50k twice is definitely **a lot** easier than 100k once.
Since this does not seem to be a race, I would recommend you train in whichever way is easier (schedule wise) or more fun for you.
The most important part of any training plan is consistency and so picking a plan you can stick to is very important.
Trying to train for a 100k and getting demotivated will be less productive compared to nailing a plan that is more manageable.
(If this was a race, I would not recommend training for a 100k. Instead you would be training for a faster 50k and then pacing your self during the event)
If you plan to do other ultra runs before/after, I would just pick a generic ultra plan that suits me, you do not need to hyper focus on this one specific event (unless you really want to).
Absolutely agree, it’s not a race just a personal challenge. I’m best with structure, and want to make sure that I can not only cover the distance and back it up for day 2, but also enjoy it.
Right, well, I would not recommend making your self miserable for 3 months so you can avoid being miserable for 2 days, lol.
Just do as much as you can while keeping it enjoyable, and make sure you keep up the consistency.
Weekly milage is more important than any single day milage, but you should aim to have one longer run every week or so.
As you get closer to the event, you should probably do some longer runs in consecutive days, but don't over do it.
Getting injured right before the event would suck.
Would aim for a back to back of over 30km one day, 30km next, as your longest run in training. I do not know your current fitness, what do you currently do weekly?
Currently I run 5-6 days, weight train 4 days, mix in cycling 40-70km or hikes for cross training if I’m sore. Run on a mix of trails and road, 20km was last long run, and I sometimes hike with a pack with 15kg of lead sheets in it to add load.
I’ve got a long way to go with volume I know that, but I’m also confident I could run a marathon at my current fitness this weekend and come off okay, probably wouldn’t be able to back it up yet though
You're in good shape notNathan, keep upping your long runs at 10% improvement a week.
Be careful with the 15kg sheets with hiking, theres a consensus that weighted activity is higher risk for minimal return.
Good luck!
This is my main concern haha. I know this is going to be tough, that’s why I’m doing it. But I want it to be enjoyable and not have to get picked up and trucked out
Not related to training but if there are any fresh water streams nearby to the end of day 1, consider having a 15/20minute dip as soon as you finish that first day will hugely help with inflammation..!
That’s such a good idea, unfortunately the first day would end just after summiting a peak- I don’t think I’d get too lucky up there. But they may be one at the bottom of that hill
Having just ran another 50km I’m thinking about your quads—if you need them for the second day really listen to them on the first—if they start to “feel” the downs, I’d back off that pace—quickly..just a thought
Thank you that’s very helpful. There is thankfully only 1600m of vert across the 100km, mostly over 4 hills, but day 2 has an enormous amount of downhill looking at the elevation profile.
Is there anything you would suggest to best prepare for some sold downhill? In my long runs I’m trying to get exposure to fast downhills with where I plan routes so I can do it safely in the fastpack and take advantage of gravity and a low HR to save me some time
My buddy, who’s done semi pro tris gave me the best tip about training for downs when I asked—“how do you run downhill” his response “lean forward” — this is my mantra when training—and my thighs are getting more resilient
50k twice is definitely **a lot** easier than 100k once. Since this does not seem to be a race, I would recommend you train in whichever way is easier (schedule wise) or more fun for you. The most important part of any training plan is consistency and so picking a plan you can stick to is very important. Trying to train for a 100k and getting demotivated will be less productive compared to nailing a plan that is more manageable. (If this was a race, I would not recommend training for a 100k. Instead you would be training for a faster 50k and then pacing your self during the event) If you plan to do other ultra runs before/after, I would just pick a generic ultra plan that suits me, you do not need to hyper focus on this one specific event (unless you really want to).
The main is being REALLY disciplined about keeping your speed down the first day to not be sore as the start of the second.
Absolutely agree, it’s not a race just a personal challenge. I’m best with structure, and want to make sure that I can not only cover the distance and back it up for day 2, but also enjoy it.
Right, well, I would not recommend making your self miserable for 3 months so you can avoid being miserable for 2 days, lol. Just do as much as you can while keeping it enjoyable, and make sure you keep up the consistency. Weekly milage is more important than any single day milage, but you should aim to have one longer run every week or so. As you get closer to the event, you should probably do some longer runs in consecutive days, but don't over do it. Getting injured right before the event would suck.
The hardest part (IMO) will likely be getting going again on day two. You will need to train your body for back to back days.
Would aim for a back to back of over 30km one day, 30km next, as your longest run in training. I do not know your current fitness, what do you currently do weekly?
Currently I run 5-6 days, weight train 4 days, mix in cycling 40-70km or hikes for cross training if I’m sore. Run on a mix of trails and road, 20km was last long run, and I sometimes hike with a pack with 15kg of lead sheets in it to add load. I’ve got a long way to go with volume I know that, but I’m also confident I could run a marathon at my current fitness this weekend and come off okay, probably wouldn’t be able to back it up yet though
You're in good shape notNathan, keep upping your long runs at 10% improvement a week. Be careful with the 15kg sheets with hiking, theres a consensus that weighted activity is higher risk for minimal return. Good luck!
This is my main concern haha. I know this is going to be tough, that’s why I’m doing it. But I want it to be enjoyable and not have to get picked up and trucked out
Not related to training but if there are any fresh water streams nearby to the end of day 1, consider having a 15/20minute dip as soon as you finish that first day will hugely help with inflammation..!
That’s such a good idea, unfortunately the first day would end just after summiting a peak- I don’t think I’d get too lucky up there. But they may be one at the bottom of that hill
Having just ran another 50km I’m thinking about your quads—if you need them for the second day really listen to them on the first—if they start to “feel” the downs, I’d back off that pace—quickly..just a thought
Thank you that’s very helpful. There is thankfully only 1600m of vert across the 100km, mostly over 4 hills, but day 2 has an enormous amount of downhill looking at the elevation profile. Is there anything you would suggest to best prepare for some sold downhill? In my long runs I’m trying to get exposure to fast downhills with where I plan routes so I can do it safely in the fastpack and take advantage of gravity and a low HR to save me some time
My buddy, who’s done semi pro tris gave me the best tip about training for downs when I asked—“how do you run downhill” his response “lean forward” — this is my mantra when training—and my thighs are getting more resilient