 |
Multi-Day Racing Strategies part 1by Arpan DeAngelo Running a multi-day race is quite different from running shorter races that last less than a day. The multi-day race itself does not usually involve fast running which is the most essential element in shorter races. Even a 24 hour race, which is quite long compared to a marathon of 26.2 miles, can be considered a speed race for multi-day runners who are racing for the most mileage they can get our of their legs, body and mind, day after day. Any race, especially a multi-day, should have a strategy or plan to follow. Your own previous experience, a helper’s advice and assistance and the advice of those who have run multi-day races before, should give the serious multi-day runner most of the necessary ideas and concepts from which they can derive a practical race strategy. Once your training is underway and a general plan is formed you will be better able to approach the multiday race with more confidence and enthusiasm. Planning and getting ready means that you really want to do the multi-day with enthusiasm and serious effort. This psychological element is crucial in allowing you to give the necessary energy and time involved in training for and running the race. The training aspect, which I am not discussing in this particular article, depends on the length of the multi-day race: 48 hours, 6 days, 10 days, 700 miles, 1,000 miles, all the way up to the longest official race which is 3,100 miles or about 5,000 km. Perhaps the most crucial physical factors in the races longer than one day are:
Once you have learned how to train and have done the training to the best of your ability, then you are basically ready to decide on a race strategy. The race strategy depends on how fit you feel you are after the training phase and what your goals are in the race. The goals not only depend on your training, but also depend on your previous experience in running, racing in general and ultra racing. If you are new to ultra racing in general, then your goals should be quite modest. |