running tips with nick
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running
Nick is a running veteran with over 20 years of experience, having raced everything from brisk 5Ks to gruelling 100-mile ultramarathons.
But running isn’t his only gig. He’s also an avid cyclist and triathlete, boasting multiple Ironman finishes. If it involves endurance and pushing the limits, Nick has been there and done that.
For more than a decade, he’s been coaching, guiding, and crafting training plans for those daring enough to take on the challenge.
who is nick?
Running Tip No.1
Always Carry Bodyglide for Your Ultra Marathon!
Picture this: you’re cruising through mile 20, feeling like a rockstar, when suddenly... the dreaded chafing monster attacks! Don't let this ruin your stride. That’s why Running Tip No.1 is your new best friend: Always carry Bodyglide!
Originally whipped up for surfers, Bodyglide is like magic in a stick for us runners. The moment you feel that telltale rub, whip out your trusty Bodyglide and slather it on like you’re frosting a cupcake. Trust me, future you will thank you for saving the day (and your skin)!
So remember, whether it’s mile 5 or mile 105, keep that Bodyglide handy. Your thighs, armpits, and all those other precious parts will thank you.
Happy running, chafe-free!
Running Tip No.2
Going to the Toilet – Be Like a Bear!
Alright, ultra-runners, let’s get real about the call of nature. When it’s time to go, think like a bear, leave no trace!
Some folks pack toilet paper, which is cool, but remember to bag it up and take it with you. For the adventurous, nature’s got your back (side) with some eco-friendly options.
Bracken: It’s everywhere and gets the job done, but it’s about as comfy as a rock in your shoe. Desperate times call for desperate measures, right?
Dock Leaves: Your middle-of-the-road option. They’re easy to find and fairly effective. Think of them as the standard issue TP of the wild.
Moss: Now we’re talking luxury! Soft, absorbent, and downright posh. This is the royal treatment when the mother-in-law visits.
So, when nature calls during your ultra, be prepared and leave no trace. Embrace the wild and keep those trails pristine. Happy trails and happy tails!
Running Tip No.3
Top-Gun Pacing – Cruise Through Your Ultra Marathon with Style!
Attention, runners! Ready to pace your race like a Top Gun ace? Let’s turn your run into an epic blockbuster with a little help from one of the best movie soundtracks of all time. Here’s Nick’s high-flying, friendly advice for nailing your pacing:
Stick to the Otis Redding Zone: Start your run in the "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" zone – nice and easy. Picture yourself chilling, taking in the scenery, and just relaxing. This relaxed pace is all about conserving energy and enjoying the ride. You’re practically on a mini-vacation!
Kenny Loggins Alert – Avoid the Danger Zone: It’s tempting to push too hard, too soon, but don’t blast into the "Danger Zone." Sure, it feels like you’re starring in your own action movie, but it’s a fast track to burnout city. Save that afterburner for later!
When You Hear the Finish Line Music – Let Loose with "Great Balls of Fire!": As you near the finish line, it’s time to channel your inner Maverick. Crank up the intensity and let loose like you’re singing "Great Balls of Fire!" at a piano bar. This is your grand finale, so go out with a bang!
So, remember these Top Gun tips and pace your race like a pro. Fly high, run smart, and finish strong. You’ve got this, Maverick!
Running Tip No.4
Aid Stations – Treat 'Em Like a Drive-Through!
Alright, ultra warriors, let’s talk about refuelling on the go. When you hit those aid stations, remember: they’re pit stops, not pit lounges. Here's the friendly, funny lowdown on how to handle them like a pro:
Imagine you’re at a drive-through. You grab your coffee and snack, but you don’t sit down and order a full fry-up and three lattes, right? The same goes for aid stations!
Quick Pit Stop Rules:
In and Out: Grab what you need a quick snack or a sip of water and keep moving. Think of it as a fast and efficient pit stop in a race car.
No Lounging: Avoid the temptation to plop down and relax. Sitting can make it hard to get going again, and those chairs can be way too comfy!
Stay Focused: Refill your bottles, snag a banana, and return to the trail. The goal is to keep your momentum going, not to open a five-star restaurant.
So, remember, when you see that aid station, channel your inner drive-through customer. Fast, efficient, and back on the road! Happy trails and speedy refuels!
