When you’ve been running for miles, maybe in the rain and dark, or bugs or heat, aid station volunteers are like angels. And it creates a camaraderie like no other.
That's so true! For that's even more obvious when I race an ultra "solo" - even saying "solo" is hard because you get even more aware of the full community that is there to support you on those days.
Thanks for this video. I was pacing a friend at Javelina and unfortunately he collapsed just past Rattlesnake Ranch in the middle of the night and I had to run back to find help. The medics were called but would take too long so some volunteers agreed right on the spot to help. We dragged / carried him to the med tent there and so many people helped take care of him. The medics showed up and in the end we pulled him off the course. Several runners passed us as we were getting him taken care of and each asked “ how are you and can I help?” . He is recovering well and will return to running. So many people are out on the course to help you have a great day no matter the outcome. I’m very thankful for those volunteers and runners!
Darn - sorry about your friend, but glad he is recovering. Do you know what happened? Do you mean he literally collapsed? Or tripped/fell? I heard a few bad stories out at Javelina - I guess that was one of them. Heard medics got a bit overwhelmed that night... Glad runners take it seriously to help each other - you never leave someone behind!
OK I’m hooked Simon. Awesome content. 69 yrs old and trail running for 52 yrs. Your channel is a breath of fresh air. Running for life and running for fun. Thank You sir!
Well said! The 1st overnight race I did I was using a $15 triple A battery powered headlamp. Obviously I did not bring enough spare batteries with me. I had to ask the aid station volunteer for batteries when I pass that aid station 2 times (outbound and inbound)during the night. I probably got 12 AAA batteries from that aid station. For sure that volunteer who brought the batteries saved my race.
So glad they were able to help you!!!! I had a similar episode too - for me what happened was my main headlamp died (I had backup batteries, but it's the headlamp that had a malfunction) and my backup light died too. Someone just gave me a new headlamp! ps: just saw you did Wasatch! Congratulation!!!
I'm 60 years old and I've recently signed up for my first ultra, it's on November 30th. I'm binge watching your channel :-) It's a great resource, thanks. It's also easy to watch, which is nice. Thanks again for your efforts.
@@runningwithsimon Since posting my original comment and reading your comment I've signed up for another smaller ultra (only 33 miles) 4 weeks before the other one as a kit tester/nutrition/etc and we've decided to stay up there for the whole weekend so taking the dogs with us. I'm sure they'll get plenty of attention at the start/finish line :-)
@@Sinosceptic I think that's a really good idea. Then you just need to make sure to get enough rest in between but I'm a big supporter of what is essentially a 'dress reversal.
Hi Simon!! 👋 👋 Loved the video, another gem! There are so many things I love about trail and ultra running, but the community/ atmosphere is #1! I carry cheap lightweight ankle and knee braces as well as salt tabs in every race, and have given away quite a few. It's so different from road racing, where every other runner is seen as competition, instead of as partners in pain. And thanks for the advice when I volunteered! I took it to heart and brought batteries AND a few cheap headlamps, which was good when the 100 milers started coming through after running hours in a monsoon. So much broken and malfunctioning gear! The chairs and blankets I brought were the biggest hit, though. I love this community, and your channel is such a valuable (and entertaining) resource.
I forgot the chair and blanket! But glad I didn’t make up the battery/ light part. I thought I remember you saying it - but couldn’t find where so wasn’t 100%… thanks for being such a positive part of the community! I do the same with salt pills! … and Imodium …
I did a ultra trail run, 5 km from finishing line a caught up a struggling and walking gentleman. I noticed quickly that he was totally beaten down and out of energy. I decided to walk and talk with him to make sure that he would be safe and sound. So we had a terrific conversation and great last km's and finally we crossed the finish line together, both as winners and we shared a special moment together!
Thank you for the video! I'm running my first ultra next year, a backyard ultra. I think It's a good format to start. You have all the logistics in one place. Every hour everyone starts a lap together and can help each other. I'm excited to finally become a ultra runner.
