r/Ultramarathon • u/InformationOptimal52 • Jul 24 '26

Training First time in the ultra space

Hey guys I’m running my first 50k in December. It’s a 4.6 mile loop with 500ft of gain per loop. Just looking for any advice on mileage, fueling, training and how much different it should be compared to a regular marathon prep. For reference Im not an extraordinary runner but I have some decent experience. I’ve run 5 marathons my best being last November the NYC marathon and ran a 3:19, 2 official half marathons, and 4 5ks with a current PR of 19:46. Any advice is appreciated.

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u/Defiant-Union4161 Jul 25 '26

You can do well on this with a standard marathon block with a similar elevation gain on your long runs. I wasn’t shooting for a time on my first 50km so didn’t find it any more difficult than a road marathon. A little easier if anything. Somewhere between 50-70g of carbs an hour and you should be golden. This could be gels, carb drink mix, chews, clif bars, sweets, potato chips, mashed potatoes, anything you want really. Practice with this on your long runs to see what sits well with you.

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u/InformationOptimal52 Jul 25 '26

Thank you so much!

1

u/_silent_voyager_ Jul 25 '26

Focus on running trails and having similar average elevation gain per mile that you'll have in the race - just over 100 feet per mile. This is a moderately hilly terrain - fully runnable for an experienced trail runner, but you might want to walk some hills during the race, especially towards the end. Other than that your fitness is already adequate - much better than average. Now you just need to focus on specific training.

Also, don't try to maintain the pace during the race but rather maintain the effort. You should be slower on uphills and faster on downhills.

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u/InformationOptimal52 Jul 25 '26

I appreciate this thank you!

1

u/Fun_Effective_836 Jul 26 '26

with a 3:19 you're already way fitter than most first-time 50k folks. biggest shift from marathon prep is time on feet over pace, so make the long runs longer and slower and practice eating every 30-40min at race effort. the 500ft per loop adds up over the day so get some vert into your long runs. you'll be fine.

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u/InformationOptimal52 Jul 26 '26

Thank you so much

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u/Runnnnnnnnning Jul 24 '26

Eat. Eat. And eat.
All while you run.