How does one properly prepare for a 24 hour foot race?
I am amazed by the number of people who can put up 120-140 mile performances in these 24 hour events.
I am considering entering on this fall but would only be speculating on how to properly train for one. I've done a few 50k races (and 6 marathons - 2:50 PR) which is really just the same training as a marathon.
I think I even have a handle on the 50 mile to 100k training. (similar to marathon training but every second or third weekend extend the long run to 4-5 hours).
The race I'm looking at is on a flat 1.5 mile loop. In training would I every few weeks do a 6-8 hour efforts on a similar loop? Maybe doing 3-4 loops easy then stopping and taking in some beverages, gels or other food then doing another 3-4 loops, and so on for 6-8 hours? Figuring out what works for me on the refueling front?
I have the opportunity to get in a 50 mile race before then so I will plan on that.
Anybody with expereince at these things.
I'm thinking that maybe I try and break the race up into 3 eight hour sections.
The first 8 hours I coast and try and hit 4 laps per hour for 48 miles at hour 8. Then the second 8 hours I try and hit 3 laps per hour for 84 miles at the 16 hour point. Then just try and walk or jog 2 laps per hour for the last 8 hours for a 24 hour total of 108 miles. A respectable start for a rookie.
Is this the right way to approach it?