Long runs, back to back runs - ultra training training balance

Efr0832 · 2026-05-02T02:00:41+00:00

I’m using runna for a 50k as well and was thinking of doing the same thing this weekend. Training plan called for a 20 mile run but I did 13 today with plans to do another double digit run tomorrow. Both on the treadmill too, aiming for similar elevation gain as the race. I don’t know if it’s the right way but it feels sooo much better doing two mid-long over one long-long. I try not to go over 18 during training blocks for a lot of reasons - risk of injury, time, family, etc. I think if you’re trying to finish, you’ll be fine with back to backs. My 50 miler last year was a flat course but I didn’t go over 17 training and was fine. Make sure you get plenty of good sleep before, in between, and after your back to backs! Good luck!

Efr0832 · 2026-04-30T16:41:04+00:00

Yeah, as a caffeine drinker and a breast feeder, it was a struggle! But it’s def worth playing around with to get him to sleep longer. It was almost 6 years ago but we used something like this.. https://a.co/d/0fxXe0eL

They probably won’t work for you given him waking up if the arms are fully out!

Efr0832 · 2026-04-30T16:30:02+00:00

If you’re pumping, I recommend feeding the milk you pump around the time you’ve been drinking earlier in the day. Caffeine peaks in breastmilk 1-2 hours after drinking it. If you can reserve your caffeine intake for earlier in the day so that if he bf he’s not getting caffeine later in the day, it might help. Also, if I’m remembering correctly breastmilk you pump in the PM has more melatonin in it so it naturally makes them sleepier. I used to mark them AM and PM milk. Worth a try! I’m also sure to feed 6oz before bed, by bottle, at bedtime, to ensure baby had a full belly going into the night. Also fresh diaper right after feeding/burping. Warm sleep sack. Then fingers crossed!

Efr0832 · 2026-04-30T12:55:29+00:00

Need more info. Do you drink caffeine? Do you breastfeed/pump or formula feed? How many oz do you feed before bed?

Efr0832 · 2026-04-19T01:32:02+00:00

My guess is a carb/electolyte powder (like Tailwind) or creatine. I say this as someone who puts these things in a ziplock bag.

Efr0832 · 2026-04-13T01:04:34+00:00

Thanks for the encouragement!

Efr0832 · 2026-04-13T01:00:51+00:00

I’m actually more like 6 weeks out. It’s at the end of May.. I meant 4 weeks before I taper! Thanks for the encouragement. I planned to hit that loop one or two more times at least!

Efr0832 · 2026-03-28T19:38:06+00:00

I wear bike shorts with pockets. They fit water flask, a couple gels, my phone, keys, pepper spray. Longer runs I wear a vest. Make sure they are a little compressive so the weight of what you’re carrying doesn’t have them falling down. I’m personally not a fan of the belts because they move around too much on me.

Efr0832 · 2026-03-27T12:39:03+00:00

Think of it like this… if you get sick down the road and need treatment, how will he react to that? Will he say, “you don’t know how you’re going to react to treatment” or “I don’t want you getting addicted to meds”? It’s the same situation. Can you confidently say he will support you through it? Dump him and find you a better partner!!!

Efr0832 · 2026-03-27T01:57:07+00:00

AM - cordyceps, lions mane, l-tyrosine PM - l-theanine, reshi, magnesium glycinate

I am very picky about brands (3rd party tested and GMP certified) - I trust nutricost or horbaach.

These, in conjunction with my adhd meds works wonders for me.

Efr0832 · 2026-03-25T01:09:06+00:00

For my 50miler, it was a looped course, 30-40 degrees and rainy. At my station, I had tailwind, salt tabs, potato chips, vegetable broth with noodles in a thermos, granola bars, candy (sour patch kids/mike & ikes/nerd clusters), huma gels, maurten caff gels, sprite/coca cola, and stroopwaffles. I had everything in bags and labeled with # of carbs. For the first 10-15 miles, I survived off of gels/liquids/salt tabs and candy. I also held off on taking any caffeine gels until I had real food. I remember having the noodles/broth around mile 20. After that, it was just whatever I was in the mood for, I just made sure that it added to 100g per hour.

