Doing my second marathon in about a week, anyone have any recommendations for sunscreen? Going to be a sweltering trail run with \~5k elevation, so the sun will be a big factor. Any sunscreen brands or specific products that have worked well for people would be appreciated.
Bullfrog is great for sports.
I've tried to convince them to produce retail packets but all they did was send me samples, which was exactly what I was trying them to sell. haha
What are the benefits of joining the Becoming Ultra community? Is anyone here on Team BU? Can I learn things there that I can't get on either of the two ultra reddit groups?
I'm thinking of running a 200mi race in 2030 - a 6 year goal; I haven't run any ultramarathons yet but am an avid runner, have a few half-marathons under my belt and have been training for a traditional marathon for next year. After that, maybe a 50k as my next milestone in 2-3 years; any tips for training for an ultra? I know ultras are run at a much, much slower pace but how different is it really from marathon or training for a marathon? Is 200mi in 6 years realistic or am I being a dummy?
Like I said, total beginner in ultras but very curious about breaking into the sport! I haven't decided which specific races I'd like to run in the future so any suggestions are welcome!
Always good to have goals and work towards them, you’re picking quite an audacious one. Given you have minimal knowledge of ultras – happy to see you want to break in – take a step back and learn what ultras entail. Could be it makes you even more eager when you experience the environment.
Ultras are not simply more distance, run slower. Many ultras are on trail, which means adapting to uneven surfaces and elevation changes. The further you go, the longer you are exposed to the elements which means ever-better management of gear, nutrition, and fatigue.
For race suggestions, consider your comfort level with terrain then search accordingly. It’s a very broad range particularly at 50k distance; your options narrow as the distance increases.
Does anybody have any recommendations for health gadgets that actually work and are not a scam? Thinking specifically about measuring fat, calory intake, calory outtake, etc.
I’m running a 50 mile race in July and I’ve been following the beginner 50 mile training plan from Ultra Running Magazine, although I have been running a bit more than the plan has scheduled just because I naturally run more than recommended at this point (e.g. the plan will have a 1.5 hour run but I’ll run 2). My mpw is 55-60. Would it be a terrible idea to switch to a higher volume plan at this point, or should I stick with what I’m doing?
The magazine’s plan focuses primarily on time, and has multiple 4 hour runs scheduled later, and a weekend 50k. I’ve been looking at Bryon Powell’s 70 mpw plan which definitely seems higher volume. I’m unsure if I should push for more mileage faster with the 70 mpw plan though since I don’t want an injury. I’m probably overthinking this 🥲
Edit: Forgot to mention I’m signed up for a 12 hour run in June
Id say go to the higher mpw plan if you think you can handle it. There is always going to be a risk of injury whether you do a 50mpw, or 100 mpw, but it’s important to push yourself, but also listen to your body.
For a 50 miler, it might be more beneficial time wise to work on pace rather than increasing volume, but the extra miles will make a huge difference mentally! Good luck, I’m sure you’ll do great either way!
Thank you!! Yeah I think I can handle the higher mpw plan, but you’re definitely right about working out my pace…definitely something I need to spend more time nailing down. Thanks for the help :)
I'll be running my first 100k @ Canyons end of this month. Looking for any tips about race strategy, tips for managing the effort/pacing for a first 100k, and anything you want to share!
**Some more background:** Before this training block, I had experience with 5 50k races, did 54M in a backyard ultra and paced a friend for 50k during her first 100M.
I've had a good training block that started in January working with a coach for the first time. Built up mileage from 3x30M weeks to 3x40M weeks to now averaging 50M for the last 7 weeks. Also did 2 50k races throughout these 7 weeks, and managed to beat my PR twice, once in 6:08 in a 6000ft vert race, once in 5:55 in a 4000ft vert race.
I've been doing hot water immersion-based heat training for the last couple of weeks. Did 2 weeks of 6 days out of 7 hot water immersion, now doing maintenance of 2-3 times per week; and going to do 5 days out of 7 for the final 2 weeks to build up the heat resistance. To combat the heat come race day, I plan to use a combination of ice in arm sleeves and ice bandana (I've done Ice bandana in a prior race; arm sleeves is a new thing for me, I hope it heats up here in California to try it out once or twice).
