Thanks so much for creating content like this Simon. And for all you do for the ultra and trail running community. Really appreciated by those of us just starting on the longer journey. Ran my first 100km, the Hume & Hovell in Australia, and know I have continued learning and improvements to make for aid stations and drop bags. So this helps. Combined with better managing mandatory gear to be able to travel as light as possible for as long as possible. Thanks again and look forward to your continued adventures.
Mandatory gear is a good point and I'm actually not great at this. It's not nearly as common in the US. So when I raced for example Fuji, I had this HUGE bag of useless thing. I feel pro have figured out how to have the tiniest and lightest gear some times (e.g., they were asking for rain pants which felt a bit overkill)
Saying thank you to the volunteers!! I get a bit of brain fatigue/fog and focus on my needs that I sometimes forget to say thank you. I feel badly about that. I will try to do better my next race. I only do 100km - have not done a miler yet. Thanks Simon for this informative video.
Totally, and I think any experienced volunteers gets it. It's good to remember to try and say thanks, but some times it won't happen and that's ok. As long as we aren't jerks to them. I've certainly myself had times where i"m so out of it that I only more or less grunt back at them. I of course feel bad afterwards, but in the moment, my brain is just not all there and hope they get it. I certainly always appreciate the support (well 99.9% of the time I appreciate, there's been a few bad ones but that's a whole other can of worms)
In my last ultra I used a checklist, specially for the aid station where I would have my drop bag. I did not need to think anymore, just following the checklist takes care of everything. It was a whole more relaxed for me. Saved time and gives confidence.
I generally stick to doing 50Ks, but my rule for aid stations is to "only do in the aid station what you have to do in the aid station." As I'm about 2 miles out I tell myself this and then start thinking through what I actually need to do at the next stop. I'll typically start prepping my water bottles, counting empty food wrappers, and may even relieve myself in the woods approaching the aid station just because it's faster. Then of course, for the bigger stops, just mentally going through the stop all together before arriving.
Practicing 5 and 20 min naps are my bonus tip here. I remember taking a 20min nap during my first 100km at the 79k mark, and the last 21k - which included the highest climb - was a relative breeze.
Hi Simon, you have been my go to person for the last 6 months, as I have trained for my 1st 100k ultra. Thank you for your honest vlogs and tips. Completed now, new challenge to be confirmed!😂
Great video! I ran my first 100k earlier this year (UTA in Australia), and I wrote on all of my drop bags how many kms to the next aid station, what my elapsed time should be (if I was running to time) and even some notes on the terrain ahead (elevation gain/loss etc). It meant i didn't have to do tricky calculations or memorise the course
Smart thing! One I like (and only seen twice so far and don't know why it's not the norm) was to have the elevation profile + distance and cutoff printed on our bib. It's actually so helpful and simple...!
Great video! This is my biggest weakness. Not the organization,or knowing what I need… but the time suck. Some of the reasons I love ultras are the incredible atmosphere, and often the incredible food. It’s not unusual for me to spend 10+ minutes chatting with volunteers or runners, while eating huge amounts of food. During my first 50k, I sprawled out in a chair with a bowl of pulled pork covered Mac n cheese… for 30 minutes. 😂 I love the experience… but I’m getting tired of being so freaking slow, so it’s time to buckle down. Or Buckle Up with Simon!? Looking forward to the drop bag video.
I know you volunteer a lot (a lot more than me actually so thanks for that). One thing I tried to do myself is to push people to get moving once I feel they are good to go. That's especially true when I'm doing top of Columbine at Leadville 100 MTB. It's right before a big descent so I'll chat with them as needed, but once I feel they are mentally ready, it's go time.
The irony is that those who need time at the aid station most to regroup and rest, are the people who can least afford it. Like me, always chasing cut offs.
True. Although you see a range. I was racing Diagonale this weekend and maybe it's a difference in trail culture between europe and US, but they were running much faster than me. And then taking 30-60-120 min at aid station. So we'd leapfrog the whole race. I'd rather go slower and be faster at aid station.
Aloha ! Simon thanks for the tips, great content like always. Never thought about brushing teeth. Not sure about a nap yet. My first 100 miler in 2 weeks Jav 100, I see your wearing Javalina shirt, are you participating this year ?
Thanks, and yes I'll be racing Javelina this year (pending proper recovery from diagonale des fous this weekend). Nap I'll avoid if I can, but sometimes I just can't. And it's not that big of a deal when it's say 10-20 min. 2-3 hours nap would be an issue, but that's more for 200 milers where time lose all meaning.
@@runningwithsimon thanks keep up the good work and inspiring new people to Ultra, it incredible that you are able to do so many races. Hope to meet and see you there. Keep a look out for my none profit I support Operation Enduring Warrior OEW.
