Maintain hydration: Drink about 5–10 fl.about two hours before you run so you’ll start off properly hydrated. Look at both general running sites and trail-running sites. Online resources: A growing number of websites have searchable race calendars. Your local REI store is a great place to start. Local running clubs classes and stores: These can provide you with both race recommendations and training support. One option is our 16-week training plan for a trail marathon: Follow it, repeating week 12, to create a 17-week 50K training calendar. Follow whatever training regimen works for you. Most races start early in the morning, so staying as close as possible is desirable.Īllow sufficient training time: For a 50K race, you need to train for about four months. If it’s a popular event, book a site or room well in advance to be sure you get a spot. If you need to acclimate to high altitude or heat, though, then you’ll need to schedule the race closer to the end of your trip.Ĭonsider camping or lodging details: Many trail ultras are in remote areas, so you’ll need to arrange for nearby camping or lodging. Most people schedule the race near the start of a trip to allow recovery time afterward. Those races are likely to sell out quickly, too, so sign up early. Think about making it a vacation, too: That’s an easy call if you’re traveling to a spectacular setting. Local events offer more attainable entries and a welcoming, low-key vibe.

After you complete a 50K, then you can start to dream about longer distances.ĭecide if you want to go legendary or local: Iconic races like Wisconsin’s Ice Age 50, Wyoming’s Big Horn Trail Race and California’s Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs sell out fast, yet also offer top-notch organization and a festival-like atmosphere. “The wall” still looms for many at about 20 miles, meaning you might have to summon your superpowers to complete a double-digit (11-mile) grind to the finish line. Start with a 50K (31.2 miles): Though only slightly longer than a marathon, those five extra miles can be a beast. As you consider your choices, keep the following in mind: Trail running’s surging popularity has spilled over to the ultra world, meaning you have an abundance of options. And a single event will often offer courses of varying distances. Distances aren’t standardized either: You might find a 55k event or a 32-mile event, for example.

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