When I first started “planning,” well actually more like a general visualization of what my training will be like for the upcoming months of the 50 miler, I thought I would have lots of 90s, even 100 mile weeks. It seemed easy after following one too many ultra runners on facebook who on a daily whim run a 50K like its eating breakfast.
Well needless to say, that did not happen. On many weeks I struggled to even hit 60 miles, often resulting in 2 runs a day to get my mileage in. I still think I can handle 90 miles of running a week physically but mentally, I struggle for the time and energy. I struggle to find time for friends and family, for being focused at a full time 8:30-5:30 (often longer in March/April) job. I struggle to find time to follow all my TV shows I love (Game of Thrones, Once Upon a Time, Vampire Dairies etc.). Then, there’s this little blog that I love working on. And this doesn’t even brush any normal life chores, home ownership or interests I may have. So yes, mentally and time-wise handling a 90 mile week on a regular basis just did not happen like I thought I would. I considered waking up earlier, but I love my sleep too much and it’s been a cold long winter. Maybe next year….
So instead I think I’ve reached what will be the mileage pinnacle of this training cycle… 81 Miles. Here’s a breakdown of how it got done.
Monday – Rest
Tuesday – 16 Miles
I did two runs outsides of 8 miles each. One around noon at 7:50 pace, one after work at 8:37 pace. Needless to say, the evening run was a struggle.
Sometimes on rough days, I take even a short run outside and remember just how lucky I am to be able to run where I am.
Wednesday – 6.2 Miles
54 minutes on my work treadmill at incline 3. I thought I would struggle because I ran the night before. However, I think the slower evening pace was easier to recover than the faster midday run I took.
Thursday – 7 Miles
Incline 2 on the treadmill after work. I struggled to wake up early to run so that didn’t happen so evening miserable run it was.
Friday – 6 Miles
About 50 minutes mostly on incline 2 with some 3s thrown in. It was a struggle to run on Friday, esp with my plans for Saturday & Sunday but I had a goal of wanting to hit 80 miles so I took it slow and stopped as soon as I reached 6 miles.
Saturday – 20 trail miles
About 16 miles of trails. As mentioned before I fell before I even reached mile 10. There was crying, there was pouting and then I ran 10 miles more for a total of 4 hours and about average pace of 12 minutes which included my crying/falling time.
Sunday – 26.2 Miles
Cox Providence Marathon. I’ll have a full recap up when I have time but for now, here’s the summary:
Total Mileage – 81 Miles
Total Feelings – Cloud 9! After hitting some low worrying points on the upcoming 50 miler, I’m back in the I can do this mood! I almost ran 50 miles over the weekend. I was short 3.6 miles! What stopped me on Sunday? I already showered and washed my hair for a dinner. Yes, I’m a girl, sometimes I skip runs because I don’t want to blowdry my hair again. Deal with it.
You should be on a cloud 9! 81 miles + a marathon- WOW. Your marathon time was even pretty fantastic. I don’t know how you do it. You are freaking amazing! I struggle to run in the 50 mile range with a job, household duties etc. I can’t imagine being able to run more than that and still have time to do anything else. I need to steal some time management tips from you.
All I can say is WOW – that takes some serious dedication from you and understanding from family and friends. You are laser focused on your goal, and nothing is getting in your way. I really admire how you are kicking so much trail and asphalt!
Congrats on the marathon. Cool medal!
And wow! You are dedicated!!
That is an amazing marathon after 20 miles the day before! I am so impressed! Wish my body could handle that type of mileage!
Wow! I am very impressed. I struggle finding the time to hit 50 mile weeks during marathon training. AND to do a 3:42 marathon on the heels of a peak week???? I think you’ve GOT THIS. You are definitely an inspiration.