Surviving the Cold: Essential Tips for UTA100 Racers

Surviving the Cold: Essential Tips for UTA100 Racers

Too Cold to Win at UTA? Why Keeping Warm Is Extremely Important

Running the UTA100 is a monumental challenge, not just for your endurance but also for your ability to manage the cold. Often, the race conditions can drop to 0-5 degrees Celsius, or even lower with wind chill. Here’s how to keep your body warm and perform your best in such conditions.

The Importance of Keeping Warm

Your body loses a significant amount of heat from exposed areas such as your head (ears, nose), neck, and hands (especially fingertips). Keeping these areas covered and warm is crucial to prevent heat loss. During the UTA race, it's essential to take proactive measures to protect yourself from the cold.

Essential Gear and Clothing Tips

Head and Neck

  • Cover Up: Use a buff, cap, or hat to keep your head and neck warm. These areas are prone to rapid heat loss.
  • Breathing: Try to breathe through your buff to reduce heat loss from breathing.

Hands

  • Gloves: Wear gloves during your run to keep your hands warm, especially if the temperatures are low.

Body Layers

  1. Base Layer: Start with a top (either short or long sleeve) that wicks sweat away from your body. This will act as your base layer.
  2. Insulation Layer: A fleece jacket works excellently as an insulation layer, keeping you warm by trapping body heat.
  3. Outer Layer: Finish with a wind and rain jacket to protect against wind chill and moisture. This outer layer is crucial in maintaining your body temperature.

Managing Heat and Hydration

When running in cold conditions, you might slow down, especially if you're not running the entire 100km course at a brisk pace. As your body slows down, it generates less heat, making good layering even more critical.

  • Hydration: Runners often reduce their intake of fluids in the cold because they don't feel as thirsty. However, maintaining hydration is key. Your body needs carbs and energy, and to metabolize these effectively, it needs water and electrolytes. Aim for a minimum fluid intake of 500ml per hour.
  • Nutrition: Be cautious with hot food intake. Your body is under stress and may not adapt well to large portions of hot food suddenly. Start with hot tea and then slowly consume hot noodles or other meals.

Practical Advice for the Race

  • Mandatory Gear: The mandatory gear list is there for a reason. Ensure you have all required items, as they are designed to keep you safe and warm. Extra weight from gear is a small price to pay for safety and comfort.
  • Layering: Wear a bit more rather than less. You are unlikely to overheat in cold conditions, and being too cold can be detrimental to your performance and health.
  • Waiting Periods: During the UTA100, such as at NarrowNeck, you might encounter long queues. Many runners use this time to put on their jackets and thermals to stay warm. Remember, an extra few hundred grams won't cost you your medal, but feeling too cold might.

Staying warm and properly hydrated is critical for enduring the harsh conditions of the UTA100. Plan your clothing and hydration strategies carefully to ensure you can perform your best without succumbing to the cold. Good luck, and remember, preparation is key to conquering the UTA100!

Back to blog