I’m training for my first 50 miler! I’ve been a runner for ten years, have previously run a couple marathons and a 50k. I have thru-hiked both the PCT and CDT and hiked 60 miles in a day so I’m no stranger to time on feet. However, this will be my longest official race and I want to train more seriously. Like actually follow a structured training schedule that involves Fartleks, tempo runs, hill repeats and long runs (rather than just going off vibes which is what I have historically done).

My question is, what apps do you recommend for scheduling your training week? I’d like an app where I can actually write out my intended workouts for each day of the week. Basically, a virtual planner to keep track and make sure I’m building up mileage correctly. I like the format of Runna a lot, but I don't think you can customize the training plans it generates for you (plans that only go up to 50k). Ideally looking for a free or cheap app (not trying to spend like $100 on this). TIA!

Looking to see how others 100 mile recoveries have gone. Just finished my 3rd 100.

Here’s what I’m seeing:

Day 0 - finish race and sleep, eat
Days 1-3 - bouts of fatigue, night sweats that dissipate in intensity by night 3,
Day 4-6 - night sweats gone, sore legs, active recovery. Elevated resting HR (probably ~10 bpm)
Days 6-9 - Heart rate still high, HRV lower, heart/cardio feel in recovery mode
Days 10+ - run/walks, heart rate on exercise back to near normal maybe slightly elevated, cardio/chest/heart still feels in recovery

Other than that feel fine just want to check to see if others have experienced cardio/heart recovery impacts after large efforts like a 100

Death by 5K Review

For those unfamiliar with Death by 5K, the concept is pretty simple: You run a 5K every 2.5 hours for 24 hours, totaling 10 rounds. In reality, the trail was closer to 3.65 miles per loop, putting the total distance at roughly 37 miles.

Overall, this was a really fun event with a pretty unique challenge!

Surprisingly, the hardest part wasn’t necessarily the running itself. With 2.5 hours between each start, you have plenty of time to recover. The real challenge was getting comfortable in your tent, sometimes even falling asleep, and then having to drag yourself back out to run another loop. Especially at 1:30/4am in 40 degree weather

**The course:**

The trail itself was beautiful, but definitely more challenging than your typical road 5K.

By the end, I had covered 36.7 miles with roughly 4,300 feet of elevation gain.

I also came into this event pretty undertrained. For perspective, I only ran 21 miles total in September. Despite that, I finished 25th out of around 100 participants with an average moving pace of around 12:00 per mile.

**Food and amenities:**
The event provides food every other round, including pancakes, quesadillas, pizza, and other options throughout the day and night.

The portions were a little small, but considering they’re feeding over 100 participants, I can understand why.

They also provide snacks, water, and Gatorade throughout the event. That said, I’d definitely recommend bringing plenty of your own food and drinks, especially since you’ll be spending so much time at camp.

**Finisher swag and value:**
This was probably my biggest disappointment.
Instead of a traditional finisher medal, you receive a small coffin/skeleton keepsake. It’s a fun idea that fits the theme, but the quality felt a little cheap and underwhelming after completing nearly 37 miles.
You do receive an event shirt as well, but with registration costing nearly $200, I would’ve liked to see a little more value in the finisher items.

**Would I do it again?**
Probably so

As someone who loves camping, trail running, and just being outdoors, this event combines a lot of things I enjoy.

However, I would definitely recommend doing it with a friend or group of friends if possible. A huge portion of this event is spent hanging
around camp waiting for the next round.

Overall, Death by 5K is a fun and unique endurance challenge that I’d recommend to anyone wanting to dip their toes in the sport. I don’t necessarily consider this an ultra as a traditional 50k is much harder but this is a step in that direction.

Overall Experience: 7.2/10

I’ve only run about 50 miles over the past year, including the 31.6 miles on race day. Finished over 11 hours, and it was WAY harder than I expected ☠️ The trails were so technical, and the elevation was no joke.
I saw people finishing the 100K around the same time as me, and they were absolutely flying. It was crazy to see what experienced ultra runners can do.
I’d love to get more serious about trail running and work toward another big goal. A 100K seems damn near impossible, so I’m curious what you guys would recommend as a next step.
More consistent mileage and my back gets all messed up and sciatica goes crazy after a few weeks.
A shorter race to build up? Another 50K with actual training?
Would love to hear what worked for you!

Had a successful third 50K. Same race 2 years ago was my first 50K. Underestimated the training required (specifically strength training) and hit a wall of depression a couple weeks before the race, and didn't run for 2 weeks leading into the race. I destroyed my quads before the last loooong descent and ended up death marching the last several miles to the end. I finished, but nowhere near a time I had hoped for.

Second 50K, I had heinous gut issues for the middle 20 miles that made just walking downhill a miserably painful experience. I finished, but with a little disappointment that I wasnt able to give it a full effort. I also crashed my bike 3 days before and had quite a hip bruise. I didnt notice it during the run. Maybe due to the gut pain. Maybe because it wasn't a factor. Either way, it wasn't the result i was hoping for.

Yesterday was a repeat of the same 50K from 2 years ago (in my hometown). Training was much better (i did actual strength training, loads of hill repeats, and honed my downhill running). I also had a much better strategy with the experience of a couple 50s under my belt. I way under fueled in the last 5 miles but overall, super pumped about the results.

Hey all,

First backyard ultramarathon this Friday night! For those of you who have done this format before, what are some supplies you had that you swore by as well as supplies that you thought you needed but didn’t? For example, thinking of getting a zero gravity reclinable camp chair but wondering if my regular camp chair and a foot rest will suffice if the zero gravity chair makes it harder to get up?

Planning to borrow a canopy as well. Do I need tarp walls?

I’ve spent the past year fueling with different foods so I can rotate whenever needed. I just plan to bring pretty simple carb heavy foods like ramen and rice, and a small jet fuel boiler for hot water.

I don’t want to overpack but I don’t want to underpack either.

It will be in Park City, Utah. It’ll be pretty dang cold, with a chance of rain.

TIA!