Training for our Second 50k, the Dead Horse Ultra 50k in Moab, Utah

So we decided to do another 50k. After the last one, I was looking for another but knew it would take some time. Oddly enough, I have become a little less interested in races. I love the atmosphere on race day and the feeling I get when I cross the finish line, but something was still missing. After taking some time off due to injuries, the desire came back. Could I beat my previous time? I will say that we did do one of the tougher 50ks as our first and so that checked the box off for completing a challenge. I still wanted to beat that time and see if I could run a better race. We hike all summer and so we would be training without training anyways so we found a destination we wanted to run in and it is always nice having someone have aid stations every 5-7 miles with drinks and food, candy included!

After starting to write this, I think the decrease in my desire to do races was the requirement of that day. I have to run, even if I woke up and just didn’t feel it. A feeling that is easy to get over once you make it to the starting line and feel the energy. I am also not a morning person so even the 7am start times are a challenge for me. It’s why I love the Las Vegas Half Marathon. It starts at 4:30pm!

I still was excited to get the training going and so here is how the training went and race day!

Week 1 – Stanley, Idaho

The start of training finally was upon us and I was trying to figure out where we should start. It just so happened the schedule had us in Stanley, Idaho. One of my favorite places to hike in the United States! If you want to read about our experience on the trail: CLICK HERE

Alice-Toxaway Lake Loop Trail
Miles: 20.75
Elevation Gain: 3,400′

Week 2 – Park City, Utah

I wanted to hike on the Wasatch Crest Trail, but it is mainly for mountain bikers. It is supposed to be THE trail to experience when you are visiting Park City. We compromised and did Desolation Lake and did a small section of the Wasatch Crest Trail.

Desolation Lake to Wasatch Crest Trail
Miles: 13.1
Elevation Gain: 3,000′

Week 3 – Fruita, Colorado

We were supposed to be in a different area of Colorado this week but then the weather did not cooperate with our plans so we found ourselves in Fruita, Colorado. An area mostly known as a mountain bike destination, we found a trail that was pretty epic to experience and would be the closest to the terrain of our 50k. We didn’t hit the mileage we wanted but we were happy with the time on our feet.

Mary’s Loop to Steve’s Loop to Wrangler and back to Mary’s Loop
Miles: 13.3
Elevation Gain: 1,400′

Week 4 – Pagosa Springs, Colorado

We met up with friends for Labor Day Weekend in Pagosa Springs! We had been wanting to checking out the area and we found a really nice trail system close by. Nothing hard, nor technical, it promised to be a nice time out on the trails and time on our feet!

Turkey Springs Trail System
Miles: 17.4
Elevation Gain: 1,300′

Week 4 – Angel Fire, New Mexico

This was a place that we didn’t know existed. Just outside of Taos, New Mexico sits Angel Fire. A small town with a ski resort in the winter and a bike park in the summer. We found a great trail network that we could do a few 5 mile loops. The great thing about it was that the parking was right next to the food cart lot!

Angel Fire Valley Scenic Circuit
Miles: 15
Elevation Gain: 1,798′

Week 5 – Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe had a few great trail circuits that were really close to downtown. This area had multiple trails to choose from that also gave you a lot of loop trails to choose from. This was great because we didn’t have to carry everything we needed and could use the car as an aid station.

Dale Balls Trail Circuit
Miles: 15
Elevation Gain: 2,448′

Week 6 – Flagstaff, Arizona

We love running in Flagstaff. Other than being surrounded by runners and hikers, it is such a beautiful area. Buffalo Park has been a favorite of mine. You can hit the Arizona Trail right from the entrance and it takes you into the mountains.

Buffalo Park Trails and The Arizona Trail
Miles: 16.65
Elevation Gain: 1,982′

Week 7 – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

This made for an epic training run/hike. I enjoyed very minute of it! If you want to read about the experience: CLICK HERE It is arguably one of the best hikes in the United States!

South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch to Bright Angel Trail
Miles: 18
Elevation Gain: 4,875′ Elevation Loss: 5,135′

Week 8 – Flagstaff, Arizona

We went back to Flagstaff because of the weather. It is also not a bad place to train for a race. High elevation and you are still able to get in elevation gain with slightly techy trails. It is also beautiful so that also helps!

Arizona Trail to Hart Prairie Loop (Lollipop loop!)
Miles: 20
Elevation Gain: 2,444′

Week 9- Sedona, Arizona

There is always a trail to find in Sedona! It is so beautiful and the rock formations are amazing and you might even run through a vortex, which will help with the vibe!

Twin Butte Loop to Courthouse Loop
Miles: 14.5
Elevation Gain: 1,600′

Week 10 – Las Vegas, Nevada

There is some beautiful hiking, biking and running areas close to Vegas!

Miles: 17.5

Elevation Gain:1,500′

Week 10 – We ended up taking the weekend off.

We just felt like we needed something different. Kevin did go on some mountain biking rides and I did a few short runs and played pickleball with friends! I might regret skipping a long run but we shall see.

Week 11 – Las Vegas, Nevada

There is some beautiful hiking, biking and running areas close to Vegas!

Miles: 10.5

Elevation Gain: 1,000′

Week 12 – Arches National Park, Moab, Utah

We did a fun hike for this week’s main run. This is the best hike in Arches National Park and definitely my favorite. Read about the entire trail system and experience here: Hike Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park

Miles: 4

Elevation Gain: 600′

Week 13 – RACE DAY Moab, Utah

We love the felling of race morning. The excitement, adrenaline and being surrounded by the community! We were both dealing with injuries but we were hoping for the best. The course was guaranteed to be entertaining and the aid stations stocked with goodies.

Miles: 50k

Elevation Gain: 2,810

How the morning started!