Checkpoint
An evidence-based review of hydration and electrolytes for runners. Back in 2010 I was deployed to California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range for cold weather and mountain warfare training ...
An evidence-based review of heat illness for runners. If your body gets too hot then the biochemical pathways that keep your body running satart ...
The rationale behind medical clearance and some advice for both you and your medical provider
I understand your frustration. You are three months from one of the greatest and most exciting challenges you have ever faced when you get the email from Tess about the mandatory medical certificate that must be signed by a licensed medical provider 1-2 months before the race. But why?!?
How to prepare your mind to meet the challenges of a self-supported stage race
I had zero experience stage racing when I registered for the inaugural Grand to Grand Ultra in 2012, on assignment for Trail Runner magazine. I did, however, have a decent amount of experience as an ultra-distance trail runner, and through ultras I began to develop what’s arguably the most important trait to finish a self-supported stage race: mental toughness.
How to fit in preparation for a 273km stage race when you have a busy lifestyle?
Hey Folks,
JAX MARIASH here. I am thrilled to take part over the next year to supply tips and tricks to preparing and succeeding through your self-supported stage race with G2G.
Written by Garth Reader
Any well-dressed individual will unequivocally say that a proper wardrobe is paramount. Having the correct clothing for the occasion is a mark of sophistication. This applies equally to stage racing.
Written by Garth Reader
The Grand to Grand Ultra takes place in the high desert of the Colorado Plateau in the USA. The course, therefore, takes place in the altitude range of approximately 5000’ (1524m) to almost 8,700’ (2652m). Competitors can, therefore, expect to experience a large temperature range each day from a high of 30C (86F) during the day to lows overnight of 8C (46F) or lower. In fact, at the final camp at an altitude of around 7,000’ (2,134m), the temperature can drop overnight to below 0C (32F).
Given the unfamiliarity by most people with sleeping bag temperature limits, the following is a detailed explanation relating to the acceptability of sleeping bags (or quilts) for G2G. We do not wish to dictate specific brands of equipment for your use and we have found that many people have personal preferences. Accordingly, it is your responsibility to obtain appropriate equipment for a successful race.
Back-to-back-to-back long runs plus camping make for an unforgettable ultra experience. Imagine this: Yesterday, you ran a marathon-length trail ...
Digital Detox - (noun informal - a period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones or computers, regarded as an opportunity to reduce stress or focus on social interaction in the physical world).
One magical aspect of the Grand to Grand Ultra is the camp. Each morning, the camp is erected in a unique location in readiness for the arrival of our competitors.
Running 170 miles across the high desert of Arizona and Utah during the Grand to Grand Ultra is tough. Whilst this is a self-supported race and competitors .....
We know that crossing 275 km on foot over desert terrain is tough and requires our competitors to be physically and mentally prepared. G2G takes place in remote terrain where there is very little mobile phone signal and where unprepared people do get lost. We want you to focus on the race and not to worry about other things that are the responsibility of the organisers.
G2G will provide you with two valuable lessons to do with water.
The first is that water should not be treated as a free, unlimited resource. At G2G you will learn...
