50K advice

Training Advice/Discussion

13 years ago 09/09/2010 8:54pm EDT

Hello running mates,

I'm a competitive (female) marathon runner who has decided to change things up this fall and test out a 50K. I'll be running the North Face 50k this Saturday, 9/18 on the trails in Wisconsin...and I'm very excited!

I'm a high mileage runner...usually around 110-125..with a high of 140...so I'm hoping that will help me finish this bitch of a race.

I'm simply looking for any tips of the trade...other than "pace yourself" for the race. I'm going in to this as just an experience and not a race. I plan on running it as an easy long run and then pushing for the last 5-8 miles as best I can. My longest training run has been marathon distance and I did plenty of back to back long runs the last few months.

Any advice on the course, tapering, etc. would be helpful.

Thanks!

13 years ago 09/09/2010 9:05pm EDT

re: Joyfeet

You seem to have mistaken Letsrun as a place where people actually give a shit about ultra-"running"

13 years ago 09/09/2010 9:10pm EDT

re: Try Runner's World

OUCH! Well truth be told, Mr. Jogger's World, I'm hoping it will help me get stronger to kick some ass for my next marathon. I've got the strength and once I tap this race it will be back to solid speed work. No regrets...and for me..there's more to running than just 26.2 worth of roads.

13 years ago 09/09/2010 9:21pm EDT

re: Joyfeet

Joyfeet,

I'm assuming you do long hard runs at slightly slower than MP (+20-30 sec per mile). Take it out at that effort. Take fuel early and take fluids early.

13 years ago 09/09/2010 9:49pm EDT

re: Try Runner's World

Try Runner's World wrote:
You seem to have mistaken Letsrun as a place where people actually give a shit about ultra-"running"

You seem to have mistaken the ability to speak with having something to say.

OP: You might want to consider how hydration/fuel issues change with the added distance.

13 years ago 09/09/2010 9:52pm EDT

re: Joyfeet

Just ease off a bit....if you finish a marathon strong, you can do a 50k strong. I'm very familiar with that trail and it's not horribly challenging (I've done a 100k on that trail). There are rolling hills and they are numerous but not big. Use your head and don't pound the hills too hard in the first half.

13 years ago 09/10/2010 12:40am EDT

re: Joyfeet

More than a handful on here run ultras in addition to sub-marathon distances so there is some experience to be shared. Having done ultras from 50 km to well beyond 24 hours I would say your approach is dead on. Good strong training run followed by a whatever you got to the finish line. With your mileage base, you should have little problem with the last 5 - 8 miles. Keep track of fluids, calories, and electrolytes early. Have fun!

Hope to see you at a 50 miler in the future.

13 years ago 09/10/2010 10:33am EDT

re: go longer

Thanks for all the help! I have run 14 marathons in my 30 years and usually have a good idea of what I can bust out..but not with this one. I'm not sure what to expect for time or how I will feel during or after the "race!" Yikes!

Like I said, planning on going into as it a long run and see how it goes. I'm all about fun...so bring it on.

Thanks for the trail 411 and positive confidence in me!

50 milers are not on the agenda right now...I am not one to stop while racing and hitting the Olypmic trial time is still a motive...so I fear that breaking into the 50+ mile zone is a killer for any of the small amount of speed have!

Good luck to all and thanks again!

Cheers!

13 years ago 09/10/2010 10:48am EDT

re: Joyfeet

You sound like you have a solid plan going in, you should be fine. If the trails are technical and very hilly, that is the tough part if you're not used to it and/or prepared for it. Have fun, trails are a totally different beast than a road marathon. I never went back to marathons after.

Report back how it went. Good luck!

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