Things You'll Need:
- Running Clothes
- Trail Running Shorts
- Trail Running Socks
- Trail-running Shoes
- Running Foods (gels And Bars)
- CamelBak Hydration Systems
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Step 1
Map out your run and make a plan before you go. If you're unfamiliar with the terrain, take a look at a topographic map to see where the hills are and how long the trail is.
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Step 2
Plan ahead for poor weather or heat. Wear appropriate clothes (preferably in layers) and carry a sufficient amount of water (in hot conditions, up to 1 liter per hour of running) in a water bottle or backpack hydration system.
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Step 3
Bring food and snack on it as you run. Try a bite or two of high-carbohydrate fruit or energy bars every 15 minutes or so.
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Step 4
Warm up by walking and jogging the first half-mile. Take a few minutes to stretch before you begin running at your normal pace.
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Step 5
Pace yourself for the long haul and remember not to feel bad about walking. Ultra-marathoners often power-walk as much as they run.
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Step 6
Try not to waste your energy on extremely steep climbs. Instead, slow down enough to keep your heart from racing and try to keep your breathing steady.
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Step 7
Stay mentally focused by breaking the run into segments. Look ahead to the next hill, for example, but don't think about the 16 miles beyond it.
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Step 8
Bring a motivated partner. Sometimes encouragement from a fellow runner is all it takes to make it through the miles.