@@tiagopereira9140 ah snap! Don’t mean to ruin your self confidence…! They can be a great place to start too! I should clarify a bit! What’s the advice again for backyard ultras “Don’t worry, they are more scared of you, than you of them”…or was that for bears? Nah but seriously I can see it both ways (scary vs. the perfect place to start) so really depends the mindset you go in. For me, I’d be scared because I know I can do 100 miles in 24hrs, but I don’t know how far I can go. So I’d go in with the mindset of “let’s find out how far I can push”. But the lack of a defined distance would likely mean I’d push passed beyond what is reasonable- with risk of getting injured (basically going on until I break down rather than until I meet my distance goal / which in a normal race is simply crossing that line). With the number of races coming up, I really have to be careful about injuries. With a backyard, I really fear my stubbornness would result in me being like “oh I still feel “good” at mile 125 - let’s try one more!…and one more…and one more.” But if it’s your first, maybe you have a distance goal in mind. Something challenging, ambitious, a little crazy. But at least something you work towards. That will help actually reach your goal, and will help not going crazy after. You’re still likely to do more, but once past that goal, any injuries will likely be enough to convince you that it’s time to pull out. …so summary is, as long as you are not as prone to bad decisions as I am, I’m sure it’ll be great!!! And obviously there’s benefit to the format (easy access to crew, food), freedom to set YOUR goals. Forced to pace reasonably from the start. Starting the lap with new friends. I see the appeal for sure, and when my calendar gets lighter, I’ll do one!
I was telling my husband about why I want to run Ultras. I am not competitive with others ever, so he was confused about why I want to compete. I said 'Ultra runners are running against themselves, the other runners are your allies. The race itself is the competition." I am still very early in training so your videos help me so much to get the right mindset. Thank you for making them!
That's so true. I know some people are probably competitive, but for the vast majority - it feels absolutely irrelevant. You push your own limit, achieve things more than you would think possible. Plus, I think it's about collectively elevating each other.
I view the races as a Celebration of all our months of hard work. A big ol' group run showcasing our training. Super fun to have a 12 hour adult 'recess' in the woods i call my playground.
True. And I'd add - if it's a camping spot specifically ahead of a race, be mindful of other and try to minimize noise the night before as many are trying to hit the bed early for a 5am start.
Fantastic advice. Super useful. So awesome for those getting into the sport who have questions and might not have sources closely associated with high quality info. Keep it coming! Lovin' it.
You speak so intelligently and thoughtfully about behaviors we - as members of the trail running community - can all benefit from, and you do so with a sense of humor, humility, and sincerity. Thank you for taking the time to make this helpful and fun video.
None of what we do would be possible without them, or people maintaining trails! I think coming in with a mindset of giving more thank you are taking is pretty common in trail running and that's great
Good luck - everyone will be happy to welcome and support you! Not that there is anything wrong with IM! But from my experience, certainly different vibe. …also, I’m a very bad swimmer
Thanks for the very informative video. I’m considering ultra running and it’s nice to know how helpful others are with the experience and what “codes” of each other are to make it a good experience for everyone. Glad I found your channel!
For the vast majority, it’s a very supportive and positive community. You’ll always have people that didn’t get the memo but that’s too bad for them. I think we also all realize that it’s a journey and we are different stage. We all remember lining up for our first race, scared and thinking we don’t belong. But you do belong!
Hey Simon, thanks for another great video!! I was wondering if you have done the Oregon Cascades 100? I'm planning on making it my first ultra this August.
Great points again my favorite type of race for an ultra is what we call fat ass no charge they’re usually free run by some club and it’s kinda like potluck. You just bring some food and uses everybody’s food food and that’s how the fueling is done and everybody bring stuff and it’s a ball. It’s the funniest thing now you don’t get a T-shirt you don’t you might not get a metal sometimes they have some leftover. I’ll give you a badge or something butjust a lot of fun just a lot of finance for me really puts the love of running back into it
In my first ultra, I started cramping and came skidding into the last aid station. The volunteers there undid my hydration pack, filled it up, and filled up a plate of food for me while I just laid there on the ground trying to stretch out the cramp. The volunteers and fellow runners definitely make the experience great - even if it is painful.
