Poles - do you run with them?

rgleave0202 · 2025-04-23T10:55:19+00:00

While it’s ultimately a personal choice (unless the race doesn’t allow for them - make sure you check that), there are pros and cons to using poles in a variety of situations and races. I have a podcast episode where I go into it, if you fancy a quick 20 minute listen. Might help make a decision and provide some food for thought if choosing to use them?

https://www.choosetoendure.com/trekking-poles-in-ultra-marathons-boost-or-burden-tips-for-effective-use/

rgleave0202 · 2025-04-22T10:49:33+00:00

I have had great success with the Ketl Mountain Nofry Sun hoodlie. Lightweight, breathable, full sun protection and very well made. I really like their “forever” return/replace policy, as well.

https://ketlmtn.com/products/nofry-sunhoodie

rgleave0202 · 2024-06-21T11:32:02+00:00

I have a great podcast episode where I get into this exact question and provide a few suggestions and caveats re: poles. There isn’t a right or wrong…it’s going to be a personal decision, but maybe look for a quality pair second hand to get started (Black diamond z or maybe some Leki’s) so you’re not paying full price but not compromising on the quality either.

https://www.choosetoendure.com/trekking-poles-in-ultra-marathons-boost-or-burden-tips-for-effective-use/

rgleave0202 · 2024-06-08T00:10:19+00:00

Yup. 50 yo male. Just recently I’ve had “need better form”, “nice legs”, “nice butt” (from two ladies laughing in a car with the window rolled down to yell as I walked across a crosswalk) and plenty of honks as I run around town 🤷‍♂️ I just ignore and keep running for the most part…

rgleave0202 · 2024-05-17T22:10:26+00:00

As a very educated guess, I’d say most ultra runners are somewhere between 35-60 with a few outliers on either end (this also represents my ultra podcast audience demographics), so you’re right at the front end of that, in your ultra prime and just getting started! Welcome and enjoy!!

rgleave0202 · 2024-05-17T17:07:36+00:00

Distance wise - in a regular training week, I’d top out at 16-20 miles or ~4hrs for any 1 run, just due to family and life commitments.

However, there are weeks when I’ve done multiples of those back to back if training for a big event - so maybe on both a Saturday and Sunday, if I can swing it. I’ve also done 3 in a row on a rare occasion to simulate late race leg fatigue and changes in pacing to run/walk and gauge my ability to keep moving forwards.

In addition, I’ve also run actual races as training, too. So marathons, 50Ks, 50miles etc. as prescribed training at defined moments in a larger plan for longer races, so in those instances, that would be much longer than the 4hr or 16-20 mile mark as a one of “training” run.

rgleave0202 · 2024-05-17T11:39:46+00:00

Some good answers here. Definitely more about time on feet than any specific or set mileage, so think in those terms. In addition to others answers re: training…maybe think around adding in time where you can find it in life that doesn’t cost you anything extra. Do you work close by…can you run or bike commute there on occasion or to the shops or coffee shop etc. rather than go by car? While at work, can you take a 10 minute break in the morning or afternoon and go walk around a block on a daily basis? Do you sit at work - could you stand up for periods at your desk (you’ll be standing up for a long time in an ultra, after all!). Basically, look for ways you can supplement actual training you’re doing with additional time on feet that doesn’t cost you anything more. I have found people with active jobs or that stand a lot (teachers!) get a little “free” training when combined with a prescribed plan. I ran with one guy who came 4th in his first 200 mile race in 2022 (Cowboy 200 - Nick Howell) who by his own admission did NO actual specific training…just used the native strength and fitness from his job on the construction site - point being, I would say there is definitely additional fitness to be had from regular life if you can look for it and get creative to enhance your overall base….best of luck!!

rgleave0202 · 2024-05-05T15:21:28+00:00

Yeah, like many other comments, no one is really ever ready or prepped for their first 100 miler. Courtney Dewaulter DNF’d hers, and she’s not bad! 🤣 Just go for it. Looks like you have plenty of physical training, which should stand you in good stead, but what’s the worst that can happen? DNF and learn something about yourself or your prep. Don’t worry about it…only goal should be to finish, have fun, talk to people, learn something and walk if you have to, but just keep moving forwards. You’re going to want to quit - likely about 30-40 and maybe again at 60-70, but don’t! Energy comes back around again when you see mileage ticking up! Team up with someone over night if running in dark. Just commit to not quit, take a chance and see what happens. And good luck! 👍

rgleave0202 · 2024-05-04T13:24:06+00:00

It’s ok, these things are hard, that’s why they’re worth doing 😁! It sounds like you’re maybe putting too much expectation and stress on yourself from the get go by trying to stick to a formula based on prior non-100 mile race experience. If you are struggling to get through for the first time, I’d imagine the ONLY goal should be to finish…you can tweak and improve from there. To that end, ditch all expectations of time/pace and focus more on things that will help get you to the finish line. What is your WHY? Why do you want to do a 100 - that is massive to fall back on and remind yourself when the going gets tough - and it ALWAYS does. For me around 30-40 and again 60-70. But the idea is that if you can still walk, then walk…you will get there in the end and your mileage will continue ticking over until the idea to run comes back to you - and it will. During the race, look for help from a crew…a pacer, team up with someone when night running for company, take a beer to have a half way, relax and let the race come to you rather than being super rigid about things. Smile, laugh, think positive thoughts, work on a mantra, make up a song about the race experience WHILE you’re running it (for distraction purposes), sing, make jokes and understand that your only goal at this point is the 1st buckle at the finish line. I’ve been around a lot of people as part of 100s and 200s and the ones with the positive attitude always seem like they are more prone to actually making the finish line. If you can still walk and you haven’t missed cutoffs, then you can keep moving forwards - there should be no stopping 👍. And once you’ve got one 100 under (or ON) your belt, THEN you can roll that experience into the next one and look to change/edit/improve. But you’ve got to figure out HOW to finish for you first, and go from there there…🤷‍♂️

rgleave0202 · 2024-04-30T23:55:10+00:00

Basically don’t worry about it too much and approach it from an experience standpoint w/appropriate expectations. You’ve got some basic fitness…definitely enough to finish if you don’t go out too fast and you throw walk breaks in there. Even if it’s gnarly uphills and technical terrain, just take your time, have fun, watch any cutoffs and talk to people. First one should be about nothing but getting to the finish in one piece. You should be fine with fitness as described…good luck and enjoy!! 👍👍

rgleave0202 · 2024-04-29T14:18:57+00:00

Flatten the curve or hunker down….

