My first 50KM trail marathon

I prepared thoroughly for VUM 2024 by joining VUT K05 and investing a significant amount in equipment. I trained following the Coros 50K mountain plan. Although I had to cut a few weeks short, I noticed significant improvement in my running during the process. Training with this plan was challenging, and I skipped a few sessions to reduce the intensity. I became hesitant after hearing my coach say the plan might be too ambitious for me, so I trained less afterward.

For nutrition, I prepared meticulously in the final week, focusing on carb-loading. The night before the race, I ate at 6 PM and rested at home by 7:30 PM. I took melatonin and fell asleep at 8 PM, sleeping straight until 2:30 AM on race day. After waking up from a 6.5-hour sleep, I quickly got ready and headed to the bus to the starting point.

The race started at 5 AM. Feeling energized, I hydrated with water before running, did a light warm-up, and jogged to get my heart rate up. Ten minutes before the start, I consumed a Maurten gel, which was sweet and jelly-like, making it quite easy to eat (perhaps explaining its price). At the starting line, I ran lightly to CP3 at a pace of 8–9 minutes per kilometer, faster than my planned pace of 10. I reached CP3 in 45 minutes, consuming about 250ml of water and 250ml of Tailwind Endurance Mix. At CP3, I had some watermelon, bananas, and water, refilled 500ml of Tailwind and 500ml of water, and moved on swiftly.

Key challenges during this stretch included my trekking poles slipping off my belt and a water bottle being slightly too big for the vest, causing discomfort.

From CP3 to CP4, the route was tough, mostly climbing due to steep elevation gain. I started using trekking poles right after CP3 and maintained a steady pace (12–18 minutes per kilometer, averaging around 15). During this section, I consumed about 12 dates, a gel, and finished my electrolytes and water. I began to feel pain in my right IT band and avoided landing on my right foot. The cloud-hunting viewpoint offered no scenic clouds but a flat spot to rest. I ate nuts, bananas, and watermelon, got water from the crew, mixed 500ml of endurance mix, and rested at the base of the mountain to avoid the sun.

Nutrition and pacing were the main focus here. I tried to eat adequately while climbing and avoided breaks except to eat dates, which were easy to consume despite making me slightly thirsty. Calories were my priority, though running felt exhausting at times.

From CP4 to CP5, the climb continued to a cloud-hunting peak before descending. The downhill was tricky, but I managed to combine trekking pole use with running. My pace slowed to 18 minutes per kilometer for the steep 4km ascent, but I picked up to 9 minutes per kilometer for the descent to CP5. A memorable moment was holding hands with local kids at a village. At CP5, I rested longer, drinking recovery fluids for the first time, eating porridge, nuts, and bananas, and refilling electrolytes. It took about 20 minutes before I was ready to continue.

Key challenges here included my slow climbing speed, though I felt it was adequate, and my weak downhill running. Nutrition remained good, with sufficient intake.

From CP5 halfway to CP6, I ran well, maintaining a steady breath. I consumed a Maurten gel before tackling two sharp limestone climbs. Around KM25, I began feeling heatstroke symptoms and shivered. Later, I realized my body was weakened, which was dangerous. Thankfully, sunglasses from Yến helped me recover and struggle through 5km to CP6 with her. At CP6, I met Kha and some friends, and a medic poured water over me and gave me fluids to recover. I ate two bowls of porridge, drank two cans of Coke for sugar, and had plenty of watermelon, bananas, and nuts. After refilling water, I moved on slowly.

The main issue here was the lack of sunglasses, which caused heatstroke. My inexperience with heat training made it difficult to continue even though my legs and heart had recovered slightly.

From CP6 to CP7, I moved slowly with trekking poles, running only downhill in the last section at KM42. A memorable moment was jumping into a pond to cool down. I reached a hilltop where I met a few friends who had gone ahead, showing the race’s difficulty. After resting briefly, I descended and ran. Downhill sections were tough due to weak legs and low morale. I felt like giving up. At CP7, I was exhausted and took a painkiller, eating little. I should have taken recovery fluids but didn’t. Instead, I had Coke, lemonade, and light snacks before heading into the forest.

The main challenges here were my reduced speed and exhaustion. I avoided pushing myself to run, fearing I wouldn’t endure it. Trekking through the forest was relaxing, but I could only move quickly on flat terrain. Downhill progress was slow and needs improvement. Dates remained my go-to snack, though I consumed a lot of water. A Maurten gel revived me slightly.

From CP7 to the finish line, I moved faster than usual, at times reaching a 10-minute pace, as my legs no longer hurt. I focused solely on reaching the markers and the finish. The weather turned cold suddenly at night. I helped a few runners in the forest but regret not being able to assist them to the finish. Seeing the crew reassured me that they could provide better help. I worried about running out of painkillers and enduring intense pain, so I pressed on quickly. This was terrifying.

Finishing the 50km VUM 2024 brought mixed emotions—joy at completing an ultra and overcoming myself, but sadness at unmet goals and insufficient training. Despite this, it was my first ultra trail race, and I’m immensely proud as both a runner and racer. An unforgettable experience.