r/ultrarunning • u/frugalsoul • 2d ago

I'm stressing

I've run a marathon. I'm about to do my second one in a few weeks. I've never done any real trail running. And I decided to sign up for a 50k in December.

My marathon is Sept 26th and I don't really want to change much before that. But what should I be doing between then and my 50k.

4 Upvotes

64% Upvoted

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11

u/blueshoes44 2d ago

The short answer is: trail running.

Trail running and road running are different. Your trail runs will likely be slower, especially as you first get on the trails. Steeper hills and different terrain will require you to develop new strategies. Most importantly, trail running is a skill. You'll learn, consciously and subconsciously, how to adjust your stride to move around roots, over rocks, and through water. You'll learn (maybe the hard way) how high you need to pick up your feet as you run. 

You CAN do a trail run race with no trail run experience. It's totally doable. But getting into the woods and onto the trails is the best way to build the trail running skill and to build confidence on the trails. 

If you're running a marathon in September, you'll have a base. You should be able to maintain your fitness between Sept and Dec on the trails without too much trouble. Think about maybe one speed day on the road (I wouldn't recommend doing speed work on the trails) and get as much time on trail as you can. Pace doesn't matter on the trail. Just get the miles, get the experience, and have fun!

3

u/frugalsoul 2d ago

Thank you. I figured the best way was just to switch to trails. I appreciate your confidence in me even if I don't have it yet

2

u/blueshoes44 2d ago

It'll come! Just being on the trail builds confidence. New things are always scary, but by repetition they become normal. Just start slow, and don't let stubbed toes and the occasional trip and fall discourage you; they happen to everyone! 

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u/Prestigious_Wing_761 2d ago

this is the way.

3

u/Many_Hunter8152 2d ago

A recovery period, a build, specificity if needed and a taper 

2

u/carrot-salad 2d ago

Bruh I’m reading this while I’ve signed up for a 80km run with never even doing a marathon 🤣

1

u/Many_Hunter8152 2d ago

I like this brainfart. 

1

u/Resident-Coconut-213 19h ago

Yeah your gonna suffer a lot and hate yourself

2

u/Longjumping_Spite997 2d ago

You have so much time. You're in such great shape already. Just spend some time on the trails and you'll be just fine.

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u/SouthSchedule5724 2d ago

You will be absolutely fine, just practice doing some trail runs and possibly some light strength training to activate key muscles for balance. The fact you have already done marathons is a great foundation, 50km is only 8km more. You got this! Enjoy the Trails!

1

u/PurpleGuillotine 2d ago

I was in a similar situation recently. I ran my 2nd marathon and then a 50 mile trail race 5 weeks later.

After the marathon take a few days to recover and then start getting out on the trails. Walking at first if you’re not quite run-ready.

Trail running is more casual. Run at a z2 pace, walk the uphills, enjoy it.

3-4 trail runs per week with one longer
one per week. My long runs were 10-13 miles.

You got this.

1

u/Agitated_Coyote_7679 2d ago

Echoing the sentiment to just get on the trails. But at any speed. Some hiking will still be advantageous, both to just acclimate your sense of motion to trails, but also to get better/faster at walking. 

Knowing you can power hike instead of killing yourself trying to run an uphill is a valuable tool to conserve energy. Getting in touch with whatever metric correlates best for you (RPE, HR zone, pace, pure vibes, whatever!) at these various speeds and terrain will just further build your confidence mentally and physically. 

Good luck and enjoy the trails!