BEAR IN MIND!

Never run an ultramarathon before?

We want to be your first ultra.

Our overall completion average is 95%. Among those running 50 miles for the first time, our completion average is 94%. In 2011, a record 39 runners debuted at the distance. All finished.

At LE GRIZZ our primary goal is for you to Finish. To Finish is to Win.

If you have run an ultra before, you are well on the way to evolving your own personal approach to the sport, and you should find Le Grizz to be an invigorating trip, moderate in difficulty and yet challenging from a tactical standpoint.

Those who have never run beyond the marathon distance should consider the following:

In a 50 miler one competes against one’s own limits, not someone else’s limits.

Although there are no qualifying events for Le Grizz, you would do well to have experience at the marathon distance. However, 50 miles is a new world compared to the marathon, one of new knowledge of oneself, of self-actualization, and of brotherhood. Also, it’s all the fun you can stand.

Don’t worry about the race. The training is the hard part.

Training is somewhat like for a marathon. The main thing is to WANT to do the distance. It isn’t necessary to drastically boost your weekly mileage, though a 60 to 80 mile week sometime should enhance your preparation. Another suggestion is to take that 15-20 mile run you did training for the marathon and repeat it two days in a row. The day before or after these workouts, do 5-8 miles at a good clip to keep loose and maintain speed. After these three training days, take a rest day.

A September marathon would be a good shakedown. Several are available regionally.

On race day, wear shoes with good shock absorption and lateral stability qualities.

Relax rather than push your pace. It is impossible to start too slow. You want to minimize stiff muscles and aching joints the last 15 miles. Walking is a great massage action. Done at regular intervals from the beginning, it pays huge dividends through the twilight zone of lost energy and mental fatigue you’ll likely find in those final endless miles. Minutes given up near the beginning can save hours near the end.  You will forget starting fast.  You will never forget finishing fast.

You might feel burned out for 3-4 days from energy reserve depletion and excessive finish-line celebrating. Then comes euphoria, and your crazy intention to run it again next year.