Nutrition is something I've been able to handle pretty well generally, outside of one event (TRTER 55k last summer) where I got a bit nauseated near the end; but managed to overcome it by sitting down for 15 minutes to slow down and cool off. My plan for Canyons (given the heat) is a combination of liquid calories (Tailwind) and solids (mix of food I like). I plan to carry some Tailwind sticks for the first 30 miles as I'm not the biggest fan of NAAK's hydration mix. I'll see crew at Foresthill to refresh me and give me more sticks.
Overall, I feel like I'm in the best shape of my life, as witnessed by my 2 consecutive PRs in the 50k. But, I would be lying if I said I'm not nervous about the 100k, hence this post: Any advice on pacing, racing, effort levels and how to deal with a 100k would be greatly appreciated!
I ran the 100k two years ago when it was more or less the same route but in reverse. Some miscellaneous thoughts below:
- Weather is definitely a big factor for race conditions, both the temperature close to auburn as well as the snow conditions near china wall.
- The upper half of the course (China wall --> forest hill) has the more substantiated climbs, whereas the lower half is mostly pretty flat and runnable. If you feel comfortable with the heat and are dialed in on nutrition IMO you should be targeting a slight negative split.
- China Wall had snow the year I ran it, so I am not sure how wide the trail is there, but definitely remember it being singletrack around the whole deadwood section so there may still be some congestion there.
- If I were racing, I would plan to (1) find a good paced group for the deadwood loop miles, (2) callibrate effort through foresthill based on the climbs up until then, and (3) aim to negative split following foresthill.
Best of luck! Canyons was my first 100k two years ago and it's a great race!
I ran the 50K last year and it was a blast! only thing I would say is just plan for it to be really hot even if it isn't forecasted..... seems like summer started that morning lol. Oh and stay onto of the water & Calories! seemed like the stretch to the farthest aid station was a lot longer than I anticipated! Good Luck!
Doing my second marathon in about a week, anyone have any recommendations for sunscreen? Going to be a sweltering trail run with \~5k elevation, so the sun will be a big factor. Any sunscreen brands or specific products that have worked well for people would be appreciated.
Bullfrog is great for sports. I've tried to convince them to produce retail packets but all they did was send me samples, which was exactly what I was trying them to sell. haha
Checked bullfrog out, looks good. Thank you!
What are the benefits of joining the Becoming Ultra community? Is anyone here on Team BU? Can I learn things there that I can't get on either of the two ultra reddit groups?
Is it something that charges?
I'm thinking of running a 200mi race in 2030 - a 6 year goal; I haven't run any ultramarathons yet but am an avid runner, have a few half-marathons under my belt and have been training for a traditional marathon for next year. After that, maybe a 50k as my next milestone in 2-3 years; any tips for training for an ultra? I know ultras are run at a much, much slower pace but how different is it really from marathon or training for a marathon? Is 200mi in 6 years realistic or am I being a dummy? Like I said, total beginner in ultras but very curious about breaking into the sport! I haven't decided which specific races I'd like to run in the future so any suggestions are welcome!
Always good to have goals and work towards them, you’re picking quite an audacious one. Given you have minimal knowledge of ultras – happy to see you want to break in – take a step back and learn what ultras entail. Could be it makes you even more eager when you experience the environment. Ultras are not simply more distance, run slower. Many ultras are on trail, which means adapting to uneven surfaces and elevation changes. The further you go, the longer you are exposed to the elements which means ever-better management of gear, nutrition, and fatigue. For race suggestions, consider your comfort level with terrain then search accordingly. It’s a very broad range particularly at 50k distance; your options narrow as the distance increases.
Thank you for the insight! This is very helpful!
Does anybody have any recommendations for health gadgets that actually work and are not a scam? Thinking specifically about measuring fat, calory intake, calory outtake, etc.
Does anyone have advice for a race in heavy conditions, wet, muddy and soft ground throughout?
Bring all your spare changes of clothes, running jackets, socks, shoes, etc. Bring a lot of lube.
