s2/12 Ultrarunning: Training, Fueling, & Logistics with Kylee Van Horn, RDN (@flynutrition3)

Logistics

Understanding the logistics of ultra racing is crucial for both safety and success. Elisabeth Scott and Kylee Van Horn discuss the importance of course cutoffs and checkpoints, which ensure that participants maintain a safe pace and don't stray too far behind 1. These checkpoints often serve as major crew areas, where support teams can assist runners with gear changes and nutrition. Kylee emphasizes the need for meticulous planning, suggesting that runners use tools like Excel spreadsheets to organize crew schedules and nutrition plans 2.

Making sure you communicate to your crew and your pacers clearly beforehand... can actually be a task in itself for you to arrange.

--- Kylee Van Horn

This level of organization is vital for navigating the complex logistics of ultra events.

   

Training

Training for ultra distances requires strategic planning and a deep understanding of the specific demands of these events. Kylee Van Horn highlights the importance of spending more time on your feet and adapting training to the terrain and elevation of the target race 3. Unlike marathon training, ultra training involves different energy systems and longer training blocks. Kylee advises that while marathon experience can be beneficial, it's not a strict prerequisite for ultra training, but understanding the commitment is crucial 4.

If you're only doing a three hour maximum long run, that is not going to be enough to get you ready, fully ready for something like a 50 or 100 miler.

--- Kylee Van Horn

Balancing training with personal commitments is also key, as ultra preparation demands significant time investment.