Surviving Marathons & Ultrarunning

maserati185

I just ran my first 10 mile run this week. I was exhausted from heat, more than anything, (4pm run), got a nice blister on one toe and chaffing to my inner arm from my mp3 player. I'm wondering... are people out there running marathons and 50k+ distances WITHOUT "help"?... Just good ole fashion training, water and carb loading? Or do most people take these energy gels/things (?) with them? Also, how do you guys prevent/treat blisters? Same for chaffing.

coronalime

Body Glide. Good socks. I dont do gels but my DH does. They wreck my stomach. I take Nuun tabs in my water. For long runs around 18-22 training I will place water/Gatorades on my run or make sure I re pass my house or car to fill up again. I will sometimes drink HEED for really long ones!

maserati185

Thanks, Corona. I was reading about Nuun tablets elsewhere. I think I'll give those a try. Body Glide I'll have to look into. And never heard of HEED. Very helpful.

zookeepersuzy

I have a hard time with gels b/c of the consistency.. I like sport beans (like jelly beans), they don't tast too bad and they are chewy instead of slimey. I plan my training runs to go near water fountains so I don't usually cary any fluids with me.

+1 for body glide and good socks. You might have to try a few different kinds to find what works for you. DH loves toe socks & I love the two layer wright socks. I've gotten samples of other lubes at expos that worked too, but body glide is the only one I can really find wherever I go so I just stick with it.


I got a spi belt to replace my mp3 arm band and it also holds my sport beans, cc/id, keys..etc.

UltraRunnerGale

I eat gels on long runs. Took some time to get used to them, but they are a God send when you are out on the trails for hours!! Ultrarunners eat "real" food as well since you are out there for so long. Bodyglide is my best friend although when I did my last 50K, it was brutally hot and I chafed in places that I had never chafed before. I don't get many blisters, so not sure about that question. I wear a hydration belt or pack so I generally have a few pockets for things like MP3 player. I drink Heed or Gatorade at aid stations, but I don't carry it so I don't use it for training. I do use electrolyte enhanced water and take Endurolite supplements when running real long or if it's real hot. Hope this helps!!

maserati185

Hmmm. That helps a lot, Gale. I have been thinking that I may eventually need a pack... and real food... I guess I didn't even think of that because I've never ran so long that I needed to eat during and I wasn't thinking of how some foods I could carry on me. And suzy, a belt for the mp3 and sports beans - good stuff. Thanks!

UltraRunnerGale

PB&J is an ultrarunning staple. Peanut butter for protein, jelly for sugar, bread for carbs!! Packs are great, but after hours, the weight can really be tough on your shoulders!! When mine is full of water and food, it weighs 6+ pounds!! That's a lot of weight slamming on your shoulders for hours!! :noway: