I’m sure I’m really stupid for even contemplating this but I’m looking for your suggestions. There’s a 100 mile trail ultra in my area the weekend after Labor Day (4 weeks from this weekend). A 100 mile ultra is one of the events on my life’s ‘to-do’ list. I am slightly considering entering…my goal would be to simply finish in one piece. The reason I am contemplating this now is because I am starting grad school this fall (two year program) while continuing to work full time. Throw in a weekly commute to Minneapolis and my life gets a bit more busy than I’m used to. School and work will be a priority in my life starting this fall…that’s why I’m contemplating this race. My background: I’ve done five IMs and two double IMs since 2003. The most recent double IM was on July 6-7 of this year and I finished 2nd overall. I trained hard for it and felt good. I probably ran 48 or so miles out of the 52.4 mile run leg (which was pavement). Three weeks later (12 days ago) I ran my first 50 mile trail ultra in 8:31 which was good for 6th male overall. The race was tough for sure but never got horribly difficult (my perception of ‘difficult’ has changed since doing the double IMs :)…I imagine I walked maybe 3 miles total? So, in total, I’ve run three 50-52.4 mile ultras in my life. I feel recovered from both the ultra and the double IM and am contemplating the 100 miler. Running on trails is SO much fun!! So what do you think? Completely forget it? Or, if I try it, how should my next few weeks look? I’ve been swimming and cycling regularly since March and I do believe that all of my cycling has helped my running. Thanks for any advice or suggestions.
a friendly bump. (sorry about not separating in to paragraphs!)
I’m sure I’m really stupid for even contemplating this but I’m looking for your suggestions. There’s a 100 mile trail ultra in my area the weekend after Labor Day (4 weeks from this weekend). A 100 mile ultra is one of the events on my life’s ‘to-do’ list. I am slightly considering entering…my goal would be to simply finish in one piece. The reason I am contemplating this now is because I am starting grad school this fall (two year program) while continuing to work full time. Throw in a weekly commute to Minneapolis and my life gets a bit more busy than I’m used to. School and work will be a priority in my life starting this fall…that’s why I’m contemplating this race. My background: I’ve done five IMs and two double IMs since 2003. The most recent double IM was on July 6-7 of this year and I finished 2nd overall. I trained hard for it and felt good. I probably ran 48 or so miles out of the 52.4 mile run leg (which was pavement). Three weeks later (12 days ago) I ran my first 50 mile trail ultra in 8:31 which was good for 6th male overall. The race was tough for sure but never got horribly difficult (my perception of ‘difficult’ has changed since doing the double IMs :)…I imagine I walked maybe 3 miles total? So, in total, I’ve run three 50-52.4 mile ultras in my life. I feel recovered from both the ultra and the double IM and am contemplating the 100 miler. Running on trails is SO much fun!! So what do you think? Completely forget it? Or, if I try it, how should my next few weeks look? I’ve been swimming and cycling regularly since March and I do believe that all of my cycling has helped my running. Thanks for any advice or suggestions.
I would do it and not worry so much about the next three weeks. They will not have much impact on your race unless you get injured or train extremely hard right up to race time. You have plenty of base to do this. Key thing will be to be smart enough to slow down the right amount. Hard to know until you have done one.
I am certainly no ultrarunner but I take it for granted that you are familiar with the SHT that this race will be run on. If you are not familiar then you need to factor that into your decision. If you do know the terrain then it should be a no brainer for you. Let us know how it goes.
Given you obvious current fitness, I say go for it. Btw which ultra is it? there is a new hundred in eastern ohio that is on my schedule for next year and I would love to see a race report from your race.
dilly bar: Yes, I’m familiar with the terrain…lots of rocks and ups and downs
Jim: The race is the Superior Trail 100 on the north shore of Lake Superior.
Do it and make sure you have a great crew to help you. Utilize pacers for the last 13mi or so
I really don’t know much about pacers…what are the pacers for? And why in the last 13 miles?
While no longer running Ultras, I usually respond to these queries because at one time this was my deal (in the 80’s mostly). 42 Ultra finishes, 13 wins, several course records, 3 100’s, twice top ten at WS. Over 100 Marathons and Ultras altogether. Currently consulting with a few Ultraunners on their race prep.
Go for it, is my advice. You are a lot better prepared than the average poster we see here. I agree with Frank Day, the next three weeks is not going to add much to your current high level of fitness. But, it could detract from it, if you are not careful. I would maintain consistency in your final weeks, but do not go out for anything beyond 20 miles. It won’t make a difference. If you push it too far or hard right now you could build residual fatigue that will rear it’s ugly head in the second half of the 100. Go in very rested. Trust me, you’ll need it.
As for the race itself: pacing is the key to a successful 100 finish. Speed is irrelevant unless you are looking to win. Start a bit slower than your 50 milers, but not too much slower. The 100 is more a matter of limiting your slowdown in the second 1/2. The slightly slower than 50 pace, should be close to optimum, any slower and you will be running inefficiently. Fueling and hydrating are very important. Don’t get behind. Yet, don’t over do it either. Watch the weather. It may be chilly then, so think about soup after a few hours to maintain sodium levels and get some fat in you. Yes, in 100’s you do need some fat. Take care of little issues early (blisters, fueling, etc.) so they don’t become a big problem later.
Finally, check zombierunner.com for the best headlamps. Pay a little for the really bright and long burning ones, it will make a difference. Nighttime is really cool, but a bitch if you can’t see anything. Good luck. PS: Finishing a trail 100 is 90% physical and 110% mental.
One last thing; “Beware of the chair”.
One last thing; “Beware of the chair”.
No truer words have ever been spoken.
Since no one else seems to have said it: not a good idea! You and the other repliers must be young. I am not and I’m here to tell you that ***you are rushing the to-do list! ***There is no such thing as just doing a 100 mile trail run to “finish in one piece.” Have mercy on your body dude! You may feel great, but you have already done enough ultras for this year. If you want your body to make it through your life’s list give it a well deserved full recovery. There is life after grad school.
I did a huge ultra bike in June and started running again in July. I am going up to do the “just marathon” version of the same trail race because I am old enough to know better than to do the 50 or 100 mile, even though ultra running is my best sport. (I admit that I did sign up for the Ed Fitz 100K solo, but hey, that’s not until mid-October.) By the way: if you go ahead with the 100 miler you may not realize the full extent of your mistake until 2008. I have made this mistake more than once!
Jim,
Which one are you talking about?
Thanks.
Fred.
Finished Umstead 100 in April.My first. Concerning pacers-I have read about people who drop at mile 90-95 and say"How could anyone do that". After being at 90-95 I know. If I had been alone and sat down at the 95 aid station I woul have been toast. Also, some races like Umsted will have random pacers available that will run with you. Sounds like you will do great. Maybe win it. I have heard people say an IM is equivalent to a 100K. What do ya’ll think?
I say you’re absolutely freakin’ nuts - and to go for it.
Then again, someone recently told me “I think that your body is terrified of your psyche”. 
I have heard people say an IM is equivalent to a 100K. What do ya’ll think?
Not a chance. 100k is WAY harder, and I’ve never even run 50. Hell, I’ve never run a full marathon.
There is absolutely now way that one can legitimately claim that an IM is in any way comparable to 100k, save perhaps that they both seem to be completely insane to the average person.
fred_h–Burning River 100, first race was this year a couple of weeks ago. I would have done it this year but only found it two weeks before hand.
Thanks,
HOwever for whatever reason I read Ontario instead of Ohio!
Oh well
Fred.