My First Ultramarathon Experience: Bel Monte 50k
The Bel Monte 50K trail race did not disappoint. About five months ago, we were heading into the winter months, and I was looking for a goal. My usual winters consist of swimming, biking, and running, with a little bit of strength work. Recently, Rob Green and I had done a podcast on setting goals and living toward those goals. I was looking for something different.
In November of 2024, I set up a group to run the Shut-In Trail Run in honor of my late father. This was canceled because of Hurricane Helene. I was hungry to do a trail race with big elevation gains. With the encouragement of local training partners and friends, Ryan Nelligan and Tricia Denardis, I signed up for the Bel Monte 50K. This fit my criteria:
This was something new to me.
The distance scared me.
This race would be motivation for the daily grind.
There was a good chance I might not finish.
I designed my plan around running and fatigue resistance but not the high mileage you would expect. I ran about four times per week for 25-40 miles. The difference was the non-running training. I used the erg2 rower to get in high-heart-rate (VO2 max) sessions to save my legs from excessive pounding. I really focused on strength/core training and mobility. I used the bike for strength and recovery.
I was encouraged to join a group affectionately called “The Jungle.” This group set up really hard strength challenges each month. We worked through January push-ups, February squats, and March pull-ups. This incredible group of amazing athletes has been a great support. Each week, I had one longer run (the longest was 15 miles) and 3-4 shorter runs. The shorter runs were broken up with squats, push-ups, and pull-ups as intervals to build fatigue without big miles.
The race came up quickly, and I made it to the starting line. Getting to the start line is a major accomplishment for any amateur athlete. Life, injuries, or conflicts can easily cancel the day. I traveled with Ryan and Erin Nelligan and Tricia Denardis. Ryan had been injured, but in a show of true character, he was willing to go and support the day. His knowledge and support in preparation and completion were crucial.
The day really was amazing. The terrain was absolutely brutal. The attitude of the runners was supportive, not the aggression I was accustomed to with Ironman racing. Through rock gardens, big steep trails, and several cold creek crossings, I spent 7 ½ hours enjoying my fitness. My watch recorded 34.9 miles with 5,285 feet of elevation gain in 7 hours and 40 minutes. My day—my goal—was complete.
We then watched Tricia Denardis finish a brutal 50-mile course on this same insane terrain. She won the female race.
I do believe my plan worked. I set a scary goal. I worked toward it every day. I surrounded myself with like-minded people who held me accountable. I really focused on strength and mobility.
Yes, there will be another one in the future.