Things I have learnt running 100 mile ultras

The learning curve for most runners stepping up to the long ultra's be that 100 miles, 24+hour timed events or the even longer ones can be pretty steep, harsh and painful. Everyone suffers at the long ones, it's just a matter of degree and how well people cope with that. Often I've seen things, or experienced things where I've thought, ah, if only I'd known that, or I bet they wish they knew that before...

So I thought I would just compile a little list of the things I've learnt completing my 100 mile runs, it's just from my personal experience, I claim no scientific basis, and I'm sure far better and experienced runners will disagree with some of my findings, there isn't really much about training either, I think that's so personal and we all come from different backgrounds. These are mainly just things you learn when the demons come at 4am and you've been on the go for 22 hours and not slept the night before either...

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• Types of 100 milers - Be aware of what you're getting yourself into.
• Preparing yourself for a 100 mile run - things you can do before you get to the start line.
• 100 Mile Pacers
• 100 Mile Crews
• Night time... when the lights go out and demons come out to play!
• The "mental game"
• Crewing Words of Wisdom - Rachel Smith
• Paul Mason Tips for 100 Mile Success - Paul Mason
• Beyond 100 Miles - Paul Mason