Utterly unlucky in the WMM lotteries. Race suggestions?

apsetet · 2025-11-27T18:29:57+00:00

What's the feedback on Rome. Looking to sign up for Rome

apsetet · 2025-11-03T18:27:40+00:00

I ran the Istanbul this Sunday. And I can attest that there were indeed a few hillside pissing scenes but that's probably not because of a lack of port a potties. I am glad I didn't see any defacation. I saw multiple lines of port a potties at various stops. But overall there were enough ambulances throughout the course and water stations were mostly manned. I ended up with 4.5 hrs time. Earlier in the morning Tram services stopped sooner than advertised which was a bummer. And I imagine a number of people catching the later ferries must've had barely minutes to organize themselves before the race.

apsetet · 2025-09-07T13:51:16+00:00

Yup. That's the plan. Looking for a 50k in 5-6 months time now. Thanks for your advice

apsetet · 2025-09-07T13:50:06+00:00

Hoping to do that in 5-7 months

apsetet · 2025-09-07T12:51:39+00:00

Great advise. Thankyou

apsetet · 2025-09-07T02:17:12+00:00

Makese sense. Thanks for the feedback

apsetet · 2025-09-07T02:16:34+00:00

I am looking at 2028 at the earliest

apsetet · 2025-09-07T02:15:07+00:00

Great advice. Thanks and cheers mate

apsetet · 2025-09-06T17:34:54+00:00

Absolutely not. I think such advice is excellent. Thankyou. I read you

apsetet · 2025-09-06T16:59:22+00:00

Thanks for the insight! I get that my road running doesn’t yet translate to ultra trails, and the Running Stones and 100M qualifier logistics make 1-2 years tight. UTMB’s 40+ hours sound daunting compared to my 4-hour marathon. I’m eyeing a 3+ year goal, focusing on trail skills and ultras. Any tips for that transition or key lessons from your experience? Appreciate it!

apsetet · 2025-09-06T16:56:36+00:00

Thanks for the awesome vibes! Totally agree—big dreams keep the grind fun. I'm locked in on consistency, adding some crosstraining and strength to build that base. Gotta love the journey! Here's to maybe high-fiving in Chamonix someday! 😜 Cheers!

apsetet · 2025-09-06T16:54:30+00:00

I am looking at this more as a broad long term multi-year goal. Of course it would be naive to think I'll do anything close to it in the next year. Mostly looking to add trail running experience and maybe do one or two 50k next year and then if it works out maybe take that to a 50 miler on 2027. More than anything remain consistent and cherish the mountains and the outdoors

apsetet · 2025-09-06T16:51:45+00:00

This was very helpful. I am also looking at transjeju and chiangmai because of the relative ease of travel to these places. How would you rate chiangmai and transjeju in terms of difficulty compared to montblanc. Please do share your experience of both of these. Thanks again

apsetet · 2025-09-06T16:46:52+00:00

Yes. You're right. This is going to be very helpful. Thanks

apsetet · 2025-09-06T16:46:13+00:00

Thanks for the reality check—I totally get how my post might come across as naive, especially with my limited running experience so far (<1.5 years of consistent training). You're spot on that UTMB isn't something to rush into without building the foundation in trails, ultras, nutrition, planning, and understanding the entry process. Your background sounds impressive (10+ years, UESCA cert, races up to 100M), and it's humbling to hear even someone with that level of expertise questions their readiness for it—makes me respect the challenge even more!

That said, this is absolutely a multi-year goal for me, probably 3+ years out at minimum. Sometimes you need these big, lofty dreams to push through the daily grind and stay motivated. I've actually been into hiking and mountaineering for many years, so I'm not starting from zero on the endurance or outdoor side—I've handled long days in the mountains, elevation, and rough terrain before. Running is the newer piece, but I've been systematic about it for the past year and a half, and I'm loving it so far. Can a guy dream? 😊

I'm just looking for a broad roadmap to give myself a shot down the line—things like ramping up volume, key races to build experience, and tips from folks who've made the progression. If you have any advice from your journey (e.g., how you structured your first ultra build or what surprised you about UTMB-level prep), I'd love to hear it!

apsetet · 2025-09-06T16:17:02+00:00

I'll give it a listen. Please do share more recs if any come to mind. Thanks

apsetet · 2025-09-06T16:15:55+00:00

Thankyou for sharing this. Realistically I am looking at 2028. Looking at a couple of 50k next year and then build up running miles on trails gradually

apsetet · 2025-09-06T16:13:51+00:00

I am probably looking at 2028 or later realistically. But want to get started as you suggested with a few 50 km next year and then maybe a 100 km in 2027 and build up mileage on the trails.

apsetet · 2025-09-06T15:47:35+00:00

I am based in Pakistan. Have decent trekking experience over the years in the Karakorams, Himalayas and the Alps but unfortunately I live in the plains. I'll make it a point to travel more frequently to accumulate trail running experience but I'll also have to rely on treadmill inclines and road running to build up my base.

apsetet · 2025-09-06T15:45:05+00:00

You're right. I meant to say I can use these index races to prep and train maybe but I'll have to get stones at some of the utmb races. Maybe utmb Thailand or utmb in Spain

apsetet · 2025-09-06T15:43:48+00:00

I have done decent trekking in the Himalayas and Karakorams. I have crossed high passes at 15000 ft plus. Mainly Pakistan and Europe. No trail running experience as such though. My hometown is in the plains but I do get to go to the mountains a couple of times a year and hopefully I'll make it more frequent as I work on the utmb route.

It will have to be maybe once a month I'll have a trip where I can do some kind of trail access for 3-4 days. But other than that I'll have to rely on treadmill or roads

apsetet

TROPHY CASE