By John Connolly
Welcome to the f*cked-up world of ultra-running.
Here I'll attempt to take you on a humorous journey of the epic shit show that is the battle between our brains and bodies during these gruelling ultra-marathons. Strap on your running shoes and get yourself lubed up as we dive into the delightful chaos of this extraordinary sport.
So most of us have been here before, you're at mile 30 of a 50-mile run, and your brain decides it's had enough. It starts throwing a tantrum like a stubborn toddler, screaming.
"Why the f*ck are we doing this? Let's go back to the comfort of our couch and binge watch some sh*te on Netflix!”
Fear not, this battle is not one easily won by the brain alone.
Meanwhile, your body is demanding attention in the most peculiar ways. It's as if your legs have transformed into stubborn mules, refusing to take another step. Your stomach is staging a revolt, reminding you of that questionable pre-race meal you thought was a good idea and making you work on your deep squat position (this is why you should never skip the 10-minute squat mobility exercise).
Even your toenails seem to be plotting their escape, threatening to abandon ship. But hey, who needs toenails anyway?
Well, here's the secret: With experience, you'll learn how to navigate through this shit show of a battlefield.
Ultra running is not just a physical test; it's a mental and emotional roller-coaster. The more races you finish, the more you'll realise that the brain and body are actually a dynamic duo, capable of achieving incredible feats.
You'll master the art of silencing the brain's doubts and coaxing your body to keep pushing forward, one step at a time, and running the miles that you’re in, not the miles that lay ahead.
In the midst of this battle, humour becomes your secret weapon.
Laughter is the fuel that keeps your spirits high when your body feels like a used Johnny bag. Embrace the absurdity of it all, share a joke with your fellow runners, and find solace in the fact that you're not alone, everyone around you is managing the same doubts and challenges.
So, my fellow mentalists, the battle between the brain and body is indeed a fierce one. But remember, with experience, humour, and a touch of madness, you'll discover the strength within you to conquer the seemingly impossible.
Embrace the lightheartedness, relish in the humour, and let the journey of ultra running teach you how to do hard things with a smile on your face.
Happy Running, and may the battle between your brain and body be forever entertaining.
Below I’ve listed some tips to try on training runs or in your next race. However, I wouldn’t wait for the next catastrophe to try this stuff out. Doing it in training before you need to do it in a race environment.
1. Building Mental Resilience
Ultra running is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one.
With experience, you become familiar with the doubts and negative thoughts that the brain throws at you during a race. You learn to recognise them for what they are: passing clouds in the sky. Through previous races, you develop mental resilience and the ability to silence these doubts, allowing you to stay focused and motivated.
2. Understanding Your Body's Limits
Each runner's body responds differently to the demands of ultra running.
With experience, you gain a deeper understanding of your body's capabilities and limitations. You learn too listen to subtle cues and distinguish between discomfort and actual danger. This knowledge helps you push through the tough moments while also knowing when to dial it back to prevent injury or burnout.
3. Developing Effective Strategies
Experience allows you to experiment with different strategies and techniques. You learn what works best for you in terms of pacing, nutrition, hydration, and mental strategies. Over time, you develop a personalised approach that optimises your performance and keeps your brain and body in sync.
4. Cultivating Patience and Persistence
Ultra running is a test of endurance, both physically and mentally.
Through experience, you learn the value of patience and persistence. You understand that setbacks and challenges are inevitable, but they’re also temporary. With each race, you train your brain to stay calm during difficult moments and to keep pushing forward, knowing that the tough times will eventually pass.
5. Drawing Inspiration from Past Accomplishments
Experience brings with it a treasure trove of memories and accomplishments.
When faced with doubts or physical discomfort, you can draw on these past successes to fuel your motivation. Remembering the times when you overcame adversity and achieved your goals serves as a powerful reminder that you are capable of doing hard things.
Experience in ultra running is crucial for developing mental resilience, understanding your body's limits, honing effective strategies, cultivating patience and persistence, and drawing inspiration from past accomplishments. It is through the accumulation of experience that you become a master of silencing the brain's doubts and coaxing the body to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity.
John Connolly is a coach with Pyllon Ultra. He has space for new athletes. If you are interested in working with John, contact us here.