[Nettie]

Hi there! I am thinking about doing the Huff 50K on 12/29/07, but I don't run trails. I was wondering if anyone has ever run it and if you think it would be too difficult of a first 50K for someone that doesn't run trails.<br><br>
Should I give more info? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

 

[roots]

Orange Shorts has done this 50k and I hope he chimes in. I did the relay a few years ago.<br><br>
Short answer: This is an ideal 50km for a first-timer, or road runner.<br><br>
Three loops of easy, flatish trail that circumnavigates a lake. Typically cold. The x-factor is the snow. Any accumulation makes the course slower. No matter the weather, the course is packed down or muddied up by the third loop. Well supported with several aid stations per loop, or make your own aid station as you pass your car once per loop. Great choices of post-race soup.<br><br>
I think this was looney's first ultra. Look where that got him. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy">

 

[Nettie]

Thanks for the input roots! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

 

[Tim]

I'd rather see you at the Fat Ass but I love the HUFF. I can't describe it any better than roots just did. Mitch Harper (I assume he is still the RD) is a great guy who actually ran the first Fat Ass here in Hell. We will be running the 13th Fat Ass this year. I wonder if this is where Mitch got the idea for the HUFF?<br><br>
The medals are really nice and yes it was my first ultra. You can do it Nettie. The soup afterwards is great.

 

[Nettie]

Thanks OS! My parents think I am insane for thinking about running 30+ miles at the end of December in IN and my butt seems to still be unhappy since the marathon, so I might not be able to do it after all (this year). <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/sad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Sad">

 

[Tim]

Come down and run DwD in Gnaw Bone in May. I'll be down there marking the course and hanging out at the finish line.

 

[Nettie]

If I don't do Eugene the previous week, then sure! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

 

[mykemp1971]

<b>Go Nettie!</b> I know you can do it!

 

[Nettie]

Ok, I have made a training schedule. This should be an interesting experiment. Ay.

 

[Nettie]

Hi there, me again. Now that I have signed up, I was wondering if I oughta bring my own hydration or would I be ok without? And, do I need trail shoes or should I be ok in my regular running shoes?<br><br>
I'm freaking out. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/sad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Sad">

 

[Hippo]

I don't know about HUFF specifically, but for most FatAsses I overpack in terms of what I take to the starting line. Many have limited support and so it can be smart to take most of your food/water with you.<br><br>
I'm also always prepared for the weather conditions to add a couple of hours to the time. Again with the overpacking (or at least leaving myself options.) Mud/slush/snow/ice can all happen - sometimes all on the same day. But that's the fun after all.<br><br>
A lot of Fatasses also have a tradition of a potluck at the finish where everyone brings finish line food to share. Sadly, if you're DFL or nearly so, the crowd may be dispersing by the time you get in. If HUFF is like this, you might want to find out if others will be bringing campstoves or if there will be a fire. I can tell you that on a cold day, hot soup or stew to share will make you a whole lot of friends for life. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

 

[Nettie]

HUFF doesn't have a great deal of information on it's site which is why I am so very confused. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/sad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Sad"><br><br>
Ok, so will I be okay with just Clif Bloks for a 50K. It's not terribly farther than a marathon...or should I bring some solid stuff, too? I've never had to carry much, any recommendations on gear?<br><br>
HUFF has a lot of soup at the end and I looked at the times from last year and I don't believe I will be DFL. If there is no snow, I think I can do it in 6:30, but what do I know? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

 

[Nettie]

Ok, further investigation has led me to the fact that the stops are 3.5-4 miles apart and I will pass by my car 3 times, so I can stash stuff there. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"><br><br>
I have one of those runner's fanny packs that I got a zillion years ago that I can use and I guess I will go ahead and get another strap on. I just saw a thermal one made for the delicate hands of us women. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

 

[Hippo]

Be a little cautious about your times, Nettie! I'll apologize and say I stalked you and looked at your Maniac page for marathon times. A lot of my road marathons are 3:30 to 3:45 and my 50K times are typically 5:40 to 6:10. Admittedly, I'm someone who is unnaturally slow at 50Ks but I've learned to dial my expectations back. I'll also say that if the conditions are crummy that day you should definitely go! When it's really ugly out, the cameraderie is extra-super-better - you're likely to make some lifelong friends.

 

[Nettie]

Eeeep! I could be out there for 8 hours! Actually, 8 hours wouldn't be terribly bad. I will tell you that my marathon times have improved from my maniac page though. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"> Yet, even still I know that I suck in the snow and I know if it snows, I could be out there forever.

 

[sistergoldenhair]

Good luck with your training, Nettie! As long as I am feeling good I have my sights set on a first 50K Jan. 5, so I will be keeping track of your preparation and how it goes for you with a lot of interest.

 

[Frankie71]

You can do it <b>Nettie!</b>

 

[Tim]

HUFF is not a FatAss - the aid stations are fairly well stocked. At least one of them had soup or chili. I can't remember if I carried my own hydration but I would for sure if I were to run it again. As you mention you will be running past your car each loop.<br><br>
I think I ran it in 6:something and I had run a road marathon in 3:50 or a few months prior. I also did not run a whole lot between and did end up at the start line undertrained.<br><br>
There will be soup afterwards even if you are DFL. I really liked the race. The RD is super nice and the volunteers are great.

 

[merigayle]

i would carry a handheld bottle with you. 4 miles can be over an hour between aid stations in races. You will be on your feet longer, so you want to consume more liquids and calories than at your average marathon. Best of luck to you, you will have a great time!

 

[Nettie]

Sweet! I'm going to blog obsessively about it because I can freak out there with abandon. You can go straight to the related stuff by going <a href="http://nettiethevainglorious.blogspot.com/search/label/50K" target="_blank">here</a>.