New to Ultras - Need Advice

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Last post: Oct 20, 2009 10:58 AM by ScoobyRuns

Matt Runs 4 Funds

2 posts since
Apr 27, 2008

Currently Being Moderated

Oct 19, 2009 7:26 PM

New to Ultras - Need Advice

In about 2 weeks I plan on starting to train for my first ultra. The first will be a 50 miler in February, mainly as a qualifier for the Vermont 100 in July. I'm concerned about the time involved, and what impact that might have on my relationships with friends and family, and overall life.

I'd like to hear from others who run/train for ultras, and their stories and advice. Thanks in advance!

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DCtoPgh

2,929 posts since
Aug 15, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

1. Oct 20, 2009 10:39 AM

in response to: Matt Runs 4 Funds

Re: New to Ultras - Need Advice

I'm about 10 days away from tapering for my first 50. Honestly, it hasn't been too different from what I was doing before (that being said, I run a marathon probably once a month). I understand your concern about it interfering with family and friends and to some extent it has... I leave parties early because I'm running a race the next day, or I'll ask friends to join me for a run or a bike ride instead of grabbing a cup of coffee, but I have lots of people who love me and support what I do and they're more than happy to work with me as I try to meet my goals. My best friend's husband even took me for a tour of possible running routes the night before my run when I went to visit them and told me breakfast would be waiting when I got home

Not sure if you're single, but I think telling people that you're training to run 50 miles (or 100!) or asking dates to go somewhere where they serve pasta for dinner because tomorrow you're running a 50K as a training run has intimidated some men I've dated (all but the other ultra runners!). Women might be more into that. That being said, I'm single and don't have kids so I don't have a family to juggle on top of training. As far as overall quality of life, again, I'm not so impacted because I'm a graduate student with a fairly flexible schedule and bosses who were marathoners so they let me run to meetings and the like. I don't ever plan on doing a 100 though, so I can't comment on the kind of time sink that would be. If it helps, I'm using a modified version of this training plan for my 50. Good luck!

I do today what you won't, so tomorrow I do what you can't.

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