Hi everyone. I just joined this group because I am doing my first ultra in a few months and I have a lot to learn. I have done a few marathons and several trail runs (longest was 18 miles), but I'm guessing I need to train a lot differently for an ultra. The ultra is a challenging 50k in September. I think I might also do a 28ish mile trail race in June, but that is a pretty flat course on a loop. So...where do I start? Any advice on how to train, especially vs. training for marathons? Any must read books? I would love some wisdom from you veterans.

Actually, you can treat a 50k almost like a marathon. Just take it a bit easier in the start. You will want to make sure to get as much training on similar terrain as the ultra. But otherwise, hydration, calories, etc are very similar.

Thanks Trent. I think the terrain and lack of aid stations will be the biggest issues for this one. I definitely need to get more trail experience. There are 2 aid stations and this is the elevation profile.

Wow great run profile As Trent suggests, just treat it like a marathon but with a little respect. If anybody says "after all it is only 4 more miles than a marathon" ignore them as someone who has never done an ultra, that 4 and a bit miles is a lot. Don'r go over board with your training and just keep to some good length long runs and get some hill training in just to strengthen the legs a bit. Cut your pace down and remember it is about finishing, a good tip is to walk the hills and run the slopes. Have a laugh and joke with anyone and everyone but most of all enjoy the scenery. As for food, I tend to eat carbo-gels, bananas and biscuits (cookies) for my 40 milers I have a different regime but that is for another day. However much you don't feel like it you must eat and drink, I always carry my own drink and imbibe at regular points and always use the check point food and drinks. In all, don't be concerned about the fact it is a trail, I did my first road marathon yesterday and was more worried about that than any trail marathon or ultra I have ever done.

Thanks so much for chiming in. Yes, it is the Cle Elum Ridge 50k. And I am looking at doing the Lake Youngs Ultra (28.8 miles) in a month or so. So should I just plan on walking a whole lot of the first half? Do you generally carry a handheld bottle?

I usually carry a bottle in my hand and refill along the way.

When I gotta go, I stop and pee. I have never had to do the other. Except once when I was sick with the GI bug and had to drop at mile 6 of 42 (which meant a 5 mile walk back). But it happens on longer runs and so you may want to carry TP if you think you are at risk. The TP MUST be in a plastic bag or it will get trashed.

If you need to poop, poop.

It's all starting to make sense now. I really really really hate pooping anywhere besides my place. Particularly in the woods with no TP and legs that probably want to collapse.

Last week's race, I overslept and did not have a chance to get in my morning ritual before headed to the race. I am usually very good about getting empty before a race. I was terrified that I would not have a chance, and luckily got it all out in the few minutes after arriving and the race start. But I was not confident that I had completely evacuated. As we passed bloated streams and creeks along the race course, I kept thinking that I could use one of them as a bidet if I had to go again. But it ended up being no problem. Another One, this morning I nearly blew out the Deep Wells portapot. Too much mediocre Indian food yesterday, methinks.