Top tips from 2023 Cape Wrath Ultra runners
Learn from those who have been there and done it. Here is the advice our participants had to share immediately following the 2023 event!
Alistair Smith
“Don’t underestimate the importance of strength and conditioning unless you’re already very experienced. You can grind through tiredness from a lack of fitness easier than trying to grind through an injury because you’re body just isn’t prepared biomechanically”
Tammy Ruvino
“Look up & enjoy it!! … & don’t underestimate slippery rocks & endless bogs... all part of the fun”
David Jones
“For camp kit less is definitely more. Having some of your stuff in pouches really helps find things when you are tired and you then have more time to eat and recover rather sorting through your things. My dry bag was under 17kg and I had more than enough stuff for the week”
Make the most of these insights from our 2023 runners! ©No Limits Photography
Emma Roe
“I second the strength work... working on the single leg stability and symmetry of the body is so important.
Practice off path terrain. Be comfortable in heather and bog with no path. There's a lot of it and it can really slow you down if you aren't happy with that stuff.
Have a good selection of food choice each day... I was lucky I did because after day 2 my go to food of choice I really didn't fancy anymore and I'd tested that over 100 milers so it really surprised me.
Take a bigger pack... you don't need to fill it to capacity but it makes getting stuff out so much easier, if you're cold and wet that make such a difference to deciding if you get that warm kit out or not. If it's too much of a faff, that could be a bad choice and could end your journey”
Paul Weaving
“Definitely strength training, including ankles and shins - tibial tendinitis is really common on this event. Also, make sure you're going to be warm enough at night to sleep well”
Cathy Searle
“Lots of training with wet feet on rocky and boggy hills combined with strength and conditioning with emphasis on lower legs, shins and ankles.
Also, the recce weekend I did with Trail Running Scotland was so useful”
Tucker Says
“Good shoes (I focused on underfoot padding and wide toe box over grip), injinji socks helped me on blisters (none), and take one day at a time. Be focused mentally too. And focus on day 3 for most of your energy expenditures in the first 3 days. Although don't underestimate the last 10km of day 2”
Sue Hardy
“Be well organised in your packing and don't catch any germs on the flight over to Scotland”
Sounds like you need strong legs for that rough Scottish terrain! ©No Limits Photography
Andy Kydd
“Look back, Look up, take in the stunning views !! And get comfortable with falling on your bum !!”
Emelie Sellberg
“Make a list of your evening and morning routine and stick to it. If you can do it before going to bed - do it, don’t wait until morning. Put your sports bra in your sleeping bag over night so you don’t have to put it on cold and damp”
Katherine Bray
“Learn to love mud!”
Debbie McCart
“All the above comments have merit but my advice is bring a great big smile and wear it every day!”
READY TO FOLLOW IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS?
Perhaps enjoying yourself is the most important thing! ©No Limits Photography