James
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Posts: 46
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Post by James on Apr 9, 2007 17:27:09 GMT -5
I've got a question: I've run 9 marathons. I'd like to do a 30 miler, but when I researched on the net, it appears all races above 26.2 are on trails...
1) Is that true?
2) I'm an average marathoner. Do you think if I can do 31.5 miles on the road I can handle a 50k trail run, specifically PCTR's Skyline Ridge?
Thank you for your info!
-dan
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Jon
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Post by Jon on Apr 9, 2007 21:32:54 GMT -5
Ditch the watch, hike the hills, and get lost in the beauty.
In all seriousness, if you can do 30+ on the road, you should not have any difficulty transitioning to trails. However, I would not recommend approaching a trail run the same way as a road race. Don't be afraid to power hike the hills, especially early when it seems everyone else wants to run them. I find the energy saved by hiking comes in pretty handy when doing the hill a 2nd or 3rd time. Also, don't be concerned about your time at all. While these races are timed you'll probably find a much more relaxed crowd than at the start of a road race. I think a lot of people are there for the experience and to say they finished.
I hope you give it a try. PCTR showcases some of the best trails in the area.
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James
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Post by James on Apr 10, 2007 17:27:48 GMT -5
Jon: Alrite. That's helpful. Thanks a lot. Maybe I'll give Skyline Ridge Run/Race a try. Take it easy.
-dan
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Post by Pacific Coast Trail Runs on Apr 10, 2007 18:57:21 GMT -5
Hi, Dan -
Our Skyline Ridge 50 Km is a good one to try for your first ultra - it's got some hills, of course, but doesn't have nearly the elevation gain of many of our 50 Kms. And you loop back through the start/finish area, too, which means it's easy to access a drop bag or change of clothes or anything else you've left near the start.
And everything that Jon advises - walking the hills, not overly concerning yourself with your time, and such - is spot on. Your first trail ultra should be a fun experience of enjoying your time on the trails with your fellow runners.
And eating a lot when you're done, of course!
Hope you decide to join us!
Sarah (PCTR)
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Post by leinfellner on Apr 10, 2007 21:57:51 GMT -5
Dan,
you should do a trail run! I started trail running a year ago and it so perfectly complements my entire running, be it short or long distances, be it on the road or in nature. In fact, hill work gives you strength for road marathons, too. I could improve my PB significantly by doing trails.
I'm a fan of PCTR races - they're perfectly organized and all you need is there (well, except for enough bread at times ;D - right, Sarah?)
All the best for your upcoming ultra (and as Dean Karnazes wrote for me when signing his book: "Long may you run!")
Norbert
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Post by Pacific Coast Trail Runs on Apr 10, 2007 23:19:10 GMT -5
Hey, at least I learn from my "mistakes"!!  And I bet that there aren't a lot of event organizers who set aside three big, fresh rolls for you to have with your chili after your run. It wasn't easy to keep those safe from others while you ran all day, you know!! Oh, sorry...I guess I kind of lost track of the real topic at hand...  Back to the 'first ultra' talk now!! Sarah (PCTR) |
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Post by chihpingfu on Apr 12, 2007 17:38:57 GMT -5
I was crazy about road races and had done a few marathons. After I started to do trail running (Quicksilver 50K 2004), I never went back except doing one marathon a year for speedwork.
Now I'm busy at ultrailrunning :-) and have been at the nervous/excited state for the coming AR50 lately.
Skyline Ridge is a nice one. While driving there, be caution about deer wandering on the road. You'll probably run in early fog atop of the ocean at one side and the valley at the other.
Chihping
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Post by leinfellner on Apr 12, 2007 19:58:29 GMT -5
Chihping, will you be running at Diablo on 4/29? I don't think I can do the 50-miler yet, they would have to swipe me from the trail... I guess the marathon is challenging enough. Or am I trying to be "wimpy" here? Please advise. As for Sarah, yes - she is the greatest host and the rolls were delicious! Can I get poppy-seed bagels next time?  Norbert |
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Post by chihpingfu on Apr 12, 2007 21:50:57 GMT -5
Norbert, I signed up Diablo 50 miler an hour ago. I did the marathon two years. The marathon was tough. I somehow ran to the 50 miler course until told by the aid station volunteer. My bad! If you think about the wild flowers all over the vast Diablo range, the thrill to get to the top at 3849 ft for the panoramic view, and hours of spledid trails, you will feel relaxed and finish the run with joy. No need pain relievers  Hey we just did the trail work and cut the overgrown poison oak at the last 5 miles from Mt. Olympia to the finish - ultrafamilyman.blogspot.com/2007/04/trail-work-at-mt-diablo-knowing.html The trails were gorgeous! Chihping |
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Post by leinfellner on Apr 13, 2007 1:42:31 GMT -5
Chihping, your words are inspriring... now, should I do the Marathon or the 50M - the difference is almost 100% and I wonder if I can appreciate the wildflowers after 6 hours  Of course I have alreay checked out your Diablo-trail-prune experience and I love it! Assuming that the Diablo run won't sell out during the next days I"ll take a deep breath and a couple of beers and think about it! Norbert |
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Post by chihpingfu on Apr 13, 2007 10:02:42 GMT -5
Norbert,
You probably can try the Marathon first. It already has all the best in the run. When you feel totally exhausted at 6 hr, you're either done or probably close to the finish - a motivation to get youself home.
The 50 miler requires at least 12 hr of running or running in twilight/dark for most of us. You can do it next time.
Chihping
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Jon
Full Member
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Post by Jon on Apr 13, 2007 15:31:40 GMT -5
Norbert, You probably can try the Marathon first. It already has all the best in the run. When you feel totally exhausted at 6 hr, you're either done or probably close to the finish - a motivation to get youself home. The 50 miler requires at least 12 hr of running or running in twilight/dark for most of us. You can do it next time. Chihping If there is any doubt, I'd probably recommend the marathon this time as well. It's already is a bear of a run. Doubling the distance is downright scary. |
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James
New Member
Posts: 46
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Post by James on Apr 17, 2007 13:04:58 GMT -5
Thanks a lot, everyone! That's helpful info. Unfortunately, I realized 07/07/07 won't work for me. I've got somewhere else I need to be that day (not running related). But your responses have pretty much confirmed for me that I'll try a 50k trail run. I'll check PCTR's races and see if another one would be good. Thanks again.
-dan
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James
New Member
Posts: 46
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Post by James on Apr 17, 2007 13:14:22 GMT -5
I just realized I got my dates mixed up. 7/07/07 is Angel Island Run, not Skyline Ridge. I'm not sure if I have to work on 05/20, but if i don't, I may be sufficiently trained to run that race. Thanks again.
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