Running Tip No.5
Practice with Trekking Poles – Avoid the One-Eyed Ultra Runner Club!
Alright, future ultra marathon legends, let’s talk trekking poles. These nifty tools can be game-changers, but only if you know how to use and store them properly. Here’s your jokey, friendly guide to mastering trekking poles without becoming a one-eyed ultra runner.
Learn the Basics: Before you hit the trail, spend some quality time with your poles. Want to learn the moves? Turn to YouTube! There are videos for everything nowadays, even how to look cool while wielding trekking poles. It’s like studying for a test, except way more fun!
Practice, Practice, Practice: Take your poles out for a few practice runs. Start on easy terrain and gradually tackle more challenging paths. Find your rhythm without turning into a jousting knight. Remember, you’re not auditioning for a medieval reenactment!
Store Them Smartly: When you’re not using your poles, make sure you store them properly. Fold or collapse them and secure them to your pack. This way, they won’t poke or rub you in uncomfortable places. Think of it as tucking your poles in for a cozy nap – they need their rest too!
Avoid Self-Sabotage: Keep those sharp ends away from your face and others. You don’t want to be the person explaining a missing eye caused by your own trekking pole. Trust me, that's a story no one wants to hear.
So, grab those poles, watch some YouTube tutorials, and start practicing like a pro. Keep your eyes safe and your run smooth. Happy trekking, and may you stay out of the one-eyed ultra runner club!
Running Tip No.6
Do What They Never Tell You to Do … Mix Your Drinks!
Hydration is critical when tackling an ultra marathon, but so is keeping your palate happy. Nick’s advice?
Don’t just stick to those overly sweet, technical electrolyte drinks everyone swears by. Sure, they’re packed with the essentials, but you can get pretty sick of them after miles on the trail. Instead, keep things fresh by mixing it up. Keep water on one side and your fancy electrolyte drink on the other.
Alternate between them to balance hydration, electrolytes, and taste. This approach refreshes you and avoids the burnout of drinking the same thing for hours.
It’s a simple yet effective strategy for ultra-marathoners looking to stay strong from start to finish.
Running Tip No.7
Alright, it's time to channel your inner Rocky! Remember how Rocky loved a good montage?
He didn’t just run laps—he went all out with chopping logs, running up snow-covered mountains, and doing sit-ups hanging from a beam in some random barn. It looked ridiculous, but hey, it worked!
Nick’s advice: Be like Rocky. Ultra marathons are no joke—they’ll take everything out of you. So mix up your training. Don’t just stick to the same old boring route; run on all kinds of terrain. Hit the trails, tackle some hills, maybe even try running on the beach if you’re feeling fancy. And don’t skip the strength training. Sure, you might not have a barn to do sit-ups in, but some good old-fashioned squats and lunges will do wonders.
Remember, it’s all about variety. Keep things interesting, and you’ll be in montage-worthy shape by race day.
Plus, it gives you a great excuse to blast some ‘Eye of the Tiger’ during your workout!
Running Tip No.8
Here’s the deal: when you’re in a multi-day race, recovery is everything.
As soon as you cross that finish line (or, you know, the day’s finish line), your first priority should be you. Refuel, rehydrate, and start the recovery process ASAP. Don’t worry about sorting out your bag or fiddling with your gear right away—your stuff can wait.
Remember, your body is doing the hard work, not your backpack. So take care of yourself first. Get some food in, drink up, and let your muscles chill for a bit before you start playing Tetris with your gear.
You’ll be glad you did when you’re feeling fresh(er) for the next leg of the race!
Running Tip No.9
Alright, ultra runners, here’s a tip to save your race and sanity. We all love our super light, super techy shoes.
They’re sleek, they’re fast, and they make you feel like you’re gliding over the trails. But after 50 miles, those miracle shoes can start to feel like medieval torture devices on your feet.
Nick’s advice? Plan and stash a nice, comfortable pair of running shoes in your drop bag at the halfway point (or somewhere close). Your high-tech shoes might be perfect for the first half, but as the miles pile up, your feet might start screaming for something more forgiving. Whether it’s a bit more cushion, a roomier fit, or just a change in pressure points, slipping into a more comfortable pair can make a difference.
