50k realistic expectations

[campermom]

There’s one coming up at the end of March, so 2 months out let’s say.

I’m averaging only 15/week with long runs at 10, 13, and 15 (all trail) the last 3 weeks. So...not great for a base.

I have done one 50k over a year ago and my training was spot on (it was 2 months after my first marathon). I also had an option to back down to 25k and although it truly was an up to the minute decision, But I did that second loop. It took me almost 9 hours but I stopped to walk with an injured friend for a while and I got stuck in the dark for the last 2 miles.

Is it a realistic goal to do one in 2 months?

Ive been struggling with getting up in the mornings to run bc I have to get up at 4:30 and I’m just struggling with that. I reconfigured my schedule so now I can do two treadmill runs in the evenings while my son has practice. I can do long runs most weekends. So I’m thinking 3 days a week, maybe 4. I’d focus on hip and glute strength the other two days because I need to prevent IT issues.

I don’t care about time, this cutoff is very generous. I’m just worried about not having a good base. I could sign up much closer too, so that way I could train but not have to cancel due to injury or overuse. This one unlike the one before does not have an option to back down any less than 50k so if I don’t finish its a true DNF.

What are your thoughts on this?

[reginaphalange72]

My opinion may go against the norm, but if it's something you really want to do, what's the harm in going for it? If you get on the course that day and aren't feeling up to it, you DNF. A DNF isn't going to hurt anything other than your pride, and you may end up having fun and enjoying the day. You have a solid base already. It's a short timeframe for increasing mileage, but as long as you don't go overboard trying to cram in a ton of mileage and ending up with an overuse injury, and you keep your expectations for race day to something simple like finish and have fun, I don't see the harm in trying. The biggest thing would just be being aware of how your body is feeling, and being honest with yourself if you are having any pain/issues that would result in a problem if you did try to continue (not impossible, but relatively unlikely as long as you take your time and don't push crazy hard).

Disclaimer - I have a history of toeing the start line without as much training as is desired/expected. And you know what? It's been fine. I have a lot of DNFs on my record, but that was the only downside to trying.

[gt7301b]

I'd say no, 8 weeks doesn't seem like a lot of training to me for a 50k.  I'd really want to focus on your mid week training, I prefer to have at least half of my weekly mileage during the week.  I am basing this off of marathon training, but I figure the same rules about increasing mileage, etc apply.

[reginaphalange72]

gt7301b - same general rules do apply. The biggest difference is that with ultras there's a lot more hiking and it's a much slower pace (especially if it's a trail ultra), so while it's longer, it's not as intense of a pounding on your body, and can be more forgiving in some ways.

[Wines Not Whines]

Are you already up to a 15 mile long run? Am I reading that correctly? If so, then I think you can do it. Just try to run more during the week. For some perspective, I’m running with a group that’s aiming for an early March 50k, and their long runs have only gotten up to 16 miles so far.

[campermom]

Jan 24, 2020 12:35:56 GMT -5 reginaphalange72 said:

gt7301b - same general rules do apply. The biggest difference is that with ultras there's a lot more hiking and it's a much slower pace (especially if it's a trail ultra), so while it's longer, it's not as intense of a pounding on your body, and can be more forgiving in some ways.

I agree with all of this. There’s definitely hiking and walking involved. For a LOT lol. Yes, this is a trail ultra. .

[campermom]

Jan 24, 2020 12:44:53 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

Are you already up to a 15 mile long run? Am I reading that correctly? If so, then I think you can do it. Just try to run more during the week. For some perspective, I’m running with a group that’s aiming for an early March 50k, and their long runs have only gotten up to 16 miles so far.

This is very good to hear! And yes all my recent long runs have been trail including the 15 miler.

[reginaphalange72]

Jan 24, 2020 13:28:01 GMT -5 campermom said:

Jan 24, 2020 12:44:53 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

Are you already up to a 15 mile long run? Am I reading that correctly? If so, then I think you can do it. Just try to run more during the week. For some perspective, I’m running with a group that’s aiming for an early March 50k, and their long runs have only gotten up to 16 miles so far.

This is very good to hear! And yes all my recent long runs have been trail including the 15 miler.

Yeah, I think you would be fine as long as you keep your expectations realistic. Go for it, be smart, and have fun and see what happens!

[Wines Not Whines]

As some extra information, my group’s recommended long runs look like this:

16 miles (last week)
12 miles (tomorrow) - this is a lower mileage week
18 miles
20 miles
16 miles
22 miles
10 miles
50k

The race is on March 7.

[campermom]

Jan 24, 2020 16:52:02 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

As some extra information, my group’s recommended long runs look like this:

16 miles (last week)
12 miles (tomorrow) - this is a lower mileage week
18 miles
20 miles
16 miles
22 miles
10 miles
50k

The race is on March 7.

Yes! Oh my gosh thank you so much!!

[wawa]

I'm following along on this topic closely since campermom is a bad influence so I'm signed up for a 50k for Jan 2021...

Those long run distances are comforting...

[reginaphalange72]

Jan 25, 2020 12:18:20 GMT -5 wawa said:

I'm following along on this topic closely since campermom is a bad influence so I'm signed up for a 50k for Jan 2021...

Those long run distances are comforting...

Exciting!!! Which one??

[Wines Not Whines]

Jan 25, 2020 12:18:20 GMT -5 wawa said:

I'm following along on this topic closely since campermom is a bad influence so I'm signed up for a 50k for Jan 2021...

Those long run distances are comforting...

