I can find a lot of information that assumes a person only does triathlons or only trail runs, but I do both. I know that there are others on the forum who also do both, so I would like to draw on your expertise. In two weeks, I have my first ultramarathon (32M, approx. 4800’ of climbing–it is the Bighorn for those of you who are doing it). Since my HIM 6 weeks ago, I have focused on running, and have only ridden and swam once a week. I have done my last long run, 5 hours of trails, and am tapering. I figure that this is a good time to swim a lot, especially since swimming is good core exercise and non-load bearing.
But what about the bike? Rides of up to two hours shouldn’t be bad as long as they aren’t within about two days before the race. However, we have a big hill ride planned for this weekend to train for a gran fondo. Is that cutting it too close, or would a hard ride be good cross training?
I dont run alot on trail, but some. I find that bike-fatigue actually carries more over to trail-running than regular runnung, since trailrunning is more strength-focussed. If your bike-fitness is pretty decent to begin with, so that you can handle a long hill ride this weekend, I’d say you’ll be fine (but maybe not the optimal leadup!). You still have about 1 week from your ride to the trail. If the ride is going to be one of your longer/harder this year, I think I’d opt for sitting out (that is - unless the fun of doing both the ride and the trailrace is more important than a good time in your trail-race :)) I had quite the opposite dilemma last week.
This saturday I had a bike-race I’d planned to to for a while, as the final lead up to my A-race (tri) in three weeks. Thursday the same week there was a great trail-race just outside my front door - it was only 21k, but solely on technical trails and with pretty much elevation. The trail-race was sold out, but suddenly I got offered a ticket the night before. I chose the fun of doing both races over doing good in my bike-race:) Happy with my choice!
I think you are going to need more luck than me (although you are probably in much better shape). The 100 seems brutal. People love to post videos of the terrain around the turn around point, but starting a race climbing up that canyon seems like an easy place to blow up.
FYI, my parents still live there, and the report from this weekend is that almost all of the snow has melted below 10,000’ (they still had about two feet at lower altitudes a week ago). The valley is hitting temps in the 90s, but the mountains are significantly cooler (highs in the 50-60s). Personally, I would rather race in the cold than the heat, but the weather there is so unpredictable that I am just going to have to pack for everything.
You are correct…I blew up two years ago there. Last year I attempted after not getting in enough running due to a stress fracture. This is my third try.
I live in Billings so have run in Absorkee’s and Beartooths…snow level there 8400 but not as open
Thanks for the info
I am worried about the heat, too. I just did the 18M last year, and the weather was perfect. We don’t get very hot where I live, so I don’t handle it well. I know from experience how hot that canyon can get it the summer, so I am just hoping that doesn’t happen this year. No matter what, I will be taking electrolyte tablets, and well as drinking plenty of water.
Since you have a lot of experience with the race, maybe you can answer a question for me. Last year, I just used a handheld water bottle. I also have a race belt with a pocket that can hold quite a bit including socks and band aids. Those aid stations are placed approximately every 6 miles, and they seemed to be well stocked. I noticed that in every video I watched, almost everyone is carrying a hydration pack. I have one that I use for long training runs, but it gets hot, and after a few hours, all of that water on my back gets heavy. I was planning on just taking the handheld and the race belt. Can you think of a reason that wouldn’t work for the 32M?
Depending on the time , pace you run I see no problem with just a hand held. If you do use a pack, you do not have to fill it all the way. I like having my hands free, so I carry my bottle in the front pockets of my pack. You may not have that option. I also do not pick up my pack till the 30 mile mark. Until then I do a two bottle belt, but only because one bottle is nutrition…if it is going to be as hot as expected.
To get back to your question, most people carry to much…if nutrition is ok, and time between aid stations you have enough water…just the hand held
Thanks. I think I will stick with the handheld and belt. Those aid stations were really well stocked last year, and they are spaced fairly close together. I have been watching the weather, and I am concerned about the heat. I hope the nice woman on the bike with the basket of popsicles is there again this year.
I tapered off my bike a bit before a 50 miler when I was in the middle of my IM buildup. I left the swimming alone as it wasn’t a big deal. Dead/tired bike legs at the start of a 32 miler just doesn’t seem fun so you might want to go easy or cut the distance for the ride.
Good luck…
PS: I always rode the day after my trail run as opposed to the other way in all my training that year.
Hopefully i run into you. If I am having good luck you should be passing me at some point…gotta see if I can get a bid number…Yeah, the heat can kill us…The first time I tried this race, was 85 at start then 29 and rain at 2am at 10,000…I have tried twice and not finished. Trained more than any IM (done 6) or anything else.
I will definitely have to watch getting carried away on the bike too close to the race. My parents still live in Sheridan, and I keep an old mountain bike at the house. We will be camping near the start of the race for a couple of days to help me get used to the altitude (and for old times sake). That bike will be my transportation, and I tend to just take off riding for hours. It isn’t hard riding, but it would be stupid to wear my legs out the day before the race.
I am still trying to decide if I will do the 60 mile, 8000’ of climbing ride with my friends this weekend, though.
Looks like it will still be 90.
For my first 30 miles I will have a collapsible bottle handheld, and will hold another .5liter collapsible bottle that I can stick in the back of my jersey (will have bike jersey for pockets). No belt. My shorts can hold up to 8 gels and my zippered shorts pocket will hold e tabs and small emergency kit.
Not until mile 30 will I pick up my pack which will have jacket, headlamps ect…for the dark night and cold : )
So back to your question, handheld enough, thats all I will use for my first 30 miles…I will be happy (need) with a 17 min pace or less for that
When I get my bib number I will post…I might not be where you join the course but if I am…I wear a race belt with the number spun around to back…you can give me a push good luck
Thanks. I am going to take my favorite hydration pack for hiking (and mushroom hunting. I am usually really good at finding morels), so I can change my mind on race day, but I think I will go with the handheld and race belt. There is a link on the FB page to look up your bib number.
Well looks like weather in mid 80’s. My bib is 151, probably will be wearing my Sufferfest jersey, but since it will be my second day when you pass (hope i am that far by then) might not, but probably a bike jersey…good luck
Good luck to you. Hopefully 3rd time is the charm. I will be #966. I will be the woman in a pink tank top and green cap. Currently, I am sitting in the Denver airport waiting for my flight to Sheridan.
