Turning 50 and Running 50K: My Journey of Discipline and Consistency

Turning 50 and Running 50K: My Journey of Discipline and Consistency
As I approached my 50th birthday, I wanted to celebrate in a way that truly challenged me, so I set my sights on running a 50k ultramarathon. With a goal time of 5 hours and 45 minutes, I embarked on a 12-week journey that tested my endurance, mental toughness, and dedication. Here’s what I learned along the way.

The Training: 12 Weeks of Consistency
I trained for 12 weeks, running between 45 and 50 miles per week. My routine included three 10k runs before work each week, followed by a longer run of 15 miles or more on Saturdays. Consistency was key, and while I enjoyed the progress, there were definitely days when I didn’t feel like lacing up my shoes. It’s easy to talk about motivation, but the reality is, you’re not always motivated. When motivation faded, discipline took over.

I relied on the discipline built from past training cycles to keep myself on track. I tracked my progress closely, knowing that every run, every mile, was building towards that finish line.

Nutrition: Finding What Works (and Sticking to It)
Nutrition was another significant challenge. To keep things simple and consistent, I ate the same foods every day for 12 weeks. This approach required a lot of discipline, but it allowed me to focus on fueling my body efficiently without overthinking my meals. Maintaining a steady intake of calories was crucial, especially during the race itself, where energy levels would be tested to their limits.

Race Day: Climbing 5,200 Feet and Pushing Through
When race day finally arrived, I stood at the start line feeling a mixture of excitement and anticipation. The 50k course featured a daunting 5,200 feet of elevation gain, making it one of the most challenging runs I’d ever faced.

The biggest obstacle during the race was keeping my energy levels up, especially with all the climbing. To combat this, I focused on frequent calorie intake to maintain my stamina and avoid hitting the dreaded "wall." As the miles wore on and fatigue set in, I kept reminding myself of the dedication and effort I had put into training.

Crossing the Finish Line: The Feeling of Accomplishment
After hours of pushing my limits, I crossed the finish line feeling exhausted but incredibly accomplished, finishing 22nd overall with a time of 5:47. The sense of achievement was overwhelming, not just because I had run 50k, but because I had proven to myself that with discipline and consistency, I could tackle any challenge.

Looking Ahead: Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely. This experience taught me that reaching big goals requires pushing yourself even when you don’t feel like it. I would do it all over again, and next time, I might even aim for a more ambitious goal. After all, the journey never truly ends—it just evolves.

Key Takeaways for Anyone Considering a 50k
1: Discipline Over Motivation: You won’t always feel motivated, but you can always choose to be disciplined.
2: Consistency Is Key: Regular training, even on the tough days, is what builds the foundation for success.
3: Nutrition Matters: Fuel your body with what works for you, and stick to it. Consistency in your diet is as important as consistency in your training.
4: Prepare for Obstacles: Whether it’s a steep climb or a mental barrier, have a strategy to push through.
If you’re thinking about running a 50k—or tackling any big challenge—remember that it’s the daily commitment that gets you to the finish line.