Running a 12 hour race, longest run ~14 miles

Training Advice/Discussion

7 years ago 10/22/2016 12:59am EDT

So currently I'm not in good racing shape for anything 5k-marathon. But I really want to do a race without being completely discouraged by not coming anywhere near a PR. So my solution? I'm going to try a 12 hour race next weekend. No matter what it'll be a PR! In the past month the longest run I've done was only around 14 miles, although I've run a 3:30 marathon in the past (probably was closer to 3:00 shape when I was training more seriously for 5ks). My plan is to go out around 10:00 pace and try to fuel with shotbloks mostly consistently. So a couple questions:

How much fluids/fuel should I try to take in per hour? (It'll be cool so I shouldn't be sweating a ton)

What kind of injuries will I be prone to? I realize that I might get hurt but at least it's on a 6 mile soft surface trail loop so that will help.

Any other tips for a first time ultra?

7 years ago 10/22/2016 7:22am EDT

re: Bad shape ultra

Find your all day pace. Hike early and often. And eat regularly. 150 to 200 calories an hour is usually a pretty good target for a minimum. Sometimes you will be taking more than that. But a lot of people who shoot for 300+ an hour run into over stuffing problems. So have a plan, but be adaptable.

And when in doubt, ask yourself if you can hold your current pace all day. If the answer is no, slow down.

Unless you trip or something, there is a good chance you wont get injured. But you could get some mangled feet or strain something in your ankles/knees. It is a lot of time on your feet, so be conscious of going easy, but keeping your form good and balanced.

Enjoy it. These races are a lot fun.

7 years ago 10/22/2016 7:28am EDT

re: Bad shape ultra

Run slowly

Take walking breaks frequently as the previous respondent said

Ingest stuff you know your body can handle while running

7 years ago 10/22/2016 7:33am EDT

re: Bad shape ultra

The shotblocks are good in theory, but most people can't consume those fake foods for that long without severe stomach issues. My advice is always to eat what you like. If your guilty pleasure is McDonald's cheeseburgers, eat those. Also remember though, that what you love day to day may not be appealing after six hours of running. You'll want to have a wide variety available, and ideally a support person who can run to get more of whatever is working.

What race is this? Usually these timed events are on a much shorter course than six miles. I wouldn't want to do a 12 hour where you only access your supplies every hour. Good luck

7 years ago 10/22/2016 9:06am EDT

re: Done a couple.

Best of luck, and may you beat the other two people in the race.

7 years ago 10/22/2016 9:47am EDT

re: DPL

This board is getting soft. A few years ago this guy would have been laughed at and ridiculed for thinking of doing a 12 hour hike. Today he is encouraged and helpful hints are given. Not a negative word yet.

What has happened???

Good luck. 12 hours is a solid time to be out there. Make sure you take some down time every so often. Get into a pattern early and stick to it.

7 years ago 10/22/2016 10:04am EDT

re: Done a couple.

Thanks for the advice guys. That all sounds good.

Done a couple. wrote:
What race is this? Usually these timed events are on a much shorter course than six miles. I wouldn't want to do a 12 hour where you only access your supplies every hour. Good luck

END TRAILS in Arvilla, ND

7 years ago 10/22/2016 1:38pm EDT

re: Bad shape ultra

12 hours of brisk walk, bring something to read.

7 years ago 10/22/2016 2:21pm EDT

re: Bad shape ultra

The average letsrunner could probably do that 12hr race in 10-11 hours

7 years ago 10/22/2016 2:30pm EDT

re: Bad shape ultra

11 minute miles should be enough 2 win it.I doubt if u'll get injured running at that pace.Maybe soreness for a few days dats about it.

7 years ago 10/22/2016 6:49pm EDT

re: reed

reed wrote:
The average letsrunner could probably do that 12hr race in 10-11 hours

I'd do it in 6 for the kids

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Running a 12 hour race, longest run ~14 miles

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