Think of it as hitting the reset button for your feet. It can help reduce blisters, alleviate hot spots, and give your toes a breather. Plus, the mental boost from switching to fresh shoes can be huge. It’s like a mini reward for making it halfway!
So, when packing your drop bag, don’t just think about snacks and gels—think about your feet. They’re doing the hard work, so give them the break they deserve. Your body (and your race time) will thank you!
Running Tip No.10
Regarding fueling during an ultra, we’ve covered the basics. Jelly candies for quick sugar and fruitcake for those who like a bit of old-school energy.
But here’s a top ultra-running food that doesn’t get enough love: the humble fig roll.
Fig rolls are the unsung heroes of ultra-marathon snacks. They’ve got a nice balance of carbs and sweetness, with just a hint of savoury. Plus, they’re lightweight and easy to pack. The best part? You probably don’t eat them often, so they feel like a treat when you dig one out of your drop bag.
Nick’s tip? Pack a few fig rolls in your drop bag. They’re perfect for when you need a little pick-me-up that’s not too heavy, not too sweet, but just right.
It’s like giving your taste buds a high-five in the middle of the race!
Running Tip No.11
Pack a Packet of Chewing Gum!
Here’s a game-changer you might not have thought about: throw a packet of chewing gum into your race kit. After hours of sucking down gels and chugging energy drinks, your mouth can feel like it’s coated in sugary goop. That’s when a little burst of freshness can do wonders!
Nick’s advice? When you’re sick of the sticky sweetness, pop in some chewing gum. It’s not about fueling—it’s about resetting your mouth and giving yourself a mental refresh.
Plus, it’s light, easy to carry, and can be just the little pick-me-up you need to keep going strong. Fresh breath, fresh legs!
Running Tip No.12
Pack a Roll of Electrical Tape … Because You Never Know
Here’s a little secret weapon for your next ultra: a small roll of electrical tape. Yep, that plasticky stuff you never think about until something goes wrong. Trust me, it’s a life-saver on the trail.
First, things fall apart—shoes, bags, you name it. When your gear decides it’s done with you at mile 60, electrical tape can hold it together like a race-day superhero.
But here’s the real bonus: if you end up running next to someone spouting endless nonsense, you might be tempted to use it for creative silence solutions. (Disclaimer: I’m not saying you should tape anyone’s mouth shut… just that you could.)
Anyway, could you throw it in your pack? Your gear and possibly your sanity will thank you!
Running Tip No.13
Wear Toe Socks (AKA Gloves for Your Feet)
Here’s a foot-saving hack for the long haul: toe socks! Yeah, the ones that look like little gloves for your feet—Injinji-style. You might feel a bit silly slipping them on, but trust me, your toes will thank you later.
The magic of toe socks is simple: they stop your toes from rubbing together, which means fewer blisters, less irritation, and happier feet overall.
They’ve got that nice cushioning too, so every step feels a bit smoother. And let’s be real … anything that stops a race-ending blister is worth trying, even if it does make your feet look like they’re ready to type on a tiny keyboard.
Give ‘em a go, and you’ll be footloose and blister-free!
Running Tip No.14
Pack Your Gear in Sandwich Bags
Here’s a sneaky but genius tip: Pack your race gear into sandwich bags—the same ones you’d use for lunch. Divide up your kit, gels, snacks, socks, or whatever else you’re bringing—and throw them into separate bags.
It makes finding things way quicker, but here’s the kicker: they’re waterproof!
Your gear stays dry, organised, and easy to grab when you’re tired and need something fast. Plus, there’s a weird satisfaction in knowing your stuff is as neatly packed as a well-organized fridge.
Sandwich bags—practical, waterproof, and race-day lifesavers!
Running Tip No.15
Pack a Cuddle Toy (Yes, Really)
Alright, hear me out on this one: pack a little cuddle toy. Now, I’m not saying you should bring the beloved Steiff Bear that’s been in your family for generations, but a lot of ultra runners carry a small good luck charm.
It could be a tiny stuffed animal, a charm, or even something that reminds you of home.
Why? Because when you’re deep into the race and everything hurts, sometimes a little emotional boost can go a long way. It’s not about being sentimental, it’s about having something that makes you smile or reminds you of why you’re doing this crazy thing in the first place.
A tiny cuddle toy can be the weird but wonderful mental reset you need to push through those tough miles!