« This year there will be no National 50k Trail Championship Race! | Main | Nice Snow Fall this afternoon! »
December 5, 2004
More Pool Running and Another 10 miler
This morning I got up and was planning to run fifteen miles before my pool run. As I started running I realized my joints were a bit achy. I decided to stick to the trails for the entire run because I did not want to run on the pavement with achy legs. Overall I did not feel tired but my legs felt achy. I again ran a pretty slow 10 miles. I ran about 7 miles on the cross-country trails and 3 miles on the pond path trail. Even though I was on the same system of trails for most of the run the time went by relatively quickly. The weather was really nice for this time in December. The sun was out and I had to pull up my long sleeve shirt.
After my run I went to the Mt. Holyoke pool where they have a diving pool. It is so big and great because you do not have to worry about the lane swimmers. I met my friend, the head coach, and we pool ran for an hour and a half. We chatted the entire time and I felt like I got a good workout. I wore the water vests and concentrated on maintaining running legs.
For the remainder of the day I had to work at the athletic house as a supervisor and I also worked on my academic work. This is going to be a busy week for me because most of my assignments and presentations are due. I have three papers left, two presentations, and one exam to go. I should be done by next Monday. From that point on I can be on holiday from schoolwork for a while. Technically classes do not resume until mid-January but I am hoping to do some work on my own research project while I have some free time. I plan to continue working at the library in December and January and I will also be a TA for one of the exercise physiology classes so at least I'll make some extra money, which graduate students always need.
I am going to run the Huff 50k even though it is not the National Championship race. I think it would be hard not to go when I have been looking forward to it for so long. This year I have only done three ultras so far. I can't believe it. I have done 1 50k, the Quicksilver 50k, one 50 miler, White River, and the 100k in the Netherlands. I am looking forward to seeing my friends at the race and I do have my time goal that I want to try to reach. I'd love to run under 4.10 so we'll see what happens. This week I will start to taper. It looks like I ran about 81 miles this week with one day off and a few pool runs mixed in my training. I am happy with that and feel like I have the endurance I need to run the race. This week I will try to run about 65 miles and do a little more speed work - well tempo work really - no need to break out with any sub 6 minute workouts when there is no way I'll be running that fast in the 50k, unless it comes down to a sprint at the end. I should state that in my last two ultras, the 50-mile and the 100k, I was out kicked in the last 400 meters. Being out kicked in an ultra really hurts especially when you did not see the person who passed you the entire race. I am going to make that a side goal for this 50k, not to get out kicked by a female competitor. Well, I should get back to work so I don't have to stay up too late tonight. I was just listening to some of my favorite music, the Greatest Hits by Paul Simon. It puts me in a mellow mood and makes me just want to sit and reflect. I'll be back tomorrow with another update.... I can't wait to hear about Alison's trip to CA to visit my sister.
Posted by mary at December 5, 2004 6:20 PM
Comments
"This year I have only done three ultras so far". Most of us can not say that we have done *one* ultra in a year. Your ability to keep running and running just amazes me. I can't imagine getting out-kicked in a race that long. Best of luck finishing all of your schoolwork for the semester.
Blondie
Posted by: Blondie at December 5, 2004 9:17 PM
Good point Blondie.. I guess I take my ultras for granted.. :)
Posted by: Mary at December 5, 2004 10:33 PM
Mar- i can't believe it's not the national championships! well--you'll just have more time to train for the Headlands and Set a new Course Record!
how's that!!! :) Liz
Posted by: Liz at December 6, 2004 2:29 AM
Mary,
I'd like to see your weekly mileage for this upcoming taper week down closer to the 45-50 miles mark, instead of your stated 65 miles. 65 miles is not much of a taper! I think doing some quality (speed) work, emphasizing leg turnover is a good idea. Make sure to stretch properly before and after these sessions!
Posted by: Dave at December 6, 2004 3:46 AM
If I remember correctly, last year's female winner in the 50K ran about 4:40. You should have a great race if you run sub 4:10! The course is tough, but fun. I'm glad it's a little earlier in the year this year as snow makes for a very interesting adventure!
Posted by: Karly at December 6, 2004 10:38 AM
I really enjoy ultras too...need to do more! JFK 50 is on my short list, so one of these times I'll be asking you for serious training advice. :)
Posted by: Leilani at December 9, 2004 5:20 PM