Earth Day 50k Training Update 2

The balancing act continued this past week as I somehow managed to adjust to a new job, morning running, and a 20 mile long run. I might be crazy, but I am actually happy that the clocks jumped ahead last night as now I can get in some runs after work.


Here is what my week looked like:

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 4 mile run, 15 min Pilates Core workout
Wednesday: Speed: 5 min warm up, 6 X 5 min on with 1 min off, 5 min cool down
Thursday: Rest
Friday: 2 mile run, 30 min of core work
Saturday: 20 mile long run
Sunday: 5 miles easy, Jasyoga - Quick foot rest

Happy Fueling!

My biggest accomplishment for the week was finally managing my fuel on long runs. After listening to multiple podcasts and reading several articles, I came to the realization that the biggest difference between marathon training and ultra training is eating on the run. Ultra training is training for your gut. Unlike a marathon, you simply cannot run an ultra on gels alone. To be honest, I don't think I can run a marathon gels alone as I learned during the Chicago marathon. The sweetness factor of a gel gets old around mile 12 and I need something of substance. Last week I went with peanut butter pretzels which were fantastic, and this week I tried girl scout cookies. What a game changer. My stomach was happy with the feeling of food inside of it, and I actually enjoyed eating. I did not experience any GI issues and did not bonk. I felt really tired at the end of the 20 miles, but still in good spirits - yet another sign that the fueling is working. I continued last week's strategy of alternating Nuun and water, and that continued to work well. I also realized why I like the strawberry lemonade Nuun flavor more during a run, and that is because it is more tart/sour than it is sweet, therefore helping my taste buds get a relief after the gels. I plan to continue with trying a few other foods on the run, but I think I am finally getting the hang of this.

Highlights/Observations of the week:

• Morning running is getting easier. Watching the sun come up is kind of cool actually!
• I am much, much hungrier in the day. The carb depleted state I am running in first thing in the morning really gets my metabolism going.
• I am actually losing more weight than when training for a marathon. Not so much in pounds, rather in inches. This must be due to core/strength work I am incorporating.
• My trail shoes hurt my feet a lot. The Altra Torins have been so good to me, but they are not so good to me after mile 16 or so. I need check out some other options, and quickly.
• Sometimes you just need a good cry before a run. I was feeling overwhelmed before my 20 miler and was resistant to leave my dog after being gone all week. I let the waterworks go for about 5 minutes and then felt better. I headed out for my run in a much better emotional state. 

Someone clearly wants attention

I am still trying to figure out how to balance life. Some days are difficult and I feel stressed. Other days I feel like I am doing great. I guess that is how most of us feel at one point or another. I still wonder some days how I am going to run 31 miles, but I guess I'll find out in a few weeks!