I think I've lost my mind for asking

1243 Views 10 Replies 8 Participants Last post by sleepyxc, Nov 5, 2007

coacht

Discussion Starter · Oct 9, 2007

but is there an ultra in the New England, New York, New Jersey area that might be a bit easier for an ultra newbie? I'll have run 4-5 marathons by next fall and I routinely put in 70-80 mile weeks, but have little experience with trail running. I'd consider a 50k and MAYBE a 50 miler (although I still think running THAT distance a little nuts) 
All suggestions are welcome. I'm located in North-Central CT and could drive 4-5 hours max.

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merigayle

· #2 · Oct 9, 2007

Fingerlake 50's has a great 50K and a 50M (and a 25K!!) it is in NY. I highly recommend it. It is usually end of June. 
There are a bunch of races in Northern Jersey and on Long Island as well, not very familiar with them though. Check out the Virginia Happy trails club;s site, they list a lot of ultras as well as trailrunning magazine. <a href="http://www.vhtrc.com" target="_blank">www.vhtrc.com</a>

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roots

· #3 · Oct 9, 2007

Do you prefer a trail, or road, ultra?

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coacht

Discussion Starter · #4 · Oct 9, 2007

I suppose I'm indifferent although all of my training would be on the roads, so only moderately technical terrain, at best. 
ETA - Although, the Metacomet trail runs about a mile from my home. Hmmm......

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merigayle

· #5 · Oct 9, 2007

as long as you get on trails once a week or every other week, you should be fine.

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Flounder

· #6 · Oct 12, 2007

I never run on trails and I was fine for a 50 miler - The recovery just sucks (Takes much longer) Its just a matter of understanding the physical shape you are in and developing a event plan that matches: Physical ability - Race Weather - Pacing strategy - nutrition strategy. 
Much more complicated than that, but if you have good marathon endurance / aerobic / muscle / conditioning - You should be able to do / enjoy 50k/50m if you get the other things right. 
Of course - Trail running will make the race a little easier along with a quicker recovery. And ... specific ultra training will also make it go a little better. But ... these 2 factors aren't absolutely required.

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DEturtle

· #7 · Oct 12, 2007

If you were willing to drive down to DE, I hear Team Slug puts on a good 50K in Jan. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink">

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Durt

· #8 · Oct 12, 2007

yeah, it's OK...if you don't mind the race director shooting over your head with buckshot and stuff like that

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roots

· #9 · Oct 12, 2007

Trev- sorry so long to get back to you. 
Not sure what season you're looking for, but there is a calendar on Ultrarunning magazine online. The new year season typically has FA (Fat-ass) events that are less a competition and an inexpensive way to do the distance. 
Of course, you can always do the double Boston and run to the start. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy"> 
With your volume, 50k will be no problem. Same for 50M, for that matter, if you can slow it down a little. Ultra-marathoning pace, on a good day, is basically easy long run pace. If you want to race, however, I suggest building up your long run on a surface similar to the race. 
Know that depending on the terrain, a good time for a 50k can vary widely. I have a "good" time at a 50k that is 5.5 hours. I also have a 4:50 on another course that is not a good performance as the former. Its not all about times. Weather can change the results by a wide margin. 
Compared to marathons, energy requirements are increased. That's for you to figure out what works for you. Generally, one needs 200-250 calories per hour to maintain adequate energy. 
Keep us posted on what you have planned.

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dironstarr

· #10 · Oct 22, 2007

I ran Pisgah (50k) as my first ultra this past Sept. Was alot of fun and definitely doable for first timers. My race report is in the forum. 
I live in Central CT (Vernon) and it was only a couple hours to the race (Chesterfield, NH). I actually drove up on race day and back home after the race. 
Not alot of info the website but you can get a course map and tentative date. I'll probably run it again next year. <a href="http://gotendurance.com/Race_Pages/Pisgah/Pisgah.htm" target="_blank">http://gotendurance.com/Race_Pages/Pisgah/Pisgah.htm</a>

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sleepyxc

· #11 · Nov 5, 2007

March 
caumsett park 50K - LI April 
Metro/Kurt Steiner - 50m/50K - Queens 
Sybil Ludington 50k - carmel, ny May LI Greenbelt 50K June 
Nipmuck Trail Marathon CT July Jay Challenge VT 50Kish 
Escarpment NY 30K 
Palisades Run NY 50K Sept Pisgah, NH - 50K 
VT 50 Oct Ramapo Mt Madness (heard everyone got lost there this yr) - 50K NJ Nov Knickerbocker 60K - NY 
Stone Cat MA - 50M

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