8.01.2012

Do as I Say, Not as I Do

Despite my excellent advice just a few days ago, yesterday I went for a 12 mile run with my worst enemy, a bad pair of underwear. Why is it that no matter how many miles we have run, we still do stupid things? In this case, I am talking about things we KNOW are bad, so much so that we dedicate a bullet point in a blog post about it. I am shaking my head in disgust at myself.

However, despite the minor setback, I had a great run! I am back in Oakland, where the trails are easy to get to and I had a fantastic run on the West Ridge section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Remember I talked about someday hopefully running, walking and hiking the entire thing? Well, yesterday I tackled 6 more miles of it. Now I am up to approximately 24 out of 325. Not bad, right? Funny story: the ultra I signed up for is mostly on the BA Ridge Trail! I don't think it covers any parts that I have not been on yet, but it will still be fun to run a race on trails close to home!


Speaking of the Ultra, I have a question for the runners out there. I have a marathon coming up in approximately three and a half weeks. So, if I follow my training schedule, I would have a mile heavy week this week (58 miles), a lower mileaage week next week (37 miles) and two taper weeks right before the marathon weekend (30 and 37.2 respectively).

HOWEVER. I have the ultra (50k = 30 miles) next weekend (Aug 12), on the week that is supposed to be a 37 mile week. I was thinking I would just flip flop this week and next week and run 37 miles this week and 58 next week....OR I would run 58 this week and maybe only run 7 additional miles during the week next week. Or....maybe you have a better idea?

Now, just for fun and to TRY to remind myself of the things I should not do, eat or wear for this ultra.

NO:

- Peanut butter or any nuts really (I have a problem with this one because it's usually at the aid stations and it's easy to grab and easy to eat...and I like it, but it doesn't like me.)
- Fruity Gu (tried it, almost puked, will stick with chocolate or chomps/chews/baby food)
- Champion Tank top (I love it and it's going to be hot, but it gives me chafe. What a bummer)
- Loose undies (see above)
- Gazelle action in the beginning (this is an EnDuRaNcE race. Remember that!)

I am sure there are other things that even though I know they didn't work last time, I have done again and again. I have a really hard time resisting those PB filled pretzels, but I will just have to wait until the post run BBQ to indulge.

Have you ever done something even though you know it doesn't work for you? Or maybe you have a food you love that doesn't love you back? (Runners: any advice about the last few weeks of training? )

10 comments:

  1. I forgot that you have an ultra AND a marathon! Wow. Those races are so close together! You'll do great at both, though.

    I can't have fruit gus either. And I can't have jam on my toast before a run. It wreaks havoc on my stomach.

    And I am one that does not wear underwear - well unless the shorts don't have the underwear built in - then I do wear underwear! But all of my running shorts have the built in ones, so I don't have to worry about that issue! :)

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  2. So excited for your upcoming races! I'm anxious to do another ultra :) Fall baby!!

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  3. Flip it! Make the schedule fit around the races, not the other way around. Actually it could make for nice "taper" if you only did the ultra and 1 other run for that week, and still kept your plan intact. so maybe don't flip. i'm useless today.

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  4. Doing something that I know doesn't work for me...too many times to count. Sometimes the easiest lessons are the most difficult to learn. I'd probably flip the weeks so you do a little less next week and then more the week of the ultra.

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  5. Wow, you have a lot coming up! Sorry about the underwear problem:( I have a sensitive tummy and have to be really careful during long distances. So most foods don't agree with me. I stick with my protein shake before every run.

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  6. Hmm, I would probably cut back a little this week in preparation, and aim for next week to be 57 including the ultra (30, right?) So you're running 27 during the week + ultra, then continue with your tapering (which will also be recovery from the ultra) until the full. Good luck, I'm excited for you in both events!

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  7. I think it's kind of hilarious that you had a little wardrobe malfunction there. I've done the same thing. Many times.

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  8. Wow, this is going to be quite a month for you. I can't wait to hear about the marathon and the ultra. I love that you reminded yourself not to start off like a gazelle. That is usually how I describe all the fast women in races!

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  9. I think you should keep that list handy and write more things as you remember them. I know I never remember everything on the first go around. But it seems like you're off to a good start. Just remind yourself that no matter how you feel, those things *do not* work. Don't let your tired mind grab something bad.

    Good luck! This is going to be quite a month!

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  10. I never was a huge fan of Gu or Cliff Shots or the like ... and this sentiment was especially true with their fruit flavors. I have a pretty strong stomach and don't often gag, but those fruit ones did a number on me. Never.again!

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