Tuesday, June 19, 2012

First 50


Photo of Rocky Raccoon trails from:  http://prusaitis.smugmug.com/gallery/6651167_K7HWW#!i=424505814&k=aZ5fe

You know those days where you feel a little unsettled...like you are bored, or have forgotten something big and just haven't realized it yet?  I've been feeling like that for a few days now.  Maybe it's the post-Grand Canyon blahs.  Or maybe it's that I just need a new big goal to work towards. 

I'm mulling over the idea of training for my first 50 mile race and have decided that I'd like to do Rocky Raccoon in Huntsville, TX in February.  This gives me 7 months to prepare and train.  And the most important thing (to me) is that it's usually cool weather for the race which I need in order to perform well.  The trails there from what I've heard and read are fairly flat with lots of roots which also sounds good for a first 50 miler.  (the flat part anyway!)

Any advice or tips?  I've completed three 50K's now but the thought of a 50 miler feels HUGE and still unfathomable to me.  I'm excited to accomplish it though.  :)

9 comments:

  1. Congrats on picking out a great first 50 miler. It was my first as well and have run there the last 4 years. They do a great job taking care of the runner and it's an excellent course, you'll enjoy it!

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    1. Are you going to run it again next year Derek?

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    2. I might be back to run the 50 but I'm done with 100 milers.

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  2. Awesome! Derek is right, it's a great first 50 because the elevation gain is manageable (not flat, but manageable) and it's basically impossible to miss the cutoff since you get as long as the folks running the 100 (minus an hour). Train on rooty trail if you can find some and work on picking up your feet. I'm sure you'll do great. I'm doing the 100.

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    1. Thanks for the suggestions! Picking up my feet isn't exactly my strong point so I'll need to work on that. :)

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  3. Fantastic! The main thing is to run lots and lots of trails and do some with tired legs. Also workout what eats and drinks work for you. All the best with the training!

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    1. Thanks, Johann. I'm working on my training plan now and have plenty of back to back long runs planned. I'm excited!

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  5. I had planned on it last year. Even paid the registration! But it was not to be. Not sure I ever will actually. But I think that you are very capable of this. You have plenty of time to train, so you should be in top shape for the event. Good luck!

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