MARATHON TRAINING with a BEGINNER TRAIL RUNNER

[@TonyGorder]

I’m a trail runner now!

[@runawaywithliz]

It’s true!

[@cholulamurph769]

I've recently stumbled upon your videos and super excited that I did! My wife and I enjoy your running content. We are both training for our first marathon-Grandmas this summer. I loved your Wild Duluth videos and am considering rolling into 50k training after Grandmas this summer. Do you have any tips for someone transitioning from marathon training to 50k ultra/trail running? Do you do all of your training on trails?

[@runawaywithliz]

Hello!! I’m so happy that you like the running videos because I love to make them. That is so exciting that you're training for your first marathon together! Grandma’s is such a neat course. I’d recommend taking the train to the start line if you’re able! But it does leave super early, so I wouldn’t blame you if you decided not to either, haha. The biggest thing I can think of when going from roads to trails is reframing ideas you may have about pace/time goals, and to be kind to yourself if you are not running as fast as you would be on a paved trail. In my experience, PRs aren’t so present in trail running dialogue (unless you are a person who is actually trying to win the race). Things like rocks and tree roots and elevation gain will slow you down. So many people even choose to hike up hills rather than run them, especially if you choose to tackle a course like the Wild Duluth races-which I LOVE and cannot recommend enough, but that course just demolishes me, ha. You’ll also want to get used to carrying your own hydration vessel if you don’t already, since most trail races are cupless. And maybe start incorporating some solid foods when fueling on your longer runs. Whatever your body can handle--I like things like apple sauce, PB&Js, bananas, Larabars, dates…other things I’ve seen people use are potato chips, pretzels, cooked salted potato slices…lots of options! In an ideal world I would do all my training on trails while training for a trail race, but it’s not realistic for most people. It takes more time to drive to and from trails, especially if I want one with decent elevation gain. I try to do at least two long runs a month on trails (more if I’m able). And I like to add a hill repeats workout once every one or two weeks during my weekly run. I hope that’s helpful advice! Good luck to you and your wife with the rest of your training for Grandma’s!! It’s going to be such a cool experience!

[@cholulamurph769]

@@runawaywithliz this is such thoughtful and helpful advice. Thank you! We will be keeping up with your training adventures!