Looking for info on ultras

907 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Xena, Sep 25, 2007

Xena

Discussion Starter · Sep 25, 2007

So I have been running 6 years...I run about 50-60 miles a week...I have about a dozen or 15 HM's and 3 full M's under my belt. I am currently training for my 4th M. I am not fast...4:40 although I did talk on the phone and text mess during that race...I am currently training for a 4:15 and keeping the training paces. I will leave the phone at home <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy"> 
At the end of the race..i still have alot left in me and I know that I can do more. I will never be a speedster but I definately have a huge amount of endurance and stamina as well as a head of steal. 
I guess I want info on ultras. I'd like to look into a 50 miler...thinking about doing 50 miles does scare me..I know I can do it...I just want to do it smart and not get injured. I have almost 13 000 miles of running total since I started..to give you an idea of the base thta I have. 
When I train for a M..I do 2-3 18 milers, 2 20 milers and a 23 miler before the M..I recover fast and feel no discomfort when I run these distances nor the day after the LSD. 
I am looking for input on what type of LSD's do you guys do to prepare? How many above 23 milers..and how high do you go? Any input at this stage would be appreciated. 
Thanks <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy">

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Tim

· #2 · Sep 25, 2007

For the 50k the longest run was 26.2 
For the 50m the longest run was a 50k 
For the 100m the longest run was a 50m (although a 100k would work as well or better) 
Welcome to the ultra world. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

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merigayle

· #3 · Sep 25, 2007

Runners World has a good 50 mile training plan!

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Tim

· #4 · Sep 25, 2007

Princess, 
Listen to merigayle. She is a goddess. An ultra-goddess. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

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Hippo

· #5 · Sep 25, 2007

Make sure you know how to eat. 
Most 50s are on trails. It takes a long time to get to be decent at trails. If you're not, choose one with a "runnable" trail - that is, fire roads or smooth trail, not super twisty/turny/rooty/rocky. 
Be comfortable walking and running at virtually any speed. Make sure you have a comfortable walk speed that is FASTER than your slowest comfortable running speed. Practice transitions running to walking. 
Start doing time-on-your-feet days that are very easy effort, mostly walking. 
Volunteer at an ultra aid station. 
Start to obsess about your electrolyte, hydration needs. Again, get comfortable eating, a lot. Something I've done is to do a semi-long run (like 15 or something) and fast the day before. Start the run starving, and take my first bite as I start to run - eat the whole way. 
Start collecting ways to carry water/drink. You'll need more than one kind. Be comfortable running with a full hydration pack (for training runs) but also get comfortable with handhelds and/or belt-bottle carriers. 
Being a little slower may be an advantage. I'd suspect that the only thing between you and a 50K THIS WEEK is figuring out the right pace. Not worrying about if you're the fastest person is a huge advantage. 
Get good at running hills that take at least 20 minutes to ascend. Practice powerwalking them as well as super slow running. Also practice running down long hills, preferably on trails. 
Start strengthening your quads. 
Wear sunscreen <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"> 
Actually, many of us have never done a specific ultra training plan. My first was was 14 months ago, and I've run 14 plus 2 trail marathons. Time on feet, time on trails, eating, pacing are the key bullets from everything above. 
Remember also that many trail races fill up the same day registration opens. You might want to find a "fatass" - low key local race as they often do not. 
Running a marathon each weekend is also a good way to prepare, and much more fun than most training plans. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

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Durt

· #6 · Sep 25, 2007

and check out these two sites: <a href="http://www.ultrunr.com/" target="_blank">http://www.ultrunr.com/</a> 
and <a href="http://www.run100s.com/" target="_blank">http://www.run100s.com/</a>

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Xena

Discussion Starter · #7 · Sep 25, 2007

OMG Thanks so much allready. I am an avid hiker and run/hike while my family walks the trails in the adirondacks...so that should help...OK I am going to start researching. 
Thank you all and any more tidbits you have are greatly appreciated <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy">

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