What Could Possibly Go Wrong During an Ultra?

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21 things to think of before you race your next ultra from GRTW ultra-running coach, Lucja Leonard…

Lucja, running the UTMB pic credit: @runningdutchie

You’ve done all the training, you’ve prepped your mind but a lot can go wrong on race day. Have you thought of the what ifs? After lots of mini disasters that I’ve either experienced or witnessed at ultras, here’s a non-exhuastive list of things that could, might and possibly will go wrong during an ultra. By thinking about what you can do to either prevent or deal with these issues if and/or when they happen you’ll be better placed mentally to carry on to still finish.

  • Blisters & sore feet
  • Chafe
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Bag breaks
  • Shoe breaks
  • Run out of water
  • Sunburn
  • Getting too hot - Heatstroke/dehydration
  • Getting too cold - Hypothermia
  • Forgot something
  • Battery dies in your headtorch
  • Fall over
  • Get your period
  • Cramps
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Headache 
  • Pain
  • Altitude sickness
  • Crew don’t arrive at checkpoint
  • Pacer drops out

The answers aren’t provided here but it’s food for thought! As part of our 1:1 coaching plans this is something we go into in more detail on our consultation calls throughout the training journey.

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