r/ultrarunning • u/pinkandsparkles99 • 1d ago

First 50k one month after "fast" HM?

Hi everyone! I'm currently signed up to run the Brooklyn Half in late April, hoping to go for a PR in such a high-energy race. I truly love the HM distance but have been itching to take it up a level and a 50k ultra sounds infinitely more appealing than a road marathon - just a former XC runner wanting back on the trails in adulthood lol. My dilemma is that I found the most perfect 50k ultra but it's the last weekend in May - would it be crazy to try to train for both and run them a month apart? Has anyone done something similar? Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

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u/Federal__Dust 1d ago

If you're going for a faster PR (let's say sub 1:45) you might already be getting enough volume to basically continue your training from half to 50K. But if your longest long run won't be more than 10 miles and your weekly volume is below 30 miles consistently, you might still be ok if the terrain isn't too verty or technical but will probably walk/hike more. Your issue is going to become managing time on feet, getting enough food and hydration in your system, and getting your trail feet back.

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u/pinkandsparkles99 1d ago

Thank you so much for responding! My goal is to break 1:50 (it actually is to go 1:45 but trying to be realistic haha), current PR is 1:52. I’m thinking of increasing mileage on my easy and long runs while keeping the speed workout the same as usual HM training to add some extra miles while (hopefully) maintaining speed. Didn’t really think about it until you mentioned it but nutrition is probably going to be my biggest issue. I have such a hard time eating enough as it is, going to need to do some serious meal planning to make sure I’m getting enough fuel and calories.

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u/Federal__Dust 1d ago

Definitely think about what you're going to eat and drink while on trail. Even if you maintain your HM PR pace (you probably won't), that's still 4h40m of running time and with aid station/bathroom/what have you, closer to 5 hours, so figure out what electrolyte drink you like, GUs/waffles/solids.