Discussion
S100HP said:
Does anyone here partake? Most I've ever run is a trail half, but I'm giving thought to entering a 50k next month. How much pain am I likely to endure?
My advice is very limited but I took part in a 57k walk at the weekend so I thought I'd give you some feedback from that. Years ago I used to take part in triathlons at a fairly serious level including Ironman so I think I've got a bit of experience of doing difficult stuff.Anyway, at the weekend I did the South Coast Challenge as a walk. I'm 57 years old now and cant run because of my creaky knees but wanted to do something to raise some money. The issue for me was the hills. And it wasn't just me, because I spoke to loads of people along the way and that was the main topic of conversation. So if I can give you one piece of advice it's to forget the distance and look at the course. If you are trying a new distance, make sure the course isn't too tough. Good luck though.
Not much recently for various reasons but I've done a fair few (60+) marathon distance or longer events, plus a lot of training runs at 30+ miles.
Longest 101 miles.
How much pain depends on your current level and experience I'd say... and how fast you want to go if stepping up a lot. Nutrition becomes more important when on your feet for extended periods.
Longest 101 miles.
How much pain depends on your current level and experience I'd say... and how fast you want to go if stepping up a lot. Nutrition becomes more important when on your feet for extended periods.
I've done Oxfam Trailwalker, 100km across South Downs, combination of jogging and walking, it was a great day and we were happy with our time as a civvy team (not a relay).
I'd say 10yFan was harder, but that's approximately marathon distance and 4000m up (and down.... And up...).
Do your training, stick to your pace, look after your feet and avoid injury and it shouldn't be painful.
I'd say 10yFan was harder, but that's approximately marathon distance and 4000m up (and down.... And up...).
Do your training, stick to your pace, look after your feet and avoid injury and it shouldn't be painful.
I've done a few 50s and the jurassic coast 100km. I love running and in particular the long distances, I'd thoroughly recommend the Jurassic coast 50/100 although it is very hilly.
If you've never completed more than 13.1 miles I'd not be jumping into running 50km in less than a month. To be able to enjoy it and not risk injury you'd need at least 6 months to build yourself up to it.
If you've never completed more than 13.1 miles I'd not be jumping into running 50km in less than a month. To be able to enjoy it and not risk injury you'd need at least 6 months to build yourself up to it.
Following as I'm pushing 40 and determined to get back in shape and tackle an extreme physical challenge before age really starts to take its toll.
Have previously done half marathons, plus a dozen or so 20 mile + walks, longest being 35 miles.
I suspect that unless you're already accustomed to running 10k plus on a regular basis, the answer to your question is likely to be lots!
Good luck, sounds fun
Have previously done half marathons, plus a dozen or so 20 mile + walks, longest being 35 miles.
I suspect that unless you're already accustomed to running 10k plus on a regular basis, the answer to your question is likely to be lots!
Good luck, sounds fun
I've done a few over the years, Grim reaper 70 twice, pony express 2x30, high peak ultra 4 times, ran from humber bridge to Lincoln on viking way in 29(ish)hrs nonstop. My normal milage back then each day was 10+ miles with the weekends going up to 15-20miles each day, then id increase milage when building up to an event. Main things are switching your mind off, getting the right shoes and breaking them in, feeling is something you need to Taylor to your stomach and then just set your pace rather than chasing others. I don't do much running now as it became obsessive, chasing that next mile,
Wife does them quite often, anything from 30 miles to 200. And pays (a lot) for the privilege.
Pain during yes.
Pain afterwards, yes.
Blisters, yes.
But loves doing them.
She ran one last weekend and was back up and around the next day. Its mostly mind over matter, or in her case being stubborn.
Plan food and electrolytes and you will make it.
Pain during yes.
Pain afterwards, yes.
Blisters, yes.
But loves doing them.
She ran one last weekend and was back up and around the next day. Its mostly mind over matter, or in her case being stubborn.
Plan food and electrolytes and you will make it.
Done a few shorter ones, got my first 100km on Saturday...looking forward to it in a weird way. Time will tell if I've done enough training (I haven't) but whatever happens it will be a nice, if slightly longer than planned day out...
To the OP's point, if you've run is a trail half marathon then a 50-55k Ultra is def doable with training. Not gonna lie though, it will hurt and you'll also need to think about nutrition/hydration. Also, shoes.
Depends really, are you thinking:
Complete: Just want to get to the end, time doesn't matter. Will stop at aid stations etc.
Compete: Beat a set time, do well in Age category - no time to stop, will carry everything I need.
JimmyD78 said:
Done a few shorter ones, got my first 100km on Saturday...looking forward to it in a weird way. Time will tell if I've done enough training (I haven't) but whatever happens it will be a nice, if slightly longer than planned day out...
To the OP's point, if you've run is a trail half marathon then a 50-55k Ultra is def doable with training. Not gonna lie though, it will hurt and you'll also need to think about nutrition/hydration. Also, shoes.
Depends really, are you thinking:
Complete: Just want to get to the end, time doesn't matter. Will stop at aid stations etc.
Compete: Beat a set time, do well in Age category - no time to stop, will carry everything I need.
My wife did her first one without any training due to a back injury and that was the Marathon des Sables. So it is doable To the OP's point, if you've run is a trail half marathon then a 50-55k Ultra is def doable with training. Not gonna lie though, it will hurt and you'll also need to think about nutrition/hydration. Also, shoes.
Depends really, are you thinking:
Complete: Just want to get to the end, time doesn't matter. Will stop at aid stations etc.
