JOGLERs Corner
Tips & advice from other JOGLE runners:
Tom Milton
http://www.runningfordeano.org.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/runningfordeano
Regarding Training: Training in a conventional sense is overrated for this type of thing. I used a 50 mile Ultra training plan in the build up. But after having conversations with my nutritionalist before hand (to which I now agree) if you can run 20 miles and you can keep fuelling your body you can run 50 miles no problem. Over training will only wear you out for the actual thing. I always did a small run (no more than 5 miles) the day after my biggest run of the week to get used to starting again. I also did a week of half marathons (7 days in a row) which really gave me an idea of how running everyday would feel. And now or the biggest and most important thing I learnt and wished I'd done in training was train with the weight you will be carrying on the event. I carried much less on training runs and suffered for it big time for the first week or so of the run. So in conclusion don't train for distance that will come anyway, train for situations that you are going to encounter instead.
Regarding the run: My revelatory moment was about half way through (Carlisle-ish) where I started running for 10 mins then walking for 5 mins. I tried all sorts of combos before but this kept me going so much longer through the day without bunking out and was the most efficient way of steadying myself and keeping maximum run time up. All toilet breaks and snacks were only allowed during walk time too. Because it was a maximum of 10 mins before a change it kept me in the here and now and not the 30 miles more to go. You will be walking, embrace it and have a plan. For food I was eating 4 meals a day and snacking every hour. Mainly fruit, veg and salad but also lots of eggs, chicken and salami-type meats. Keep the refined sugar to a minimum, fat is your friend and the fuel of choice, also sugar lows are horrible when you are alone and another 5 miles from civilisation. Also want it, almost more than anything you've ever wanted, and for yourself rather than other reasons. I was running in memory of my dad and for charities, but at the end of the day they will not be with you at the points where you're crying on the side of the road, it will be you picking yourself up, no-one else.