I never ran an ultra before but I'm in pretty good shape. I run about 20 miles per week consistently for over a year plus other HIIT and resistance training.

Some friends are running a 50 in 3 weeks and asked me to join, so I said yes.

I ran a marathon on way less training and only about 2 days notice a few years ago. My time was under 4 hours that time, so I survived it.

Anyway, to the point: If you had 3 weeks to train, what would you do? I ran 13.1 yesterday and today. I don't want to overdo it, but do want to get my body ready as best as I reasonably can in such short notice. I figure I'll go ham the next 2 weeks and then drop back down in the last week before the event.

Testing out the nutrition and hydration routine over the long runs too.

Any other advice? (Please don't tell me I shouldn't do it. Only looking for helpful advice on how to finish in the 13 hour limit.) Thanks.

https://www.meshtc.com/cam

I hear he has another trip planned across the 7 continents!

Any race recs similar to High Lonesome in CO? Will be my first 100 and first time in CO, but want a backup race or two in case I don’t get into HL. Less interested in out & backs and would like a high alpine course.

Maybe Run Rabbit?

I’d like something a bit more runable than Ouray, but the challenge is interesting.

Did two 100k efforts this year, one race and one FKT, so I should meet entry requirements.

Thanks!!

Trying to decide on shoes for the arc of attrition in January. It's a winter 100 miler here in the uk, about 10 miles of solid tarmac and the rest being coast path, much of which is sloppy mud and in places rocky.

I like the hoka mafate speeds and if the conditions allow they'd be my pick. Ran my one and only previous 100 in the speedgoats, similar route but in summer so all bone dry. I've got the la sportiva mutants and like them but my toes seem to curl and give me blisters on the ends of my toes after longer runs. Considering the inov8 trailtalon which is coming out soon and the scarpa spin ST a friend suggested. Anyone got any input or advice? Would be much appreciated. Foot care is the main thing that'll stop me from finishing. Cheers

Hi! Looking for some advice. I just completed my first 100K at Javelina this past weekend. I did surprisingly well, finished strong, and felt like I could continue. (I also absolutely LOVED it.) It was a clear indication to my pacer, who I'm pretty sure told told my coach, that I'm ready for a 100 miler. Based off of the data of the race on Strava, I also know that my coach will tell me I'm ready for a 100 miler as well. Firstly, has anyone felt pressured that their ultra journey should automatically should lead to a 100 miler? I've never even really had the desire to do one but it keeps coming up! And either way, how fast was your progression towards the distance? (I know now 200s are the new 100s but that's another story!)

I'm not one to back down to a challenge so I know for sure that 100 miles is in my future but I'm conflicted on how soon it should be.

I ran my first race, a half marathon in December of 2022. (I started running that October when I signed up - never ran before that.) I ran the Marine Corp Marathon in October of 2023 and bonked badly so I ran another local marathon a few weeks later- also bonked. I ran Canyons 50K in April of this year, did well, felt strong and loved it. Trained HARD in the Florida heat May through October which just lead me to Javelina 100K.

The amount of time I had to dedicate to training took over my life. Not to mention, training on Florida concrete really sucks. There aren't trail systems by me, or even neighborhoods with houses to look at so basically my long runs are running up a highway and back. Sometimes I would cry before my long runs. Though I never missed one.

I signed up for Desert Rats 100K as soon as registration opened a few months ago. Knowing what I know now about the distance, I dropped down to 50K yesterday. Mainly, it's because of training. I don't think I can jump back into 100K training this soon. Just getting to the start line of 100K is a huge undertaking. I haven't told my coach yet because I feel like he's going to be disappointed in me. Especially because in a previous conversation he told me that my next step should be a 100 miler.

Which brings me back to my original question. How fast was your progression to a 100 miler? I want to do Javelina 100K again next year to correct all of the mistakes that I made. (Even though I did well, I know I could do so much better knowing what I know now.) I think this will also disappoint my coach. He's DEFINITELY expecting me to do progress to Javelina 100 miler. By the way, my coach is phenomenal, kind and understanding...but I just feel like I know what he'll be thinking when we discuss this.

Next race coming up is the Mumbai Marathon in January.

Thank you so much for any input!

Hey, I have problems determining a strategy for eating enough during training weeks and wonder what people do here. Especially with respect to how to determine how much to eat each day or week, and how to handle increases and decreases in training volume and adjusting eating. I feel since i don’t have a clear strategy I end up eating too little over time resulting in decreased recovery.

