50k?

Is it crazy to be contemplating a 50k about 6 weeks after my first marathon? I mean I’ll be trained for it anyway, right? This 50k: http://tidewaterstriders.com/seashore50K/

>dragknit: I think you will be fine. Are you following a marathon training plan? You can always count back 5-6 wks from race day and pick up from there. That’s what I’m planning to do for my next one, although it is 10 weeks out and not 6 like yours. Good luck!

>AndiCat: of course that isn’t crazy! Perfectly reasonable, and really, a very, very good idea.

Thanks for feeding into my crazy! ;)

A couple of further questions:

1. This is a small race, 300, that usually sells out. I’ve read plenty of race reports and it sounds like it’s many peoples’ first ultra. But is it fair to take a spot when I won’t be ‘racing?’ I will be hoping just to finish and will probably be pretty close to the cutoff time, potentially.
2. I’ve been run/walking, sort of Jeff Galloway-ish. Is it ok to run an ultra this way?

>AndiCat:Okay, I’m getting on my box now. Who’s to say who does and doesn’t deserves a spot in a race? Do I not deserve a space because I’m slow, at the back of the back-of-the-pack, walk part of the time, and am not racing anyone but myself and my own head? Should I never sign up for a race because I might be taking a spot someone more worthy wanted? Why isn’t it a worthy goal to try something new, push yourself and want to finish upright and smiling? Would you tell me I shouldn’t sign up? I’m guessing the answer is no, so why would you short change yourself? You are just as worthy as the next runner. Stepping off my box.

I run/walk every ultra. Usually it’s hike the steep uphills or super technical stuff (or when eating), and run as much as possible of the flats, downhills, and rollers. I’ve seen those awesome runners who can run every step. I’m not one of them. :-) ETA: I have done two rail trail races which are super flat and totally runnable. One was with friends which dictated walking part. The other I did the first 30 miles solo and because I knew I wouldn’t be able to run the entire thing, I did a 9:1 run/walk which worked well. The last 20 miles I was hanging with a friend so it was more walking as we just tried to get each other through.

>Menagerie: Wow -- I just signed up for my first ultra (50k) recently and it never occurred to me that I didn’t deserve said spot because I’m not fast! The races are open to whomever wants to come and you are every bit as worthy as anyone else to take one of those spots! Whether or not you’re “fast” really shouldn’t be an issue. If you’ve trained and intend to complete the race then you deserve a spot. I just read an article about a man who has walked ultras (100 milers) for 4 decades and makes all the cut-offs. He’s done some of the big ones (like Hardrock) and I don’t think anyone has ever questioned his right to be there. In searching for that article I stumbled across a calculator for run/walking ultras.

>Cavaliermom: well, I am a run/walk person and it is how I do all my races, whatever the distance. When I did my 50K I wasn’t last but really brought up the rear. I can assure you that no one at the finish line made me feel like I didn’t deserve to be there! I find ultra people very supportive! Keep in mind that even those who are faster could have a bad day and miss the time limits. you do the training and you “deserve” a spot. I think making the commitment earlier is a good motivator to train to do your best. If others procrastinate and then miss signing up, well, that is just how these things work. I believe winning isn’t always about being the fastest but putting in the work and the sacrifice, training with determination and commitment, and on race day giving it your all…that makes a winner in my book!

>Dragknit: If there is a cutoff time that you are trying to beat, aren’t you technically “racing” against the clock? I am a back-of-the-pack runner/ walker and generally walk the long hills. Race organizers are different,too. My first 50k, they were very strict about the cutoff. 8hrs, that’s it. Our people need to go home (this was one of the coldest days in February). The other two I ran were more lenient, still with a cutoff time, but they stuck around for those who took a bit longer (like 15 mins to a half hour).

I don’t know if you guys are awesome or enabling. :P 
Thank you!

So I found this training plan for a 50k.

It looks like I’m right on target work my marathon training. They coincide perfectly. How serendipitous! I guess it’s meant to be. Looks like I’ll be booking a cabin and asking for time off work. Wow. How did this happen? 50k! Eek! I’m thrilled.