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UTS Tips You’ll Actually Use
Ultra-Trail Snowdonia: Insider tips and expert advice from Gary House
Gary House knows Ultra-Trail Snowdonia (UTS) inside out - he’s run it, crewed it, and even made a name for himself by dishing out ice pops at just the right moment. In this newsletter, he’s sharing his best insider tips to help you tackle UTS like a pro. This is advice you won’t find in the usual race guides!
Let’s hear it from Gary himself…
GROUND CONTROL
If you’re a UK trail runner, you probably won’t be expecting the nice manicured trails usually associated with UTMB events, but even so, you need to be prepared for the ground.
You will experience rough, technical and boggy ground that sometimes will have you moving a lot slower than expected. No amount of gym exercises or StairMaster work will prepare you properly for the terrain so you must get out and see it for yourself, either as a recce or just exploring the national park.
PLAN YOUR AID STATION
The longer the race distance you are taking part in, the more important this is. Study the aid station locations, timings for cut-offs and your plan for an efficient visit each time.
As the race gets deeper for everyone in terms of time on feet, exhaustion and sleep deprivation, things can get WeIrD. Others may seem desperate for a way out or to quit and that can affect you mentally - so don’t let them give you the permission to quit.
No matter what they look like, sound like or act like, just pretend they are zombies that you need to escape - look after your own mental space and be strong when others are not!
Don’t forget your safety gear!
A few basic safety essentials can go a long way on the trails in case of a mishap!
Mini Runner First Aid Kit
Contains 22 basic, essential first aid items, especially for trail and fell runners.
Emergency Survival Bag & Whistle
Ultralight, tear and puncture-resistant survival bag. Comes with whistle attached.
YOU CAN'T FIGHT MOTHER NATURE
In recent years, it's been unusually hot on UTS weekend. The race has also been abandoned for poor weather, forcing even the most experienced runners into trouble. I know from experience how tough this race can be when Mother Nature gets a grip on things. Here’s some photographic evidence!
Be prepared with the right kit - whether it’s warm, wet or cold. Most importantly, know how to use it properly and at the right times.
USE THEM OR LOSE THEM
I am talking about running poles, or more accurately for UTS, hiking poles. Hopefully, you are sold on the benefits of using them in these races, but you have to use them early in your training, or it's a waste of time and energy.
Don’t be afraid to be the first one in your line or group to whip them out and start leveraging them to your advantage, because by the end, you might even need them to just stumble across the finish line!
Ready to upgrade your poles for ultra performance?
Our Helvellyn PRO Carbon Z-Poles V2 are designed for ultra marathons.
Super-lightweight – from just 138g per pole
100% carbon – strong, durable, and race-ready
Lightning-fast deployment – re-engineered for speed and ease
Compact & portable – folds down to just 35cm
Added extras – includes a carry case + access to the new Pole PRO online course
For more individual support with your racing this year, see www.houserunningclub.com, where Gary coaches trail and mountain runners to success!
Running a technical or longer distance ultra? Download your tailored ultra checklist as part of our How to Run an Ultra Guide.
Our How To Run An Ultra guide is packed with powerful lessons in long-distance trail running.
Sign up for a free digital version, or grab a hard copy from the Harrier store!
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