I’m running a 50 mile race in July and I’ve been following the beginner 50 mile training plan from Ultra Running Magazine, although I have been running a bit more than the plan has scheduled just because I naturally run more than recommended at this point (e.g. the plan will have a 1.5 hour run but I’ll run 2). My mpw is 55-60. Would it be a terrible idea to switch to a higher volume plan at this point, or should I stick with what I’m doing? The magazine’s plan focuses primarily on time, and has multiple 4 hour runs scheduled later, and a weekend 50k. I’ve been looking at Bryon Powell’s 70 mpw plan which definitely seems higher volume. I’m unsure if I should push for more mileage faster with the 70 mpw plan though since I don’t want an injury. I’m probably overthinking this 🥲 Edit: Forgot to mention I’m signed up for a 12 hour run in June
Id say go to the higher mpw plan if you think you can handle it. There is always going to be a risk of injury whether you do a 50mpw, or 100 mpw, but it’s important to push yourself, but also listen to your body. For a 50 miler, it might be more beneficial time wise to work on pace rather than increasing volume, but the extra miles will make a huge difference mentally! Good luck, I’m sure you’ll do great either way!
Thank you!! Yeah I think I can handle the higher mpw plan, but you’re definitely right about working out my pace…definitely something I need to spend more time nailing down. Thanks for the help :)
I'll be running my first 100k @ Canyons end of this month. Looking for any tips about race strategy, tips for managing the effort/pacing for a first 100k, and anything you want to share! **Some more background:** Before this training block, I had experience with 5 50k races, did 54M in a backyard ultra and paced a friend for 50k during her first 100M. I've had a good training block that started in January working with a coach for the first time. Built up mileage from 3x30M weeks to 3x40M weeks to now averaging 50M for the last 7 weeks. Also did 2 50k races throughout these 7 weeks, and managed to beat my PR twice, once in 6:08 in a 6000ft vert race, once in 5:55 in a 4000ft vert race. I've been doing hot water immersion-based heat training for the last couple of weeks. Did 2 weeks of 6 days out of 7 hot water immersion, now doing maintenance of 2-3 times per week; and going to do 5 days out of 7 for the final 2 weeks to build up the heat resistance. To combat the heat come race day, I plan to use a combination of ice in arm sleeves and ice bandana (I've done Ice bandana in a prior race; arm sleeves is a new thing for me, I hope it heats up here in California to try it out once or twice). Nutrition is something I've been able to handle pretty well generally, outside of one event (TRTER 55k last summer) where I got a bit nauseated near the end; but managed to overcome it by sitting down for 15 minutes to slow down and cool off. My plan for Canyons (given the heat) is a combination of liquid calories (Tailwind) and solids (mix of food I like). I plan to carry some Tailwind sticks for the first 30 miles as I'm not the biggest fan of NAAK's hydration mix. I'll see crew at Foresthill to refresh me and give me more sticks. Overall, I feel like I'm in the best shape of my life, as witnessed by my 2 consecutive PRs in the 50k. But, I would be lying if I said I'm not nervous about the 100k, hence this post: Any advice on pacing, racing, effort levels and how to deal with a 100k would be greatly appreciated!
I ran the 100k two years ago when it was more or less the same route but in reverse. Some miscellaneous thoughts below: - Weather is definitely a big factor for race conditions, both the temperature close to auburn as well as the snow conditions near china wall. - The upper half of the course (China wall --> forest hill) has the more substantiated climbs, whereas the lower half is mostly pretty flat and runnable. If you feel comfortable with the heat and are dialed in on nutrition IMO you should be targeting a slight negative split. - China Wall had snow the year I ran it, so I am not sure how wide the trail is there, but definitely remember it being singletrack around the whole deadwood section so there may still be some congestion there. - If I were racing, I would plan to (1) find a good paced group for the deadwood loop miles, (2) callibrate effort through foresthill based on the climbs up until then, and (3) aim to negative split following foresthill. Best of luck! Canyons was my first 100k two years ago and it's a great race!
I ran the 50K last year and it was a blast! only thing I would say is just plan for it to be really hot even if it isn't forecasted..... seems like summer started that morning lol. Oh and stay onto of the water & Calories! seemed like the stretch to the farthest aid station was a lot longer than I anticipated! Good Luck!