Ultramarathon: yay or nay?

ritzvin

7lenny7 wrote: »

You should definitely go! Running a 56K would be easier on your body than a marathon. When I ran my first marathon I could barely walk for 3 days. The following year I ran my first 50K and recovered so quickly I ran 5 miles the next day.

As far as a goal time? I find that trails vary so widely, it's really hard to even set a goal time unless you've run the same course, in the same conditions.

Let me correct your list/change your perspective:

Pros:
- a new challenge to aim for
- There are no other long races over summer around here to train for
- Trail running is wonderful
- The medal is a bottle opener
- I mean it's an ultra!
- All the gear!: different shoes, hydration, food, gaiters, etc. I can finally justify getting better socks than wear the probably can't even half *kitten* the socks like I normally do
- I might see some cool wildlife, like Snakes!!!
- I get to make a family trip out of the race! I could bring my husband and two kids. Maybe make them my "crew" so they could get involved in my adventure! I bed the kids would think that was pretty cool!
- Since it's a new distance, guaranteed PR!
- Did I mention the wildlife?!?



Cons:
- I mean it's an ultra
- All the gear: different shoes, hydration, food, gaiters, etc. probably can't even half *kitten* the socks like I normally do
- Summer could mean very hot
- Snakes?!?
- Have to figure out accomodation and transportation, possibly dragging my husband and two young kids along
- $$$$
- I'm sure I'm still gonna pressure myself to hit a certain time cos I'm pathetic like that
- Snakes?!?!

I don't know what to tell you about the heat...I'd rather run in sub-zero than over 80

Right there is definitely 1 reason to do an ultra (or any other trail race) instead of a marathon... most likely will have shade and no scorchingly hot blacktop.

mfpmishka

Do not listen to non-runners!
Follow your passion!
You can do fast walking!
Learn patience. As many said marathon is much harder on body (or same) as 100 miler because you run at much faster pace, while in ultras you spread your energy throughout longer time.

DX2JX2

mfpmishka wrote: »

Do not listen to non-runners!
Follow your passion!
You can do fast walking!
Learn patience. As many said marathon is much harder on body (or same) as 100 miler because you run at much faster pace, while in ultras you spread your energy throughout longer time.

I wonder if that lady is aware that she's being used as the embodiment of moving slowly?

bendyourkneekatie

Thanks everyone for your input. I *still* haven't decided, but it's been very helpful.
Honestly the run itself is probably the least of my concerns. It's the logistics and money that are holding me back. I'm a stay at home mum and my husband has basically no hobbies that cost any money and we've already worked a couple of family holidays around races for me. I feel incredibly selfish doing it again.
I started writing out a training plan on Sunday, just hypothetically, and got so excited, but then started researching accomodation and got bummed again.
I'm gonna make a decision in the next day or two, and if it's a no-go, will probably sign up for a trail marathon next month that's only an hour away. Not quite the same thing but *something* nonetheless

hjeppley

I am hopefully working back to doing some ultras if I can get over my current stubborn injury! My ultimate goal is to do a 50 miler before I turn 50. We'll see--not a lot of time left! I ran a couple of trail marathons and one 50 K 3.5 years ago. Getting used to running on tired legs with back to back long runs was helpful--I would also run Saturday late afternoon and Sunday morning so there was less time in between. Compression sleeves for my calves were helpful and I bought a hydration vest as well. Gaiters probably not necessary unless you have a really muddy or gravelly route. I used a combination of Tailwind and real food and didn't have any food issues. The key with that is practicing ahead of time so you know what you body can handle/digest on the long runs. I know I get really unhappy without lots of salt, so peanut butter pretzels and other salty things were my favorites.

One way to possibly see what it is like before committing to one yourself is to volunteer to crew or pace an experienced person on a longer length race. I ran the last 25 mi of a 50 miler with my friend. You get to see what mentally, logistically, and physically goes into it without having to do the whole thing yourself! We ended up walking most of the 2nd half of his race, but I got him in under the cutoff. Made me want to get out and try it myself! Now if I can just get past my current 6 mile long run!

7lenny7

Is camping an option as a way to reduce costs?

