Top products from r/ultrarunning

Here's what I use, that fits up to 3 scoops of Tailwind perfectly: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VV2G14/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These are sized nicely, are easy to pour with one hand, don't leak, and I've stress tested them on multiple ultras (50mi -> 100mi). That and you get a ton of 'em. I gave away some of my remaining Tailwind after WS100 to some of the super awesome volunteers who're also runners -- and apparently these bags are still holding up months later.

I've found the Wahl Percussion massager to do just fine. I've been down the rabbit hole of percussion massagers and this was what I settled on - and my budget was up to $300.

There are some interesting massagers out there. I remember going through the pictures and coming across one that was like:

Picture 1 - cordless massager

Me: Ok, that looks good

Picture 2 - different vibration patterns

Me: Ok, that's cool. Don't really need that but a little change could be nice

Picture 3 - 100% waterproof

Me: I mean if I need to use a massage oil on my legs with it, then I'll be okay but that seems like overkill

Picture 4 - Man's head between a women's legs with lacy stockings on

Me: This isn't the massager I'm looking for.

If you want a sports massager, the cheapest best option is probably a Black & Decker car buffer. https://www.amazon.com/DECKER-WP900-6-Inch-Random-Polisher/dp/B000077CPT/ They work just as well as the massagers and are super cheap.

I've been following the workouts in IronFit (Amazon link). Takes me about 20 minutes per workout, which is great for me b/c I generally loathe strength training. This is the only program I've been able to stick with - have been doing it consistently for almost a year now. If you are at all interested in yoga, I think the Yin practice is quite beneficial for runners (especially ultrarunners). You hold the poses for like 3-5 minutes each and they do wonders for your flexibility, and many of the moves focus on typical problem areas for runners - hips, low back, hamstrings, IT band, etc.

I recommend bodyglide. Without bodyglide I've chafed painfully (although not too badly) from a 4 hour marathon. With bodyglide I've had absolutely no chafing from a 5 hour 50k, so it definitely helps.

For shorts I went to a local running store and tried on about 5 different pairs until I found something comfortable for me. It's convenient buying stuff on amazon, but for running shorts, I think the personal fit is quite important.

I’d highly recommend seeing an acupuncturist and trying Toe Spacers. I’ve had issues off and on with Morton’s and both have helped a ton. The silicone toe spacers took the pressure off at night (or while running) allowing for healing and the acupuncture seemed to jumpstart the healing. I wore the toe spacers on my middle toe at night and on long runs. Good luck!

https://www.amazon.com/Separators-Straighteners-Wellness-Naturally-Corrector/dp/B07RL6LPLL/ref=zg_bs_11063691_12?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HSYY4V7KVBVXW1SR7EAY

I just ordered some of these to try (recommended on the Plant Powered Runner blog)

Little Green Reusable Baby Food Pouches

Edit: Yea, these didn't fit in my packs front pouches, so they're a no-go. Going to try out the Gu flask, looks like it will be a better fit.

I use Gold Bond Friction Defense and it's always worked great for me. It's also a lot cheaper than body glide.

Drymax R-Gear Quarter Running Socks for Men/Women (3-Pack) | Super Breathable Keep Feet Dry, Comfy and Blister-Free, M, Black, Medium Cushion https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00448G6JI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bCMQDb7HQNY56

Hal Korner's Field Guide to Ultrarunning has some shorter plans for 50k up to 100 miles. I used this book as the basis for my first 100-mile training. ( https://www.amazon.com/Koerners-Field-Guide-Ultrarunning-Ultramarathon/dp/1937715221)

Also, Krissy Moehl's Running Your First Ultra has some good, long-term plans. ( https://www.amazon.com/Running-Your-First-Ultra-Customizable/dp/1624141420/ref=pd_sbs_14_img_0/135-5115591-8160359?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1624141420&pd_rd_r=062b53c6-91ad-4cc2-a0c6-9225587ac7ea&pd_rd_w=jBSfT&pd_rd_wg=aenPJ&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=HAZJPT342BYJYTMBPYP9&psc=1&refRID=HAZJPT342BYJYTMBPYP9)

I really liked this one....

Never Wipe Your Ass with a Squirrel: A trail running, ultramarathon, and wilderness survival guide for weird folks https://www.amazon.com/dp/1484007840/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_D4YzCbGPW9Y3M

Grab Jason Koop’s book, Training Essentials for Ultrarunning: How to Train Smarter, Race Faster, and Maximize Your Ultramarathon Performance

It sounds like you would benefit from Training for the New Alpinism. I haven't read it yet, but it seems to be very highly regarded, and of course the authors' credentials are beyond impeccable.

I think my problem was actually the opposite of what you describe, although the crux of the issue is the same. Trying to take in all of the calories via tailwind wasn't digesting well for me as things got hot (so intake slowed), which then meant I started lacking in electrolytes and actual fluid intake.

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So now when it starts getting hot (or right from the beginning if it's a really hot and muggy morning) I switch to putting plain water in my bottles, taking salt stick electrolyte chews regularly (but not as regularly as their dosage suggests, that's too much salt for me), and then getting calories from a variety of sources (gu, chews, pretzels, etc.). Learning how to adjust exactly how much I take in of each of these variables is still a learning/experience process, although there are general guidelines: https://trainright.com/iaaf-statement-nutrition-analysis-ultramarathon-runners/ to use as a starting point.

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Being able to tweak each of these variables independently helps me immensely the longer and hotter the runs get. If any particular source of calories isn't working well I can swap it out without any effect on hydration and/or electrolytes. And vice versa. The tailwind approach is great when things are going well, but it can quickly have a cascading effect because instead of just "oh I'm not getting enough calories" it is actually "oh I'm not getting enough calories or enough electrolytes or (potentially) enough water." Or as you said it could be too much of one of those things.

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Jason Koop talks quite a bit about all of this in his book Training Essentials for Ultrarunning if you're looking for something to read: https://www.amazon.com/Training-Essentials-Ultrarunning-Ultramarathon-Performance/dp/1937715450

https://www.amazon.com/Koerners-Field-Guide-Ultrarunning-Ultramarathon-ebook/dp/B00MYEQGFI

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https://www.amazon.com/Relentless-Forward-Progress-Running-Ultramarathons-ebook/dp/B004WE78IC

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Both books come highly recommended. Also search for the science of ultra podcast.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000UOD5QM?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title

I got this one to go with my forerunner 230. Works great and I never notice it’s there. Haven’t had any problems with it

I highly suggest reading this book: http://www.amazon.com/Koerners-Field-Guide-Ultrarunning-Ultramarathon/dp/1937715221

It will provide you with way more information than I can. It even has training plans.

But, my advice to you is: just focus on finishing. It is your first ultra distance race, there is no need to go out super hard. Also: eat fruit, peanut butter, and other simple foods while training. These foods will be available at the aid stations during the race.

https://www.amazon.com/Training-Essentials-Ultrarunning-Ultramarathon-Performance/dp/1937715450

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This is the only one I know of by a coach. The other ultra books are usually by elite athletes, which, while interesting, usually only offer up what has worked for them (which is not always the best idea for amateurs/not always backed up by data).

I apply chamois cream before any run and haven't had any issues.

I live in the desert SW and I use this stuff. Waterproof, sweatproof (really, I’ve used it for years) works all day from one application.

Riemann P20 Spf30 Sunscreen 200ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00APL4KZK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_IOEYCbMQMTEB4

Relentless Forward Progress Byron Powell