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TotalShanner
grm
Best tip I ever got was to remember it's a marathon, not a sprint.
Every time I've raced a 12h I've always gone off like it's a normal XC race and ended up regretting it. Consistency is key. 24's it's an even bigger consideration.
I try to complete a sighting lap the day before the race and take it steady, that ends up being my target pace for the race. Resisting the urge to "race" people on the first lap is tough but loads of them are in pairs/teams etc. so will always be faster.
Stick with what you're used to when it comes to nutrition, don't try any different drinks/gels/other stuff on the day.
Eat lots.
Take proper food. Sugary energy stuff is good and it'll keep you going but it'll play havoc with your stomach eating that crap for 24h. Don't just go with sweet stuff, plenty of savoury as well.
Take salty food, things like crisps and nuts. You'll be craving salt after a few hours.
Take snack food you like. I always used to have mini pork pies, ham sandwiches and tomato sauce in my pits, when you're hungry at 3am after 15 hours on the bike you won't want healthy, you'll want tasty.
Prepare for the time between about 2am and 5am, it's horrible. All the 12h riders will have finished so the course seems empty, all the pit crews will be sleeping so you'll get very little encouragement from trackside, it'll be cold and you'll be bored and questioning your lifestyle choices. Have some headphones handy so you can listen to a bit of music for a couple of laps to perk you up.
Eat some more.
If you're really struggling, stop for a sleep for a few hours, just make sure you head back out again.
Keep eating.
Depending on the course, the lap you do when the sun rises will be awesome. Enjoy it.
Make sure you've got spares of everything clothes-wise, same goes for shoes.
Have spare kit to change in to after 12h or so, fresh bibs make a world of difference.
Comfort wins over everything else.
Main thing is to enjoy it. I loved doing 12h races, 24's I tried a couple of times and failed miserably.
A few mates have raced in endurance events in Belgium and they said they're amazing, much better atmosphere than UK events. I hope you get to enjoy it a bit in between the suffering!