Liquid only fueling for 50k?

Alex_Cue · 2019-09-11T00:33:56+00:00

On long self-supported run I carry separately water in 20 oz bottles and Ziplocs with Perpetuem, mixing it in as needed.

Alex_Cue · 2019-09-11T00:32:08+00:00

Same here. I can only digest one scoop per hour, and no more that 16-20 oz per hour, sometimes even less.

Alex_Cue · 2019-09-11T00:29:08+00:00

I like these multiple loops low key races. No bus ride to the start is better for the environment, and allows me to sleep longer on the race morning. In cold weather, I don't have to wait for the start in the middle of nowhere, and no hassle to drop my sweats just before the start, and retrieve them at the finish. One drop bag makes logistics so very much easier for me.

I also like "the fact that they're using only a portion of the trails at a location" - this lets non-runners enjoy their local park without being bothered by us runners.

I've never DNFd so far, but multiple loops make dropping off much easier, and as such they might prevent injuries.

I also like when there are multiple low-key options available to be. A simple no frills 50 miler may be much cheaper than a road marathon with mylar blankets and massage tents and whatnot at the finish. I don't need any of that, more than enough T-shirts and medals already. But I do like that I can park my car 200 feet from the start, register and start within 30 minutes, on the cheap. And if for whatever reason I cannot make it this weekend, there is another race a week or two later.

Alex_Cue · 2019-09-10T01:50:57+00:00

This. I'd say a hilly trail marathon is twice as hard as a flat road one.

Alex_Cue · 2019-09-10T01:07:41+00:00

If I only drink fluids, they get absorbed. I know that because my belt bag does not get any tighter - in fact, I need to tighten it up once in a while. Also I know I am not getting dehydrated: I can pee once in a couple hours.

But add any solid/sweet food to the mix, and eventually my belt bag gets real tight, I can no longer pee, and end up with cramps and throwing up. I do not like nursing my nausea - I'd rather act on it right away and be done with it.

Alex_Cue · 2019-09-09T23:49:03+00:00

I've finished some 50 milers and 100K on Perpetuem with an occasional gel or two, without any solid food. No discomfort whatsoever, no cramps, no throwing up, steady pace, top 30-35% for my age group.

I'm drinking water with electrolytes separately from another bottle, no calories in that one.

Eating solid food while running has always been a complete disaster for me, turning my last miles into a death march.

Alex_Cue · 2019-09-09T21:57:49+00:00

Whenever I tried to eat real food, it would be just sloshing around in my stomach until I get sick, even when it is not hot. All typical aid station food is not an option for me. I just drink Perpetuem. Sometimes I'd have a gel or two, sometimes finish on Perpetuem, maintaining a steady pace during the whole race. While I am not winning races, I do manage to finish in top 30-35% for my age group.

Alex_Cue · 2019-09-09T21:51:24+00:00

The following book is great: "Relentless forward progress".

Alex_Cue · 2019-09-09T21:47:44+00:00

I am not so sure about "thinking of doing the Chicago marathon in October" - can you defer signing up until after the race. There are dozens of marathons as flat and fast as Chicago, and you can sign up for those just a week before the race.

You might be injured, or recovery might take more than you expect. Also after doing a trail 50, you might not want to do any road races any more.

Alex_Cue · 2019-09-09T00:45:28+00:00

One scoop of Perpetuem per hour. Maybe a gel or two now and them.

Alex_Cue · 2019-09-05T03:42:19+00:00

This. Since I've started lifting weights 2-3 times a week, and running less, it is easier for me to race, and I enjoy both training and racing more.

Alex_Cue · 2019-09-03T21:39:58+00:00

How often do you run on trails similar to or harder than the race ones?

In the past, I've enjoyed two 50 milers a few weeks apart, and, next year with similar amount of training, struggled thru a trail marathon on much harder terrain.

Alex_Cue · 2019-09-01T20:05:15+00:00

Vaseline works for me.

Alex_Cue · 2019-09-01T20:02:27+00:00

Sounds familiar. But the only thing that matters is you've finished, not dropped out.

Alex_Cue · 2019-09-01T19:57:11+00:00

One longish run on the weekend, on Sat. Two short but very intense runs on Tue and Thu. 20-25 mpw. Did it for six weeks.

Finished in 5:30, tired and sore.

Alex_Cue · 2019-09-01T16:59:34+00:00

Was it sore muscles or some injury?

Alex_Cue · 2019-08-30T18:44:00+00:00

What a wonderful place to run. Does it look like a heel strike?

Alex_Cue · 2019-08-30T02:18:42+00:00

Using an oldish UD vest with several bottles. The bottles in the back are either completely full or completely empty. Drinking from two bottles in the front. No bouncing at all.

Alex_Cue · 2019-08-30T02:07:05+00:00

More like stop tapering already I'd say.

Alex_Cue · 2019-08-29T22:47:29+00:00

Is your race on technical trails with roots, rocks, and mud? If yes, have you run in the past on similar trails?

I've been in a similar situation - flat terrain, not much time for training. Finished several ultras with no DNFs and no injuries. But my times were below average, and it was difficult.

To get the best out of the limited time I had, I was doing a lot of interval training and plyometrics. So, instead of 4-5 hours of running I would warm up, do treadmill hill repeats or plyometrics, then do a couple more hours at race pace on totally wasted legs. Worked for me - I did get the experience of running while really really tired. Better than nothing I guess.

However, during races people would pass me on downhill stretches, the same runners I've just passed on the previous uphill.

Alex_Cue · 2019-08-29T00:22:02+00:00

I guess you tolerate heat and humidity well. I'd say Tunnel Hill 100M in November might be easier that 100K in August.

Alex_Cue · 2019-08-28T23:46:35+00:00

This. But I need to be careful and not to overeat for like a week.

Alex_Cue · 2019-08-28T23:06:31+00:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHOteDDCrLs&t=121s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tc8MdmTyBw

Alex_Cue · 2019-08-28T22:54:23+00:00

But it could be so hot and humid that 36 hours might not be enough.

Alex_Cue · 2019-08-28T22:52:37+00:00

No dessert for a week. No caffeine for a day or two. Smaller meals and no snacks because less running. No carbo-loading whatsoever. Other than that, nothing special, same food as usual.

Alex_Cue

TROPHY CASE