How to Run Your First Ultra-50K to 100 Miles

My goal is to help you successfully run your first 50K or your first 100 miler. Most people writing about how to run ultras are really fast, and that is great if “you” are really fast. If you are a middle-of-the-pack runner like me, what I write may be more applicable and useful. After all, we are on the trail a lot longer than those “fast” runners. Most of the Posts are available on my website "Run Your First Ultra" where the posts are easier to access by subject. (Link in the right column)

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Adding a Two Day Race.

Several friends have asked for a two stage race along with the three day race. Some people just can't get off Friday so we have added a Saturday/Sunday race. The Saturday stage will be at Red Mountain and the Sunday stage at Oak Mtn. The courses will be the same as the three day race.

Our signs are being printed.

Birmingham Stage Race Website

Our website

Birmingham Stage Race Website

Thursday, August 2, 2012

More 2012 Hardrock 100

A few more shots from the Hardrock 100

Less than 8 minutes before the start on Friday morning.

Looking back down from the top of Engineer pass to the road we drove up from Silverton.

The aid station will be in the clearing, center of photo, at timberline just beyond the shadow of the summit.

100 lbs. of gear is a lot even hiking downhill.

Engineer Aid Station

Eventual 3rd place finisher Nick Padatella, approaches Engineer. I missed all the front runners. We were too busy to take any pictures.

Jonathan Basham coming into Engineer.

And Patrick Stewart approaches with pacer

Getting the runners back out.

A calm moment in the early morning hours.

Getting ready for the next runner.

The great crew at Engineer + Marye Jo, taking the picture.

Most of the techniques I use and equipment I run with was suggested by other ultra runners. Unfortunately, trial and error is still necessary. My closet contains 6 pair of trail shoes, (two of which I like and wear), eight hydration belts or packs, numerous headlamps, flashlights, jackets, socks, gaiters, etc, that I don't like or don't work like I hoped. Maybe this blog can help you eliminate some of the errors. I hope you enjoy it and learn from my mistakes. I have started a website listing all of the posts form the blog. The posts are grouped according to subject (equipment, training, Hydration, etc) for easier access. It will be a work-in-process for a while. Check it out at Run Your First Ultra.

Running History

Mile: 4:33, Mesquite High School, Mesquite, Texas in 1968.

Continued running just because I liked to until 1978 when I moved to Mobile, Alabama and started road racing.

Fastest 5K: 15 something

Fastest 10K: 35:38 - Festival run, Pensacola, FL, 1980

Fastest Marathon: 2:47 - Dallas Whiterock Marathon, 1982

Fastest Ironman, 12:49, Panama City, FL,2009

Fastest 50K: 5:49, Dizzy Fifties, Huntsville, AL, 2007 and my first Ultra.

Fastest 50 mile: First Half of the Rocky Raccoon 100, 11 hours, 15 minutes. (This is not a good idea)

Fastest 100 mile, 27 hours, 27 minutes, Rocky Raccoon 100, Huntsville, Texas, 2012.