No coca cola at the finish line of my marathon today. Nothing sweet at all. In fact the choices were (1) water and (2) beer. Geez. Stupid short races. They did have fabulous food, but I was faint (having only beer to drink combined with my low tolerance probably contributed); happily the nurses brought me a coke when they came to look at me. But that made me nostalgic for those crazy ultra races.

To the topic, I'm a newbie to ultras (only one 50K & one 50M) but I like doing them in relaxed manner, with plenty of time in aid stations -- from my only 2 experiences so far. But now that I realize "more time in aid stations" = "more time out in the dark later", I start to see the tradeoffs.

Hydration no problem.  I can figure that out.  Fueling, I am a complete newb.  I would need to learn.

 

I can figure out how to take care of my feet.  I have saved myself and others from significant amounts of pain and difficulty in the mountains by knowing how to keep a small foot problem from turning into a big one.

 

Positive attitude, well, I don't know if it is positive but I am probably a liability to myself as I would likely push forward until they had to pull or carry me off the course.  I've done some pretty tough shit and not quit.

 

The whole quad falling apart thing worries me.  I've never run much over 3 hrs.  I think I would need to pick a day and just run 6-7 hrs for the hell of it, just to have some idea what I'm up for.

 

What's up in the fall somewhere near the midwest where doing well would give something significant?  Qualifying for something bigger or something.  I would not do much more than a 50K just to do one.

I thought I had Hydration figured out. In my recent 6 hour race I took only gels and sports drink. Weather was upper 40's? I ended up with too much sodium. Post race weight was higher than pre-race. I needed, likely, just water and gels. Less sodium. Perhaps a few more calories. Last hour was horrible. I had been used to running in hotter weather, and so I over hydrated, and had too much sodium.

The quad meltdown is real. Stair machine is one strategy? Time on the feet. Run-walk overnighter? I can tell you my quads were toast after 6 hours on the flat, but also, after I sat down and ate for about an hour, I could walk no problem. I could barely stand right after the race was over. I'm confident I could train well past that, though. I hadn't run much more than 15 miles in two 

I think, what we are looking for is a road 100k. There are very few of them. Run fast, go to the World Cup. I agree - not worth running one without thinking you can win. Too much effort and pain.

Things like western states and leadville, though, you have to admit are simply "an experience" no matter what happens.

I am planning (very tentative) on the "24 the hard way" next year. Likely only 12 hours though. Might do something funny there, though, if I can get the RD on board. (and I think I can.) LIke - provide a certified split at 100k and 100mi, so we could qualify for things. 

My quads and hip flexors just fie after 28 miles or so. I guess my legs just don't feel the need to go beyond marathon distance regardless of pace. But there is that trail thing. I train mostly on roads and don't need to lift my legs up often to get over random debris. Let's face it, trail running is all about getting over random debris. If you don't then you will kiss the ground. I really think that a lack of trail running is my downfall in ultras.

Talking to some of my friends who did their first 100s last year, picking the right time of year to run one is a big consideration.  Running one in the fall means a summer with 40 mile slow runs through the heat and bugs.  Still, fall seems a more natural time for me.  

Yes.

out running?

Still hurt from a post in Swamp. Didn't sound happy.

I saw that.  I was hoping he'd at least hold out here....

I blame Carl.

That's OK, Amanda. I blame me too.

Guilt is a merciless angel.

As of right now, I'm going to show up for HUFF and run...we'll see how far.