At the last aid station... I don't know if it's how you felt, but for me there's race where I feel 'dude I'm only 3-5 miles from the finish...it sounds so close...but it's sooooo far"
@@runningwithsimon Oh totally! There’s an Ultra during the summer in the state I live in (Virginia) that goes over this old bridge. Interestingly, it’s the bridge that Lee burned down during his retreat to Appomattox - where he eventually surrendered to Grant. During the summer, there’s thousands of fireflies down along the river below. You can see the finish line from the bridge, but I knew if I finished, I wouldn’t go back to the bridge, and I really wanted to watch the fireflies. I sat there on the bridge, not even a quarter mile from the finish line, for about 10 minutes just watching the fireflies. And it was totally worth it. I don’t regret one bit stopping that close to the line (I did finish afterwards).
@@briandeal8927 Fireflies are pretty cool! I didn't expect this at all, and that was a fantastic surprise the second time I raced Old Dominion (also VA). It felt surreal!
Folks in the Ultra community know me as "Kim-spiration" Whether I'm running, crewing, pacing or volunteering, I aim to " Kim-spire " others!!!! My aid station is fondly known as Kim-spiration Station! Let's K.I.M (Keep It Moving) towards that finish line y'all!
@@runningwithsimon i set up at several even if I'm crewing. All are welcome! I hide kindness rocks on the course with "Kim-spirational" quotes for runners to find. The Long Haul 100 Colt Creek Florida i crewed, paced and kim-spired. Sufferfest 50k Jennings State Forest Middleburg Florida. Upcoming Skunk Ape 100/50 Santos trailhead on the Florida Trail Ocala Florida (runnjng the 50 then hanging afterwards to bring Kim-spiration to all still on the "battlefield" It's my calling and i just love the community so freakin much! Sharing sweaty hugs with all!
Channel was much smaller back then. I've since invested in a DYI recording space - feel free to listen to my newer stuff... It's all out of pocket cost and I don't have sponsor, so of course quality it's not the same as sponsor folks who can hire pros. But I do the best I can with what I have and hope it's still helpful.
@@runningwithsimon Very helpful. I signed up for a 50 mile run in October. Previous experience is a road half marathon and a max of 15 mile training runs. Nervous but eager to see if I can finish. All the puking in your videos is a little concerning 😁
When a runner is not nice to a volunteer, that makes me a saaaad panda
When you’ve been running for miles, maybe in the rain and dark, or bugs or heat, aid station volunteers are like angels. And it creates a camaraderie like no other.
That's so true! For that's even more obvious when I race an ultra "solo" - even saying "solo" is hard because you get even more aware of the full community that is there to support you on those days.
Thanks for this video. I was pacing a friend at Javelina and unfortunately he collapsed just past Rattlesnake Ranch in the middle of the night and I had to run back to find help. The medics were called but would take too long so some volunteers agreed right on the spot to help. We dragged / carried him to the med tent there and so many people helped take care of him. The medics showed up and in the end we pulled him off the course. Several runners passed us as we were getting him taken care of and each asked “ how are you and can I help?” .
He is recovering well and will return to running.
So many people are out on the course to help you have a great day no matter the outcome. I’m very thankful for those volunteers and runners!
Darn - sorry about your friend, but glad he is recovering. Do you know what happened? Do you mean he literally collapsed? Or tripped/fell?
I heard a few bad stories out at Javelina - I guess that was one of them. Heard medics got a bit overwhelmed that night... Glad runners take it seriously to help each other - you never leave someone behind!
You are my favorite running channel.
Thank you!
Yeessssssss 🙌🏽
OK I’m hooked Simon. Awesome content. 69 yrs old and trail running for 52 yrs. Your channel is a breath of fresh air. Running for life and running for fun. Thank You sir!
Thank you! Wow that's a lot of experience :)
One rule I forgot - no double dipping on the nut butter...
Oof! Can't unsee that mental picture.
peanut?
@@ACs946 squirrel nut butter
Well said! The 1st overnight race I did I was using a $15 triple A battery powered headlamp. Obviously I did not bring enough spare batteries with me. I had to ask the aid station volunteer for batteries when I pass that aid station 2 times (outbound and inbound)during the night. I probably got 12 AAA batteries from that aid station. For sure that volunteer who brought the batteries saved my race.
So glad they were able to help you!!!! I had a similar episode too - for me what happened was my main headlamp died (I had backup batteries, but it's the headlamp that had a malfunction) and my backup light died too. Someone just gave me a new headlamp!
ps: just saw you did Wasatch! Congratulation!!!
