extreme endurance races

[purplesequins]

binge watching the eco challenge

who does this kind of challenge?
and how on earth do you prepare for something as crazy tough as this?

tbh I feel tired just watching
and wincing at the injuries and trench feet.

and how do you finance it and fit it in to your 'normal' life?

Ooh loved that programme! But agreed - how do they do it????

I wouldn't even be good support crew I think.
I would be too worried about them all.

and what about going to the toilet?

Hey OP. The short answer is that we build up mileage and time out on our feet gradually. I’ve done marathons then built up to ultras. The trick is you don’t need to do huge distances to know you can complete the race. I did ultras while working full time. You just fit it in and work the rest of your life around it. Re: toilet. I’ve run 9 hours and not peed. Otherwise needs must. Squat down off the trail - nobody cares. Re : blisters etc. You tend to get toughened up. I’ve done races bleeding at the end and nor felt it -till the shower later- Oh and lots of support crews are runners too so they get it and don’t get anxious. We all look out for other runners as well as our own and lots of big ultras have a requirement that your support can run with you if you’re needing that. Races are definitely more expensive now but we treat them like you would mini breaks expense wise.

interesting newone

another question (watching cycling whilst working...)

do you have time to admire the course and scenery? or are you so focussed of keeping going that you can't?

DP and I do a lot of trail ultramarathons together - up and down mountains, though forest and fell, across deserts. The answer for us is lots of training; and doing it together.

There’s an interesting and quite inspirational video, How To Run 100 Miles, which covers both the physical and emotional aspects of training and running, and what drives many participants - well worth a watch: m.youtube.com/watch?v=iC7Lh4opLsc