[Doctor Wu]

Would this be a good first ultra? After 22 marathons maybe it's time to try something new. Plus I should be in great shape since I'm doing four marathons this spring (Bataan, Boston, VCM and Lake Placid). I'm going to have four days off around the 4th of July and was thinking about the 50k. Have any of y'all run it before?<br><br><a href="http://www.fingerlakesrunners.org/races/forms/Fifties.html" target="_blank">http://www.fingerlakesrunners.org/ra...s/Fifties.html</a>

 

[merigayle]

I've run it a couple times and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the race. Couldn't pick a better race! Between the course, the people, and after-party, it is a must do!

 

[sistergoldenhair]

I did my first 50K four weeks after running a marathon, with something like one 2 1/2 hour and two 90 minute long runs in between. I'm sure I could finish in less time with better training, but I finished feeling good and had a great time.<br><br>
It's a lot of fun and I can't wait to try another one.

 

[cowanesque]

That is a good event. Not much major elevation change. It is out in the open and is easy to get dehydrated if you're not careful. Well organized, adequate aid. Cheap, camping on site the night before. It's close to me, an hour or so. I will be there to do the 50k.

 

[dg1]

Excellent choice Wu! I ran it last year and had a blast. Quite a few kickrunners and coolrunners were in attendance.<br><br>
Well run race, great eats after, scenic, cow pies, what more could you want!

 

[altoids]

I did the 25K of this event last year, and I LOVED it.<br><br>
Well-marked course, wonderful course support, friendly volunteers, good food afterward. Overall, a great vibe to the event, very friendly and supportive.<br><br>
I won't be there this year due to a scheduling conflict, but I definitely want to go back for the 50K in the future.

 

[RunLongVT]

Yes! This was my first ultra, and I went back again last year to run it again. Only $4.50 gas will keep me away this year. The course is wonderful, Ithaca is Gorgeous, and the post-race party is the best around. Pay for the t-shirt. It's worth it.

 

[rundangerously]

go for it doctor wu!<br><br>
only downside - you might run into a bunch of kickrunners like us loitering around out there on the trail <img alt="laughing6.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/laughing6.gif">

 

[divaleh]

I plan on "loitering" there this summer....

 

[RunLongVT]

Dr. Wu, with four marathons this spring, the last of which is three weeks before the Fingerlakes 50's (perfect!) you are going to be VERY VERY well-prepared to go the 50k distance. 50k, as I'm sure you've heard, is very similar to the marathon distance, at which you are clearly comfortable. Frankly, the switch to trails will be a much bigger transition than the distance itself with four under your belt already in the year.<br><br>
Go for it! You'll be glad you did.<br><br>
P.S. Spaghetti at Joe's Restaurant down in Ithaca the night before. You'll be glad you did that, too.

 

[mrsmith]

OK, first thing you are all nuts... Maybe, that is why I want to play. I am also looking to run my first ultra (50 miler) this summer around the same time frame. I am running Boston and the Couer d'Alene Marathon in late May. Finger Lakes looks compelling, but way out of my way. What other 50 milers do you experts recommend around the same time frame? I do the majority of my training in South Texas, so hill training not my forte (although the 30 mph winds seem to help) but I am not afraid of the heat. I do spend 3 weeks every quarter out in SoCal running up and down the trails out there so I am not adverse to hills but I am sure I would get crushed on a VT50 or similar run as my first ultra. Any other suggestions?