The next one...

[Decker]

Having done a marathon, and a few HMs l, I realized I kinda like the quieter, relaxed trail setting and needed to have a focus for this season’s training, now that work has settled. I’ve been drawn to a 50k for some time, as an entry point to longer distances. So after poking around l found a few races, but needed one further back in the season in order to have time to build a bigger base up again and also something not in the middle of the summer heat. And something relatively safe for my first ultra, in case I collapse somewhere in a sweaty heap 🙄🤔. This one seemed to fit the bill, being set in October and based on a 5k trail loop x10 laps with aid stations at either end. It works out to 53k for the solo runners. The medals are also wooden and hand made which is cool and different. And there is a sweet hoodie thrown in too. Though a wooded trail, the hills seem minimal so this is about distance mainly. I’m running around 20-25k in the long runs now so that should be a good base to build from. We’ll see. Going to try and just relax with this one. The trail friends I know are super-chill and I need to channel some of that to pull this off. I have been a sponge for their trail advice lately. Feels nice to have a new focus. Feels a bit nuts too, but hey.

[Tbae Metric Marathon]

Great stuff Decker.

🏃‍♂️⭐️👏👏💥💪☄️

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

That is great Decker! I still have the BeaverFlat Fifty on my bucket list for my 50th birthday year (so there is still a few years yet to build up). Trail runners are so chill and the atmosphere in a trail race is so different than road races. I'm not sure if I'll ever do a full marathon (which I know is backwards) but am in the process of booking and planning for a 55 km backcountry hiking trip next summer with a friend of mine that initially got me into trail runnng but has struggled a bit with her knees and hasn't quite decided if she actually likes running.

I can't wait to read about your trail race. I struggle with the thought of ten laps personally, but there is lots of security with knowing what you are running. That my be a bit more of a mental game, I suspect. Best of luck in your foray of the world of ultra running!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks Sask, yeah I am being a bit cautious on this first one, just to get a sense of the distance and the drop bags etc. I found a vid online which made it look fun: youtu.be/Pon3ImAegOQ(Not working as expected?)

After close to 200 laps of our tiny community track one winter, I find I can slip into my head and just lose track of the laps. Hopefully they will tell us when to stop 🙄 Really hoping I can play some tunes on this one.

Your backcountry trip sounds so awesome! I cant wait to hear about that one too.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

What a great video! It looks like a perfect race to explore ultrarunning - an abundance of Aid stations and with the loops being 5k you can just run and not have to worry about carrying gear. So exciting and a great goal! Have fun hitting the trails in training this year.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Looks like fun eh? Thank you and good luck with your hiking trip prep!

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Thanks. We’ve got lots of gear to buy and budget for (and a HM to train for this year) so thankfully we have over a year to prep for it. But it is fun to dream and have big goals. And it’s an excuse to get together for lunch and discuss planning. Our next month lunch date will be after my friend has been to a film they are showing and has touched base with the group we would do it with. Should be fun!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

That sounds so great. I have a hard time without a goal and at least a rough plan.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Decker]

You can set your watch to auto-lap if you have a Garmin 👍🏻😉

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

That sounds complicated. I am a simple man 🙂. I will look it up though, thanks Jo!

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Decker]

🤣👍🏻

[Lavender1962 Half Marathon]

Sounds like a great goal! 👍 Running in nature is so much more chill. I’m looking forward to hearing about your training.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Lavender1962]

Yes I agree Lav. Also so much easier on your shins! I will try to post on the training runs if they are interesting

[Oldfloss Administrator]

This sounds just fantastic...and despite the distance...phe.. not too daunting?

I think you should run it first to take photos before the actual race!

You know how I love your running pikkies x

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Oldfloss]

I think there is a very generous cutoff time - 8hrs maybe?, so I should be able to take a few snaps along the way 📸 It is a beautiful area too

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Decker]

It sounds amazing and I am sure you will really enjoy it... ! x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Oooh, that's a big one! Nothing like a nice new challenge to add some impetus to weekly runs. Love it! Good luck.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks Linda. It is a bit of a hike, but I really needed a focus for the season.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Decker]

It'll make a huge, and positive, difference I'm sure 😊

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Wow! You just don't know when to stop Decker, do you! 😉 Seriously, the course looks beautiful and I think the 5k laps could work out well. Good luck with your training - we are all rooting for you here! 😀

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Haha Mrs Decker said the same thing 😜 . Thanks Sandra, I think/hope it is a manageable goal with the lap structure.

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Sounds great and perfect for you 😊xxx

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to aliboo70]

Hope so too. Thanks Ali. 🙂

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

I love running in woodlands with the bouncy surface - so much easier on the knees. Good to have plenty if time to prepare too.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Dexy5]

Yes especially with trail shoes. Even a paved trail is softer than concrete. Hope I did not bank too much time

[Mummycav]

Wow Decker ...this is amazing...you definitely know what you’re doing and sound like you have it all planned out and it’s great that you have your trail buddies brains to pick too! I have every faith in you, I am sure you will nail this no problems 👊🏻👍🏼💪🏻

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Mummycav]

Haha thanks MC, but I have no idea what I’m doing 😜, though I do know some experienced trail people I can lean on for questions

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to roseabi]

Thanks Abi xx