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? )
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? )
I forgot that you have an ultra AND a marathon! Wow. Those races are so close together! You'll do great at both, though.
ReplyDeleteI 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! :)
So excited for your upcoming races! I'm anxious to do another ultra :) Fall baby!!
ReplyDeleteFlip 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.
ReplyDeleteDoing 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.
ReplyDeleteWow, 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.
ReplyDeleteHmm, 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!
ReplyDeleteI think it's kind of hilarious that you had a little wardrobe malfunction there. I've done the same thing. Many times.
ReplyDeleteWow, 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! This is going to be quite a month!
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!
ReplyDelete