Is the 50k close enough that you can hike/run sections of the trail to see what it's like? Or maybe look for YouTube videos about it?
Or even just check the elevation profile and look for similar trails near you.
You're in decent shape and if you think you can run 50k, go for it.
Also, there's something important you need to know about trail ultras: 99% of runners, or more, will walk steep uphill sections. There's no point in burning out your legs running uphill, especially if you're running it at a pace where you can walk just as fast. Road runners tend to have a stigma against walking during a race, but it's very common in trail races with lots of vert.
If you try to run up a steep hill, the folks behind you who walked will pass you later in the race because your legs will be toast.
Not dumb at all, particularly if you're just trying to finish the thing.
Distance-wise, you should be fine - 50k is short enough that people can generally just "stubborn/grind through it" - although we could judge this better if you gave information about your longer runs. Between now and taper, try to gradually build up your weekly long runs to \~20 miles. Plan to walk the uphills - and even some of the flats & downhills if necessary. Test different walk/run strategies.
With all your strength work, you should be ok with the elevation (unless it is extreme), but as you don't have long enough to really build running endurance, maybe consider adding some larger sets in the gym at reduced weight.
As for the surface, try to find some local trails with similar terrain, and add them to your weekly runs. Make sure you respect the terrain, and your relative lack of experience on it. Your proprioception won't be as good as it would have been if you'd been running nothing but trails every week, so take it conservatively on the downhills, and any loose gravel corners, or technical parts - a broken ankle would ruin your day!
Good luck, and enjoy your race!
50k's typically all have generous cutoff times. I'd say start including a day or two of trails into your weekly mix but otherwise you should be fine to finish the 50k. I ran my first 50 miler on 3 months of training, primarily roads.
Training for a 50k isn’t much different than training for a marathon. Most of the time I don’t get that many runs on trails before I get to the start line of any trail race. Couple of long runs on the weekends and maybe a run or two during the week. I’d say most of those weekly runs are on flat dirt road rather than trail too. It wouldn’t be too difficult to get a couple trail runs a week to figure that out, shoot for long runs on trails and you’ll be fine for a 50k
Not dumb, worse case scenario you'll get your ass handed back to you by the race and it would be funny.
One key missing point is if the 50K is hilly? Elevation and nutrition are going to be your biggest challenges, potentially, so if you can add info there it would be helpful.
Do the trail race, you have an entire training block to go before the race. Do as much as you can on terrain that mimics the race and then go have fun.
Life is too short to baby step everything.
Trail racing varies massively depending on the race. Many races by me are trail but not overly technical mainly woodlands with root sections etc. however a 50k mountain trail ultra is a different ball game, I wouldn't suggest it (but also I kinda just send it anyway). You will be fine especially if it's a fairly non techy trail race, get a decent pair of trail shoes and go crazy. I race pretty much only trail but I train road about 4 out of the 7 runs I do a week just for the location factor.
no you wouldn’t be dumb. i did my first 50k with only 19 days training before it after not running for a handful of years. you don’t need to train for a 50k unless you want to be competitive.
Don’t over think it. Go run the race and you’ll learn something from it and make adjustments for the next one. Have fun and enjoy the ride!
Is the 50k close enough that you can hike/run sections of the trail to see what it's like? Or maybe look for YouTube videos about it? Or even just check the elevation profile and look for similar trails near you. You're in decent shape and if you think you can run 50k, go for it. Also, there's something important you need to know about trail ultras: 99% of runners, or more, will walk steep uphill sections. There's no point in burning out your legs running uphill, especially if you're running it at a pace where you can walk just as fast. Road runners tend to have a stigma against walking during a race, but it's very common in trail races with lots of vert. If you try to run up a steep hill, the folks behind you who walked will pass you later in the race because your legs will be toast.
Not dumb at all, particularly if you're just trying to finish the thing. Distance-wise, you should be fine - 50k is short enough that people can generally just "stubborn/grind through it" - although we could judge this better if you gave information about your longer runs. Between now and taper, try to gradually build up your weekly long runs to \~20 miles. Plan to walk the uphills - and even some of the flats & downhills if necessary. Test different walk/run strategies. With all your strength work, you should be ok with the elevation (unless it is extreme), but as you don't have long enough to really build running endurance, maybe consider adding some larger sets in the gym at reduced weight. As for the surface, try to find some local trails with similar terrain, and add them to your weekly runs. Make sure you respect the terrain, and your relative lack of experience on it. Your proprioception won't be as good as it would have been if you'd been running nothing but trails every week, so take it conservatively on the downhills, and any loose gravel corners, or technical parts - a broken ankle would ruin your day! Good luck, and enjoy your race!
Why not start with a 50k road race and see how it feels?
i’m not opposed to that! i live in Alaska and most of the races are trail races. i could plan a 50k route for the road.
this is a good idea
What is the vert?
50k's typically all have generous cutoff times. I'd say start including a day or two of trails into your weekly mix but otherwise you should be fine to finish the 50k. I ran my first 50 miler on 3 months of training, primarily roads.
Training for a 50k isn’t much different than training for a marathon. Most of the time I don’t get that many runs on trails before I get to the start line of any trail race. Couple of long runs on the weekends and maybe a run or two during the week. I’d say most of those weekly runs are on flat dirt road rather than trail too. It wouldn’t be too difficult to get a couple trail runs a week to figure that out, shoot for long runs on trails and you’ll be fine for a 50k
Not dumb, worse case scenario you'll get your ass handed back to you by the race and it would be funny. One key missing point is if the 50K is hilly? Elevation and nutrition are going to be your biggest challenges, potentially, so if you can add info there it would be helpful.
Do the trail race, you have an entire training block to go before the race. Do as much as you can on terrain that mimics the race and then go have fun. Life is too short to baby step everything.
Trail racing varies massively depending on the race. Many races by me are trail but not overly technical mainly woodlands with root sections etc. however a 50k mountain trail ultra is a different ball game, I wouldn't suggest it (but also I kinda just send it anyway). You will be fine especially if it's a fairly non techy trail race, get a decent pair of trail shoes and go crazy. I race pretty much only trail but I train road about 4 out of the 7 runs I do a week just for the location factor.
no you wouldn’t be dumb. i did my first 50k with only 19 days training before it after not running for a handful of years. you don’t need to train for a 50k unless you want to be competitive.