Let's talk ultrarunning...

My experience in 100 milers is that you have to start out at a pace that feels embarrassingly easy. I've won a 100-miler and I feel that the first quarter has to be done very easy. That's my experience. A 50-miler is different because you can start out much harder if you are trained properly.

I'm not sure about negative splitting, however. I positive split a 50-miler by about 15 minutes, and I was really happy with that. Unfortunately, in my 100-mile victory, I positive split by about 2 hours. But, I think that's pretty good compared to the field average. Just my two cents.

I'm guessing you just have to do one to find out for sure. Not trying to be a wise-ass; it's just that has been my experience with every race distance I have run. However, I imagine you should err on the side of caution.

So, row row rowbury you boat, go for it! You have nothing to lose but 20 bucks or so and 2-3 days. You have a potentially rewarding experience to gain. May The Force be with you.

Most ultras are in the mountains so having a negative or positive split depends on the terrain. It might be an easier course the second half.

50 milers should be run pretty hard and treated a bit like a marathon. If you are a solid runner than you should be able to run the whole course without any walk breaks.

100 are tough because you are out there so damn long. I lose patience a lot because I like to run fast and get bored. I think they are harder mentally than physically.

You want to start out somewhat slower but remember it is a race and you have a bib on.

in my experience with several 50 milers, one 70, but zero 100s, i have had the greatest success (including a women's course record on a four-loop course at age 48) by going out at a conversational pace, as though you're doing a long (long!) easy run. keep that effort level for about 3/4 of the total distance, then turn on your engine and try to stay revved up through the finish. on that four-looper, i ran precisely even splits with this strategy.

if your easy pace is faster than that of the competition, you'll be well positioned; if it's not and you insist on being near the front by pushing early, you're likely to be in a world of hurt several hours later.

other tips: (1) from the start, power-hike hills that you anticipate you would have to were you to encounter them late in the race; (2) don't waste time at aid stations, which is deceptively easy to do; (3) choose a course that you'll enjoy -- as others have said, you'll be out there a long time and want to be able to stay mentally positive; (4) chat with the people around you -- not only will this keep you from working too hard too early, but this social aspect is also one of the great things about the ultra community (and doesn't mean you won't let your competitive juices flow later in the race); (5) if there's an out-and-back section, cheer on those approaching you -- this offers something to focus on if things are tough and also enriches the experience of everyone in the event; (6) don't forget to thank the volunteers, who are only there to serve you and some of whom will be out there longer than you will, perhaps getting chilled, wet, bug-bit, etc.

Awesome advice!!

Agree with others before, you have to just do it. You can spend hours and hours pouring over different sources on how to do it, but it all boils down to two things. Starting slow enough and taking in more calories than you're used to.

Just start at what would be a normal long run pace. Depending on terrain two 50 milers can be totally different races. Walk the steep uphills. Don't sprint the downhills to make up time, this is what kills ultrarunner's quads later in the race and reduces you to walking only.

Take your time at the aid stations to be sure you get enough fluids and calories until the next one. If there are limited stations make sure you have a system to carry enough.

That's about it. Prepare for bad patches because you'll have them. When they come remind yourself it's normal and just keep moving forward as best you can. Next thing you know you'll be running strong again. Unless you're injured don't ever quit. Far too many have quit at an aid station due to an emotional bad patch, turned in their number, then felt 100% better 10 minutes later and regretted their decision. If you come to an aid station feeling like you have to quit, eat and drink first, then stand around for a while before you turn in the number.

Good luck!

I have a pretty good running career in the track distances right now, but later in life, I plan on trying a few ultras because I really like the concept of pure endurance and the time alone you have to just conquer yourself and outlast everyone else in the race. To me, this is one of the most pure elements of distance running, and I am excited to try it. I think basically the thing is to be ready to endure mental and physical pain and race smart. It's overcoming your mental barriers because it's not like a 1600 where you have to make quick decisions on the spot. You have a lot of time to think and decide how you want to deal with it, so that makes the competition aspect much more rigorous and really tests your ability to stick with the pace and the people around you, whereas a surprise move in a fast race may doom you if you're not quick enough, but in a race like this you would have all the time you need to make your decision, so more than anything it is a test of your ability to make decisions and follow through as opposed to acting quick. Instead of battling with your inability to press your top end speed, it tests your ability to deal with the constant pain you feel in your body and how long you can push it aside until you have reached the finish. It is not really masochistic as some shorter distance runners like to think of it as, but more of a way of dealing with inevitable pain and decreasing it as much as possible in order to reach your goal.

Well said. I've done several 100s and I've learned that the urge to quit is very strong. You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. The second half of a 100 puts you in crisis management...you put out little fires as they ignite. As long as you keep "managing" your little fires properly, you can finish.

[quote]someone else wrote:

I have a pretty good running career in the track distances right now, but later in life, I plan on trying a few ultras because I really like the concept of pure endurance and the time alone you have to just conquer yourself and outlast everyone else in the race.[quote]

Everyone is amazing in their responses...thank you, guys and gals. The above quote is pretty much my current situation. I run road 5k's most frequently, but still manage some quality 15's and 5's on the track in the spring, and I know I will do an ultra, just plotting when. My next question is as obvious as any: What's best to eat?

I read somewhere that Jurek actually takes tortillas with beans on some of his runs to refuel, and obviously science has given us the benefit of gels. I've also seen a few "blogs" where people eat things as simple as pizza. Is this another "comfort" answer that I should discover on my own, or are there good and bad? Also, and this might be stupid, but I assume I want to refuel with carbs, correct?

[quote]someone else wrote:

I have a pretty good running career in the track distances right now, but later in life, I plan on trying a few ultras because I really like the concept of pure endurance and the time alone you have to just conquer yourself and outlast everyone else in the race.[quote]

Everyone is amazing in their responses...thank you, guys and gals. The above quote is pretty much my current situation. I run road 5k's most frequently, but still manage some quality 15's and 5's on the track in the spring, and I know I will do an ultra, just plotting when. My next question is as obvious as any: What's best to eat?

I read somewhere that Jurek actually takes tortillas with beans on some of his runs to refuel, and obviously science has given us the benefit of gels. I've also seen a few "blogs" where people eat things as simple as pizza. Is this another "comfort" answer that I should discover on my own, or are there good and bad? Also, and this might be stupid, but I assume I want to refuel with carbs, correct?

Everyone is different in this aspect. Just take in whatever your stomoch can handle. 300 calories an hour and when you get to an aid station grab a handful of what you are craving and get the hell out of there.

I usually use gels for as long as possible and drink only plain water in 100s because I tend to get sugared out quickly.

Same here. I quite the gatorade a few years back and now go with straight water. This has helped me immensely.

Another thing to consider on the back half of a 100 is that it gets dark towards the end. On many trail 100's it gets real dark. You are going to slow down even if you are feeling good. The small stones and roots become logs to step over. Trying to think about a negative or even pace just doesn't happen. Think about running comfortably and getting as much done before the light goes down, then have a good light to use for the rest of the trip.