50K trail race as a marathon training run? (Read 733 times)

I would be more inclined to use the road marathon as a training run for the 50k, not the other way around, actually. But I don't know your background. Have you run over 20 miles before? Anything beyond 20 is a whole 'nother story, usually, and in a trail run there is usually less support/aid along the routes. I think road running (a marathon) is tougher, mentally, but the trails take more energy. Do you run trails regularly? How far? In general, It can be totally different on your body - working muscles you won't work on the road. MTA: If it's an out and back you can register (since you'lll be using their aid stations/food, etc.) and then turn around say at the 20 or 22 mile half-way point. Make sure to tell them you plan to do this, You'll be DNF'd but that's okay.

Have you run over 20 miles before? Anything beyond 20 is a whole 'nother story, usually, and in a trail run there is usually less support/aid along the routes.

What happens at 20 Miles? If you're speaking of "the wall"... it doesn't exist. Especially if you drink and eat properly along the way Usually at Trail runs the aid stations are anywhere from 3-6 miles apart. Not your typical 2 miles at road races. Its not THAT much difference. I say go for it. You can do anything you put your mind to. If you can run 5 miles you can run 10. If you can run 10 you can run 20... and so on. Not sure about your race plan Fuzz.... just show up and settle into a pace. No need to rush. Just settle in and run when you can. If you hit a place you need to stop and walk (like a hill).. then stop and walk... other than that... just run a comfy pace from beginning to end. You'll do fine. Ultra's require a certain level of patience here. Yes... I've done something like that... quite a few times. I run a 50K every 2 to 3 weeks for training. In November I ran a Marathon 6 days before a 50 Miler... blah blah blah.. BOTTOM LINE = It can be done. I agree with trails2run about the effects on the body

I've run five road marathons and a half-dozen trail races of up to 30K, so I'm not an experienced trail runner but I've an idea what to expect. RTW, your point about trails being easier on the body is what got me thinking about using a trail race as a long run. OTOH, as trails2run pointed out, trail running seems to work the muscles somewhat differently. And I hadn't thought of dropping early in the last loop -- thank you for that suggestion. Thanks, all.

Put up your dukes! lol I know what you're saying trails.. I was a FUTURE trail runner once myself but hey,... different strokes for different folks. No need to get angry because someone offers a different perspective

Yes and no... I know a few folks who went out and ran a 100 Miler before they ever even ran a marathon. Using a 50K as marathon training? I don;t see what the big deal is. 1.) Its ONLY 4.85 extra miles. 2.) As a trail race and described above... though it takes different muscles, its a lot nicer to your body AND... I will add that chances are this person will run the 50K at a MUCH slower pace than they will the marathon. They also stated that they have an ENTIRE MONTH to recover between the 50K and the actual marathon. Thats MORE than enough time IMHO. Hey... They told Columbus the world was flat... He sailed West anyway. And he didn't die. A lot harder things have been accomplished. Human potential is only unleashed by those willing to unleash it. It sounds like Fuzz wants to give it a go.. why shoot his thoughts down with "be carefuls" and "better nots.?" GO FOR IT!

Since fuzz's original post didn't have any previous experience listed,

I should have included that info in my original post. I apologize, folks. FWIW, I'm certainly not put off by the caveats. Twice I've crashed hard in the marathon due to (in hindsight) insufficient training mileage. There seem to be some lucky souls who can run marathons on low training volume, but I'm sure not of of them. Anyway, thank you all for taking the time to respond.

If you are in good shape, I think it's a good idea to just go ahead and run that 50k. It will be easier on the body than a marathon, in my opinion. Running beyond marathon distance has helped me run a faster marathon, and it has not hurt my short-distance game. It's not the right choice for everyone, but it can be a good choice for some. You will probably learn something about yourself, in the process.