Thank you!@@runningwithsimon
I'm 60 years old and I've recently signed up for my first ultra, it's on November 30th. I'm binge watching your channel :-) It's a great resource, thanks. It's also easy to watch, which is nice. Thanks again for your efforts.
PS - I've got 2 Golden Retrievers but rarely bring them to races as one of them is a 5yo boisterous lump and the other is a 14yo lazy old lady.
Let's go! Good luck :)
2!! nice :)
@@runningwithsimon Since posting my original comment and reading your comment I've signed up for another smaller ultra (only 33 miles) 4 weeks before the other one as a kit tester/nutrition/etc and we've decided to stay up there for the whole weekend so taking the dogs with us. I'm sure they'll get plenty of attention at the start/finish line :-)
@@Sinosceptic I think that's a really good idea. Then you just need to make sure to get enough rest in between but I'm a big supporter of what is essentially a 'dress reversal.
Hi Simon!! 👋 👋 Loved the video, another gem! There are so many things I love about trail and ultra running, but the community/ atmosphere is #1! I carry cheap lightweight ankle and knee braces as well as salt tabs in every race, and have given away quite a few. It's so different from road racing, where every other runner is seen as competition, instead of as partners in pain. And thanks for the advice when I volunteered! I took it to heart and brought batteries AND a few cheap headlamps, which was good when the 100 milers started coming through after running hours in a monsoon. So much broken and malfunctioning gear! The chairs and blankets I brought were the biggest hit, though. I love this community, and your channel is such a valuable (and entertaining) resource.
I forgot the chair and blanket! But glad I didn’t make up the battery/ light part. I thought I remember you saying it - but couldn’t find where so wasn’t 100%… thanks for being such a positive part of the community!
I do the same with salt pills! … and Imodium …
I did a ultra trail run, 5 km from finishing line a caught up a struggling and walking gentleman. I noticed quickly that he was totally beaten down and out of energy. I decided to walk and talk with him to make sure that he would be safe and sound. So we had a terrific conversation and great last km's and finally we crossed the finish line together, both as winners and we shared a special moment together!
That’s winning!
@@runningwithsimon Indeed! And thanks for the positive attitude and great advice to new and experienced runners!!
Thank you for the video! I'm running my first ultra next year, a backyard ultra. I think It's a good format to start. You have all the logistics in one place. Every hour everyone starts a lap together and can help each other. I'm excited to finally become a ultra runner.
Good luck!
I'm actually scared of backyard ultras!
@@runningwithsimon 😮
@@tiagopereira9140 ah snap! Don’t mean to ruin your self confidence…! They can be a great place to start too! I should clarify a bit!
What’s the advice again for backyard ultras “Don’t worry, they are more scared of you, than you of them”…or was that for bears?
Nah but seriously I can see it both ways (scary vs. the perfect place to start) so really depends the mindset you go in. For me, I’d be scared because I know I can do 100 miles in 24hrs, but I don’t know how far I can go. So I’d go in with the mindset of “let’s find out how far I can push”. But the lack of a defined distance would likely mean I’d push passed beyond what is reasonable- with risk of getting injured (basically going on until I break down rather than until I meet my distance goal / which in a normal race is simply crossing that line). With the number of races coming up, I really have to be careful about injuries. With a backyard, I really fear my stubbornness would result in me being like “oh I still feel “good” at mile 125 - let’s try one more!…and one more…and one more.”
But if it’s your first, maybe you have a distance goal in mind. Something challenging, ambitious, a little crazy. But at least something you work towards. That will help actually reach your goal, and will help not going crazy after. You’re still likely to do more, but once past that goal, any injuries will likely be enough to convince you that it’s time to pull out.
…so summary is, as long as you are not as prone to bad decisions as I am, I’m sure it’ll be great!!! And obviously there’s benefit to the format (easy access to crew, food), freedom to set YOUR goals. Forced to pace reasonably from the start. Starting the lap with new friends. I see the appeal for sure, and when my calendar gets lighter, I’ll do one!
I was telling my husband about why I want to run Ultras. I am not competitive with others ever, so he was confused about why I want to compete. I said 'Ultra runners are running against themselves, the other runners are your allies. The race itself is the competition."
I am still very early in training so your videos help me so much to get the right mindset. Thank you for making them!
