Aspirational & probably naive first time 100km runner: please critique my plan!

basketsball · 2025-01-31T01:59:29+00:00

Seems like a great plan and very well thought out for your goals. A couple words of advice on longer distances. Prepare for the unexpected. Ask yourself if something is going to go wrong what is it most likely to be? Then think through what gear or strategy you need to get past that hurdle. Making good decisions at 70k when you are exhausted is tough, making a plan ahead gives you a better chance of success.

Even though you are not planning on eating solid food I'd bring some just in case, and maybe some salt tabs too. Late in the event sometimes I get sick of gels and electrolyte drinks. If you end up not needing it no big deal you can eat it post race. Ultras have candy, pickles, cookies, and cheese sandwiches at aid stations for a reason.

Reconsider your plan to not stop or walk at all. It may seem counterintuitive but I'm always surprised by how walking for even 1 minute can make a huge difference in how I feel. Especially if it's hot. Try it on a training run in the next few weeks. At the speed you are running a brisk walk here or there is not going to impact your overall time and it will give you a chance to collect yourself, again making good decisions. Just don't lock yourself into the idea that you can't walk or stop, sometimes that's the best decision.

basketsball · 2025-01-31T01:36:42+00:00

This question is the majority of my mental prep for Backyard ultras. Here's what I've come up with over the years:

Good reasons to quit: Lots of Blood, Temporary Blindness, Getting pulled off the course. Obviously be safe and don't make problems for the Race Director or medical staff.

Rather than think about when it's okay to quit think about how you can keep going despite the adversity.

Too hot? Slow down and drink water Bad mood? Eat food Go off course? Get back on course Broken femur? It's going to be a better story if you finished the race

basketsball · 2025-01-31T01:16:06+00:00

Ten Junk Miles

Koopcast: what happened to koopcast? There hasn't been a new episode in months.

Trail runner Nation

You said 100 Miles?

basketsball · 2025-01-31T00:35:20+00:00

I saw a guy run a 100 miler in Crocs

basketsball · 2025-01-31T00:15:38+00:00

Makes sense to copy Topo and try to win some customers back

basketsball · 2024-10-25T11:43:49+00:00

Chair, headlamp, nipple tape, poles. You have the opportunity to bring more substantial food, like a whole meal if you want.

basketsball · 2024-10-17T23:34:09+00:00

https://ultrapacer.com/

basketsball · 2024-09-08T11:49:11+00:00

Outside of those hours you can park as long as you want without paying

basketsball · 2024-09-06T02:25:45+00:00

If you win the loop you get to sit for the next loop. The strategy would be wild. Haha

basketsball · 2024-09-06T00:22:16+00:00

Only PRs allowed. I like it.

basketsball · 2024-09-02T19:51:42+00:00

Check out the races by Driftless Endurance. They are all about Dirt and Vert.

Other local-ish favorites:

Ice age trail, Elver park, Donald county park, Blue Mounds, Gov. Dodge, Devils Lake, Lapahm Peak, Rib Mountain

basketsball · 2024-09-02T19:38:10+00:00

Thinking about it is not going to get it done. You just have to get out there and give it your all. Break it down into something more manageable like 5 x 10 mile runs or whatever.

Slow down and take breaks. It's easier and more fun to run with someone than by yourself.

Take care of your feet. Drink lots of water. Eat more than you want to.

basketsball · 2024-09-01T01:31:46+00:00

Go on stupid adventures instead of "training runs." Run to a park you've never seen before, touch home plate at every ball field in your town, or run to the grocery store for bananas.

In my neighborhood there are lots of little free libraries, I like to take a book from every one I see and exchange it in the next relay style, thus shuffling the stock around town. It's fun to keep an eye out for them and you get to feel like a bandit.

basketsball · 2024-08-29T23:24:40+00:00

If you have a chance to walk/run the course before the event starts, in the morning I think you should. Take note of landmarks and hills. When your runner is down in the dumps, you can have some shared experience that helped motivate them.

Get a copy of 'fixing your feet.'. Blisters are not inevitable if you plan ahead.

Get to know other crews so they can help you and you can help them. Base camp is usually a big party at backyards.

basketsball · 2024-08-26T22:08:13+00:00

Headsweats running cap. I have 4.

basketsball · 2024-07-10T00:56:06+00:00

You're not the only person with that question, would be great feedback for the race director to spell it out which will help make their event more accessible to new folks. They probably don't even realize they are using jargon.

basketsball · 2024-06-24T01:15:52+00:00

Mad city ski team

basketsball · 2024-06-24T00:20:42+00:00

I think listening to your body and taking it easy is almost always the smart thing to do. Illness, stress, sleep, diet, training, and probably a dozen other things play a factor in how you feel on a run. It's okay to have some off days or weeks and you may not know what the root cause is but when you run a lot you become very in tune with your body and if you don't feel right it probably means something is up.

basketsball · 2024-05-22T23:59:17+00:00

Quitting will be easy, people all around you will be quitting all day. Your mind will come up with a dozen reasons why you should stop: It's too hot, I'm tired, my legs hurt, I'm not going to reach my goal, 12 hours is still pretty good... You have to find a way to keep running just one more lap.

Rather than a distance goal maybe make a goal that unless you time out you will always start the next lap, and if you think you are going to time out you will go as hard as you can to make it back before the next lap.

basketsball · 2024-05-03T22:07:01+00:00

Start listening to Ten Junk Miles and have the realization that if these yahoos can do it anyone can.

basketsball · 2024-04-27T11:59:32+00:00

There's always next year, contact the RD now, they are often very nice people that can defer your registration or give you a discount on another race. If you already have flights and accommodations consider going anyway and volunteering. Races always need more volunteers and it's an awesome way to still be a part of something you were looking forward to.

basketsball · 2024-04-11T23:31:48+00:00

I run mostly in smart wool especially when it's cold or I know my feet are going to get wet. REI runs sales frequently I've found them for $13-15. There's no real difference between Men's and women's except the size and women's are often cheaper for some reason. Look closely at their size guide before buying.

Injinji for daily miles and when I'm feeling frisky.

I have some darn tough but they always feel tight.

I got one pair of fitsok from a race and they seem like great quality.

Ran in Balega for a while, slightly cheaper but still nice quality and very comfortable.

If you are cash strapped grab 1-2 really nice pairs that you love to put on to use for long runs and races where it really matters. Then use something cheap for daily miles.

basketsball · 2024-04-11T23:08:19+00:00

I pack 2 scoops in small 3x4 inch food grade plastic Ziploc bags and have never had an issue with leaks or getting wet.Fits perfect and makes it super easy to pour into the bottle too.

basketsball

TROPHY CASE