Angel Island as a First Ultra?

[2rocky]

After finishing the Pirates Cove 30K I'm Seriously considering Angel Island as a first Ultra Marathon. I've done 2 road marathons, but the multiple loops seems a little intimidating to me.

Could past 50k runners mention how they overcome the multiple loop mental challenge?

[mweston]

I still haven't done Angel Island, but my first 50K was Pacifica, which is 5 loops, meaning 4 chances to stop early. My biggest worry was someone else (like Sarah) telling me I had to stop because I was going to be over the time limit. Luckily that didn't happen and I was 1) under the time limit, and 2) not the last finisher (second to last).

Angel Island is a lot less climbing, and very probably cooler too, so it should be an easier first 50K.

Have fun!

[thr3ee]

I used to be a big non-fan of loop runs, but I have grown to appreciate them. They can help break up a longer distance into manageable bite-size pieces. The thing is just to make sure as you are heading into the aid station that you are going to get in, get what you need and get on with it.

Angel Island is a nice run and each of the different 3 loops around is unique and provides its own motivation. Repeating the set of 3 is probably the toughest part rather than getting out on any of them. For me, the 1st and 4th were the toughest because they had the most road. However, once you get yourself out on the 4th loop, every step means that you have that much less to finish compared to what you have already run. Not only that, but you get to look forward to your second trip to the top!

In short, I think it is an excellent choice for a first 50K. You'll love it.

[GP]

I bought a set of "winkers". They're the blinders they put on race horses to restrict their peripheral vision. With my winkers on, I can only see straight ahead, so the aid station has to be right in front of me, or I run by it. Some race organizers are considering making winkers mandatory. It would cut down on their expenses.

Plus, I have Alzheimer's, so by the time I get back to a spot, I forget I've been there before. Sometimes, I get a feeling of Deja Vu, but it passes.

This proves the problem is all in your mind, so if you've lost it, you have a great advantage. Small compensation for being old and slow, but anything helps. If you haven't lost your mind, just pretend. You shouldn't have to pretend to hard, because you actually have lost your mind, or you wouldn't be paying some one to let you run 31 miles over hill and dale.

I intend to run Angel Island because June 19th is my birthday, and at 103, I've probably lived too long anyway.

[atlantatrailsdave]

I think AI is one of the best courses on the PCTR schedule for a first ultra. The trails are smooth and the elevation gain is very doable.

2rocky, you are right in your analysis that the loop format can be challenging. My recommendation is to try and simulate that in a few of your long runs. That should help a lot in terms of preparing mentally.

[coachken]

Angel Island is an awesome event for your first 50k!

The loops really aren't noticeable if you're focused on finishing... For me, it's even kind of fun thinking "wow, I was just here 8 hours ago!!!"

Go for it!
All Day!
~Ken

[jwmatney]

Angel Island's elevation is pretty minimal for a trail run. Also, the course has a lot of traverses along the ridges and hairpins going up. I also did the Pacific 50K and only after was I told by an experienced PCTR racer that it is considered one of the toughest 50K's. Plus, Angel Island has the best views and afterwards, take the ferry back and hang out at the deck Sams or the other restaurant on the water in Tiberon, eat some cioppino or whatever and drink beer in the sunshine. Should be fun.