Running my first 50miler. Requiring a few tips but mostly for bigger elevation gains.
Hi, I am running my first 50 miler event in Wales June 2027. It's this one: https://www.gbultras.com/ultra-wales/
Organised by GB ultras which after doing some research host very well organised races.
I have a few questions to experienced ultra runners.
How best to train for elevation if you do not live near mountains or big elevation gains?
Fueling is everything, but for this race would you recommend solid whole foods at check points or do you think it can be managed with supplemented carbs such as gels?
Looking at the race plan and route where would you hold back pace and/or any areas you would look to gain time on? ( I am thinking hold easy pace until after check point 3, moderate effort to check point 4 then easy pace to the end but curious to see how other people would approach it)
Any other tips or advice based on the above and below information I am about to provide?
A bit about me: I live in the New Forest South of England and I almost exclusively run trial runs, however there is not a massive elevation gain in the New Forest, no notable hills or mountains. The closest access to that would be the Purbecks about an hour drive away.
I run 4 times a week in the forest and weekly average 30-35miles. Once a month I will run a marathon distance in the forest, zero time pressure usually rocking in between 4:30-5:30.
Disclaimer: I have NEVER ran any competitive running race before in my life. However, for the past 6 years (since COVID) I have kept consistent with running and strength training.
The only competitive event I have done is 2 Hyrox pro single races where I finished in 1:12 and 1:09.
Because I run so much in the forest my wife said why don't I try one of the bigger events so that's why I booked on and we'll make it a bit of a holiday. But any advice with the hills or anything you can think of that I should train more in I am all ears.