Brooks' Ultra Running Insights: Volume 1

I have decided to begin sharing sage advice based on my ultra running experiences in the last couple of years... believe me, these are gems, so you better grab a pen and paper!

#1 - Hangovers and other forms of non running physical punishment are great forms of cross training for ultra distance races. The key is to get really good at suffering!!
Some suggestions:

• Have your friends punch you in the nose at unexpected times.
• After a tequila shot, squirt the lime in your eye.
• Jump out of the hot tub and make snow angels.
• Drink epicac (sp?) to get used to puking... a lot. Brussel sprouts and excessive amounts of alcohol tend to work also.
• Antagonize wild animals as much as possible, especially if they look rabid.
• Drop full soup cans on your bare toes to get your feet used to the what they'll feel like after 12+ hours of running.

#2 - Having a really bad sense of direction and getting lost a lot will naturally convert you from a runner to an ultra-runner, whether you like it or not. Try a night run on unfamiliar trails without a headlamp... and before you know it you'll have logged a 20+ miler!

#3 - Keep a shaker of Morton's salt with you on your long runs or races and save the cash on S-Caps or Endurolytes. (A less extreme option is to buy Thermo Tabs from the pharmacy. Less than $10 and they have a lot of sodium and pottasium!)