How to Prepare for an Ultra (any distance over the marathon)
Food - Normal marathon training programs will suffice to finish an ultra-distance race. The biggest difference is training yourself to take care of your body past three or four hours on the course. During the typical marathon a runner can survive on water, electrolyte fluids, and gels. On an ultra you must consider caloric intake; real food like potatoes, fruit, soup and sandwiches, and energy bars. It takes practice in training to get used to handling food on a running stomach.