That's so true. I know some people are probably competitive, but for the vast majority - it feels absolutely irrelevant. You push your own limit, achieve things more than you would think possible. Plus, I think it's about collectively elevating each other.
Agreed I’ll never come first or get podium but if I finish I win 🏅I made the time cut
I view the races as a Celebration of all our months of hard work. A big ol' group run showcasing our training. Super fun to have a 12 hour adult 'recess' in the woods i call my playground.
I did a 50 miler last weekend. Someone's crew let me sit in their chair when I really needed it. They were awesome.
That's awesome!
Thanks for this video. It gives me hope as someone looking to starting ultrarunning in the not too distance future.
You’ll for sure find all the support you need!
WORD! Thank you so much!
Bring ear plugs if you are group camping the night before. Awesome video, thanks! ❤
True. And I'd add - if it's a camping spot specifically ahead of a race, be mindful of other and try to minimize noise the night before as many are trying to hit the bed early for a 5am start.
Fantastic advice. Super useful. So awesome for those getting into the sport who have questions and might not have sources closely associated with high quality info. Keep it coming! Lovin' it.
Thanks! Can’t wait to see your stuff come out!
Thank you for another great video 👍👍👍
Thanks - very much appreciated :)
Great video! For sure never ever be anything but nice to the volunteers. Without them, most of these races would not happen.
Thanks! Yes, exactly!
You speak so intelligently and thoughtfully about behaviors we - as members of the trail running community - can all benefit from, and you do so with a sense of humor, humility, and sincerity. Thank you for taking the time to make this helpful and fun video.
Thank you - very kind words!
Great video and content brother!
Appreciate it!
Thanks for the great video Simon! Really great info for someone just getting into the sport! 👏
Thanks and welcome!!
Thanks for the video and sharing the message
My pleasure
Great points! Thanks for the video!
Glad you appreciated Shawn!
Always been thankful for volunteers.
None of what we do would be possible without them, or people maintaining trails! I think coming in with a mindset of giving more thank you are taking is pretty common in trail running and that's great
Excellent video. Thank you for taking the time for making it.
Thanks :)
Love your attitude! Thanks for the content you create. Safe trails buddy!
Thanks :) Let's keep the sport for everyone !
This is such a great video! I haven't seen anything like this anywhere else. I'm transitioning from IM, so I really appreciate this!
Good luck - everyone will be happy to welcome and support you!
Not that there is anything wrong with IM! But from my experience, certainly different vibe. …also, I’m a very bad swimmer
love this!!!!! Nice work Simon..
Thanks! ... say hi to Crosby haha
He heard your burp and looked around for you! LOL@@runningwithsimon
looking forward to RD's adding a golden to the requirements list...@@runningwithsimon
Thanks for the very informative video. I’m considering ultra running and it’s nice to know how helpful others are with the experience and what “codes” of each other are to make it a good experience for everyone. Glad I found your channel!
For the vast majority, it’s a very supportive and positive community. You’ll always have people that didn’t get the memo but that’s too bad for them. I think we also all realize that it’s a journey and we are different stage. We all remember lining up for our first race, scared and thinking we don’t belong. But you do belong!
I really try to say hello or good job to everyone, especially on an out and back. Passes the time and is helpful to those other runners
"Good job, looking strong!" :)
@@runningwithsimon If I had a dollar for every time I said that at Tunnel Hill.... :)
Just what I needed to know. Thanks
Glad it helps!
Hey Simon, thanks for another great video!! I was wondering if you have done the Oregon Cascades 100? I'm planning on making it my first ultra this August.
Cool - good luck! And no, I have not done this one. I hadn't heard of it before, but quick gland and it looks like a pretty cool race!
Hi Simon like your passion and thx for sharing your info and experience with us mush appreciated 👊🏻
Thanks mate! Hope it's helpful and/or inspiring!
Great video, Simon. This is exactly why I'm training to become a part of this community!
Cool! Well, I hope some of my tips videos will be helpful as you get ready for your first ultra!
Thank you 🙏
You’re welcomed! 😊
Great advice, thanks 🙏 from an aspiring ultra runner, working my way there
Thanks! Glad to hear so :)
"Don't be a d*ick.." Haha. Brilliant. Simple advice yet so so true!
