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| I already purchased this for my car!!!!!! |
I've been thinking a lot about signing up for a 50k next year. It seems like the natural progression, right? I mean, it is only 6 miles more than a marathon. Yes, I say "only", but I know that's a tough six miles to finish especially since you are typically running a 50k on trails so they tend to be tough courses compared to the roads.
I see several choices for next year, all in Michigan, that I'm considering including the following:
The Trail Marathon 50k - by Running Fit at the end of April
The Marquette Trail 50 - a trail race in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan held in August
The Peace, Love and 50k - by Running Fit in September
Dances with Dirt Hell 50k - by Running Fit in September
They are currently in the order I'm considering. I'm not sure about the Dances with Dirt race because there are numerous pond/stream crossings and I'm not sure I really want to deal with that for that distance. I will say, though, that everyone that I have ever talked to about this race loves it.
My other choice, which would be a little crazy -- ok, a lot crazy -- is to jump to a 50 mile race instead. I mean - go big or go home, right? I'd really love to run the JFK 50 - check it out HERE. My though process, as twisted as it is, is why not jump to a longer distance with a real challenge. Don't get me wrong -- a 50k is a tough race - no doubt. A 50 miler, on the other hand, is a completely different animal all together. I mean I could be out there running up to 12 hours! Now that's a challenge!
What do you think? Is the 50k really that much harder than the marathon? Has anyone run one? If the 50k becoming the new marathon? Who's crazy enough to run a 50 miler?
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8 miles this morning in soupy weather. It was terrible and slow. Ran my long run today so I can race on Saturday. Only 8 long run this week - the shortest in the whole training cycle.
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Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!
I have pondered the same. I've always wanted to run Woodstock too.
ReplyDeleteI paced Anthony for a loop of the Trail Marathon/50K. Unfortunately he didn't make the cutoff for the final 4.8. Weather was brutal as it poured the majority of the race. If you've never been on the Poto Trail, out in Pinckney I recommend it. It was a tough, but very fun course.
ReplyDeleteI say go for the Spring 50K and after that, you still have 6+ months to train for JFK.
Hell, do a 100M. Its not my legs, we're talking about. ;)
What's the cutoff? From races I've seen 14-16 mile pace seems to be about it.
DeleteYou know which event I think you should do. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, I know. See where it is on the list? :)
DeleteI do! And I am glad it even made your list. :-)
DeleteNever run one and not sure I ever will, but I think Ultra Runners are way hard core!! If your heart is leading you towards the 50 miler, then I say go for it! Dream big!! :0)
ReplyDelete50K is also on my list for next year and 50M before I turn 50, which is happening sooner than I think it will... Have you read "Relentless Forward Progress" by Bryon Powell? He talks about the mindset of 'it is just another 6 miles' and you nailed it with the race being on trails not roads, and that is a whole different animal. I'd say do it! You want to!!!
ReplyDeleteI will look into that book. Thanks!
DeleteThanks for the tip Beth. I'm reading this book now. Great book so far.
DeleteHow is your training coming along? October right?? I'm a few weeks out from my first and pondering a second.
Delete50k is easy, as you say, just a couple of mile longer than a marathon, so only look at the 50mile+ races is you have time... time to train, and more time to train...
ReplyDeleteI've done numerous marathons and ultras. The 50k is more difficult but a lot of it is in the mind. The extra time on the road is just enough to make it really hard. I would do a 50k or 2 before the 50 miler. This would be to train the mind on how to go beyond the marathon. I try to always be ready for a marathon and 50k. Longer than that needs more training.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Johann. I'm thinking 50k next year and then 50 mile after. Not sure I can grasp being on my feet that long yet. Also, coach is right - I need time to train lots!
DeleteI'm determined to do a 50k at Woodstock somehow, someway. I registered last year and got injured. I'm planning on going this year but due to my current injury, I'm not ready for a 50k.
ReplyDeleteI really want to do a 50K! I don't know about a 50 miler though….I think there is a big difference!
ReplyDeleteI am trying for the same thing after lots of marathons and halfs under my belt... the distance is scary, but we'll see how it goes!
ReplyDelete