Training for a 100k

[SausageAndEggSandwich]

I've seen a local race I really want to do next year 100k, v hilly. It's basically along the coast path to home so you can see the attraction 😂

I've run 50k before and a few marathons. They have a few distances & I can drop down if training hasn't gone too well

Who here runs ultras? Is it worth getting a coach? I usually just find a plan on the internet but I'm wondering if I might get better results with a bit more input.

Coaching can help, but then there’s wide variability in coaching ability.

I’d get the book ‘Training for the Uphill Athlete (Killian Jornet and Scott Johnston)’ and put your own plan together.

My first thought was that you'd made a typo 😅😬

I actually have that book but haven't read it 😬

One of those where you think the knowledge might go in via osmosis. I will have to pick it up over Xmas!

Lol - yeah something about seeing that number is a bit WTF isn't it

No advice but I just came on to say: 'Respect'.

That sounds fantastic OP!

I got back into running after a few years off this year and have a Marathon lined up for April.

I keep browsing ultra threads on Reddit and am flirting with the idea of a 50mile trail race in September but haven't pushed the button - will probably see how the Marathon goes...

My longer term dream would be the North Downs 100, which ends almost on our doorstep. That's probably a 2025 / 26 goal though.

In terms of resources I've enjoyed (the audio book version of) Training Essentials for Ultra Running by Jason Koop. It's not a quick read but he is a good science communicator and obviously understands the research. I understand basic principles of training for these distances much better now, and a lot of it applies to the Marathon distance as far as I can see.

He also does a good Podcast - the Koopcast - with various guests, generally a mix of coaches and researchers.

Thanks all. I've got a coach, decided it was a bit much to try and do off a pre built plan. Plus the accountability element 😂

Will give that Jason Koop book a read, am about halfway through Uphill Athlete currently. Starting to understand how the principles of training work a bit more. Just got to the chapter where they talk about zones & lactate. Anyone had a lactate test? Must admit I am curious.

First long run/recce tomorrow along the coast path.

Well done! I’d recommend getting a metabolic test - lactate thresholds, vo2 max, fuel utilisation and fat max. Most universities can do them for a fee, or try a Nuffield. I’d recommend it as even more important for amateur athletes than professionals. Amateurs have a really hard time doing the easy sessions easy enough.

Personally, I’m a little bit geekier and use a lactate meter during training. Trying out the ‘Norwegian Method’ for the last 6 months.

I might do that then. There's a couple of places locally that seem to offer it.

What lactate meter do you have?

@SausageAndEggSandwich I use the lactate pro 2. It's quite expensive. The testing strips are eye-wateringly expensive if you test frequently.

I've always just used the plans in relentless forward progress, which is an excellent book.

If its nearish to where you live the best thing would be to train on the actual route- get someone to drop you on it 20 miles from home and run back, then 30 miles from home etc....

To be honest getting lost or underestimating the difficulty of sections is what causes me the most difficulties...if you know the route well you are massively helping yourself.

I've never used a coach but I do pop into some of the training seminars big races put on....the centurion one slam has got a weekly coaching session at the moment for example.

@DumpseyDaisey I usually just follow a plan but I'll need the kick up the bum from a coach eventually I'm sure. Only done a 50k before!

Picked this race as it's so local, it finishes close to home. My run tomorrow is the last 20k of the route.

It starts in the dark so I'll need to switch it up for the first sections of the route & get my head torch out.

I'd highly suggest acquiring a toddler. I felt like I'd run 100k by 8.30am this morning chasing the little sod round the kitchen.

Genuinely though, am highly impressed by this. That's a bloody long way 😂

Never was a truer word spoken! And you need the diplomacy skills of an ambassador to avert meltdowns at the same time !