Haha right?! The world would be such a better place if everyone just followed it! Sadly many need the reminder…
I ran my first 50k today. Thanks for the inspiration!
(I was nice to the volunteers 😂)
Awesome! Congratulations :D :D :D
Great points again my favorite type of race for an ultra is what we call fat ass no charge they’re usually free run by some club and it’s kinda like potluck. You just bring some food and uses everybody’s food food and that’s how the fueling is done and everybody bring stuff and it’s a ball. It’s the funniest thing now you don’t get a T-shirt you don’t you might not get a metal sometimes they have some leftover. I’ll give you a badge or something butjust a lot of fun just a lot of finance for me really puts the love of running back into it
Sounds great - never heard of any such race! USA?
Great video!
Thanks!
Dude...It was so refreshing to hear your review of unwritten rules. I even learned something new so I ordered a golden retriever!
Doesn't have to be a golden retriever - exception can be made if he/she is a good boy/girl!
Haha...I have 2 labs and a mix so I have a few options!@@runningwithsimon
In my first ultra, I started cramping and came skidding into the last aid station. The volunteers there undid my hydration pack, filled it up, and filled up a plate of food for me while I just laid there on the ground trying to stretch out the cramp. The volunteers and fellow runners definitely make the experience great - even if it is painful.
At the last aid station... I don't know if it's how you felt, but for me there's race where I feel 'dude I'm only 3-5 miles from the finish...it sounds so close...but it's sooooo far"
@@runningwithsimon Oh totally! There’s an Ultra during the summer in the state I live in (Virginia) that goes over this old bridge. Interestingly, it’s the bridge that Lee burned down during his retreat to Appomattox - where he eventually surrendered to Grant. During the summer, there’s thousands of fireflies down along the river below. You can see the finish line from the bridge, but I knew if I finished, I wouldn’t go back to the bridge, and I really wanted to watch the fireflies. I sat there on the bridge, not even a quarter mile from the finish line, for about 10 minutes just watching the fireflies. And it was totally worth it. I don’t regret one bit stopping that close to the line (I did finish afterwards).
@@briandeal8927 Fireflies are pretty cool! I didn't expect this at all, and that was a fantastic surprise the second time I raced Old Dominion (also VA). It felt surreal!
I have an Aussie. Is that acceptable Golden replacement?
Assuming he or she is a good boy/girl - we're all set and we'll play some fetch!
@runningwithsimon She is the goodest girl and the reason I started running.
Folks in the Ultra community know me as "Kim-spiration"
Whether I'm running, crewing, pacing or volunteering, I aim to " Kim-spire " others!!!!
My aid station is fondly known as Kim-spiration Station!
Let's K.I.M (Keep It Moving) towards that finish line y'all!
Ah nice! At what race is Kim-spiration Station?
@@runningwithsimon i set up at several even if I'm crewing. All are welcome! I hide kindness rocks on the course with "Kim-spirational" quotes for runners to find.
The Long Haul 100 Colt Creek Florida i crewed, paced and kim-spired. Sufferfest 50k Jennings State Forest Middleburg Florida. Upcoming Skunk Ape 100/50 Santos trailhead on the Florida Trail Ocala Florida (runnjng the 50 then hanging afterwards to bring Kim-spiration to all still on the "battlefield" It's my calling and i just love the community so freakin much! Sharing sweaty hugs with all!
The last rule is the most important of course
100%
All-go-rythm
The Bogeyman of any youtuber! Thanks for helping! :)
🐼🐼🐼
Happy panda I hope?!
Love what you have to say, but man the barking dog is distracting. Maybe record in your garage or living room?
Channel was much smaller back then. I've since invested in a DYI recording space - feel free to listen to my newer stuff... It's all out of pocket cost and I don't have sponsor, so of course quality it's not the same as sponsor folks who can hire pros. But I do the best I can with what I have and hope it's still helpful.
@@runningwithsimon Very helpful. I signed up for a 50 mile run in October. Previous experience is a road half marathon and a max of 15 mile training runs. Nervous but eager to see if I can finish. All the puking in your videos is a little concerning 😁
@@jeffplayswithcars Good luck!
I don't puke much - only happened at leadville. You'll be good!
This is a good wholesome reminder for myself.❤️🩹
And for everyone!