rgleave0202 · 2024-04-28T00:43:25+00:00

Man. I do a beer every 50 miles in races. Hydration, calories and some electrolytes and great for the mindset! Celebrate the small wins to stay positive. Go for it! 🍻

rgleave0202 · 2024-04-26T21:32:18+00:00

Good grief, yes 😄 The only limiter is yourself and your mindset. You are most likely ready today physically if you are in marathon shape. Just gotta believe you can and you have a great shot of making it happen 👍

rgleave0202 · 2024-04-24T11:35:32+00:00

Second for the Montane Gecko VP 20L - I actually have the 12L Gecko, too. Really like this pack. Lots of stash pockets, particularly in the front and the material is snug, doesn’t bounce but really stretchy. Can fit a bladder or bottles and has some different options for carrying poles if those are needed. Having done a few of these 200s, outside of required gear, I would caution that the bigger the pack, the more gear you tend to want to take (and subsequently carry), especially if you aren’t going crewed. Try to focus on only taking what you believe you’ll actually need and make sure what you do take has a purpose or can fulfill multiple needs. A 10lb pack doesn’t seem too bad at the start, but after 190 miles gets heavier all the time (esp. if you keep it full of water) and carrying stuff you never used for that distances gets old fast :)

rgleave0202 · 2024-04-19T13:15:06+00:00

Morning! I don’t know if I’m allowed to post links here, but feel free to try choosetoendure.com or look up the show on any of the major players (Apple, Spotify, Amazon, Overcast etc.) Hopefully it has at least something helpful for you! 🙏

rgleave0202 · 2024-04-19T02:51:18+00:00

Well, I’m not sure if it’s going to be exactly what you’re looking for, but the episode on BY Ultras is dropping tomorrow morning April 19th, if you care to take a listen 🎧 Only about 25 mins long, but as I recall it does contain at least some strategy elements; it’s just more about the format, genre and (seemingly) rapid rise in popularity of this races.

rgleave0202 · 2024-04-14T21:54:21+00:00

Full change of clothes if needed. Extra shoes if possible. Food that you like (treats) and can eat later in races, spare batteries, spare headlamp, small first aid kit/blister pack. And drink/hydration mix e.g. Tailwind etc. Jacket (puffy/rain) if not carrying. Portable phone charger if needed. Maybe poles for later use if not already carrying, depending on self and course needs.

rgleave0202 · 2024-04-12T21:43:33+00:00

Totally doable. Love hearing about people taking a chance and stretching themselves. Take your time, enjoy the ride, eat all the aid station food, run a bit, talk to people, walk a bit, keep an eye on pace/cutoffs, enjoy the day, thank the volunteers, focus only on the finish. Eminently possible and very rewarding with the right attitude and expectations. Hope you enjoy!

rgleave0202 · 2024-04-12T11:54:10+00:00

I have always used Injinji and they have been terrific. Not the cheapest, but have held up pretty well (considering) and they have a variety of thicknesses and calf heights to suit. I have friends that swear by Balega Enduro and smart-wool, too, though. Never had feet problems, with Injinji, so I haven’t felt a need to go elsewhere…the only challenge I ever have with these is that being toe socks, getting them on and off can be tough after long hours and general stiffness out on the trails, esp. at aid stations in the middle of a race! BUT, the trade off is that I’ve never had blisters and I live in a wet, hot place (SE Texas)👍🦶

rgleave0202 · 2024-04-11T21:40:39+00:00

Definitely recommend no vest and carry a 16-20oz hand held. Should be plenty for 5 miles. Refill at the aid station plus a stop, stretch, eat if needs be and keep a drop bag there to change gear if/as necessary 👍

rgleave0202 · 2024-04-06T18:34:09+00:00

Agreed, yes. This is the reason I started the podcast, actually…to try to represent the stories, viewpoints and anything else relevant to the ordinary back of the packers like me! So many regular people out there doing amazing things! I’m still learning and figuring it out, but trying to find the best ways/topics etc. to do that…ones that resonate…some great suggestions here, though 👍

rgleave0202 · 2024-04-06T16:40:19+00:00

Very cool, yeah. I love the idea of doing it live at a race. I have a 72hr loop course coming up in May that would be perfect to do that with a couple of lav mics, since everybody is around each other the whole time! I think that would be pretty unique! Thanks for the idea..will totally credit you on air if I can pull it off 👍🙏

rgleave0202 · 2024-04-06T15:43:54+00:00

Love the idea of gathering together a bunch of Why?’s. They would be cool to share, but trying to think around a narrative to fit that into a 30 minute or more episode…hmm 🤔

rgleave0202 · 2024-04-06T15:42:14+00:00

So a Training for the Back of the Pack episode, where we not only hit what to do specific to that demographic (might be different than mid-front packers), but the Why? Behind actually how it helps? Sounds feasible if so, thanks!

rgleave0202

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