Am I gonna Jump the Stump?

[BamaDave]

For some reason, in 24 hours I've gone from being adamantly opposed to tackling the Stump Jump 50K on Oct. 7th in Chattanooga to seriously considering taking the challenge. The elevation profile looks pretty hairy, but I'm used to tackling obnoxious hills during my regular training runs. Supposedly there's only 2,200 feet of total elevation increase on the course, which is not any more than some of my longest training runs around my home area.

If I do this, I will have to run it with alot of early restraint in order to finish. I'm not at the top of my game endurance-wise this early in the Fall, although I am well-ahead of where I have been at this point the past two Falls. Also, I don't want this run to compromise my December marathon, only about 9 weeks after this 50K. It would definitely be a "can I finish it" challenge rather than a true race. The course will likely dictate restraint anyway, since hilly trails with rocks, switchbacks, and stumps are not the same as hilly streets.

One major concern I have is the October 7th date, which is early for a long race in this region of the country. It could be hot, although the race does start early in the AM. Plus it's 1000 feet and higher above the city of Chattanooga, so that should help with the temps.

I think I'm getting tempted! If I do this, it would be my first 50K (31 mile) run. The scenery sounds incredible, although I'm not sure how conscious I would be of scenic overlooks while running 31 miles!

[ODB]

I've done several races like that. Someone says, "Hey, you ever done this?" You say, "No, I'm not ready for that." Then you're out on a run the next day and you start thinking about it....

Go for it dude. This will be a good chance to scout it this year and then be ready for it next year.

[Lost Dog]

Are you thinking of the 50km? Or, the 11 miiles? I can't imagine running 50km!

[BamaDave]

Originally I thought about the 11-miler, but the registration fee for that is $45, which is steep for an 11-mile run. Plus it's a long drive (2-1/2 hours) for an 11-mile race. So I was planning to bag the whole thing, then I started thinking about whether I should just go for the 50K...

[ODB]

Those two drops into the canyon at the beginning and end look like a bitch.

[BamaDave]

Originally Posted by ODB

Those two drops into the canyon at the beginning and end look like a bitch.

I know! Looks like ~350 feet down and back up over about 1.5 miles. It looks like there are some switchbacks in there, which probably helps alleviate the fall and climb. Then you have another down-n-up right after it. That's the kind of stuff I would have to be sure to take even slower than I may feel like, since it's early in the course.

[twinsavsvikingsfan]

Do it!

I'm so clumsy, that's what scares me about trail runs. I know you're shooting for a sub-3:00 marathon but you've already qualified and run Boston. Try something different.

[GG300]

That course looks like a beast but it sure would be a nice notch in your belt.

[emartin10]

Yeah Joe, those look freaking nastay!!! Dave - I would say maybe do it and use it as nutrition and pre and post-race practice. Go through the motions as if it were your marathon, just to maybe get some rust off. Don't go full out, but just see how you feel. It's just a supported, long training run. That's how I'd look at it. Good luck if you do it!!!!

E

[BamaDave]

Yeah, definitely no full out effort if I run this, especially since I have limited experience with trail running. I'm not even sure I consider trail running and road running to be the same sport based on my limited experience with trails runs.

The course PR for this race is around 4:00, which is 7:43 average pace per mile! That says something about it!

Jim, true I did Boston, but I owe that one a return. That course should be right up my alley, but instead it was a disastrous run.

[Buk]

This may be a surprise coming from me but I say pass on the 50k. Your goal since Rocket City has been to PR at Huntsville this year. You have very limited experience on trails. Racking up training miles there would have a negative impact on your marathon training(different sport). Plus your plan has a max long run planned for 2:45:00, this run would have you on the trail for an excess of 4.5 hours. Your main reason is that it is only an extra 10 bucks over the 11 miler. Either way, it is an early morning drive there, a long drive home, and you come home with less money. The longer run will negatively affect your marathon training and has a much higher risk of injury, espically for someone so knew to trails. Focus on Huntsville, train for Rocket City(and include some trail running) and replace last years Boston with a spring 50k.

[ODB]

Good points Buk. Of course this may take Dave into a whole new sport. I read an Outdoor Industry report yesterday that trail running is one of the fastest growing outdoor sports right now.

[Buk]

I think it is a great new sport, but bad timing to enter. He has been looking forward to PRing Huntsville since February. The transition should be made with better timing so it doesn't cause a bad taste. And I would suggest significant training on trails before embarking on a 50k, that will hurt marathon training, not help it.

[BamaDave]

Yeah, those are important points weighing on my mind. I think the key, if I run it, would be to keep the intensity way down... as much as that is possible for a 50K trail run on mountainous terrain!

I think it's not so much the registration fee issue but the fact that there are two options, and the 11-miler is the easy one!

As far as Rocket City, I do want a PR there. But I kind of learned some lessons about marathons last year and putting too much hope in single races for a great outcome. Like Boston, for example. A month in advance, I knew I was headed for a sub-3 finish there... but it turned out to be a personal worst instead. All it takes is for marathon day to be rainy and that whole PR plan is down the toilet.

[ODB]

Go do it. Consider it a quick hike!

[tridude]

How are your ankles? That's what has worried me about trail runs. One misstep and you are out for a month. I guess it depends on what your goals are for the rest of the season. You might end up liking trail races better ...

Duke Half Ironman for me on Sunday. Check out the run profile on this one ... Supposed to be tough.

[BamaDave]

Tridude,

My ankles are generally strong -HOWEVER - in my one and only trail race, a 10K "Scramble" back in June, I twisted the hell out of it. However, that was after leaping over a log and acting cocky, so I learned that lesson. It's a risk, though, no doubt.

Good luck with the Half-Ironman. That run does look like it will be "fun." Lots of rollers and some steep hills. I've been to Jordan Lake before - my wife and I lived in Durham for two years. Nice place!

I've been poking around for info. from other marathon runners about 50K trail runs. One guy who does both (this is a sub-3 marathoner) says that a 50K nine weeks out from a marathon should not be detrimental, assuming the intensity is kept in check. He says recovery from trail races occurs far faster than from road marathons because the trail surface is so much easier on the joints, etc. He usually is able to pick his training back up after only a couple of days following a 50K trail run and has run strong marathons as little as 3 weeks later. He actually thinks they make excellent long training runs ahead of a marathon.

Another guy I chat with from Nashville is also considering the 50K. He's also planning a PR attempt at Rocket City. So if I run it, I may be able to run it with him. He's also planning it as a glorified long run and not as an all-out race effort, plus he has even less trail experience than I do! We would probably make good partners if we run this.

I have a couple of weeks to go before the price break for early registration ends, so I'll have to weigh the pros and cons...

[emartin10]

Hell yes Tridude!!! Have a great race man!

Dave - Buk has some good points. Do the 11 miler.