Ultramarathon-Specifically 100 Miles

I have currently decided to run a 100 miler in July.
Do you know of a book that would be good..or have any suggestions regarding a schedule, nutrition or coach.
Thank you,
Shelagh Germyn
Veteran Runner




Answer by Dominique:


Hi there,
Thanks for your question about your ultra-marathon plan.

An ultra-marathon, especially 100 miles, is a huge commitment. I assume you have some experience with marathons and ultras of shorter distance.

If not then I would ask you to reconsider your plans. If you have and you are willing to put in the extreme training effort required I would say that your best bet is probably a book by Dean Karnazes called Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner.




Karnazes is the most famous ultra-runner, not the best. In the book he devotes the last part, I think the Epilogue, to training, nutrition etc.

I remember that one of the pieces of advice is to do at least one all-night run of about twelve hours so you get used to running when you are sleep deprived.

The problem with ultras is that not much has been written about them. There are tons of books about the marathon, but anything beyond that is by and large uncharted territory.

If I remember well, Lore of Running does cover some information about ultra-marathons and how to train for them.

Last, but not least Extreme Running is an enjoyable book about ultras. It describes ultra all over the world like Marathon des Sables and Badwater and has lots of pictures. It is not a book with training advice, but gives you an inside look into these races.

Oh, and of course, Born to Run is a great read and also covers the wonderful world of ultrarunning.

Hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Dominique

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