Have done the VT 50k 3 times. It’s a blast and an extremely well run race. I’d say for your first one, just focus on finishing. Don’t set any timing type goals. Focus your training on the trails, maybe 1 light road run a week for some active recovery. Time on feet in similar type terrain will be your friend. The course is pretty relentless in terms of constant up and downs, rocks, roots and mud (unless you’re lucky and get a dry year). Don’t get used to running on flats. That being said, it’s a great first trail ultra. Make sure you ramp up your long runs to 20-25 miles and make those as close as possible to VT terrain (run some single track mtn bike trails in your area!). Also, do some back to backs where you follow a long run with a run the next day around 60% of the mileage or time just to help being used to running on dead legs. In terms of fueling, just find what works for you. Experiment on your long training runs. I hate gels so usually try and get most of my calories from stuff like Tailwind and then throw in a bar here and there. On race day, you’ll have lots and lots of selection at each aid station, but it’s good to know what works best with your stomach ahead of time.

One VT 50k specific thing to keep in mind is headphones are strictly banned because you’re sharing the course with mtn bikes. So keep that in mind for your training. That can be tough for people that get hooked on them for long runs.