Yes! Exactly - and it makes it easy to get distracted. Sometimes now I just tell them "Thanks I'm good for now and don't need anything. I just need a second by myself to get things straight, and I'll come to you if I need anything"
Thank you so much for this great routine! I am a back of the pack person and yes, every minute counts!! Do you have any tips for someone doing their first ultra road timed event? It is an event with a short (1.4 mile loop) and one central aid station. I signed up for the 12 hour time and want to do 35 miles.
Many tips yes... But to summarize. Come in with a plan and goal time and pace wise. It's easy to think "oh I'll just do whatever I can", but once things get rough, it's helps to have a bit of a clearer vision (even if you break it down in goal A, B and C - say I want 40 miles, 50 and 60). For aid station - I've done a few like this (like Jackpot see below). With 1.4 miles you don't need to carry anything (but if you do, almost nothing - at most like a bottle and a single gel). If you can, have a table with a bunch of stuff you can grab and go without breaking your stride. And even better if a little further there is a trash or something to get rid of stuff. If someone is supporting you, have them pre-fill fluid so you don't have to take 30-60 sec to fill a bottle. Finally the good thing about a fixed loop is you can easily monitor how much you eat. Say Jackpot where it's 2 miles loop, I will force myself to have at least 100 cal per lap. ruclips.net/video/PLHwnoE10jY/видео.htmlsi=QCVDzd3QiXSogkAR
@@runningwithsimon Thank you so much!! I signed up for Across the Years on New Year's Eve. I really like the idea of premixing my Skratch and having it ready to go at my table!! Thank you so much for all your videos!!
@@andreamagness7360 Oh interesting. There's a non-zero chance I last minute go for this one. Depends a bit if we travel home over christmas and/or NYE.
![Hunxho - Ball Forever [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nki9ZTF9Uls/mqdefault.jpg)
Last important tip: always say thank you to volunteers, and even better, give back some time volunteering next time!
Speaking of volunteers - spotted myself (1:33 in the orange) trying to keep me own energy up after volunteering at Tunnel Creek aid station all night!
@@willpreeview haha dancing is the way of life!
Thanks so much for creating content like this Simon. And for all you do for the ultra and trail running community. Really appreciated by those of us just starting on the longer journey. Ran my first 100km, the Hume & Hovell in Australia, and know I have continued learning and improvements to make for aid stations and drop bags. So this helps. Combined with better managing mandatory gear to be able to travel as light as possible for as long as possible. Thanks again and look forward to your continued adventures.
Mandatory gear is a good point and I'm actually not great at this. It's not nearly as common in the US. So when I raced for example Fuji, I had this HUGE bag of useless thing. I feel pro have figured out how to have the tiniest and lightest gear some times (e.g., they were asking for rain pants which felt a bit overkill)
Perfect timing! My first 100k this weekend. Drop bags and aid stations are my biggest unknown. Keep up the great content.
Good luck - let me know how it goes!
Good luck!
Saying thank you to the volunteers!! I get a bit of brain fatigue/fog and focus on my needs that I sometimes forget to say thank you. I feel badly about that. I will try to do better my next race. I only do 100km - have not done a miler yet. Thanks Simon for this informative video.
Totally, and I think any experienced volunteers gets it. It's good to remember to try and say thanks, but some times it won't happen and that's ok. As long as we aren't jerks to them. I've certainly myself had times where i"m so out of it that I only more or less grunt back at them. I of course feel bad afterwards, but in the moment, my brain is just not all there and hope they get it. I certainly always appreciate the support (well 99.9% of the time I appreciate, there's been a few bad ones but that's a whole other can of worms)
Thank you for all your tips. I'm about to run my first 125km and your information really helps
Super - good luck!
In my last ultra I used a checklist, specially for the aid station where I would have my drop bag. I did not need to think anymore, just following the checklist takes care of everything. It was a whole more relaxed for me. Saved time and gives confidence.
Solid - anything to reduce the amount of thinking while on the go is great
I generally stick to doing 50Ks, but my rule for aid stations is to "only do in the aid station what you have to do in the aid station." As I'm about 2 miles out I tell myself this and then start thinking through what I actually need to do at the next stop. I'll typically start prepping my water bottles, counting empty food wrappers, and may even relieve myself in the woods approaching the aid station just because it's faster. Then of course, for the bigger stops, just mentally going through the stop all together before arriving.
That's smart - planning ahead, getting ready, minizing time there.
Practicing 5 and 20 min naps are my bonus tip here. I remember taking a 20min nap during my first 100km at the 79k mark, and the last 21k - which included the highest climb - was a relative breeze.
That's a good tip. I'm really good at falling asleep (to the great annoyance of nora) but anyone who struggles it's good to improve it.
Very helpful to know Simon. Love your videos. I've got my first baby ultra on Sunday 😁
Good luck!
Ravi d'avoir fait ta connaissance, bon grand Raid, Miguel et Lilan 🙏🏼
@@MiguelBello-mf8rk pareillement, et merci!
Hi Simon, you have been my go to person for the last 6 months, as I have trained for my 1st 100k ultra. Thank you for your honest vlogs and tips. Completed now, new challenge to be confirmed!😂
Congratulations!!! Excited for you about the next challenge :)
Great video!
