General Discussion Triathlon Talk » 12 hour race strategy Rss Feed  
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2014-08-14 1:54 PM

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Subject: 12 hour race strategy

I have my second ultra coming up on Saturday and have been debating two different strategies.  I did the same race last year which is on a 2.5 mile loop with about 200 feet of elevation per lap.  I covered 50 mile in 11:45 and my goal this year is at least 52.5 and maybe 55 depending on how the day unfolds.  I am much stronger than last year with my training and racing going very well.  I have not trained specifically for this but have run three marathons this year around 4 hours.  With that background this is what I am mulling over.

Am I better off running my laps at a consistent goal pace/time from the beginning.  Lets say 32 minutes (2.5 mile loop) which will seem very, very slow and will require that I do some walking.  Or should I just go more with how I am feeling while staying very comfortable knowing that no matter what I do I will slow in the late hours of the race.  My fear is that even if I go out super slow at 32 minutes a lap I will drop below even that at some point.  I have so little experience beyond 26.

So when you do an ultra do you calculate a goal pace and execute that evenly from the start or do you front load a little knowing that you in all likelihood will fade in the latter hours? 



2014-08-15 10:09 AM
in reply to: popsracer

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Subject: RE: 12 hour race strategy
I am no expert having done one 50k, one 50 miler, two 100 milers and a 24 hour race. I have also been told my strategy is wrong but it is how I race them. I go out at a comfortable pace, for me that is 8:45-9:00 miles on relatively flat course like you are running. I do that pace for as long as I can and just let the fade slowly catch up to me. I have another 100 coming up next month and I am going to try to go out slower in the beginning, 9:30-9:45 miles, and see if I can hold that pace longer. Most of the elite runners do not have negative splits in longer ultras so you can expect to fade. I say go with what is comfortable and allow the fade to come. Good luck and have fun.
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