I Ran So Far Away...That I Fantasized About Soft Pretzels

SummaryThis episode of Momma Runs an Ultra is all about the real-life process of getting ready for my first ultra marathon, especially pushing past distances I’ve never run before. I share what training has been like as I prepare, including the surprises, struggles, and little wins that come with stepping into completely new training.We talk a lot about fueling during long runs and the trial-and-error that goes into figuring out what actually works. That’s meant experimenting with some unexpected carb sources like mashed potatoes and soft pretzels, because sometimes I just cannot look at another sweet.I also get into the realities of training in humid conditions and the never-ending search for the best ways to prevent chafing on those really long days. Overall, it’s an honest look at the physical and mental side of ultra training, and a reminder that figuring it out as you go is part of the process. If you’re curious about ultras, currently training for one, or just love hearing about the journey, this episode is for you.Chapters00:03 - Beginning the Journey to My First Ultra Marathon01:48 - Preparing for the Ultra: Nutrition and Strategy03:35 - Choosing the Right Fuel for Running05:12 - Chafing Prevention in Humid Weather06:13 - Chafing and Running: A Personal JourneyHow I ProcrastinateSleep with Rock Stars, the Gen X Sleep PodcastCountry Fried Rock, Podcast Archives from 2009-2020Music PlaylistsSupport This PodcastDive Bar Music Club, the Low Key, High Taste Happy Hour for Music NerdsRecommended If You Likeultra marathon training, long distance running tips, running nutrition for ultras, carbs for endurance running, back to back long runs, hydration strategies for runners, electrolyte balance for athletes, chafe prevention for runners, running gear for long distances, soft pretzel snacks for runners, mashed potatoes as running fuel, overcoming self-doubt in running, running in humid weather, confidence in endurance training, training for your first ultra, running in your 50s, notes for ultra marathon training, East Coast running advice, fueling strategies for long runs, running podcasts for womenTranscriptSpeaker A00:00:01.200 - 00:07:11.580Hey y'. All. Welcome to Momma Runs an Ultra. I'm a runner on the downhill side of my 50s who decided to train for my very first Ultra marathon.And this podcast is me saying all the things out loud of what the hell am I thinking? So when I looked at my running plan, I was kind of overthinking the last couple of weeks as my long runs were longer than I've ever run before.Now if you're new to Momma Runs an Ultra, I'm a long time roads half marathon runner.But until about a month ago I had never more than 16 miles and that was on one of my friends birthdays when we decided to hit the kilometers of her age and we stopped for coffee. In the middle of it we took a few breaks. This is the first time I've ever run that far without stopping. Okay, one tiny pit stop for the potty.But that, you know, doesn't really count. I didn't dawdle anyway.I had gotten myself a little bit wound up about it ahead of time, but I did all the prep, I had all my stuff ready to roll and it went fine. Like maybe I can actually do this. I kind of did. I didn't believe I could. One of the things about ultra training is the back to back long runs.Now for me at this point it's like long run and what I would consider a medium run. But that's rapidly about to change. I looked ahead a couple weeks to what I have coming my way and I can do this.But I actually feel more confident about it now after that very first 16 +miler because I felt okay. I felt okay. Later on in that day, I felt okay running my medium run the next day. I felt okay that afternoon.Like nothing hurt, nothing was sore, not good. But I'm feeling a little more confident about all of this at this point with overall mileage, we are still within range of miles I have done before.We have not yet come close to like maximum mileage per week. So that part is not scaring me at this point. So kind of two thumbs up at this point? Sure, why not?One of the things I've been working on since day one of this ultra training has been giving myself a variety of carbs from which to choose while I run because I have already had the experience in a number of half marathons where I could not look at one more sweet thing at all on any level. So I told y' all a while back that I had done little baggies of pre measured mashed potatoes and I gotta be Honest, they work really well.They fit right in the little drink pocket on the vest. I mean, I don't love mashed potatoes anyway, so I don't dislike them anymore eating them while running than I would just eating them on a plate.So, yeah, mashed potatoes are a choice. I've been trying with those. Like, one of my blocks will get the carb load from those mashed potatoes.And then I've recently added in a new one because I got to like, mile 12 of a run. And I was like, you know what would sound good right now? ...