Been a while since I posted one of these training updates, so just thought I’d recap what’s been going on since June’s Western States 100.
6/30 – 7/06
Aside from getting stuck overnight at Chicago Midway Airport, the week was fairly relaxing and just what I needed after a challenging 100 Miler. I did manage to log an easy 4 mile run and a 4 mile walk towards the end of the week, but for once, I listened to my body and took things easy.
7/07 – 7/13
Legs and mind felt sufficiently rested, so I ran every day and ended up with 36 miles for the week. Longest run was an easy-paced 7 miler. Also of note, I resisted the urge to race the inaugural Seashore Summer Trail Half – probably a wise decision considering the pretty brutal heat and humidity that day.
7/14 – 7/20
Another week where I ran every day and felt good doing so. Logged 58 running miles and 8 early morning walking miles which really seem to set me up for the day as far as getting the legs moving goes.
Also hit the local track for some baseline 800m and 200m repeats, and on the weekend headed to First Landing State Park where I ran the Seashore Summer Trail Half course. Covered the 13.1 miles in 1:32ish and really enjoyed some local trail time.
7/21 – 7/27
Another good week – 62 miles of running and about the same walking miles as last week. Most of the runs were easy-paced efforts, but I did head to the track to have another go at the 800s and 200s. Times were similar but the effort level felt easier. Progress I guess. It was also nice to finish off the week with 18 miles at FLSP – not exactly speedy, but good fun all the same.
7/28 – 8/03
Back to 58 miles of running, but there were a few more quality efforts thrown into the mix this week. First up was a 5K race at the Norfolk Botanical Garden on Tuesday evening – my first 5K in 12 months would you believe?! After a dodgy start where I got boxed in by a bunch of enthusiastic kids, I was able to work my way up to a Top 10 finish in 17:40 – not too shabby so soon after the 100 Miler.
Friday brought another visit to the track, but the heat, humidity and rain weren’t a great mix for fast times. Saturday I enjoyed probably my best run since Western States – an unplanned 11 mile progressive run, culminating with a 5:58 mile. I rounded off the week with 16 swampy miles at the local state park.
8/04 – 8/10
This week has been all easy-paced efforts so far. Not sure if the track work is the cause, but my right heel and left groin have been sore since the weekend. The easy runs have helped the groin, and ice on the heel seems to be doing the trick too. Let’s hope the “recovery” continues.
As for races, as long as I’m healthy, I’ll be having a crack at the local Tidewater Striders Mile next weekend, then September brings another fun trip to Prince William Forest Park for the Athletic Equation 12-HR Adventure Trail Run. Last year I managed to complete 11 x 6.5 loops, and I’d be really happy if I could do the same this year.
Finally, in October, I’ll be heading to Oklahoma to take part in my end-of-year “A” race – the 24 The Hard Way which takes place on a relatively flat, almost 1 mile loop at Bluff Creek Park in Oklahoma City. Last year I came away with the Masters win and 128.87 miles in 22 hours 45 minutes. Unfortunately for my legs, this year I want more! Watch this space to find out what happens…