[granolamama]

<p>I trained for and ran a trail marathon in last summer and loved the experience. It was definitely difficult but I enjoyed the training, and the scenery even more. My goal was to run a road marathon this spring since I wanted to build up some speed that I lost on the trails but then a 50 miler opened up, in my hometown on May 12th! I have always wanted to do ultras but was thinking maybe next year. however, I am really tempted to dive into this one. My current base is 40 mpw with a 15 mile long run but I am still hesitant. I am reasonably sure I can handle the training, my issue is that the ultra here that I am intersested in a HUGE elevation gain of 11,000 ft. (it is two loops so you come down that elevation too.) How does this compare to the elevation gain of other 50 milers? My marathon had an elevation gain of 3300 ft and that was pretty tough. I know the terrain and can even train on the course but all that elevation makes me a little leary and I am not sure I am ready for it....decisions decisions! Any thoughts from more experienced people here?</p>

 

[merigayle]

<p>that is a good bit of elevation for your first 50M, but doable. You have a good base and i would just really look at extending those long runs, doing some back to back long runs, and get some training on the course. Some races will hold training runs on the course prior to the race as well, so that would be something to look into. I would also suggest a 50K prior to your 50M race. \</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Welcome to our board.</p>

 

[granolamama]

<p>Thanks for the feedback. I emailed the RD to ask him his honest opinion for my situation. I am thinking I might want to save this one for 2013 and do the Bear Chase 50 miler in September which has much more modest elevation gain. The only problem is that it is 4 repetitive loops (blech), but maybe better for a first timer. In the meantime, I am hoping to get into the Greenland 50K May 5th if Quad Rock doesn't work out.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So, any good training plans out on the internet (or any I should positively avoid?)<span><img alt="biggrin.gif" id="user_yui_3_4_1_7_1325511900949_151" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="width:16px;height:16px;"></span></p>

 

[sk8dog]

<p>Dont wait, go for it, your milage is fine just add a little longer long runs, like Merigayle said.  Also, remember it is ok to walk, a lot of road marathoners think its a sin to walk.  Just walk all those uphills and you will be fine.  Just bump up your milage and you will do great.  Besides what is the worst that will happen, you learn a bunch, get a long training run in and go home early </p>
<p> </p>

 

[ChrisG]

<p>Granola Mama,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Quad Rock should be a great course and the RDs are top notch guys*. Unless you eat Towers Road for breakfast, you will have no choice but hike some of the climbs. Which is totally cool. Save your legs for the descents and flats. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Starting the second loop will be tough given the planned after race party </p>
<p> </p>
<p>ChrisG</p>
<p> </p>
<p>* I'll either be running the single loop or volunteering. I should make up my mind soon.</p>
<p> </p>

 

[granolamama]

<p>Thanks for all of the feedback. The RDs do seem super nice, they answered my email right away and answered a lot of my questions. I think I might go for it. Have tgo discuss with DH first to see if he is ok with it as it will be a good chunk of time for training (though not un-doable). I COULD in theory, run all the way up Two Towers (I have slogged up it before when training for Blue Sky) but I agree walking the climbs will definitely be necessary. That is going to be my big adjustment to training for ultras is the walking. Even though my running speed is slow to begin with I hate to walk, but I see how it is necessary. I probably should have walked more during Blue Sky rather than getting so trashed on the climbs. Any ideas for training plans?</p>

 

[merigayle]

<p>yes there is a lot of walking in ultrarunning, especially the harder courses. i always practiced with treadmill walks on the incline at 4mph to practice fast walking. stair stepping and hill repeats are good for this too. i would find the biggest hill and power hike up and then run hard down and repeat. Runners world, ages ago, had a great 50 mile training program on their site if you can find it.</p>

 

[zhainerobenson]

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