Last Word on Ultras

Last week's "Athletics Weekly" was very interesting with articles on training for 800/1500, training for the 10K and Marathon and one on Willie Sichel and how he trains for ultra distance running. He reckons that he took it up because he kept running about 2:38 for the marathon and not feeling tired but not able to go any faster. So someone suggested he try ultras and he has been doing them ever since. He started with a 100K race and then went on to a 24 hour race and then this month ran 466.65 miles on the first six days of the Athens Ultra Marathon Seven Day Race. He has pb's listed for marathon, 100km, 12 hour (track and road), 24 hour road, 48 hours indoor, 48 hours track and six days road. Living on an island of only 19 square miles he only runs about 60 miles per week. He uses a custom made weighted vest which can hold up to 5kg in weight.

He reckons that it is patience, the ability to take on food while running - and 'something in the muscles.' He also practices 20 minute nap breaks during the day and when doing a really long run takes a 20 minute nap every three or four hours with a 2 hour sleep once a day.

So that's it then - 60 mpw, eat on the hoof and practice having a wee sleep! For the whole article have a wee look at last week's "AW". You can probably do it online.