ultra training tips

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comiah

11 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

Apr 22, 2005 6:23 PM

I have just completed my first ultra but was wondering if anyone can shed some light on alternative training. I trained for it as a marathon, my longest run being 30 mi of mostly trails and logging roads. Any words of wisdom out there?

cdttmm

13 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

1. Apr 23, 2005 4:39 PM

in response to: comiah

You can find some good info on Hal Higdon's website. Here's the link: http://www.halhigdon.com/ultramarathon/ultramarathon2000.htm

I ran my first ultra (50k) last fall and plan to run a 50 mile race this fall. Where was the race that you did and what are you planning next?

reachram

3 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

2. Apr 25, 2005 3:49 PM

in response to: comiah

I am running a 21 mile trail run in Mazama (Sunflower) in the next couple of weeks. This is my first long trail race, though I have trained extensively on trails I would like to see if you folks have some tips for me. What do you do on hills? When do you choose to walk vs run? Do you monitor heart rate. What do you eat, potatoes are pretty good

. Since you have done a Ultra recently I was hoping you will have some insight.

cdttmm

13 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

3. Apr 25, 2005 6:42 PM

in response to: comiah

Hey reachram - I wore my HRM during my race so that I could track my HR and walk when it got too high for too long. My race was in VT and it was really hilly - we had around 6,000 ft of elevation gain over the 31 miles, I think. I walked up all of the really steep hills and ran, slowly, the others. I had no problems with the downhills. I had done a lot of hill training but my longest run before my race was only 13 miles so I was more worried about the distance than the hills. I wore a FuelBelt to carry water with me even though there were aid stations every few miles. I ate Power Gel or Clif Bars at every aid station since that is what I trained with. I also drank whatever sports drink they had at the aid stations, too. I have a stomach of steel so I wasn't worried about any of it bothering me but a lot of people will tell you not to try anything new in a race and I think that's good advice in general. Other than that I just tried to have a good time and not worry about my time or anything - I just wanted to finish and I did so I was thrilled! Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions and good luck with your race!

comiah

11 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

4. Apr 25, 2005 7:03 PM

in response to: comiah

to cdttmm: I finished the Mt. Si ultra (50 mi.) in Snoqualmie, WA. I'm looking at Roots Rocks Trail Run in Olympia, WA the 21st of August. That one is a narrow trail filled with you can figure by the name.

reachram

3 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

5. Apr 26, 2005 9:28 AM

in response to: comiah

Thanks cdttmm. I will keep that in mind, this one is going to be a very hilly run.

To comiah - On another note - it is a small world after all I think I saw you at the Mt. Si Relay, I was volunteering and running the relay. Hope you had a good race.

cdttmm

13 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

6. Apr 26, 2005 5:58 PM

in response to: comiah

to comiah: the Rocks and Roots race sounds like my kind of race! Do you have any good singletrack mountain bike trails near you? Those would be the perfect training ground for that type of race. The only thing I can think of in terms of words of wisdom in respect to running that type of course is to be very wary when you start to get tired - with all the rocks and roots you'll have an increased chance of mis-stepping and you don't want any injuries out there. Is the race supported or do you have to carry your own food and water? I can't imagine doing an unsupported race - I was so happy to see the volunteers at all the aid stations! I'll let you know if I think of any other helpful hints.

Quick question - does anybody wear gaiters when trail running/racing? I saw a lot of people with them at my race and I'm wondering if they are crucial. Thanks for the help!

comiah

11 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

7. May 2, 2005 7:30 PM

in response to: comiah

TO CDTTMM: There are quite a few single track paths, my favorite being from Rattle Snake Lake across the ridge to the old Snoqualmie winery. It's 11 mi one way. There are also several different trails up Mt. Si that are scarcely used, except by the locals.
As to the race, there is 1 drop and 3 water/food stations from my understanding.

AND YES, It was great to have so many volunteers and people at the relay stations. Were you up at Oallie State Park during the hail storm?

reachram

3 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

8. May 3, 2005 8:11 AM

in response to: comiah

To Comiah > Yes I suppose I was there. I was also running the relay with a bunch of friends. It poured on me on both my legs in the relay, I suppose I saw you running.
Both > Where do you do your long run training, our group predominantly trains on trials in Redmond, couger mtn and the tolt. Let me know if you would like to join us one of these days, I can email you directions. We do our long runs Saturday mornings.

johnswen

3 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

9. Aug 23, 2005 5:41 PM

in response to: comiah

Comiah -- I train on trails in the Snoqualmie Valley and would like to find that favorite trail of yours from Rattlesnake Lake to the old Snoqualmie Winery (I did not know about the old winery). Can you give me more info on how to find this trail? I know how to find Rattlesnake Lake, but where is the trail?

thanks

Apr 22, 2005 6:23 PM

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