Compete: Beat a set time, do well in Age category - no time to stop, will carry everything I need.
She did not set any records but completed it, which is her normal goal, to finish them rather than finishing place.
Muppet007 said:
My wife did her first one without any training due to a back injury and that was the Marathon des Sables. So it is doable
She did not set any records but completed it, which is her normal goal, to finish them rather than finishing place.
Oh I agree, it is doable, and props to your wife for surviving MdS with minimal training, not sure I would have fancied that. She did not set any records but completed it, which is her normal goal, to finish them rather than finishing place.
However speaking generally, the more training you do, the better you are equipped to finish the course (whatever it may be) and more importantly the less of a toll it will take on your body.
JimmyD78 said:
Oh I agree, it is doable, and props to your wife for surviving MdS with minimal training, not sure I would have fancied that.
However speaking generally, the more training you do, the better you are equipped to finish the course (whatever it may be) and more importantly the less of a toll it will take on your body.
Oh yea. However speaking generally, the more training you do, the better you are equipped to finish the course (whatever it may be) and more importantly the less of a toll it will take on your body.
Just on that note, she did the G2G with quite a bit of training and came back in a worse state than I've ever seen but that was due to the amount of water they had to run through which caused deep blisters that ended up being infected.
The dragons back race is currently going on now.
Basically run from Conwy to Cardiff traversing the hills and mountains of wales on the way over 6 days I think 50-80km a day with some pretty big elevation gain.
I’m probably stupid enough to sign up for it one day although I’ve never ran further than a marathon and that was on an Ironman.
For those that train for that sort of thing how long are your longest training runs generally?
Basically run from Conwy to Cardiff traversing the hills and mountains of wales on the way over 6 days I think 50-80km a day with some pretty big elevation gain.
I’m probably stupid enough to sign up for it one day although I’ve never ran further than a marathon and that was on an Ironman.
For those that train for that sort of thing how long are your longest training runs generally?
NuckyThompson said:
The dragons back race is currently going on now.
Basically run from Conwy to Cardiff traversing the hills and mountains of wales on the way over 6 days I think 50-80km a day with some pretty big elevation gain.
I’m probably stupid enough to sign up for it one day although I’ve never ran further than a marathon and that was on an Ironman.
For those that train for that sort of thing how long are your longest training runs generally?
My best friend completed the Dragons Back a few years ago on his second attempt. Despite probably being fitter at the first attempt, it was difficulties of the navigation that scuppered him first time round. There is no set course from start to finish to follow each day, just a series of way-points you have to get to within certain time limits. Elevations are crazy, so it's hugely tough both physically and mentally and the DNF rate is pretty high. In comparison, he finds a single day ultra race a walk in the park in comparison! I've done multiple Ironmans and there's no way I'd attempt it, but I have the utmost respect for those that are prepared to give it a try.Basically run from Conwy to Cardiff traversing the hills and mountains of wales on the way over 6 days I think 50-80km a day with some pretty big elevation gain.
I’m probably stupid enough to sign up for it one day although I’ve never ran further than a marathon and that was on an Ironman.
For those that train for that sort of thing how long are your longest training runs generally?
I saw an ultra a few weeks ago and foolishly didn't bookmark it, I think it is north of B'ham, is a point to point and is next year.
I've searched and can't find it again, if anyone has a suggestion for which one it might be I'd be grateful if they could share it.
In response to the OP the thing I've found with ultras is that you can approach them very differently to other distances, I couldn't get used to the fact that you're allowed to walk, just seems strange but that does mean you can push yourself enough that you hurt afterwards, but you're not unable to walk for three days.
I started running 5 years ago aged 45. Previously I'd been a heavy smoker and drinker so saw improvements quire quickly for the first few years
I did my first 50km in 2020 and my first 100km this year (Serpentine Trail - thoroughly recommend if anyone wants a good first 100km). I love the learning process and how much is mental. In the 100km I took a wrong turn, it only added maybe 600-700m onto the route but it was dark, I'd been on the go for over 15 hours and mentally it hit me really hard. But you learn more from a tough race than an easy race!
I've searched and can't find it again, if anyone has a suggestion for which one it might be I'd be grateful if they could share it.
In response to the OP the thing I've found with ultras is that you can approach them very differently to other distances, I couldn't get used to the fact that you're allowed to walk, just seems strange but that does mean you can push yourself enough that you hurt afterwards, but you're not unable to walk for three days.
I started running 5 years ago aged 45. Previously I'd been a heavy smoker and drinker so saw improvements quire quickly for the first few years
I did my first 50km in 2020 and my first 100km this year (Serpentine Trail - thoroughly recommend if anyone wants a good first 100km). I love the learning process and how much is mental. In the 100km I took a wrong turn, it only added maybe 600-700m onto the route but it was dark, I'd been on the go for over 15 hours and mentally it hit me really hard. But you learn more from a tough race than an easy race!
Anyone familiar with this madness? Round and round a New York block...
The 26th Annual Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race
https://3100.srichinmoyraces.org/
The 26th Annual Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race
https://3100.srichinmoyraces.org/
Oldwolf said:
I saw an ultra a few weeks ago and foolishly didn't bookmark it, I think it is north of B'ham, is a point to point and is next year.
I've searched and can't find it again, if anyone has a suggestion for which one it might be I'd be grateful if they could share it.
I mean, Ultra X 125 Scotland is north of Birmingham, point to point and next year I've searched and can't find it again, if anyone has a suggestion for which one it might be I'd be grateful if they could share it.
Couple more details, like distance and vague time of year, might help pin it down.Gassing Station | Sports | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff