From a physical standpoint I believe you’ll be able to run the 50k no problems even with you up/down training. The only thing you’d need to adjust is your expectations, so run the race nice an easy, go out to enjoy the atmosphere, just let the race take care of itself.

I say this as I’ve been dogged by injury this year and unable to training consistently. I pulled out of a 53mile ultra back in April due to injury concerns, and couldn’t train for my next race properly – less than 6 miles a week in the month running up to it, but I completed the mountainous 30 miler in hot conditions without problems and really enjoyed it. The key was just letting going about stress about whether I was ready or not and just running conservatively on the day.

My next test came last month when I ran a 43 mile ultra, again because of trying to fix an injury I could do a normal training round, instead had to cramp training into the four weeks before the race. I ramped up my training and in the last twelve days put in two 15 milers and then did a very short one week taper. In theory I wasn’t at all prepared to run a tough 43 mile ultra but in the end ran a great race felt strong right to the end, finishing an hour quicker than I had thought likely.

The problem isn’t physical, it’s about letting go of the worry about ticking off specific training runs. Just make sure the prep you do for the day is sound and your expectations measured. I found that doing so one can still perform well and enjoy the race. It also means going forward if my training doesn’t go to plan I no longer fret about it, sure it might mean I’ll run a bit slower than I could have, but it’s still great countryside to be out on, in a race with great atmosphere what’s to loose? ;-)

I thought about that, but think staying home for a weekend holds some appeal right now

5K’s are where the fun is, if you ask me (of course, that’s all I’ve ever really trained for–especially in my competitive days).

Thanks Harold!

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Hi Pete… you committed to the family too. So in my mind you made the right call! Demons begone! :-)

But, yeah, when you really don’t want to do a race, you probably aren’t going to do that well anyway. If you’re questioning the point before you even start, then you’ve really already answered the question, right?

It’s all about battling my own mental demons who tell me that I need to finish something I commit to. Trying not to listen to them!

—-
Pete Larson’s Web Links:
-My book: Tread Lightly: http://ow.ly/bdUO0
-Blog: https://runblogger.com
-Twitter: http://twitter.com/Runblogger
-Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Runbl…
-Discussion Forum: https://runblogger.com/forum

Yeah, I’m with Cliff on this one. Who really cares about a commitment that’s ultimately meaningless? Family and your own peace of mind come first.

I’m dealing with my own demons in the form of tight calves. So I tried rolling them out on a medium sized rubber ball yesterday. Do people really think this is a good idea? Ow.

I gave up my plan a few weeks back and now I am just running what I feel each day and seeing where it goes.

I’m with you, 5k to half is fun for me right now, long runs on weekends not so much.
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