Polar Grit X2 Pro Titan
Polar Grit X2 Pro Titan is a rough and rugged outdoor sports watch crafted for adventure with sapphire glass AMOLED display in titanium casing, and a hi-tech toolkit of navigation and performance features for exploring the wonders of the world, and the body.
Polar Grit X2 Pro
Polar Grit X2 Pro is a rough and rugged outdoor sports watch crafted for adventure with sapphire crystal glass AMOLED display, and a hi-tech toolkit of navigation and performance features for exploring the wonders of the world, and the body.
Polar Vantage V3
An ensemble of biosensing instruments, AMOLED display, dual-frequency GPS, maps, and the most comprehensive suite of training and recovery tools on the market. The stage is set, and the Polar Vantage V3 smart sports watch is ready to put in the performance of a lifetime.
Polar Ignite 3
Polar Ignite 3 is a stylish fitness & wellness watch that helps you live a more energized life. It tracks your sleep, activity, and heart rate to provide guidance that’s tailored to your body and lifestyle.
Polar Pacer Pro
Polar Pacer Pro is an ultra-light, new-generation sports watch with integrated barometer that equips athletes with advanced tools to improve running economy, training sessions, and sports performance.
Polar Pacer
Sport is play – why complicate it? Polar Pacer is a no-nonsense sports watch that gives new athletes all the essentials, plus the specialized training tools they need to train better.
Polar Vantage V2
A powerful convergence of minimalist design, innovative technology, and intelligent training and recovery tools makes the Polar Vantage V2 a formidable sports watch.
Polar Grit X Pro
Built for military-level durability with sapphire glass and ultra-long battery, equipping you with new navigation tools, always-on outdoor features and Polar's ultimate training solutions.
Polar Vantage M2
Designed for function, the Polar Vantage M2 works as hard as you do. Our industry-leading technology is here to help you reach your goals and come back stronger. For that athlete attitude.
Polar Ignite 2
A fitness watch that’s sleek, simple and smart? Polar Ignite 2 is a true triple threat. Versatile and full of great features, it’s the perfect companion for any sport and any lifestyle.
Polar Ignite
A waterproof fitness watch with advanced wrist-based heart rate and integrated GPS, Polar Ignite offers you a full view of your day and guides you towards a more balanced life.
Polar Unite
A beautifully simple watch with personalized daily workout guidance, 24/7 heart rate and activity tracking, plus automatic sleep and recovery applications.
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Polar Vantage M
An all-round multisport & running GPS watch for anyone who loves setting new records. Polar Vantage M is a slim, lightweight training companion that gives you all the data you need to improve your performance.
Polar Grit X
An outdoor multisport watch with rugged yet lightweight design, ultra-long battery life and military-standard durability for anyone who prefers the trails over the roads.
Polar M430
A GPS running watch with wrist-based heart rate, advanced running features and Polar Running Program, Polar M430 is a top-level watch for runners who want more.
Polar Verity Sense
When freedom of movement is important to you, Polar Verity Sense is your go-to choice for any sport.
Polar H10
Widely regarded as the gold standard in wireless heart rate monitoring, this is the most accurate sensor in Polar’s history.
Polar H9
A reliable, high-quality heart rate chest strap for all your everyday sports with Bluetooth® and ANT+ connectivity. Get connected and get going.
Polar OH1+
Polar OH1+ is an optical heart rate monitor that combines versatility, comfort and simplicity. You can use it both as a standalone device and pair it with various fitness apps, sports watches and smart watches, thanks to Bluetooth® and ANT+ connectivity.
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Polar Grit X Outdoor Series
Made for outdoor sports and built to handle any environment nature can throw at you, Grit X watches are designed to help you explore the world and gear up for adventure.
Polar Vantage Performance Series
Our flagship series is tailored for high-performance and endurance sports and training. Every aspect of our Vantage watches are designed with one particular person in mind – the athlete.
Polar Pacer Multisport Series
The Pacer Series gives athletes all the essentials such as accurate GPS and precise heart rate tracking, plus the specialized training, sleep, and recovery tools they need to train better.
