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Margaret
Margaret Sendmail

AR50 in April

posted over 2 years ago | Report

Hi all,

Considering my first ultra in April 2010...I came up with a crazy schedule of mileage to build up to until then. I'm fairly slow and steady and planning to run/walk. Aiming at a schedule which includes 3-4 times a week shorter runs (5-7 miles), 1-2 days rest and 1-2 long runs on the weekends with increasing distances (from 10 up to 30 miles).

What is the longest single day training run one should complete before attempting their first Ultra? Is 30 enough, not enough? I've completed three marathons in the past with slow and steady times, I'd rather enjoy the ride than watch the clock every minute, have heavy but strong legs (no gazelle here), which is why I feel an ultra might be up my alley but have always lacked the discipline to keep it up!

Also see below weekly mileage build up that I pulled together after a bit of reading but not based on any scientific meathod...welcome any feedback or tips you have to share.

Many thanks!
-M

From So So to Ultra in 7 months...(daily runs)
Sept. 25 miles/week (5.5.10)
Oct 30 miles/week (5.5.5.15)
Nov 40 miles/week (6.6.6.6.16)
Dec 45 miles/week (7.7.7.7.18)
Jan 50-55 miles/week (7.7.7.7.20) to (8.8.8.12.24)
Feb 60 miles/week (7.7.7.10.26) to (6.6.6.6.6.28)
March 50-60 /week (6.6.6.6.6.30)
Taper 3 weeks (45 miles week to 30 miles a week to 15 miles week of race)
April 10 race day -- yikes!

Wow that is a lot of miles! Phew!

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3 posts

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  • Jimmy J.
    Jimmy J. Sendmail

    Kelly K recently told me if I could run 26-30 miles I could finish a 50-mile Ultra Marathon. He also told me I didn't have to run a ton of mileage, but make sure I get my long run in. I hope this helps. He has done many ultras. Any advice needed ask him. That's what I was told by someone else. ( =
    God Bless.... +

    posted over 2 years ago | edited over 2 years ago | Report

  • Margaret
    Margaret Sendmail
    in reply to what Jimmy J. said:Kelly K recently told me if I could run 26-30 miles I could finish a 50-mile Ultra Marathon. He also told me I didn't have to run a ton of mileage, but make sure I get my long run in. I hope this helps. He has done many ultras. Any advice needed a... read more

    Thanks Jimmy -- will keep that in mind. Hope your training is going well!

    posted over 2 years ago | Report

  • Stephen C.
    Stephen C. Sendmail

    Hey M

    I'm doing the AR 50 in April for my first ultra. 30 miles is my longest run and I don't plan to go above that. I average 50-60 miles a week depends on my work schedule. I try to do two long run one the following day. Sat 30 miles, Sun 15 miles. or Sat 20 and Sun 20. To get my body use to running on tired legs. Need to run some hills.

    Stephen

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

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