10 replies to this topic

[Stevoruns]

Have been trying to find training programs or advice on ultras...finding it a bit 'all over the shop'!

I've just run the Boston marathon in April 2011 and am roughly using Hal Higdon's training plan for multiple marathons (8 weeks apart) as I'm going to give the Gold Coast a go in July. I'm keen to try and keep up the training to run the Bush Capital 60km ultra 4 weeks later...increasing my long runs until I use the marathon as my final long training run.

Will muscle memory from the training for Boston...be enough with the next 9 weeks of long runs? Every training plan seems to be for either 50 kms or 50 miles...nothing in between!

I've been running for 3 years, completed 3 marathons and run 4 times a week. I try to keep my mileage as low as I can after a couple of overuse injuries in the past. My aim is just to finish...maybe using the run/walk strategy.

Any advice would be fantastic!!

[stoneman]

Qualified advice as this is only my 3rd year running ( and this year I got the dreaded OP)

However as qualification in the last couple of years I have run the 6 foot a couple of times, and marathons M7,Fitzroy Falls,Melbourne and some trail runs...i also did the Canberra Ultra last year.

What I did was elongate one of the midweek runs to 2-2.5 hours in addition to the long run on the weekend. I was running 4-5 times per week
Mostly 10-12 k's during the week and the long one up to 3  and 3.5 hours.

I ran the M7 in 3:50...I did the Canberra ultra "easily" in that I didn't worry about my time and ignored the watch and paced it in 7 hours...Felt fine, could have (??shoud have ) gone quicker....A nice run, enjoyable, small, friendly

In summary a bit more time on your feet...  Good Luck

[damyanos]

Stevoruns,

This is a great event, one of my favourites. Sorry, I can't give advice on training as mine is erratic. Maybe... train on undulating terrain.

Rug up if you're not used to Canberra's cold. If the same course as last year is used, it's a classic undulating course with a pretty nasty hill thrown in just as the legs are tiring.

John Harding and his team do a great job with this event and I'll be lining up for the 60k again.

Hope your preparation goes well.

[Stevoruns]

Thanks!!! I was aiming for around the 7 hour mark...all going well. I'm a Canberra girl so the cold morning will be something I know I'll be prepared for! I thought if I attempt a local race as my first ultra I can go and do some runs on the course in preparation. 60kms was a little further than I originally aimed to do as my first ultra, but hopefully if I can get some decent long runs in before then I hope to finish with a bit of walking on some of the hills.

[Rico]

Depends on your ambitions, but I would say if you are marathon fit then the only difference is to pace yourself properly and make sure you have some practice at mildly hilly offroad conditions.

I've only done the 25km version, but my impression is that this is no 6ft or Deep Space Mountain in that the hills don't require long walking periods for most of the field.  On the other hand it's not the same as road running either.

If you are thinking 7 hours compared with 3.30 to 4 for your marathons then you might want to think about getting more calories into you.  From memory I think fruit cake is an option.

[Moog]

I have no advice for you except just to wish you well.  My plan is to do the 60km one day (I've done the 25km event twice).  Unfortunately I will be away this year.

[JohnH]

Moog, on 02 June 2011 - 07:33 PM, said:

I have no advice for you except just to wish you well.  My plan is to do the 60km one day (I've done the 25km event twice).  Unfortunately I will be away this year.

A few things:

1. Online entry is now open at the event website: http://www.mountainr...vents/bmarathon
You can see a copy of the new map for the 60k course. Psychologically the 60k is going to feel a lot easier on the day if, as a runner from Canberra, you do a few runs over sections of the course. Unfortunately today Goorooyarroo and Mulligans Flat nature reserves were closed for the rest of June for the annual kangaroo cull. So you will have to wait until July to run over that section.

2. I would suggest a few long runs of at least 4 hours between now and mid-July. Time on your feet is what is important, not speed. Julie Quinn has been the female Bush Capital 60k winner several times and she easily won the the North Face 100k. She and husband Dave Baldwin regularly do long Sunday runs in the Brindabella mountains and Canberra hills of from 40k to 80k, running relaxed, with back packs and stopping to take photos.

3. Don't develop overuse illnesses or injuries by doing junk kms on your easy days.

John Harding
Race Director

[pacman]

Guys.

Will probably enter the 60km.  Expect to finish last (or there abouts).
I expect the start temp will be somewhat "fresh", perhaps bordering on "bracing",
but will warm up (perhaps) during the race.
I am not familiar with this event, do runners rug up to start with and carry a small
backpack to add/remove layers and carry fluid/food?
What is considered "normal"?

[Moog]

pacman, on 07 June 2011 - 07:23 PM, said:

Guys.

Will probably enter the 60km.  Expect to finish last (or there abouts).
I expect the start temp will be somewhat "fresh", perhaps bordering on "bracing",
but will warm up (perhaps) during the race.
I am not familiar with this event, do runners rug up to start with and carry a small
backpack to add/remove layers and carry fluid/food?
What is considered "normal"?

It's a really good event with drink stations, etc.  I am not sure that you'd need to head off all rugged up.  I usually just drive there, all rugged up, then quickly take all the extra layers off and leave them in the car for the race.

It's normally quite fresh - quite often, frosty at the start, but if Canberra winter is good to you it can then become quite sunny and feel even warm during the race.

That being said, I will be away this year in much much warmer climes so you're probably better off listening to what someone else has to say. Hah!

[Stevoruns]

AAARRRRGGGHH! Whilst on a 25km training run I tripped and have busted open my knee - got a great view of my kneecap. Stitches and no running for 3 weeks!!! So Gold Coast is gone and so is the ultra. Aiming to get back into training to complete either the shorter distances or the 25km this time around. Perils of running the trails I guess. Makes me want to complete the 60km next year more than ever!

[Rico]

ugh that sucks!

I've been meaning to post in the "why do we do it" thread that the one problem with trail marathons and ultras is that to be able to do them you have to run hours and hours and hours of trails over months and months, but a single second of things going wrong can end everything.