Trail Run Events

F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Do I pay to run with the UltraLadies?

A: No fees are collected to run with the group. On occasion, we sometimes "pass the hat" to help defer costs for post-run drinks, ice, or for goodies/water that are stashed along the trail. We do encourage everyone to become members of the New Basin Blues running club. Many of the UltraLadies/Men regularly run with NBB on Sunday mornings. NBB membership fees are reasonable and can be accessed from the NBB website.

Q: Am I "in shape" for the UltraLadies?

A: Anyone in marathon/ultrarunning condition can train with the UltraLadies, anytime during the year. In the spring of each year we encourage newbies join in as the training mileage starts low and follows a build-up to the Bulldog in September. If you have a one-year base of steady training (without lapses due to injury) and completed the L.A. Marathon (or similar) injury-free, you are ready for Bulldog training.

Q: What are the training runs like?

A: The runs are hard and hilly. But the nice part is... you get to walk the uphills! The rule of ultrarunning is...walk the uphills, jog the flats, run the downhills. You will learn this... and more! The runs are social (leave your competitive ego at home). Nobody cares who gets back to the cars first. Don't be intimidated... the average training pace is on long runs 4-5 mph. Be prepared to deal with altitude, uneven footing, and possible encounters with wildlife. Before your first run with us, please read the Trail Running Guidelines. Reading through this information will help ensure your comfort and safety on the trail.

Q: What gear do I bring to the runs?

A: The following is recommended:

Trail-running shoes (or running shoes with a wide heel base and knobby tread on the soles). Ultrarunners usually buy their trail shoes one full size larger than their road shoes.
Double-bottle belt (or single with hand-bottle). On some runs in July, August & September you may be carrying up to 3 large bottles (90 oz) of water. You will eventually need to buy a double bottle belt. You will also need to invest in a couple of bottle straps for hand carrying bottles (available at any running store). Note: Camelbacks and other bladder type carriers are not recommended for these long runs because they have been known to spring leaks when runners are 10 or more miles away from back-up water.
On longer runs, pack a small snack, maybe a gel or two, and salt for (electrolyte replacement), etc. Gatorade (or similar) alone will not be enough to replace the electrolytes you'll lose!
Trail gaiters. These fit over your running shoes to keep out stones/dirt. Go to Adventure 16 (Reseda & Ventura) and ask for OA ankle gaiters or buy Dirty Girl Gaiters on-line.
Hat/bandana/sunblock/etc(see Trail Running Guidelines).
Small cooler w/drinks for after the run. We usually bring drinks to each run but you're welcome to bring what you like to drink.

You can e-mail additional questions/comments to Nancy Shura at ultraladies@yahoo.com. I will personally respond to all inquiries. If you need any extra help, have personal questions, etc., don't hesitate to ask!

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