Really look forward too hear what people think about this!

In the UK since Spring energy stopped shipping I haven't found a gel I like in this country so I have to order gels I like from France 🙃

Okay chemists! I know a bunch of people here make their own gels/did home tests during the Spring Energy fiasco this year, and I'm wondering if I can put your sorcery skills to work.

I really like the Gu Roctane recovery smoothie, but it's SO expensive. Anyone have a homebrew recipe? I like getting protein in after a long run but so many protein powders are made for bodybuilders on cuts so they have like, no cals. TIA!

Hello! Long time lurker, first time poster.

I just recently ran my first marathon, and am looking for a first 50K race. I live in Southern California, so I'm definitely looking for something in CA/AZ and even UT/CO.
I've been doing research lately of 50Ks. Of course anything Ultra related has it's own difficulties but obviously don't want to sign up for something that is just unheard of (lol) for a first 50K. I'm not concerned about trying to finish in a certain time but I want to endure all the race has to give, have fun, and make it through.

Living in Southern California, I'd mostly get 2 out of my 5 runs per week on the trails.

On my eyes lately is

• Way Too Cool 50K

• Aravaipa Mesquite Canyon Trails in AZ

Any suggestions/advice are much appreciated. Thank you!

I’m training for my first 100K which is in mid January (Coldwater Rumble). I’ve been running for 10 years, all trails since 2020 and have completed 4 ultras so far, my longest being 38 miles this May. When training, I average mid-40s MPW, and usually peak at 50 miles for a 50K. I’m planning to have two peak weeks for this race at the end of December/first week of January because I have those weeks off work, so I should be able to get more miles in.

The longest distance I’ve ever done in training is 20 miles, and as a back of the pack runner, that takes me quite a bit of time. But I feel like for a 100K, I should probably have my longest training run be closer to 50K. There is a race I’m considering that’s about 6 weeks out from my 100K (McDowell Mountain Frenzy) because it has a similar terrain and elevation profile. I feel like mentally it’s easier for me to go longer than 20 miles in a race format, because I don’t have to worry about aid, creating a route, etc.

Both races have very generous cutoffs (15 hrs for the 50K, 31 hrs for the 100K) so I’m not concerned about time at all and my goal for the 100K is just to finish since it’s my first. But I’m not sure if doing a 50K as a training run is necessary, or if it’ll detract from my training because of the recovery time afterwards. I’m definitely not planning to race the 50K at all (though I would be happy if I happen to PR) but I know it usually takes me about a week to recover after that distance, and it would be cutting it close to when I plan to have my peak weeks. I’m sure I’m overthinking this, but I’d appreciate any thoughts from anyone who’s done the 100K distance!

Hi so I've been dealing with some soleus pain (i think) for a year to the day. When I'm running I can feel it tighten up and lock up. Eventually I tend to stop and get the pressure off my legs and then I can continue for many miles without noticing again. This is almost every run starting around 1 mile in. This started when I got my first pair of Hoka's last November (i dont wear them anymore). Has been both legs but left is bad right now.

For context I'm a relatively new ultra runner, but I'm an experienced marathoner. Have ran 35 miles before and 50M coming up in 6 weeks. 100M next April.

So...recently (last 3 or 4 days) this pain has gone from tightening up to a throbbing pain deep inside my leg every time I put weight on my left leg. Please help I have no clue how to get rid of this.

https://preview.redd.it/jdl7s2627byd1.jpg?width=549&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b7577144df7e9c43ba16aeb2d241fd1fd940d5fe

Hello 🤗 Eyeing up this GB ultra for next summer! I've got a few questions for those who've run this one before.

• application to enter. I've never seen this. Do they hand pick applicants?

• navigation experience - how difficult is navigation? Is this an unmarked course / off trail / fell? I am pretty good if I have the route on my watch..but it seems like that might not cut it.

• mountain experience. It has 3254m of elevation gain. Any idea how much of a scrabble? Does this verge on sky running?

For reference, I have a handful of 50ks a flat 100k and a hilly 50 miler under my belt with solid finish times. I am looking to take a step into more mountainous ultras but don't want to bite off more than I can chew.

Feel free to send me any recs. I'm new to the UK so just starting to explore the scene. Looking specifically for late summer in the uk, 50m to 100k. Already missed the boat on Lakeland 50.