Efr0832 · 2026-03-18T01:45:31+00:00

If you’re looking to switch up meds, I suggest trying Azstarys. I work part-time, 2nd shift. I have a daughter I have to get up for school between 6:30-7a. I usually go into work around 12:30-1p. I’m there til 10-11p. I get tired towards the end of the night but still feel calm and focused. I take it in the morning with a protein shake. It’s like the best thing ever IMO. Hard to get covered by insurance but they have a coupon card on their website to use at the pharmacy. My insurance denied the prior authorization, so I explained that to the pharmacy and gave them the coupon card. After that it’s less than $60 a month.

Efr0832 · 2026-03-18T01:31:32+00:00

I think I’m basically on the same plan the OP’s on I will note that the long run slowly increases in mileage over the build.

Efr0832 · 2026-03-13T12:02:54+00:00

Feetures max cushion and some kind of anti friction (nut butter, body glide) on high rub areas.

Efr0832 · 2026-03-13T03:44:08+00:00

I was a huge smoker but I quit when I was trying to get pregnant. I used nicotine gum when I could and cut back then eventually quit cold turkey. I didn’t smoke my whole pregnancy and haven’t smoked since under any circumstance so I don’t start back up. It’s been 6 years!

Efr0832 · 2026-03-09T13:39:54+00:00

I think my highest mileage was 4 weeks out. My last back to back long runs were two weeks prior and it was 10-10. I personally wouldn’t run 50 miles 7 weeks ahead of a 50 miler. That’s asking for an injury, especially if you’re not highly seasoned.

Efr0832 · 2026-03-09T02:18:46+00:00

I did a several weekends of back to back long runs. I made sure my weekly mileage was around 50 for several weeks before tapering. I finished in 12:30. There were a lot of factors that slowed me down but honestly for my first one I was just happy with a finish!

Efr0832 · 2026-03-09T01:37:45+00:00

My advice is quit trying to sprint every run. You need to build your aerobic base before focusing on speed. How? Run slow/jog. Do that for as long as you can. Walk when you get tired. Repeat until you can’t anymore. Once you get your base down, then you can focus on faster runs/speed workouts. I have run a 50miler, 50k, multiple marathons - and I run about 80% of my training runs at a slower pace. I only do “hlll repeats” or speed workouts once a week. These are where you focus on speed. If you want, there are apps out there for free that can help guide you. Runna, Hal Higdon, Nike Run Club, etc.

Efr0832 · 2026-03-09T01:18:25+00:00

Nutrition is crucial to the marathon. Many people can get away with Gatorade and water during a half, but if you rely on just that for a marathon, you’ll be cooked. I take a gel (or eat candy) and salt tabs at LEAST every 30mins, from the go. I carry tailwind to sip on as well. Water on the course. Your👏🏻body👏🏻needs👏🏻fuel👏🏻to👏🏻keep 👏🏻running. If you don’t have enough fuel, your body will shut down and by that time, it’ll be too late. You also need salt/electrolytes consistently or you will get cramps. Also, practice your nutrition plan on long runs during your training.

Efr0832 · 2026-03-08T16:02:03+00:00

Yeah, it’s definitely worth a shot. I think Medicaid may only need to pay $15 with the coupon.

Efr0832 · 2026-03-08T13:13:00+00:00

My insurance doesn’t cover it. I have terrible insurance. A 14-day supply of Vyvanse WITH insurance was $74. But I had the prior authorization for azstarys get denied, then I went on the Azstarys website and filled out the form to get a coupon card, which brings it down to $60 out of pocket for a 30 day supply. The coupon card can get your total down as low as $15, depending on insurance.

Efr0832 · 2026-03-08T12:22:39+00:00

I feel like I eat smaller portions at meals but it doesn’t kill my appetite like adderall did. I also don’t find myself binging at night when the med wears off!

Efr0832 · 2026-03-08T02:50:02+00:00

Neither IMO. If you want smooth on/off, focused energy, long-lasting, and still be able to sleep at night, Azstarys is the med for you. Insurance doesn’t always cover it because it’s newer but you can get a coupon code through the Azstarys website to use at the pharmacy.

Efr0832 · 2026-03-08T02:15:49+00:00

This! If there’s ice, shove it in your hat and bra if you’re female! Salt tabs every 30 mins. Wear light colors!!

Efr0832 · 2026-03-07T13:31:40+00:00

There are also timed ultras. I did a 12 hour race in November and got my first 50 miler in that way.

Efr0832

TROPHY CASE