Polar Ignite Fitness & Wellness Series
Sleek, simple, and smart – Ignite watches are the perfect partner for any fitness goals and any lifestyle.
No Beard Required: Busting Big Myths About Ultrarunning
Author(s): Bronwyn Griffiths
Ever looked at an ultrarunner and wondered what they’re on about? Maybe you’ve even considered joining them, but whispers of mythical requirements have held you back. Fear not, fellow adventurer, because we’re here to shed light on the biggest ultrarunning myths and set the record straight.
Forget the image of a lonely, bearded Forrest Gump running for years on end. Ultrarunning is a welcoming community filled with diverse individuals who share a love for pushing their limits. We’ll debunk the misconceptions about food, facial hair, and even gender, proving that anyone with the spirit of adventure can conquer these epic distances.
Myth 1: Ultrarunning requires training crazy mileage
Let's get one thing straight: to tackle an ultra, you need a base. Think of it like building a house – you can't slap up a roof without a solid foundation. But here's the kicker: you don't need to be running marathons every weekend to lay that groundwork. Steady, consistent running, even if it's just a few miles a day, is where the magic happens.
Just look at Camille Herron, the famed ultrarunner with multiple world records from 50 to 250 miles. She's very vocal about her science-backed approach to training for ultras, focusing on cumulative volume and running frequency. Rather than doing back-to-back long runs, she only does one or two a month (and never more than 22 miles).
Similarly, ultrarunner legend Scott Jurek explains in his book Eat and Run how he kept a “reasonable” weekly mileage -even lower than some marathoners – by focusing on cadence and technique and following a healthy diet. “Running smarter and with more quality, I didn’t run as far. A lot of marathoners log 120 to 140 miles. I was doing 90 to 110.”
So what does that mean for your training? You don't need a radical overhaul of your life to fit in ultra training. For a 100-miler, aim for 10 to 12 hours of training a week for about 8-10 weeks. For a 50k or 50-miler, dial it back to around nine hours a week for 6-8 weeks. It's quality, not quantity, that counts.
Heart rate training is your secret weapon. Forget about chasing that top speed; we're talking about building endurance here. Zone 2, low-intensity running is where the magic happens. It's like slow-cooking a delicious stew – low and slow is the key to a flavorful result.
Remember, ultrarunning is more about mental toughness than sheer speed. It's about finding your rhythm, managing your energy, and enjoying the journey. So, ditch the idea that you need to become a full-time runner to conquer those epic distances. With a solid base, smart training, and a dash of determination, you're well on your way to becoming an ultra badass.
Myth 2: Ultrarunners are neither road runners nor trail runners
So, you think you need to be a mountain goat to run extreme distances? Yes, most ultras happen on the trails, but there's a huge range of options out there, from crazy ultras on the track to the demanding climbs and descent of Western States 100. The truth is, ultrarunners are pretty adaptable. Many started as road runners, craving a challenge that stretched further than the next marathon. Others fell in love with the wild beauty of trails and the mental grit it takes to navigate them.
Think of it like this: an ultramarathon is the distance, not the surface. It’s the ultimate test of endurance, whether pounding pavement or scrambling over rocks. Sure, some ultrarunners might stick to one type of terrain, but plenty are happy to conquer both.
Remember, ultrarunners are just regular folk (well, maybe a little more hardcore) who love pushing their limits, no matter the path beneath their feet. Besides, who needs a label when you’re busy crushing superhuman distances?
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Myth 3: All ultrarunners are vegan
You might think all ultrarunners are munching on kale and dreaming of quinoa, but that's not quite the whole story. While it's true that many ultrarunners are drawn to a plant-based lifestyle, it's not a strict requirement for conquering those epic distances.
Ultrarunners often have a deep connection to nature. Spending countless hours outdoors can spark a desire to live in harmony with the planet, leading some to adopt a vegan diet. It's a personal choice, and there's no doubt that it can be a powerful way to fuel your body and mind.
