Wednesday, October 9, 2013

7 Miles

I ran 7 miles last night without a walk break for the 1st time since the end of June.

It is sad how far out of shape I have fallen. But I find myself pondering a new thought ~ I wish I could hit the reset button and start over.

I often find myself burdened with memories of past fitness or accomplishments. I often let the past intefere with enjoying the experience of the present. I find these ghosts of the past constantly influencing my training goals and race expectations.

If I were starting today: 30 miles per week (MPW) would be solid, 100 MPW would be crazy talk. I could run races without expectations, because I would have no idea what I was capable of. Running would just be another thing I do for fitness. Running a marathon would seem out of reach. Running a 50 mile trail race not possible.

I could revel in the accomplishment of running 7 miles without a walk break.

I wish I had a reset button - putting me back to my orignal facotry settings.

I could feel the joy of each little accomplishment. The 1st time I ran 4,8, 10, 13, 15 or 20 miles would all special. The 1st time I won an age group award. Setting PRs in almost every race, many because I have never ran the distance before. Crying for no reason as I finished my 1st marathon.

I ran 7 miles last night without a walk break ~ Yeah, me!

Good running to all~

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

5 days before Glacial 50M

I will be the least trained for any race I have done ... But I will also be the least over-trained for any race I have done.

I have had this habbit of over-training, then not tapering enough. I suck at taper and never taper enough to maximize my current fiteness.

At least for the Glacial 50M, I feel good ~ Not fit, but not beat up.

My training has been:

End of June to Mid September ~ Run / Walking on TM 4-5 times a week ... no core, weights or stretching
Week #4 ~ A couple of trail runs with my beautiful sister in CA ... total 38 miles for the week
Week #3 ~ Trained pretty hard: 1 30 mile rail trail run, one 100 minute technical trail run and one 20 mile trail on on actual race course ... Total 96 miles
Week #2 ~ 1 100 minute technical trail run, One TM hill workout ... Total 45 miles
This week ~ 1 80 minute technical trail run, 1 light TM hill workout ... total 30-35 miles pre-race

My back and hip and holding together, I can hear them wispering in the back ground, but they have not screamed since last Wednesday playing tennis.

I a weird way, I am looking forward to not caring about "racing efficiently". Taking my time at aide stations, diggin in my drop bag, chatting with other runners. A race with no self imposed pressures of finishing times or place.

The downside = By the time I finish, there will be little time left to sit and chat post race with other runners.

I am hoping to hit the turnaround at New Fane(mile 25) in 5 hours and finish between 9:45 and 10:30.

Good running to all!

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Signed up for Glacial 50 Mile

I had promised myself I would not race again in 2013. I guess I am a liar ... A no good dirty dog!

I wanted the priveledge of signing up for the Western States 100 Mile lottery and I do not have a 50 mile qualifying race.

Glacial 50 mile: This is my favorite race, it has a low key vibe. Great organization, volunteers and race course. I have not trained since June, I have an angry back and hip, but what the hell? I pulled the trigger and signed up a little over a week ago.

11 days of training and 10 days of taper will not leave me with much room for error. But I believe if I pace very conservative, I can get the 50 miles done in under 11 hours, the required time to use it as a qualifying race.

If I were to race aggressively, I might be able to get under 9:30, but that is not the goal of the day so I expect to be around 10 hours ... as long as I am under 11, I am happy.

Good running to all!