The training for a 50k is very similar to a marathon.

[wawa]

Jan 25, 2020 13:36:39 GMT -5 reginaphalange72 said:

Jan 25, 2020 12:18:20 GMT -5 wawa said:

I'm following along on this topic closely since campermom is a bad influence so I'm signed up for a 50k for Jan 2021...

Those long run distances are comforting...

Exciting!!! Which one??

Phunt here in Maryland. She told me it sells out by the end of the month so I signed up before I could think about it too hard. 😂

[campermom]

Jan 25, 2020 14:20:26 GMT -5 wawa said:

Jan 25, 2020 13:36:39 GMT -5 reginaphalange72 said:

Exciting!!! Which one??

Phunt here in Maryland. She told me it sells out by the end of the month so I signed up before I could think about it too hard. 😂

Famous for their Phunt Phries and other phood.

This year, they added a buckle to the swag, even for 25k finishers. This was ehhh controversial. Hence, it was dubbed the Phuckle.

[mrshandy]

Jan 25, 2020 14:20:26 GMT -5 wawa said:

Jan 25, 2020 13:36:39 GMT -5 reginaphalange72 said:

Exciting!!! Which one??

Phunt here in Maryland. She told me it sells out by the end of the month so I signed up before I could think about it too hard. 😂

OMG me too! Although I'm on the waitlist, but I guess there's a good shot I will get off it. 

I signed up the other day. I had a lot of MRTT friends do this this year and it seemed really fun and tough. 

[labbie]

campermom ,I'm late to this post but I say go for it, caveat being the fact that you really do stick to your expectations and no issue with time. Last summer I did a 50K (during a 12 hour timed race) and literally hiked all of it except for a few miles towards the end. It was trail but non-technical. I was healing from bad PF in the months prior and honestly was going to DNS but it was a looped race with friends so I went for it. I can't tell you the mental hurdle it got me over to just.plain.finish.From your post it sounds you'd be the same way, plus you'll be running way more than I did, so go for it and report back!

[campermom]

Jan 27, 2020 9:53:15 GMT -5 mrshandy said:

Jan 25, 2020 14:20:26 GMT -5 wawa said:

Phunt here in Maryland. She told me it sells out by the end of the month so I signed up before I could think about it too hard. 😂

OMG me too! Although I'm on the waitlist, but I guess there's a good shot I will get off it. 

I signed up the other day. I had a lot of MRTT friends do this this year and it seemed really fun and tough. 

My friends were on the the waitlist in the 70s and 80s numbers and made it in last year. If you are in it by now I’m sure you’ll get in!

[campermom]

I think my plan is to train like I’m doing it (except no long run this weekend-I skied instead oops!) but not tell any of my friends about it so that I don’t have any questions or pressure. Then just sign up. It’s on my calendar. It’s coming up in March!

[Wines Not Whines]

I can’t believe there’s a 50k that sells out a year in advance!

[hurricanedrunk]

I think that's a great plan campermom,it gives you time to train but also allows you to listen to yourself/body if it's not doable.

Secondly I didn't realize that training for a 50k the longest training run is 22 miles.

Now I am going to see myself out of this thread before I end up signed up for a 50K

[wawa]

Jan 28, 2020 11:24:54 GMT -5 hurricanedrunk said:

I think that's a great plan campermom,it gives you time to train but also allows you to listen to yourself/body if it's not doable.

Secondly I didn't realize that training for a 50k the longest training run is 22 miles.

Now I am going to see myself out of this thread before I end up signed up for a 50K

Doooooo it!!!

[Wines Not Whines]

Jan 28, 2020 11:24:54 GMT -5 hurricanedrunk said:

I think that's a great plan campermom,it gives you time to train but also allows you to listen to yourself/body if it's not doable.

Secondly I didn't realize that training for a 50k the longest training run is 22 miles.

Now I am going to see myself out of this thread before I end up signed up for a 50K

Some people do 24 miles, but I’ve been told it’s not necessary. My 22-mile training runs on trails take longer than my road marathons, so I’m happy to stop at 22!

[campermom]

Jan 28, 2020 11:24:54 GMT -5 hurricanedrunk said:

I think that's a great plan campermom,it gives you time to train but also allows you to listen to yourself/body if it's not doable.

Secondly I didn't realize that training for a 50k the longest training run is 22 miles.

Now I am going to see myself out of this thread before I end up signed up for a 50K

I know you’re coming back to check each new post

But everyone, there is the 25k option at PHUNT. It’s very flexible as long as you check in with the timer if you signed up for 50 and only have 25 in you.


Also my longest trail run before the 50k was 20 miles. I had done a road marathon but that was two months prior.

[wawa]

Jan 28, 2020 18:52:39 GMT -5 campermom said:

Jan 28, 2020 11:24:54 GMT -5 hurricanedrunk said:

I think that's a great plan campermom,it gives you time to train but also allows you to listen to yourself/body if it's not doable.

Secondly I didn't realize that training for a 50k the longest training run is 22 miles.

Now I am going to see myself out of this thread before I end up signed up for a 50K

I know you’re coming back to check each new post

But everyone, there is the 25k option at PHUNT. It’s very flexible as long as you check in with the timer if you signed up for 50 and only have 25 in you.

This is how she gets you...

[Wines Not Whines]

But is the 25k also sold out? Where is this race anyway?

[wawa]

Jan 28, 2020 19:05:59 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

But is the 25k also sold out? Where is this race anyway?

Maryland up near the DE border.
And yes. But you should get on the wait list.