Self-sustaining ultra: 58 miles. Need advice
buttonfeet
Posts: 50 Member
Hey, all. I'm planning a solo ultra in October and it looks like the route is very isolated. I will have to get my water from some pretty questionable places after mile 12. Any experience with the various water purification methods that might help?
0
Replies
-
No advice, just wanted to say good luck!! Incredible undertaking!0
-
Many thanks! This might go from "incredible" to stupid, though. Lots of planning involved to make sure it doesn't come to that.0
-
Also no real advice, just well wishes. Can you strategically place water along your route in advance? Are you planning on having anyone meet you at various point along the route? I think that would be a smart idea if your route is very isolated. You never know what can happen. Also, carry a cell phone and check your reception along the route in advance. But I'm sure you already thought of these things! Good luck!!0
-
Wait, is this the run to someone's house? (I'm thinking "grandma's house," but I could be wrong on that.) Check out the Katadyn Vario for filtration. Or drive the route and stash water along the way.
My hydration pack (Salomon Advanced Skin S-Lab 5 set pack) has both a 1.5L Bladder and can pack two bottles in the front; the larger version (Advanced Skin S-Lab 12 Set pack) I believe can hold bottles on the sides as well, and you may be able to fit another 1.5L bladder in the "pack." That may just be too much to carry, though. If you can do the 1.5L bladder and two water bottles, maybe you could refill 1/2 way? I can usually get 30mi out of 1.5L unless it's hot, in which case all bets are off.
0 -
What does "solo" mean? Are there no aid stations?
It sounds awesome though! I also have no advice - but I would love to do an Ultra someday! I'm actually going to help pace someone during the Grand Mesa 100 mile Ultra this coming weekend!
2 weekends ago, I got to meet a few runners from the Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run in SW Colorado. You guys are so hardcore - I love it!0 -
The slower runners I watched at a 100 mile race this weekend were doing 15 minute miles. Based on good water until mile 12 that leaves you 46 miles to carry your own. At that speed you will need ~11.5 hours of water. October should not be to hot so you will not be sweating excessively, I think you can probably carry enough water to get by without resorting to questionable water sources. I would suggest looking for a group of ultra marathoners to ask for advice, not to many people with that kind of experience here.0
-
If at all possible I would try to set water out the day before. Put a note on it so locals don't mistake it for something they shouldn't, Store food also, you will need more than just gels for a run that long. Even if it is October, sometimes Fall can be unpredictable and it could be hot.0
-
Is it possible for you to take along a water belt? I did this on my 32 mile solo run. The scar from the belt are still on my waist though...0
-
I've done 55 miles running unsupported. I carried two lightweight things: a steri pen and iodine drops. I had access to pretty good quality water that didn't have too many floaters, though. I also have a bottle with a built in filter (it's a Sawyer), but I prefer the steri pen. I pretty much carry it on any unsupported run over 30 miles.0
-
Awesome. Lot's of great advice. Many thanks, everyone! You are just just one reason I love MFP so much.0
-
I have no advice but just wanted to express my admiration and wish you good luck. happy running!0
-
The British army use these products and are well thought of in those types of circles:
http://www.katadyn.com/
good luck as well!0 -
Just another thought, can you drop some water of at pre determined points prior to doing it?0
-
I have used chlorine tablets and silver iodine tablets both are ok in the short term buy can effect the tummy when used over several days.
I then used a micro filter the only drawback with this is cleaning the filter and the extra weight you have to carry.0 -
Most ultrarunners use iodine tablets -- by far the most compact solution, but the water tastes terrible. You could consider also bringing along some nuun or other flavoring for the water to mask the iodine flavor. You can get iodine with a separate neutralizer to make the water taste a little better.0
-
Thanks again, everyone. I thought about dropping water jugs along the route, but two things came to mind. 1) if one of these jugs is taken or tampered with, I'm screwed. 2) It would be somewhat irresponsible to leave litter like that when I'm done. I would have to make a third trip (right after running 58 miles) just to pick up jugs to keep a clear conscience.
I'm going to try the iodine tablets and powder packs. There are restrooms along the route, but only one water fountain. Looks like I will be filling up from the sinks, dropping in a tablet and powder packet, then waiting 30 minutes.
For food, I plan to carry gels, sport beans, Clif bars, peanut butter-filled pretzel bites, and salt tabs in various pouches I've sewn onto my Camelbak. Plus, I have a waist belt with extender pouches (from iFitness.com). Should be enough. If not, I have my debit card and ID on a wrist pouch to get some grub at an off-route store.
You are all indescribably awesome. Thanks so much for the input, advice, and encouragement!!0
