How to run an unprepared 50k and not win ;)
jturnerx
Posts: 325 Member
The first half of this year was nuts. One marathon, two 50ks, two 50 milers, a 100k (and two PRs later) and I was physically and mentally fried. I took 2 months off from running after that. Probably did less than 10 miles per week. I needed a break so I took it.
I had a 50k on my schedule for last Saturday. I signed up for this thing about a million years ago when there was a special discount pricing on the reg fee. It was a point to point (fairly rare) and I love point to points but I hadn't foreseen the long training break over the summer. I just hadn't bounced back from the spring like I thought I would.
Should I do it, should I not do it? About a month before I decided maybe I should do a long run and see how I'd feel. My trail running cohorts were doing an 18 miler so I tagged along for the ride. It felt amazing and I was surprised to find so much of my base was still there. Did a couple hour long runs mid-week and then a hard 20 miler in hot conditions the following weekend. That felt awesome so I gave myself the green light for the 50k.
It was cold, windy, raining and muddy. It started with a bang. The first 3 miles of the course goes from sea level to 1600 feet followed by four more 1000 foot climbs. I got howled at by coyotes. It was fun and it was great to feel that way about running again. My quads are a bit sore from bombing down the downhills but other than that I'm fine. I had a decidedly mid-pack (and typical for me) finish which, considering my lack of preparation, was kind of shocking.
Maybe if I didn't do that 18 and 20 miler beforehand I could have won.
I had a 50k on my schedule for last Saturday. I signed up for this thing about a million years ago when there was a special discount pricing on the reg fee. It was a point to point (fairly rare) and I love point to points but I hadn't foreseen the long training break over the summer. I just hadn't bounced back from the spring like I thought I would.
Should I do it, should I not do it? About a month before I decided maybe I should do a long run and see how I'd feel. My trail running cohorts were doing an 18 miler so I tagged along for the ride. It felt amazing and I was surprised to find so much of my base was still there. Did a couple hour long runs mid-week and then a hard 20 miler in hot conditions the following weekend. That felt awesome so I gave myself the green light for the 50k.
It was cold, windy, raining and muddy. It started with a bang. The first 3 miles of the course goes from sea level to 1600 feet followed by four more 1000 foot climbs. I got howled at by coyotes. It was fun and it was great to feel that way about running again. My quads are a bit sore from bombing down the downhills but other than that I'm fine. I had a decidedly mid-pack (and typical for me) finish which, considering my lack of preparation, was kind of shocking.
Maybe if I didn't do that 18 and 20 miler beforehand I could have won.
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Replies
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Congrats! Glad you had such a great race.0
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I love it! You have a great attitude.0
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You should have followed my directions to win the unprepared 50k. It just takes 3 unprepared days!!! Good job on the 50k regardless, you are awesome :-D0
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Great race! When's your next (unprepared or otherwise) ultra?0
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NYC Marathon, a rare road race for me. North Face 50 Mile in December. Probably another 50k in there somewhere.0
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Sounds like a great lineup! Best of luck to you!0
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:happy:0
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