Your mindset is the most important thing

Tom Evans has said that the mental aspects of ultra-running are as important as the physical ability.

The 4CAST athlete prepares meticulously for his long distance races, by ensuring he is mentally in the right place, is eating right and has the focus to be able to perform to the best of his ability.

Some people may think being a good ultra-runner is just about physical fitness, but Tom was quick to shed some light on his preparation for a race in a video with Maurten's official YouTube channel.

"Mindset in ultra running is the most important thing," Evans said.

"It's not your legs or your lungs that are going to win races. Physically I obviously have something, but for me, it's just mentally that ability to be able to outwork everyone else [that makes the difference]."

"Fuelling is as important as the actual physical training that you're doing," he added, with regards to nutrition. "Without the physical training you wouldn't be able to perform and without the nutrition you wouldn't be able to perform."

"When you're running in these conditions and it's so difficult, it's technical underfoot or it's dark, muddy and steep you've got to be mentally with it. You've got to be mentally aware and you've got to be able to focus the whole way. Actually being able to focus for 20 hours is really tough. That's what makes ultra-distance trail running so exciting."

"Ultra-running is not about the time," he added. "It's about bringing the best version of myself to be able to achieve the goal that you've set out. The time is irrelevant. What you're doing, that's the really important thing."