Thomas Mullins has been running his whole life but began running ultramarathons five years ago. He ran the inaugural Trans-Pecos Ultra in 2015, and captured the overall win. Thomas registered just 6 weeks before the deadline too - so if TPU is still haunting your mind and you haven’t signed up, it’s not too late to register.
As the first winner of TPU, Thomas is our expert and he shares what he’s learned here.
TPU: What was your goal for TPU?
Thomas: Not sure I really had a thought-out primary goal. I had already been looking at stage races and this one seemed perfect. There was just enough time between Leadville in August and TPU in October that I didn’t really have to train as much as recover.
TPU: What did your training look like?
Thomas: Since I was banking on my fitness from Leadville in August, I actually ran less than 20 miles per week leading up to TPU. I chose to focus on dialing in my equipment and gear, as this would be a new adventure carrying all of the necessary supplies. I spent more time researching and studying stage racing than I actually did training.
I really focused on just trying to pack my bag as efficiently as possible and figuring out the foods and calories I would require. I spent a lot of time living in my gear. I would wear my kit everywhere I went: running errands, grocery shopping, work. I got lots of looks and questions from people while out and about. I also did a lot of sleeping out in my yard, testing my sleep gear and learning to get comfortable with how I would be sleeping during the event.
TPU: Did TPU meet your expectations?
Thomas: Oh it certainly did. It was an epic opportunity to run across a beautiful remote part of the Big Bend area while having a safety net of check points and camps with amazing medical staff and volunteers to see you through.
TPU: What was the best part of it for you?
Thomas: Meeting new runners and people from all over the world; exploring such a rugged and untouched backcountry; the inner experience and change I went through. This was just a whole new level of adventure that was life-changing for me.
TPU: Was there anything you would change in your preparation if you were doing TPU over?
Thomas: YES! I would definitely attend the presentations Race Director Chris Herrera gives at various locations around the nation. He gives in-depth insight and a slideshow to give you a better feel for the event. Typically he is accompanied by a former TPU racer and a volunteer to share their perspective too. These presentations, often at an REI store, give you an opportunity to see and feel the equipment and gear necessary to prepare and complete the event. Online research can only yield so much. It just helps so much when you can see and feel and talk to someone who has completed such an event. It definitely helps to answer a lot of questions and settle your nerves.
TPU: What do you think of the new 3-stage “mini” TPU?
Thomas: Hey! Now you’re talking. Dip a toe in first before diving in, I like it! For those who can’t commit to 7 days and take the time away from work and family and daily responsibilities this is a perfect way to introduce yourself to stage racing. It’s more affordable on all levels. It also gives you the flexibility to do a variety of other different activities while in the area.
TPU: What’s your best advice for race preparation?
Thomas: Being a certified RRCA running coach and having coached several runners now, I’ve seen a broad spectrum of what motivates people to meet/get their goals done. For me it’s always the challenge of unlocking myself and navigating a training plan that will deliver me to the start line injury free and rested.
If you’re not yet prepared to run TPU, you can have a terrific experience in Big Bend Ranch by volunteering. Past volunteers have so much fun, they return the following year, for the experience they describe as “all the fun, none of the blisters.”
Jess is a seasoned endurance athlete, with multiple finishes in ultras and Ironmans. As a professional dietician, she knows bodies and their requirements. This month, she’s my go-to for a complete picture of multi-stage readiness.
Jess reported that she did take her smartphone, but kept it turned off except to take pictures. Since there is no way for athletes to recharge devices, and there is no cell reception in Big Bend anyway, it’s a tossup whether the weight of a phone is worth it for the week.
For both physical and mental fitness, running on tired legs is Jess’s best tip. It strengthens your legs, builds staying power and gives you the confidence of doing more than you thought you could.
