Cracking 50miles

I finally had a chance to break through my first 50 mile week, almost entirely in 'single runs'. It felt like a big hurdle. To progress to 60-70 miles per week would take a lot of devotion, and I don't truly know if it's necessary. I would have to run doubles 2-3 days a week. I'm headed to Dallas this Thursday and taking a 'step back' week in mileage to let my body adjust to the stress of 50 miles. Towards the end of the week I started to feel very sluggish and tired.

Week of May 4-10

Mon: 4mi easy
Tues: AM: 8.74mi tempo (1:09 / 7:56 pace). Starting with a 9min mile and finishing with sub 7min
PM: 4.05mi easy
Wed: 10.3mi easy (1:21 / 7:57 pace) Steady
Thurs: REST!!
Friday: 1x3x1mi . 1 mile warm-up, 3 miles (21:45 / 6:55 pace) 1 mile cool down. It was rainy, I had to retreat to the Treadmill.
Sat: 16mi long (2:08 / 8:00 pace) NO oatmeal before you run, lesson learned...too much fiber! Decent run, but I didn't feel fresh and powerful like the past 2 weeks. I'm sure the 2 bowls of chips and salsa, 2 margaritas and a beer at happy hour yesterday wasn't the ideal fuel combination for 'long run' preparation. I will definitely plan to step back mileage next week. Three weeks of build-up with no real step back. I need to let my muscles gain strength with rest. Otherwise, awesome weather today, 52 this morning warming up to 63 during the run, sunny and crisp.
Sun: 2 miles - very gentle recovery run

Total: 50.1mi / 6:38hrs

Angie and I took the little fur ball to Loose Park, Saturday afternoon

Resilient

The body is an amazing piece of machinery, the further you push it, the stronger and more resilient it becomes. This same time last year I couldn't fathom completing some of the runs that I now incorporate into my regular workouts. I feel like I've progressed to another level of fitness. Another 40mile week under my belt. I feel great, but at the same time I'm worried about burning out this summer before training even begins. Last weeks race made me realize that I can't sit back and day dream about floating along for 26miles. The short fast races keep you honest and remind your body just how hard it is to push the pace.


April 27- May 3
Monday: REST! Still sore from Sunday's race and evening workout
Tuesday - AM: 4mi Tempo (29:28 / 7:11 pace)
PM: 9mi Hilly (1:10)
Wed: 6.25mi easy
Thurs: Rest
Fri: 4mi Tempo - Full Effort (26:56 / 6:44pace)
Sat: 18.1mi Long (2:20 / 7:50 pace) - Great run. West Plaza loop, ideal conditions, calm, 56, cloudy. I ran against a 'Blisters for Sisters' walk on the trolley trail, a walk for the sisterhood. There was an art fair going on in Brookside I ran through. I tried to extend the main loop but still had to circle around a couple of miles near home to get in the full 18. Two bags of ice made a teeth chattering recovery bath, it hurt so good! Today's fuel: Gu gel @ mi3, Gatorade and 1/2 zone bar @ mi8, Gu @ mi 12, and quick water stop at the gingerbread coffee house.
Sun: Rest!!

Total: 41.4mi (5:16hrs)

*Angie is training hard for the Hospital Hill Half-marathon in June!! I was considering running the 10k but instead I'll be happily cheering her on from the sidelines. The hills are your friend, Angie : )



For some reason I've started to crave Vegetable Pizza and fresh Avocado with Tomatoes after the Saturday long hauls.....yum yum!!