If you want a training plan you need to act now. Think about your goals for the event. If you want to be smashing some PB’s maybe look at speaking to a coach about setting a plan up for you (I can personally recommend Josh Merrett Strength and Fitness as someone who has helped me).

You should probably be entering in to event specific training now. Look at the typography of the route. If it’s hilly factor that in. The slightly more focussed work starts now.

You’re going to be out for most of the day. If you have responsibilities you might need to make some adjustments or ask for some favours to make sure you can focus on the task in hand.

If you’ve got kids that need looking after or work shifts to manage it’s best to start trying to plan that out now if you can. The longer you give it the more time you have to overcome any unexpected complications.

If the event is a long way from home do you need to sort out accommodation? Best to book it up now so you can get the place you want for the price you want.

Check the start times and calculate when you might finish. If you’re going to be finishing late having spent 10 hours on your feet is it wise to drive hours home? These are your decisions of course but start planning for them now.

Don’t leave it to the last minute!

A pre-event visit to the venue can really help. The routes for all of our events are on the relevant event page. Just visiting the venue, getting a feel for the place, where the toilets are, parking etc really helps settle any anxieties for some.

At this stage you can factor a recce in to a long run day. On route practice is never a bad thing and the more familiar with the route you are the less likely you are to be caught out in your planning.

Maybe get some friends to come along and help you along too. It can be really helpful to understand the terrain and have a bit of knowledge of the route beforehand.

I’ll always set up so it’s easy to spot us and we’re more often than not next to a toilet block but if it makes you feel better why not do it!?

Most of the venues also have a very nice café too so a coffee and cake treat post run is always good.

If you’re looking to get a real understanding of a Big Bear event why not see if you can volunteer in the coming months? The best way to know how the set up works is to be part of it! It also means when you’ve got that finishers high in 3 months you’ll be able to go home and sign up for an event for free with your volunteer credit! Double winner!!

All of our weekend ultra events have mandatory kit lists. You must carry the m in full for the event. They aren’t onerous at all but you’re going to need a pack of some sorts to carry them.

Once you’ve done the researched, found a deal, ordered your kit and broken it in there wont be lots of time left. Don’t wait much longer to get new kit!

Of course there are some fundamentals you’ll need too. Trainers, shorts, top etc. You need to make sure you are comfortable in this kit - it’s going to be on for a long time!

We stock some branded kit here (soft flasks, collapsible cups etc) but for more specialised pieces of equipment our friends at Coventry Runner can kit you out. Supporting your local running shop is really important, there aren’t many left. Luckily ours is also great!

3 months is just enough time to badger your mates in to joining you. Running with friends is always great so get them to sign up too! It can also help with motivation in training as it keeps you accountable.

I would never suggest running for an ultra distance with a friend the whole way. You need to be clear form the outset how much you’ll run together and when you can separate. Many a friendship has been spoiled by not setting these out beforehand!

There is nothing better than both sitting in the pub (or McDonalds drive through at the services!) post-event with you medals having both smashed a huge goal though!

I’ve tried my best to answer any questions or queries you might have here. Everything from toilets, to parking to food. It’s a bit of a read (grab a cup of tea!) but there is lots of detail in there that will hopefully help alleviate some stress’ and anxieties. I want to you to come to the event feeling ready to run/walk - not fretting about where you’re going to park!