Gone Running Talk Ep. 2
Posted on October 15 2025
Will Hayward, an experienced ultra-runner, discussed his running gear, training approaches, and advice for first-time ultra-runners. He cycles through different running gear, preferring durable shoes like the Altra Olympus and a reliable headlamp. For training, he emphasizes consistency over high mileage, recommending a base of 50-70 km per week. For team events, aligning expectations and training together is crucial, while for solo events, the primary goal should be to finish. Nutrition remains a challenge, and he suggests trying a variety of gels and drinks to find what works best. Upcoming races include MoonTrekker and Oxfam Trailwalker.
Gear and Equipment
- Will cycles through different running gear and shoes, as he finds that what works for one person may not work for another.
- For long ultras, he prefers more durable and reliable shoes like the Altra Olympus, which has a good Vibram outsole and roomy toe box.
- He emphasizes the importance of a good headlamp, like the Lumen Beam, that allows adjusting the light intensity to save battery.
- Trekking poles can help generate momentum and take load off the legs, especially on long downhills.
Training and Preparation
- Will recommends that first-time ultra-runners should not wait until they feel "ready", but instead just commit to the challenge.
- Consistency in training is more important than high mileage. Building a base of around 50-70 km per week is a good starting point.
- For team events like Trailwalker, it's crucial to align expectations within the team and spend time training together to understand each other's strengths and weaknesses.
- For solo events, the primary goal should be to finish, and not get caught up in time goals, as conditions can greatly affect performance.
Nutrition
- Nutrition is an ongoing challenge for Will, as he often struggles with digestion issues after the first 5-7 hours of a race.
- He recommends trying a variety of gels and drinks, such as Goo, Umara, and Mortons, to find what works best for your body.
- Aiming for around 60 grams of carbs per hour is a good target, but it's important to test this during training.
Will delivers valuable insights and practical advice from an experienced ultrarunner to help both beginners and seasoned trail runners prepare for and successfully complete long-distance trail running events.
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