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10 lies to ignore during a trail race

Make sure to ignore these key phrases if you hear them during a trail race  

In everyday society, lies can be easy to detect. But in the middle of a trail race, our vulnerable state can get the best of us, and we believe everything we hear. Whether the words are from a selfless volunteer, race director, course marshall, aid station captain, or your cheerleading mother–make sure to ignore these lines if you hear them during a trail race.

RELATED: Your trail running dictionary

1. You look good

If you’re running trails, and running them hard, chances are you do not look good. If you’re here to look good, you might want to try a different hobby.

2. The next section is runnable

This might be true for the aid station volunteer who feels as fresh as a daisy. But, likely you’re pushing the pace and nothing feels runnable on your legs.

3. You’re almost there

Similar to number two, however, if you hear this at an aid station it is definitely not true. Why would there be an aid station here anyway?

Photo: Carol Green

4. This potato soup will ease your stomach

The ‘don’t try anything new on race day’ mentality also applies to aid stations. In an ultra trail race, aid stations can be packed with egg & bacon sandwiches, soups, and a plethora of treats. Don’t believe the volunteer that promotes the traditional family recipe at mile 74–especially if it’s cream-based.

5. You won’t need that extra layer

If you’re spending time in the trails and mountains, it’s your responsibility to be safe and self-sufficient. This isn’t a 5K on the track. Take the gear.

RELATED: The dos and don’ts of pacing an ultra

Sulphur Springs Trail Race
Photo: OUTRace_ON via Twitter

6. This drop bag looks like yours

If your race is longer than 50K, you may have the option to pack some extra food or gear in a drop bag at an aid station. In the unlikely event that your drop bag goes missing, do not take it upon yourself to go through someone else’s. No matter what anyone tells you.

7. There’s just one more climb

Lies. Even if you’ve studied the course, everything can feel like it’s going up and uphill both ways on tired legs.

8. Your _____ is fine, you just need food

If you have a blister, injury, or blood from chafing from your pack then food won’t solve it. Managing your stomach is much of the battle in a longer trail race, but sometimes that means sticking to and trusting your fuelling plan.

Alissa St Laurent
Alissa St Laurent overseas at the Lesotho Ultra Trail race. Photo: Terence Vrugtman

9. Nobody saw you pee in that bush

If it’s a shorter race, there are likely people around you in the trails. The best part is that what happens on the trails stays on the trails.

10. You’re 1st/2nd/89th place!

Unless this information is coming directly from the official race timing, you may want to ignore it. Information from spectators or volunteers about where you rank can be exciting, but it’s not always accurate.

RELATED: It takes a village: how to crew an ultra

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