How To Finish Your First Ultramarathon: Advice From The Experts

Are you looking to take part in and finish your first ultramarathon? Read my review of Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons by Byron Powell, to see just why this book is the perfect guide to get you to the finish line.

Overview

This book is geared more towards the runner with limited experience but will, I believe, appeal most to the casual runner who, perhaps having completed a marathon or two, is looking to step up in distance and try their first ultramarathon.  I have been following the 50 mile training plan in the book for my own first ultra.

Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons provides guidance on all aspects of preparing for and taking part in your first ultramarathon.  The focus is on trail based events, though this is somewhat natural, as most ultramarathons take place on trails and a trail race is ideal for a first ultramarathon.

The author, Bryon Powell, is well qualified to write this book as he is an elite level ultrarunner who competes as a full-time athlete and also runs one of the most popular ultramarathon websites, iRunFar.com.

The book is full of useful tips for first time ultramarathoners on how to train and fuel your body and prevent injury while running the longer distances involved in ultramarathons.

Contents

Highlights of the contents of the 230 page book Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons include:

• Basics of training for ultramarathons
• Training to run on the trails, including how to stay safe (and go to the toilet!)
• Detailed training plans for distances from 50km to 100 miles
• What and how much you should drink
• What to eat during training and races
• Dealing with pain and injuries, especially looking after your feet and avoiding blisters
• Advice on shoes and options for carrying food, water and clothing
• How having a support crew can help you during a race
• Handling the heat and cold
• An introduction to barefoot running

Summary

Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons is a good read that provides very useful advice for anyone looking to complete their first ultramarathon.  You will learn the basic skills necessary to get to the finish line in good shape.