GiddyupTim

I think training for an ultra is the kind of thing where you have to have 100 percent commitment.
Cuz it is really hard and time consuming.
It doesn't sound like you have that.
So, if I may say: It is okay to be a runner and not want to do marathons and/or ultras. I love running. I love going for six mile runs. Sometimes I go eight. Beyond that? Meh. It gets too boring when you run ten and you have to be out there for an hour and a half.....

bendyourkneekatie

Unfortunately I've had to decide no. Nothing to do with the run itself, or the training, which I would love to do, but just money and logistics. Without a car of my own I'd be dependent on my mum taking me so camping is out, and being a popular holiday area in the middle of summer holidays mean accomodation prices are just nuts, especially for one night, as most places have a two night minimum.

To make it up to myself I've signed up for a trail marathon next month which is reachable by public transport. Luckily I recovered pretty quickly from the Sydney marathon last month and have already built my base back up, and have enough time to fit in 4 long runs before tapering (again!).

Thanks again for the input everyone!

tomaattikastike

(sorry, missed your last update, which makes this moot)

hjeppley

Trail marathons are a great compromise I think! I treated mine essentially like an ultra (eat ALL the food!), carried my Tailwind (and an extra jacket for the winter one) in my pack, had a drop bag at the half way point for the one that was a loop. Those are all things that will let you practice if you do decide to try the ultra a some point in the future.

deannalfisher

maybe consider another ultra that won't cost as much or that you could get to from home easily - not sure where you live, but i have many friends that run ultras (one of the idiots just did the mid-west grand slam of 4 100 milers in like a 3 month period) can find then within a decent driving distance of home

7lenny7

bendyourkneekatie wrote: »

To make it up to myself I've signed up for a trail marathon next month which is reachable by public transport. Luckily I recovered pretty quickly from the Sydney marathon last month and have already built my base back up, and have enough time to fit in 4 long runs before tapering (again!).

Thanks again for the input everyone!

Fantastic! Trail marathons take longer than a road marathon so they can certainly feel like an ultra. I think you made a great choice. A 50K is only 5 miles longer so you will essentially be getting the ultra experience anyway. Have a great race!!

For those who say you can't imagine running more than a few miles, it's all what you like. Thankfully there are a multitude of ways to get fit and get strong. Personally, I could run all day long if my body allowed it. Long runs for me are a way of mediation.

My longest run so far is nearly 6.5 hours which was my first 50k a few months ago (at the age of 50). My first 50 mile ultra will be in April and I'll continue to step up the distance and the challenge every year. And I'm just getting started.

Now going to the gym, that's where I would have my limits. I can't imagine spending hours in the gym each week when I can be running trails, outside, with nature. Day or night, rain or sun, summer or winter...it doesn't matter. That's where I want to be. No monthly membership fee, no dirty showers, open 24/7, no waiting for someone to get off my machine, just me and the single-track. Then again, in a gym you don't have to worry about ticks, mosquitoes, bear, snakes, tripping on roots and rocks, getting lost, getting caught in a sudden thunderstorm, frostbite, etc.

lporter229

7lenny7 wrote: »

bendyourkneekatie wrote: »

To make it up to myself I've signed up for a trail marathon next month which is reachable by public transport. Luckily I recovered pretty quickly from the Sydney marathon last month and have already built my base back up, and have enough time to fit in 4 long runs before tapering (again!).

Thanks again for the input everyone!

Now going to the gym, that's where I would have my limits. I can't imagine spending hours in the gym each week when I can be running trails, outside, with nature. Day or night, rain or sun, summer or winter...it doesn't matter. That's where I want to be. No monthly membership fee, no dirty showers, open 24/7, no waiting for someone to get off my machine, just me and the single-track. Then again, in a gym you don't have to worry about ticks, mosquitoes, bear, snakes, tripping on roots and rocks, getting lost, getting caught in a sudden thunderstorm, frostbite, etc.

This is me 100%. Recently, I have had to force myself into the gym one day a week because I know it is necessary if I want to continue running over the long haul. But I have had to hire a personal trainer in order to keep me motivated and accountable. This is something I never have had to worry about with running.