Thank you and happy trails!!!! ❤️👌

I recently got into running just to lose weight and in my journey I found a love for endurance running. About 4 months into my journey I ran my first half marathon and that was before I got into the science behind the body and nutrition. Last week or so have been researching heart zones and learned about zone 2 training. When I ran my half I was in zone 4 for majority or my race and when I train and run trails and street my heart rate is usually about the same 160-180 range. Is that too high? Should I be running majority of my races and runs in zone 2 - 140s? Just wondering for the marathoners in here. When you run your races what is your average heart rate and zone? Also should I be going to the gym and working my legs out or should I trains my legs by just running? I know everyone is different and to listen to my body but is zone 4 using too much energy for when I do marathons and longer runs?

Do we have anyone here who have actually managed to run an ultra with even pace all the way or like a nice negative split? Please I would love to hear your stories.

So... I am assuming we have all been there. Starting our ultra too fast and dying in the last part.

I myself am pretty bad at this. First ultra. 60k trail. Started around 7min/km and last 20 km were more like 10min/km.

Second ultra. Same 60k. Same mistake. Why!?

But then a 50k where I guess I must have been lucky or something where I was able to maintain around 7min/km all the way. And then my brain is like "yeah that is how you should do r every time."

So next 50k for some reason I go out with 5:30min/km. Guess what happened.

It's silly. Why don't I learn from my mistakes. I have all the adrenaline and the other runners at the start line and so on. And I am hyped and want to just GO and maybe have some kind of idea that going slow is boring and it will benefit much more to get time in the bank. Which is definitely not the case apparently.

So guess I need your success stories with going slow and steady from the start and all the way. Anyone? Or are we all starting too fast?

100K 3 weeks ago, nursing a minor hamstring strain that is basically healed but maybe not 100%. No problem to run on but feels tight - not even noticeable when walking. I have a 24 hour loop race on easy terrain this weekend… No distance goal, just hope to keep moving and will be content to walk with plenty of leisurely breaks as needed. Course I’m afraid of doing more significant damage.

What do you guys think? Super dumb? I really want to do this race!

Even though I was vaccinated and boosted several times, it hit me hard. My fitness level was just totally destroyed. I needed to catch my breath after walking up one flight of stairs. Now that the symptoms are gone, I'm trying to get back into shape but it's so difficult. In fact, I'm so spent after "running" 4-5 miles on mostly flat trails at 13 minutes pace - and that should be easy but now it's Z4. And I cannot run up any hills.

Before COVID I was running 8-10 miles on hilly trails Tue-Fri early in the morning before work, and that was easyish. So I just passed the 2K miles since New Year threshold, very slowly, 4 miles at a time. My watch is telling me I'm at 69% of former fitness level right now.

So I guess I'll have to progress slowly, no more than 10% per week. And it will take me a long time to get to where I was before COVID. It is what it is. In the meantime I can continue strengthening my ankles and knees and such. Hopefully I can recover, eventually.

Fellow COVID survivors, what do you think?

Hey, I'm training for a 100k. December 1st and Normally im able to handle 50-60 miles a week, but right now I physically can't run, can't play soccer, and / or do anything productive. I'm just so freaking tired, lol. I need wisdom on how to recover from the milage or to just get back into the game. I'm considering going back out for a bike ride today because, man, i hate this feeling.

I get that only I can know my body but curious as to experience of others on this topic. I've had a decent training block. I like to taper only 10 days so I was looking to do peak training over the next week. This has worked well for me in past races. Of course, Murphy's Law, I wake up today and throat is tight and a cold has been running through the kids past two weeks.

I don't feel so debilitated that I can't entertain the thought of training today and I feel I can power through.

Worth it to put more hay in the barn or don't get greedy?

EDIT: Thanks all! Clear consensus. Hope others found them as helpful as I did.

I am going to be organizing a 31 mile race in the next year and need help on where to start. Beyond finding sponsors and finding volunteers what logistics do I need to be considering when tackling this? Thank you for any help!

Just documenting my stupidity. Going to attempt my previously scheduled 50m race, even though I just found out I will have to have my knee scoped next week, which is 4 weeks out from the race.

Anyone else done something like this?

For context, the surgery is removing excess fatty tissue on my knee that gets inflamed and rubs against my IT band. I have done 8 weeks physical therapy, scheduled anti-inflammatories, and a cortisone shot that worked, but wore off after 6 weeks. Unfortunately, they can only give cortisone shots every 3 months so taking another one is not an option.

