Old Pueblo 50 Mile (Arizona): AC100 Qualifier Guide
A runnable 50-mile option that’s great for proving pacing and fueling under race pressure. “Runnable” does not mean “easy.” It punishes overconfidence.
Arizona travel
Runnable 50
Discipline test
Internal link: best 50-mile races to qualify for the AC100
Why it can be a strong AC100 qualifier
- Lets you lock in an official 50-mile finish when SoCal races fill up.
- Teaches steady pacing and nutrition without relying on steep hiking.
- Good benchmark for “can I run efficiently for hours?”
Course feel
Expect long stretches where your cadence and fueling are the entire story. If you blow up, it’s usually from starting too fast or under-eating, not from a single brutal climb.
Execution plan
- Effort: keep it controlled early; aim for a negative split mindset.
- Fuel: small frequent calories; don’t gamble with long gaps.
- Feet: runnable miles can shred skin if socks/shoes are wrong.
How it translates to AC100
This race builds “engine consistency.” AC100 adds bigger climbs and long descents. After you recover, shift training toward San Gabriel climbing and quad durability.
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