10 Unexpected Lessons From My First Ultramarathon

I ran the Canum 40mile ultramarathon in south Wales and learned a thing or two in the process. Full race vlog coming soon.

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[MCHall]

I've been at this for a while. Here's how I do it: No headphones, ever. Never pass an aid station without getting something (even if it's only water). First half must be slower than the second half and first half effort should feel almost too easy. Don't not check your watch (just not too often). If you can time it right, poop just before the race starts. :D

[HillPhantom]

My first one, I could barely walk, for a week. Second one, I was running the next day. Well done!

[BeckyM]

This is why I watch your channel, the tips you didn't know you needed. I'll make sure I don't drink puddle water! 😂

[conradburdekin]

I really enjoyed this and found it super helpful. I did my first ultra last November (54km) and my second - also last November (46km). I’ve got my first ever 100km end of May and I’m nervous - ankle injury meant me recent 3 ‘peak weeks’ actually had very little running. I’m hoping for the best but certainly much less confident than I was 😳

[steventurnbull]

So funny you mention the playlist! I was banking on my playlist getting me through the last 10km of the Belfast marathon last year but within 30 secs I suddenly found I hated every song!!

[damedavidfrith]

I swear by fig biscuits as my go to food for running and banana but an ultra is basically a long picnic with some running, just don’t over eat at aid stations nowt more harder to run on then a full belly, yes take wet wipes or tissue pack for those moments and save a treat for those last few miles

[craigan]

Stubbed my toe about 6 miles into my first 50 miler. Not a good thing. Best part was the distance was incorrectly marked on the road at 48 miles, so when I thought I two miles left I only had 2k left, a gift at the end!

[lesley]

LOL about drinking the puddle water. My worst nightmare!

[evachjourney]

I really admire this and is my goal one day….so far I managed half marathon but got an injury and had to stop running a, most all together….but one day….running is great, but trail running is just amazing! Well done for finishing 👏

[jennic]

I can't wait to see the race flog! Love all your videos. I'm running my first marathon on Sunday and my number one goal is to enjoy it and savour it as much as I can, and not get passed by the sweeper bus 😂

[markpatterson]

Brilliant Stephen and full of laughs as always, looking forward to seeing the race video ! Have to say your ultra experience has got me thinking about trying similar distance 🙈

[marierunsultra]

Well done on your first ultra.

I always try and bank sleep the week leading up to the race as I know I won’t sleep well the night before. So early nights all week. Make sure I have the day off work the day before. Have a long lie in on that day and do as little as possible. Usually just pack my race stuff and go to register if it’s open the day before.

For ultras my biggest learning - squirrels nut butter (or equivalent) everywhere. You chaff in many more places than you think you will!

[MichaelODonoghueMOD]

I'd consider it a golden rule in ultras not to use gels at all. Use solid foods and Tailwind. I like stopping for salty chips personally. Have sweets for near the end and full sugar coke.

[lifesahobby]

Gels are madness Stephen .

Eat everything the day before . Swim underwater .

Glad you made it through alive . Thanks for the tips

[tobilemoine]

Looking forward to the full race, looks like you had a great time

[mikehooley]

RE: The sleeping thing - I actually think banking sleep is best. Regardless of whether that's lying in or going to bed early or both - getting as much sleep as possible in the run up to ultras seems to have helped me the most!

[alanrobertson]

Your amazing, brilliant video. Well done.

[kevinging]

Enjoyed the video ...thanks Stephen....

[SafeMotions]

Congrats for your first ultra and great to watch your videos again! Great tips and brings back so many good and bad memories. My first 150 mile race, halfway through, a nurse poked a hole with a needle through my toe nail to let the blood ooze out from the blister that was building up under it. Nice. For motivation when I was running alone, I remember singing (screaming) up the top of my lungs, and that helped a little. Keeps the beat and pace going. All your tips are really useful for first timers. For sure! Will wait for the vlog, keep em coming!

[michaelbatterbee]

Good representation of what you will look like after an ultra I looked exactly like that
Great channel