Legends like Scott Jurek have shown us that plant-based power can propel you to incredible feats. But let's be clear: whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or a meat lover, the key to ultrarunning success is finding a diet that provides the right balance of carbs, protein, and fats to support your insane mileage. It's all about fueling your body for those long, grueling hours on the trail.
So, whether you're chowing down on a tasty tofu scramble or a juicy steak, make sure you're giving your body the nourishment it needs to crush those miles.
Polar Grit X2 Pro
Premium Outdoor Watch
Polar Grit X2 Pro is a rough and rugged outdoor sports watch crafted for adventure with sapphire crystal glass AMOLED display, and a hi-tech toolkit of navigation and performance features for exploring the wonders of the world, and the body.
Polar Grit X2 Pro Titan
Premium Outdoor Watch
Polar Grit X2 Pro Titan is a rough and rugged outdoor sports watch crafted for adventure with sapphire glass AMOLED display in titanium casing, and a hi-tech toolkit of navigation and performance features for exploring the wonders of the world, and the body.
Myth 4: Ultrarunning is just fast walking
Woah, there, partner. You think ultrarunning is just a fancy way of taking a really long, leisurely stroll? Really?
Sure, walking is a big part of the strategy. These distances are bonkers – we’re talking more miles than most cars see in a year. But here’s the thing: ultrarunning isn’t just strolling along in cool clothes. It’s about pushing your limits, running strong when you can, and strategically using walking breaks to conserve energy and crush those crazy distances.
Think of it like this: ultrarunning is an epic adventure, not a walk in the park (well, maybe a very, very big park). There’s technical terrain, killer climbs, and enough sweat to fill a swimming pool. It’s about mental toughness as much as physical, and after hours on the trail, even walking feels like flying.
So, next time you see an ultrarunner, don’t underestimate the power of that walk break. It’s a calculated move, not a sign they’re slacking off. These folks are out there conquering mountains, one step at a time.
In a marathon, men might be cruising 11% faster than women. But crank it up to a 100-mile race, and that gap begins to shrink. Incredible, right? And guess what? For distances longer than 195 miles (that’s like running from Manhattan to Baltimore), some studies even suggest women might actually be a smidge faster.
Myth 5: Women can’t run as fast and long as male ultrarunners
Ok, let’s unpack those assumptions about women in ultrarunning. So, you think they can’t hang with the big dogs on those crazy long distances? Well, thankfully, science and some seriously badass female runners can bust that myth.
Here’s the thing: sure, there’s a gap in times between genders in shorter races. However, new research, like these studies from UCLA and Université Savoie Mont-Blanc, shows something awesome: that gap starts to shrink as the miles pile up.
In a marathon, men might be cruising 11% faster than women. But crank it up to a 100-mile race, and that gap begins to shrink. Incredible, right? And guess what? For distances longer than 195 miles (that’s like running from Manhattan to Baltimore), some studies even suggest women might actually be a smidge faster.
Women are endurance machines, folks. They’re wired for efficiency, fantastic at pacing themselves, and, let’s be honest, have some serious mental toughness. So next time you see a female ultrarunner out there conquering the course, don’t underestimate her power. She might be the one leaving everyone in the dust, beard or no beard.
Myth 6: You need a beard to run an ultra
You’ve taken a look around and figured all ultramarathoners are rocking lumberjack beards? News flash: not every runner can (or wants to) grow one.
Sure, you might see some epic ZZ Top-worthy beards at the starting line. Maybe it’s a badge of honor, a ‘been there, ran for days’ kind of thing. But plenty of ultrarunners are just as beastly with smooth faces or a neatly trimmed goatee.
So, if you’re thinking about lacing up for an ultra and wondering if you need to ditch the razor, relax! Your beard situation (or lack thereof) has zero impact on your ability to conquer those trails. Just focus on building endurance, fueling your body right, and maybe growing some mental grit – that’ll take you further than any beard ever could.
So there you have it! Ultrarunning isn't just for bearded vegans who run a million miles a week. It's about finding what works for you, pushing your limits, and having a blast on the trails. Now, go forth and conquer those mountains (or hills, or whatever you've got)!
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