I just finished Javelina 100 and am a pretty experienced runner. I have always worn running shorts with the built in boxer liner and had pretty good success. Ive always dealt with some chafing but it seems to be getting worse over the last few years. The quality of the Lululemon shorts has gone down and that may play some of a role. I also use lube and reapply mid race.

What do you wear under running shorts?

Does the brief style liner help or is it inly for support?

Thank you for any input.

I ran an ultra 2 weeks ago. How long does the recovery take? I did one recovery run 3 days ago and it felt reaaallly bad. I wanna get running again, does anybody know a timeline of recovery or any tips to help me recover sooner?

Anyone by chance know how to register for a RFEvents ultra? I went to the main sight and the race sight for DWD-Devils lake and couldn’t find a tab for registration.

My dear friend is running the 100m Canyon Endurance Run in Northern California this coming April. Of the two opportunities for pacers, I have agreed to accompany my friend as Pacer 1; 62.9-75.1 (12.2 miles). He is aiming for a pace of 14 minutes per mile. Past making sure I can run the terrain at his target pace, does this community have any advice to share that can help me be a good pacer/running companion for what my friend has described as some of the most mentally grueling and physically painful parts of an ultra?

looking for suggestions! Ran the Rut 50k this year and just love the terrain and the atmosphere. Hoping to run a 100k next year and want something similar. Time of year isn’t a big issue nor location, open to traveling.

TLDR: looking for a place to find/people to run my first ultra alongside

Im an experienced road runner in the full HM and marathon distance, however I’m running my first ultra at the JFK 50 in a month.

I’m not going to lie, the scariest part to me is not the distance nor the AT section technically speaking, but it’s the no listening devices and seeming solidarity it feels like a lot of us will run the 50 miles with. the fact that there is no real way to find out about others that may be of similar background/fitness to one’s self that you can pair up with to possibly running alongside for the race.

So: anyone here looking to have company for this year’s JFK50? Background: M26, just trying to find someone to support and have support me while we’re in the pain cave together 😂.

Hi, i'm currently doing a Long term training, with the ultimate goal of being able to move fast and far in the mountains (races or just very long solo days ).

Growing up obese and sedantary, i had to start running with this disadvantage and struggled a lot with overuse injuries/inflamations like MTSS and hip bursitis. after 8 months of consistent running, I can do 50k /week, mostly zone 2 + 1 "Quality" session (threshold mostly).

In order to increase my volume i started cycling and in addition to my running i'm zwifting 15h/week and wondered wether that was relevant?

My guess is that as a beginner, even tho cycling is not specific for (trail) running, my main concern should be to improve my engine as it is the main limiting factor, and cycling does that amazingly while still targetting some of my leg muscles. Before my hip problems i was 10h/week on the gym treadmill 5kph 15% incline and it worked well but couldn't increase the volume too much as it was very hard on my legs.

This very high volume approach worked wonders for me as i was able to gain 25mn (1h10 -> 45mn) on my 10k (a good fitness benchmark?) in less than 6 months so i feel like it's beneficial but i don't know if it's really relevant for my ultimate goal.

Note that i don't have a timeframe for this goal and that i don't live near any moutains. i just want to be an endurance beast, i just love long efforts so don't care if it's 6 months or 3 years as long as i get better as fast as possible.

Hi, I did Cascade Crest 100 this year and I bought a sweatshirt before the race, not realizing that finishers received a sweatshirt (the same design but with “finisher” on it) at the finish line. I’ve made the difficult decision that I do not need to own 2 Cascade Crest sweatshirts lol. Does anyone want this sweatshirt? Maybe someone who did the race but DNFd due to it being 100 fucking degrees this year, or has some other association with the event? I would be glad to ship it to someone for free. It’s green and a unisex small.

Hello, slow runner here. I am planning to run a 50km and 60km ROAD ultramarathon at 7 to 8 mins /km pace. What is the better shoes for NB 1080v13 or Asics Novablast 4?

I just completed my first ultra which was a 40 miler this past Saturday. After I was done I tried to eat something and noticed the roof of my mouth really hurt on both sides between my teeth/jaw bone and the two holes at the top of my mouth (do not know the correct term). I am three days out and it still hurts and feels like pressure is there constantly. Is this normal? When I look at my mouth I do not see anything out of the normal no redness nothing. I also have a runny nose, but not a stuffy nose if that makes sense. Anyone else have the same thing happen to them? Thanks!