I ran 1300km in 2015 from Jan to May before Comrades and 1000km in 2016 (mainly due to not feeling well in Jan and Feb). I didn't feel the 300km difference in 2016. I still felt strong to the end. I agree with quality over quantity ( I started reading "Run less, Run faster" by Bill Pierce. 2 days cross training, 3 days running and 2 days rest) Rest is so important. I used to have one rest day per week in the past, I am now changing to two rest days a week. (Strava is not helping... I feel guilty if everyone is running, and then I probably end up going for a run ) So my advice for ultra run novices: Join a club, there are runners with lots of experience. ( and they love to talk about running)Greet fellow runners and chat to other runners at races. You motivate each other while suffering together.Get a training buddy (I didn't have one for my first Comrades and I regret it ever training alone)Be thankful for the good runs, don't feel discouraged about the bad ones. We all have them.Sort your eating habits/ fueling strategy out on long runs. You need to get to know your body before a race. Don't try anything new on race day. Run without your watch now and again... Just run, no pressure about splits etc. Listen to your body - You might do more damage when you are ill, have an injury or are just plain tired.Happy running this weekend everybody!
