With that said the last 3 weeks have included an easier week and two subsequent solid ones. I'll start from the oldest:
December 29-January 4, 2012: 69.25 miles, 17,000 gain: Wanted to take an easier week after the past two intense weeks and that was the case. Had arguably one of the worst "runs" of the year December 30th where a lot of hiking was involved. I got out of bed dead tired and I couldn't run the first 50 meters of the run! But those types of days happen so I wasn't too down about it. Other than that run/hike up Old Baldy on the first of the year was special and great way to kick of 2012.
January 6-12, 2012: 83 miles, 18,100 gain: Solid week that saw a climb up Mt. Wilson (via Eaton Canyon), a calorie-less (metabolic system needs training too) long-run lollipop loop in Topanga State Park, and an unexpected PR to Parker Mesa Overlook.
January 14-19, 2012 (6 days): 82.4 miles 17,600 gain: A compacted week, almost the same as the previous week but take away one day and it's obviously more intense. Saw a PR on Bulldog x2 which I have to sadly admit was my longest training run (non-race) ever, 29 miles. I also was pleasantly surprised that I was able to run both loops completely, which was also a first, and shattered my race PR (Bulldog 50km) that takes place at the same location by 10 minutes. This is an indication that the training plan I'm putting together is the right one and the fact that I ran a patient and conservative run. I wanted both loops to be within 10 minutes of each other; I got 8. 2:20, 2:28. Overall extremely happy with the week and tomorrow's recovery day is well deserved. I get to sleep in until 7, woohoo!
I think for me incorporating a 6 days/week training plan with 1 day for recovery will get me to the starting line physically and mentally ready; not injured and burned out. I'm going to get out of it what hard work I put in so I'm really excited for what's coming up. My race schedule is starting to come together with the addition of Old Goats 50 miler March 24 and possibly San Diego 100. SD100 has been gnawing at me ever since last year where I know my inexperience and end-of-season lackluster showed bright on race day. My competitive side won't let me swallow this one because of the fact I can do a ton better than what showed up that day. It's very strange to plan races this far in advance but this is the culture of the ultra scene now. Sign up for those coveted few spots or risk losing out. It's forced my hand a bit but I'm confident that these races, spaced appropriately apart will be the right set-up for me. If I get lucky enough to get into SD100 I'll explain in a later post the rationale behind entering two 100 milers 6 weeks apart. Be prepared: there might not be anything worthy.
Major Race Schedule for the 1st half of 2012:
Ray Miller 50mile (2/25/12)
Old Goats 50mile (3/24/12)
Boston Marathon (4/18/12)
Bishop 100km (5/19/12)
San Diego 100mile (6/9/12)
Angeles Crest 100mile (7/20/12)
Running Los Liones with The Onion |
Backbone Trail |
Old Baldy |
Down Devil's Backbone |
Sunrise at Westridge |
Morning runs |
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