I ran my first 100k earlier this year (UTA in Australia), and I wrote on all of my drop bags how many kms to the next aid station, what my elapsed time should be (if I was running to time) and even some notes on the terrain ahead (elevation gain/loss etc). It meant i didn't have to do tricky calculations or memorise the course
Smart thing!
One I like (and only seen twice so far and don't know why it's not the norm) was to have the elevation profile + distance and cutoff printed on our bib. It's actually so helpful and simple...!
Great video! This is my biggest weakness. Not the organization,or knowing what I need… but the time suck. Some of the reasons I love ultras are the incredible atmosphere, and often the incredible food. It’s not unusual for me to spend 10+ minutes chatting with volunteers or runners, while eating huge amounts of food. During my first 50k, I sprawled out in a chair with a bowl of pulled pork covered Mac n cheese… for 30 minutes. 😂 I love the experience… but I’m getting tired of being so freaking slow, so it’s time to buckle down. Or Buckle Up with Simon!? Looking forward to the drop bag video.
I know you volunteer a lot (a lot more than me actually so thanks for that). One thing I tried to do myself is to push people to get moving once I feel they are good to go. That's especially true when I'm doing top of Columbine at Leadville 100 MTB. It's right before a big descent so I'll chat with them as needed, but once I feel they are mentally ready, it's go time.
@runningwithsimon thank you!! I love this, I'll incorporate it!
Thank you. Very helpful. And efficiently done.
Glad it helped!
Thanks!
Oh thanks Linda - not sure how I miss this one. I must have been deep into diagonale des fous!
The irony is that those who need time at the aid station most to regroup and rest, are the people who can least afford it. Like me, always chasing cut offs.
True. Although you see a range. I was racing Diagonale this weekend and maybe it's a difference in trail culture between europe and US, but they were running much faster than me. And then taking 30-60-120 min at aid station. So we'd leapfrog the whole race. I'd rather go slower and be faster at aid station.
That's very interesting. So cool that you got to experience Diagonale des Fous.
Aloha ! Simon thanks for the tips, great content like always. Never thought about brushing teeth. Not sure about a nap yet. My first 100 miler in 2 weeks Jav 100, I see your wearing Javalina shirt, are you participating this year ?
Thanks, and yes I'll be racing Javelina this year (pending proper recovery from diagonale des fous this weekend).
Nap I'll avoid if I can, but sometimes I just can't. And it's not that big of a deal when it's say 10-20 min. 2-3 hours nap would be an issue, but that's more for 200 milers where time lose all meaning.
@@runningwithsimon thanks keep up the good work and inspiring new people to Ultra, it incredible that you are able to do so many races. Hope to meet and see you there. Keep a look out for my none profit I support Operation Enduring Warrior OEW.
@@wallacemayer4911 Thanks. You probably heard of him already, but just in case, check out Wayne Capacillo
I tend to get overwhelmed at aid stations…lots of decisions to make and (well meaning) volunteers repeatedly asking me what I need…😅
Yes! Exactly - and it makes it easy to get distracted. Sometimes now I just tell them "Thanks I'm good for now and don't need anything. I just need a second by myself to get things straight, and I'll come to you if I need anything"
Thank you so much for this great routine! I am a back of the pack person and yes, every minute counts!! Do you have any tips for someone doing their first ultra road timed event? It is an event with a short (1.4 mile loop) and one central aid station. I signed up for the 12 hour time and want to do 35 miles.
Many tips yes... But to summarize. Come in with a plan and goal time and pace wise. It's easy to think "oh I'll just do whatever I can", but once things get rough, it's helps to have a bit of a clearer vision (even if you break it down in goal A, B and C - say I want 40 miles, 50 and 60).
For aid station - I've done a few like this (like Jackpot see below). With 1.4 miles you don't need to carry anything (but if you do, almost nothing - at most like a bottle and a single gel). If you can, have a table with a bunch of stuff you can grab and go without breaking your stride. And even better if a little further there is a trash or something to get rid of stuff. If someone is supporting you, have them pre-fill fluid so you don't have to take 30-60 sec to fill a bottle. Finally the good thing about a fixed loop is you can easily monitor how much you eat. Say Jackpot where it's 2 miles loop, I will force myself to have at least 100 cal per lap.
ruclips.net/video/PLHwnoE10jY/видео.htmlsi=QCVDzd3QiXSogkAR
@@runningwithsimon Thank you so much!! I signed up for Across the Years on New Year's Eve. I really like the idea of premixing my Skratch and having it ready to go at my table!! Thank you so much for all your videos!!
@@andreamagness7360 Oh interesting. There's a non-zero chance I last minute go for this one. Depends a bit if we travel home over christmas and/or NYE.
@@runningwithsimon I like the non-zero chance approach!! Hope you meet you at a race someday soon!!
Thats a long way for a banana 😂😂😂
That's what she said!
@@runningwithsimon 😂😂😂