[Tazzmania]

Hello all .... I normally post in the Finish line section of the forum .... but was told that this would be a more appropriate area to ask questions regarding a 50k ....<br><br>
Here goes ....<br><br>
First of all I have read most of the post and reports from this section so I have an idea what to expect .... a few individuals have pm'd me with suggestion training programs such as <a href="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/member.php?u=404" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800080;"><b>merigayle 's</b></span></a><br><br>
50k program ...... I have previously completed 3 marathons (PR of 3:28 and 6 Half's (Pr of 1:37) ... I have also completed one Half marathon with an elevation change of 3800 feet.<br><br>
However ... the race that I am training for is all trail ... 10+ mile loop .... 1800 feet elevation change per lap ....rough terrain (see link below for pictures)<br><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/sets/72157604130854247/show/" target="_blank">http://www.flickr.com/photos/8265944...30854247/show/</a><br><br><br>
My questions are basic .... but I want to ensure that I get off to a good start as the training will begin on or about the 29th of March<br><br>
1. Shoes : I wear a 9.0 4 E New Balance 768 road shoe ..... any recommendations on a solid trail shoe (that comes in a extra wide <img alt="confused.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/confused.gif">??<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
2. Fuel Belts: I currently run with a 20 ounce water bottle on the left hand .... however i know that hydration and fuel will be more important for this race ... any suggestions<br><br>
3. Trail running: How much of my training should be on trails? .... I have at least 4 shorter races before the 30th of August that are on trails is that enough or should i get a trail run in each week?<br><br>
Thanks for your help in advance .... I know the 50k is just a bit longer than the marathon ... but I want to have a good solid effort and see if i have the ability to break past the traditional distances.<br><br>
Mike

 

[pithydoug]

Shoes - you have to find what works for you. Some of us run fine in road shoes on trails but the pictures look like trail shoe might be better especially if it's a wet day.<br>
Fuel - Is your question content or volume? In either case, see what the race offers and then see what you need to haul. If the serve peanut butter Gatorade and ham sandwiches and your are a Jewish orthodox vegan and allergic to peanuts, you may need to adjust.<br>
Surface - try to do as much training on trails as you can especially your long runs. The other notion(s) try to find a trail that is has the same terrain and elevation(or more) as the race. Hint - if it's a wet day do NOT step on the roots they are like ice.<br>
Salt - if it's a hot day you may want to do some homework on your salt needs and try it in training.

 

[merigayle]

Hi Tazzmania!!<br><br>
You will be in fine shape for your race starting training early! Depending on the distance of the aid stations, one hand held may be enough. Can you get to the race course prior to the race? Having a training run there will help you prepare for race day with the terrain, as well as the climbs, descents, etc. The more trail running you do, the better your body will feel on the trails. Many people, when starting out trail running, can find it painful, hard, slow, and often twist their ankles. The more you train on trails, the more you will build up the small stabilizing muscles in the ankle and legs and the more you run trails, the more nimble you will become.<br>
Also, practice eating real food while doing your long runs. Please feel free to post any questions here as your training progresses.

 

[Tazzmania]

First of all thanks for the quick responses!!!!<br><br>
I think I will take a look for trail shoes this weekend ... unfortunately I have a wide foot so it makes it hard to find a shoe (except for a few brands)<br><br>
As for running on the trail ... there is a race using that trail (7 miles of it) on the 12th of April ... also the Hawaii Ultra Running Team (H.U.R.T) has trail training sessions on the local trails each weekend .... After I run on the 12th ... I will try and get out to some of there sessions to build confidence on that terrain.<br><br><br>
Again .... thanks for the help ... and I look forward to posting in this thread !!!<br><br>
Mike