Mark Lemmon wrote:
satanellus wrote:
That's some serious elevation for a debut 50 miler. Have you run any 50 kms with comparable vert? I'm guessing you run a lot of trails? Are you planning some ultras between now and May?
Just by the location and elevation, it sounds a stunning race.
We visited the location on our honeymoon several years ago and I did several 1 hr+ runs on or near the course. I haven't done anything comparable so I'm certainly thinking about whether I would be getting in over my head. I plan to walk all the ascents and use poles. I run a lot of trails in training but have never done a trail ultra. Planning to do the hilliest trail marathon course nearby next weekend to see how I feel after doing a trail marathon with 1000 feet of elevation gain. :) Don't want to provide details about the race until I'm registered.
It's obviously a very tough race, but I wouldn't discourage you. It would be very rewarding, though I'm not sure how many honeymoon activities you would be up for in the following days. This will beat you up more than any Ironman.
The trail marathon is definitely a good idea to start, though with 1000 feet elevation, I'd definitely be looking for some marathon or 50km races with 8000 or 10 000 ft which is comparable to your 50 mile goal. Those elevations are well on truly on the tougher end of the spectrum for races of those distances. When you cross the finish line of one of those races, think about having to do another 20 or 24 miles. That will give you a reasonable idea of what to expect for the miler
You will find very few that pack in more hills/mile, so you have to prepare specifically for it. You'll really need to hit he hills to prepare for the 50 miler. Learn how to run the descents smoothly and efficiently and train your body to the rigours of long, steep downhills. These courses will abuse your quads.
Don't worry about planning to walk the uphills, the course will take care of that and demand it of you. Nobody around you will be at all likely to running the hills.