Ultrarunning
Anton Krupicka’s 10 ultra marathon running tips
The no-nonsense ultra runner gives it to us straight.
Anton Krupicka, Ultimate Direction ambassador, exploded onto the distance-running scene back in 2006 when he won the legendary Leadville 100 on his debut ultra marathon attempt, aged just 23. He went on to win it again the following year.
"You know how to run; left, right…"
© Ultimate Direction
Born and raised in Colorado, USA, running had been Anton’s big passion ever since his first marathon at the age of 12. With this awesome ability, coupled with a wicked sense of style – long hair, earrings, minimalist, slightly edgy – Krupicka's now a household name across the world in the running community.
It's just running. You know how to run. No, really, you do. Left, right.
Anton is a super-experienced ultra athlete, so who better to ask for tips on how to nail an ultra marathon?
1. Start slowly
Ultras are long. If you want to speed up, there's plenty of time for that later.
2. Make sure you eat
You'll need it. What food? I don't know. Whatever doesn't make you throw up. Everyone's different.
3. Make sure you drink
I prefer my fluids without sugar or salt included, but see above. The whole food and water thing has been greatly simplified by the proliferation of very functional and comfortable running vests. Everyone uses them now – and for good reason.
4. Cross train
Injuries suck and we're all in this for the long haul, right? I like biking in the summer and backcountry skiing in the winter. I emphasise uphills on both activities.
5. Don't overthink things
It's just running. You know how to run. No, really, you do. Left, right.
6. Hiking is totally acceptable
Hills are steep, footing is uneven, races are long. Everyone I've ever met hikes in ultras – including the winners.
7. Practise hiking
It's a very trainable skill, just like running, but it requires training to be efficient and effective.
8. Don't be afraid of trekking poles
Especially if the race is very long and/or steep. However, definitely don't use them if you haven't practised with them, as they require technique to be effective. Reference #5 and #7 and use common sense.
9. Question your motives
Do this BEFORE the race. On the starting line, you must be 100 percent steadfast in your commitment to finish. Any doubt will be ruthlessly exploited at some point along the way because these races are long, tedious and highly uncomfortable. Quitting will seem like a fantastic option during the second half of any race – and often even in the first half.
10. Have fun
If you're NOT having fun that doesn't mean that you're failing. You're just building character.
I definitely don't subscribe to the trope that nothing is worth doing if it's either not fun or you're not getting paid. But deciding to have fun is more than half the equation to success in something as miserable as an ultramarathon. So consciously make and re-make that decision. The flip side is that if you're NOT having fun that doesn't mean that you're failing. You're just building character. And I think we could all use more of that. So, persevere. That's why you're here, right? Because life's generally too comfortable...