How much recovery time after 50?

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I recovered pretty fast, but like Paulette said, it depends how it goes out there and how hard you run it. I walked A TON on my 1st 50.

I did silver rush 50 in leadville last year, 2 weeks later set a PR at 5430 half. That being said I didn't race the 50, just worked it into my summer to get a qual time for WS 100. I think I only took a day or two off and was back on the bike. I guess it depends on your fitness going in and how hard you run.
Good luck

Edited by newt 2010-04-15 5:53 PM

There are 3 elements to consider:

Muscle fatigue
Skin recovery
Emotional fatigue

Depends a lot on the race and race conditions.  I did a 50-miler 10 weeks before IMCdA last year.  I could certainly notice the fatigue in my legs for 2-3 weeks after the run, but otherwise was in pretty good shape.  I was prepared to DNF the 50-miler rather than risk turning my feet to hamburger (or risk injury due to fatigue during the run).  Luckily, I didn't have chafing/blisters which could have taken me out for several weeks. 

I spent the week after the run doing a couple hour-spins on the bike and swimming.  I was back to 3-4 hour rides within 2 weeks (again, fatigued, but done).  I spent a second week not running too much (just a couple short runs) while I got my head back into the running mode. 

When I first saw the post, I thought you meant how much more recovery after age 50.  As you age your recovery time lengthens.  I don't think it's that big a difference for most people until they get into their late 40's (women esp) or early mid 50's (men).  Then you'll notice a big difference.  But even a young pup of 40 years is going to need more than someone at age 25.

Regardless of your age, you have to focus on the signals you get from your body.  If you feel a bit drained, you need more rest.  Ignore the signals and you will break down, get sick and or injured.  It makes no difference how others respond to stress, nor how fast they recover.  Only how your body responds.  If you don't have enough experience with that, then the best response is to err on the side of caution.

I was CRUSHED for two weeks after my 50 Miler, but right before my race it rained a ton and they had to re-route the course so all 50 miles were on concrete/pavement with no grass/trail running at all. Was suppsoed to be around 75% paved and 25% grass/trail.

I think that really made it a lot worse as my joints were toast after the run.

Ambitious 6 month stretch you got planned there! I like it! No guts, no glory, eh?