wanting to do an ultra next year, what site would be best to book from? Keep the videos coming

[@FloraBeverley]

There are loads, I'm not sure of many centralised sites but I like ultra x and maverick!

[@TheDomLouis]

Enjoyed catching up on your ultra marathon journey. Something I'm aiming for next year. So thanks for the tips. Have you ever considered taking part in either a half Ironman or even a full Ironman?? Highly recommended ❗️

[@FloraBeverley]

Very welcome! I have thought of it, I need to practise my swimming quite considerably before then 🙈

[@TheDomLouis]

@@FloraBeverley improving each discipline is all part of an incredible journey of being better today than yesterday. Th You'll get there if you get started 💪🏊‍♀️❗️. The Journey is More Important Than The Destination 😀 I Highly recommend joining your local tri club, when you start. Usually triathletes are a friendly lot. If you're a reader I found Chrissie Wellington's A Life Without Limits to be a inspirational read for people new to triathlon. She's British and a triathlon Legend.

[@lebarondupotager1091]

I would love to do one of those but omg I don't have time at all right now

[@阮育志-p3g]

nice video,thanks a lot.

[@sophiswearing2068]

Hi Flora, this is super helpful. I was wondering if you have any tips for treadmill running? I'm used to running in the countryside but just moved to a city and obviously the bad weather is coming but I find treadmills so boring!! Any tips? 🥰

[@FloraBeverley]

Heya! Glad you enjoyed it :) I would just say to get some good outdoor running gear and just get used to the rain! I avoid the worst storms but otherwise I'm out in the rain, I dont mind too much! I hate treadmill running and it often injures me so I avoid it. Check my instagram stories from today too!

[@sophiswearing2068]

@@FloraBeverley Amazing thank you!!! I was just watching one of your other videos on kit so I might need to make a little shopping list!

[@FloraBeverley]

@@sophiswearing2068 Great plan, good kit makes all the difference!

[@alamedadanceparty]

My treadmill running tips are to have good music and try to vary the tempo. If the music is racing, sprint with it for awhile. I also try to avoid a treadmill in front of a wall and pick one by a window. Just try to find your focal point and let the music carry you!

[@sophiswearing2068]

@@alamedadanceparty Great tips! I need to get a good playlist, thank you!!!!

[@erwinlargozadegala9590]

Thank you

[@PoppyOxymoron]

How long did it take you to run the full distance? The coach who I called about it said 8hrs is the average but I’ve done 50km in 5:26 with 900m elevation. Which isn’t as much as that run but I don’t think it’ll take me 8hrs.

[@KirkSmithLive]

Do you have a link to your playlist? I'm always interested in what works for other people.

[@FloraBeverley]

Afraid not! 🙈 it's just a bunch of downloaded songs on my phone haha but does the trick each time! 🤗

[@2spoons]

Just got to book yourself another.... idid mine 5 months apart but there are some people on Strava that are running Ultras daily.... guess they're in the Ultra X World Championships in June 2021.... go one book another its cheeky not too

[@FloraBeverley]

Hahah tempting! I've already got another race planned in the diary, just need to decide on 20k or 44k! 🙈

[@emilyl1260]

I'm not really improving? Just wondering what you think really gave you the ability to be able to run the distances you can now ? X

[@FloraBeverley]

Have you watched my video on how to break through a fitness plateau? I think what really gave me the ability was consistent practising. 3 years ago I struggled with barely 10k... 2 years before that I couldn't run more than 2km without pain. Progress is slow but sure!

[@hannahstarnes]

This just makes me wish all of our races weren’t cancelled ):

[@FloraBeverley]

I know 😭 but plenty to sign up to next year ❤

[@Tonyr2]

Not all. I have run 2 SD 10k's in the last month. Marathon this Sunday at Dorney Lake too. Next month I have 2 halves and a 5 mile road race. Happy days.

[@Tonyr2]

Update, got a 34 minute, yes minute, PB and got gfa for London marathon too. 😃😃😃😃

[@FloraBeverley]

@@Tonyr2 Congrats!

[@iveGOTtheRUNS]

Have you done any "virtual" runs?

[@avinashbhogun]

Flora. Greetings! Really enjoyed watching this video. Not sure how the KZbin algorithms work but its great to see such a positive individual sharing their thoughts. Maybe we have mutual friends? Anywho, keep up the great content. Avi :)

[@FloraBeverley]

Thank you so much for watching, I'm glad you found the video and glad you enjoyed it! Hopefully you enjoy some more of my vids soon too 😊

[@jonparton1115]

I think i caught you saying that you should only drink when you’re thirsty? If you wait until you’re thirsty then its too late and you’re already dehydrated! Same as food. Little and often

[@FloraBeverley]

Well actually in marathons/ultras esp for inexperienced runners it's easy to over drink, especially if you're not also taking in sufficient electrolytes. More people need medical attention from hyponatremia than dehydration! I would just say trust your bodily cues for thirst. Little and often is good, but not too much!

[@markthomasson5077]

If it is cold, you might not feel thirsty, but still need to. I did a good hour and a half, below CMD to top of Ben Nevis, very technical, without drinking…not good

[@michaelaustria208]

💙🌱💙

[@ukiemontrt7342]

good video as always, btw im not sure if im right but are you under a lot of stress ? i noticed , your lips were bigger

[@FloraBeverley]

Actually very relaxed but thanks for asking! Probably just the lighting haha

[@2spoons]

Who's mowing the lawn....? lol

[@FloraBeverley]

Not the lawn, bloomin building works across the road! 🙄

[@nicholashaglund7376]

Don’t make me come to the UK girl…

[@arvidfotos]

You speak so fast! Please keep in mind: Foreigners follow your channel! ;-)