Date: Wed, 29 May 1996 02:41:46 -0500
From: "Karl L. King" <kking@omnifest.uwm.edu>
Subject: Re: Training advice for first 50-miler

In addition to all the other good thoughts posted, let me add:

1) If you took a survey of how list members trained prior to their first
50 miler, you'd probably find a wide range of training plans.  Which says
that there is no one sure-fire way, but many ways to prepare.  So, don't
agonize over details.

2) Most runners come to this sport with a metabolism trained for speed:
I.E. burn lots of carbohydrate fast.  What you need for ultras is a metabolism
trained for endurance: I.E. be stingy on carbo burning and burn fat instead.
Any damn fool can run fast for 20 miles.  To run well for 50 requires a
specific type of response from the endocrine system.  You can train your body
to deliver that, but only if you run long enough to get tired and hungry.  For
most runners that implies doing 3 or 4 runs in the range of 25-30 miles.

3) At the same time as you are training your endocrine system to respond to
stress, you need to train your mind to get an endurance attitude.  Those same
25-30 mile long runs will do that.  One needs to experience the fatigue, and
develop the resolve to run on in spite of it, learning that by relaxing and
concentrating on form, you can keep moving forward when any sensible person
would have stopped.

When my longest run was 13 miles, a marathon seemed nearly impossible.
When my longest run was 26 miles, 50 miles seemed nearly impossible.
When my longest run was 50 miles, 100 miles seemed nearly impossible.
When my longest run was 100 miles, 50 miles seemed like a nice, long training
run.  Don't let the distance scare you; run from aid station to aid station
and the distance will take care of itself.

Karl King
kking@omnifest.uwm.edu