Ray Miller 50 Miler (Malibu): AC100 Qualifier Guide
A classic SoCal 50. Less “high alpine,” more steady effort, sun exposure, and execution. Perfect for proving you can fuel for an entire day.
Malibu / Ventura County edge
SoCal qualifier
Ticket-race energy
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Why Ray Miller translates to AC100
- Relentless forward motion: long stretches where you must stay honest.
- Exposure practice: sun, wind, dry air are real SoCal factors.
- Pacing discipline: runnable terrain punishes early ego.
Course feel
Expect a “rolling climb/descend” rhythm with a lot of runnable trail. This is a race where cadence and steady calories win. Treat it like a systems check: shoes, socks, lube, salt plan, and pace restraint.
Best for
First-time 50-milers, LA runners who want minimal travel, anyone practicing all-day fueling.
First-time 50-milers, LA runners who want minimal travel, anyone practicing all-day fueling.
Hard part
Cumulative fatigue from repeated climbs + exposure when the day heats up.
Cumulative fatigue from repeated climbs + exposure when the day heats up.
AC100 lesson
“Don’t spike effort on climbs.” Keep breathing controlled and eat on schedule.
“Don’t spike effort on climbs.” Keep breathing controlled and eat on schedule.
LA logistics
- If you’re coming from SGV, plan around freeway time; Malibu-area traffic can turn stress into fatigue.
- Bring a post-race kit you can access fast: dry shoes, salty food, and a warm layer for wind.
Execution plan
- Fuel: start early. Don’t “wait until you’re hungry.”
- Effort: keep climbs conversational early, even if that feels too easy.
- Cooling: sun sleeves, hat, ice bandana strategy if conditions demand it.
How to use this as a stepping stone to San Gabriel climbing
After recovery, shift training toward longer sustained climbs and controlled descents: you want “mountain legs,” not just flat speed. This 50 proves your engine and systems. The San Gabriels add torque.
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