Ultramarathon runners endure pretty extreme conditions that are designed to test their mental and physical limits.
The shorter Ultramarathons last up to 15 to 17 hours.
But the most extreme Ultramarathons could reach up to 100 miles and last for days.
During these events, some runners don’t even make it to the finish line.
With that in mind, you might be wondering what happens to our body during an Ultramarathon?
The extreme heat can make you dizzy
To test your endurance, some Ultramarathons are held during the hottest of days over mountain ranges and trails.
You might feel headaches and dizziness during these times. But don’t worry, you will reach an aid center pretty soon.
But keep in mind that aid centers in Ultramarathons are like an oasis in a desert, and that is why you need to prepare yourself for running an Ultramarathon.
Nausea and vomiting
Many Ultra Runners experience nausea and vomiting, and it affects almost a quarter of participants during a race.
When racers experience nausea or feeling sick to their stomach, it is one of the main reasons they cannot
finish the race.
Running can disrupt your digestion because it diverts blood away from your stomach and goes to your
muscles instead.
Fortunately, Ultramarathons provide carb-loaded meals, but many racers will have this food undigested
because of all the running.
It pushes your mental limits
Not only is an Ultramarathon designed to test your physical endurance, but it also tests your mental limit.
Many first-time Ultramarathon participants ask themselves, “what have I gotten myself into?”
So before participating in one of these events, make sure you are not only physically prepared but also
mentally prepared.
Blurred vision
When running in windy conditions, the cells responsible for pumping a protective layer of liquid above your cornea can be damaged.
And this results in a swelling cornea that may blur your vision.
