50k Trail Training

You’ve probably noticed that I’ve been spending a lot more time running trails lately.  Here’s a look at my current training plan!

Race: North Fork 50k

Goal: Have fun!  My girlfriend Corrie is turning 30 and wanted to run her first 50k to celebrate.  We’re heading to Colorado together…she rocks!!

About the race: 

• It takes place in Pine Valley Ranch Park outside of Denver.
• 100% trail.  Mostly single track.

Elevation: 6,700ft. to 8,100ft.

Training: Nashville sits around 600ft. elevation.  I expect the altitude to be the toughest part of this race.
Current Fitness: My last race was Boston and I consider myself to be in road marathon shape.

Plan:

• Continue with my regular weekday miles…on the trails if possible.
• I’m paying more attention to elevation gain during my runs…seeking out the hills!
• Long runs are on the trails, and I’m running for ‘time on feet’ versus mileage.
• **Note: this is such a freeing and fun way to train.  I don’t worry about pace or distance.  I just spend the hours moving.

Saturday: 3 hours trail
Sunday: recovery run

Saturday: 4 hours trail
Sunday: 30 minutes trail

Saturday: 3.5 hours trail
Sunday: 1 hour trail

Saturday: 2.5 hours trail
Sunday: 2 hours trail

Saturday: 5 hours trail
Sunday: recovery day (easy run or rest)

Saturday: 1 hour trail
Sunday: 45 minutes trail

Saturday: Race Day!

16 Reasons to Run an Ultra!
I wrote this list last year and this seems like the perfect time to revisit it.  As you’ll see, we have a great Ultra Dirtbag trail running community in Nashville and I’m super proud to be a part of the group!

1.  Fun Food.  The aid stations have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, potatoes, soda, pretzels, candy, etc…

2.  You won’t have to fight crowds for parking or a porta potty.

3.  Beautiful Scenery!

4.  Great way to reconnect with your love of running.  You don’t have to worry about paces or splits…just keep moving and do your best not to fall!  Trail running makes me feel like a kid again.

5.  Awesome People.  Ultra runners are a small, super-friendly community.  Everyone is laid back and encouraging.

6.  I feel like I’m competing with myself instead of others.  It’s very possible that you’ll be alone for some of the race leaving you to focus being your best self.

7.  Big bragging rights for “only” going a few miles longer than a marathon.

8.  Power hike the hills.  Walking is encouraged!

9.  You are regularly reminded to slow down.  The race is long.  If you go out too quickly, you will pay for it later.

10.  Age group awards.  Fewer runners means a much better chance at placing in your age group!

11.  The post-race hang.  Everyone brings lawn chairs, drinks, and eats more food.

12.  Buckles are so much cooler than medals.

13.  Starting lines aren’t near as stressful.  Everyone is hanging out talking and the race director just says “ready-set-go.”  It’s very chill.

14.  Training is often based on time instead of miles (like I mentioned above).  I love the idea of just spending the morning in the woods without worrying about pace.

15.  Water crossings to cool off and refresh.

16.  Most people don’t even ask about your finish time.  Every ultra is so different that it’s hard to compare finish times from one race to another.  You get big respect just for finishing!

Anyone else have trouble adapting to higher altitudes?  Just breathing trouble or altitude sickness?
Do you ever race “just for fun” or are you always going all out?
Do you ever train based on time instead of distance?

#choosejoy