I’ve never run an ultra distance before, can I still join your club?
Yes of course, we offer plenty of training days and races of differing distances to get you into shape. ;)
How should I train for an ultra distance race?
There are many answers to this question. There is no one training plan which is a size fits all. It depends greatly on your condition, experience, mental approach, nutrition, time and more. However, if you’re going to train for an ultra, you need to mimic the conditions of the race you plan on running. So if that means lots of elevation, then you have to train for that. The same goes for the type of terrain and climate, if you’re going to run in wet swampy terrain, then make sure you train in the same. Above all, get used to running on tired legs, when your mind is tired, when you’re hungry, thirsty, exhausted and in pain. Face these challenges and build confidence by still being able to push on and continue. That’s what an ultra is about, breaking past your mind’s control of your body. Time spent on your feet is very important. And that means hiking AND running. Test your equipment, nutrition and know what you essentially need. Preparation plays a major role in ultra running. Be prepared for anything, and then some.
What kind of shoes should I buy for ultra running?
Shoes are a pretty subjective topic. It depends on many factors such as budget, style of running, your type of feet and what kind of terrain you prefer to run and race in.
Why are your trails not marked?
They usually are, but for those that aren’t you’ll need a GPS. We also recommend, where possible, that you train on the trail which will feature in one of our races. That way you’ll know what to expect.
Why do I need a GPS?
It’s not a good idea to underestimate the difficulty of the @berghemultra routes or the fact that the Hedmark plateau is the master over everything and everyone. GPS navigational skills are the key to experiencing a pain-free race. When we demand that all participants must have a handheld GPS with an updated topo map, it’s for your personal safety that we do so. In bad weather, GPS reception can be very unreliable and at times completely absent. In times like these, trust in a physical map will get you out of trouble and help you differentiate whether the route you’re supposed to be following is a blue or red one. A GPS tracker is a tool for the race organiser who can’t physically help race participants in the most challenging terrain or navigation. The race organiser can only know where each runner is located as long as there is good mobile and satellite reception. They can’t prevent runners from injuring themselves.
Why can’t I run with a pacer or my dog?
Because you gotta do it alone and with your own steam. The real battle is in your mind while running alone.
Why is there no drop bag service on the trail?
Self-supported races mean that you have to take everything with you. That’s the extra challenge that we like to add to our competitions. Moving beyond what constitutes a normal ultra.
Why can’t I have any support on the trail?
Fulvio and Linda and their crew monitor your whereabouts and make sure you stay on course. So rest assured you are never alone and never in danger. But the bulk of the work comes from you. The whole idea is to test your inner will and strength. What are your limits? Do you have any? Our races will help you find out.
Why are there no aid stations on the GNT400 or other Berghem Ultra expedition races?
Because they are expedition races, meaning you’re responsible for your own gear and supplies. The challenge is in being able to take everything you need, being truly self-sufficient.
How long have you been running, Fulvio?
I have loved running since I was a child, but I became interested in endurance running as a way of exploring my environment. I only started running competitively in 2013 at the age of 38 years, when I entered the Oslo Marathon just for fun and to impress my future wife Linda. After that I realised that 42 km would never be enough for me, that’s when I discovered this crazy thing called ultra running :D
What’s your favourite distance?
I don’t have one, what’s more important to me is the kind of terrain that can provide a challenge. For me it’s not ultra running if there’s no night running, so any kind of race must be over 80 km long and on a trail.
What kind of running do you prefer and why?
Ultra running is of course my favourite, since I love the outdoors and I love the unpredictable nature that weather and terrain offer.
Which running events do you recomend in Norway and why?
As a race organiser I always recommend at least one of our berghemultra.com competitions, especially if you’re looking for a real challenge. Our races rarely have aid stations and the trails are unmarked in really wild nature.
Which regions in Norway do you recomend for Polish runners who visit your country on holiday?
I love the north of Norway and nothing is more beautiful than the Lofoten islands in the Nordland region; but as a runner I really recommend running through the Rondane & Dovre national parks (Innlandet region), I did it in the summer of 2016 alone and it was an unique experience.
Which place do you enjoy running in, and why?
I love mountains in general but because of my bad knees I’m a better runner in Norwegian forest terrain as the ground is much softer than in the mountains, and there is less ascent/descent.
Which running event do you dream of participating in?
I hope to one day participate and complete the Orobie Ultra Trail in the Italian Alps (140km / 9000 D+).
Which has been the best running event in which you have participated and why?
It was Telemarks Tøffaste 82K in 2015 but unfortunately this race no longer exists.
Any questions, please feel welcome to contact us on +47 975 12 808 or ultra[at]berghem.no.
