Despite DNFing my double marathon attempt, I have started 100K training. I learned SO much from the experience of running 48 miles that I am confident that with a few changes to my training approach that I will be successful.
The Monday after the double marathon I woke to discover that I had indeed caught the strep-throat-like virus that has been plaguing DH and a number of other colleagues and friends. That explained a lot as to why I was feeling so crappy during the double (well that and running 48 miles haha). I pretty much spent the entire week in bed, eating ice cream, drinking Nyquil, and eventually going to the doctor to make sure it wasn’t strep (it wasn’t; just a similar virus that’s going around). I had to miss our annual work retreat so that was a bummer.
On Saturday I was still pretty tired so I spent the day at home cleaning. I had remarked to someone that I didn’t remember what I did on Saturdays when I didn’t have long runs. Now I know, my house was so clean LOL. On Sunday I went to my parent’s house for lunch while DH was an angel with My Team Triumph at the Grand Rapids Triathlon.
On Monday I started 100K training. The goal race is Run Woodstock, which is a much easier course than Yankee Springs. I decided to hire an online ultra running coach (Hart Strength and Endurance) because I need accountability and I also know that I need to incorporate cross training. So far I LOVE having a coach!
On Monday my coach had me do a lactate threshold test. I had a 10 minute warmup, then had to run a 5K race effort for 30 minutes. I was still not feeling 100%, but the results were still pretty similar to the HR zones that DH had estimated. I was slower than usual but I gave it my all.
On Tuesday I was instructed to run an easy four miles to see how my perceived effort matched the heart rate test from the previous day. I also began a core routine. I was pretty proud of myself for doing planks! I hadn’t done them since before weight loss surgery. They are much easier when I’m 100 pounds less. In case you’re wondering what types of exercises I did, you can check out my coach’s recent post 8 Core Strengthening Exercises for Trail Runners (No Equipment Necessary).
Wednesday was a rest day from running since I was still recovering from the double and my cold. I did however do a set of strength exercises. I’m slowly but surely learning all these new to me exercises. Some of them I did a long time ago in various classes but I didn’t know what they were called.
Thursday was supposed to be a six mile run where I kept my heart rate at zone 2. Oops! I didn’t listen to instruction very well. There is an abandoned trail near our house at a local college campus that DH and I are trying to reconstruct. The ravines had some crazy climbs so I did not do so well staying under zone 2. We had a blast exploring together though. My legs were definitely feeling the previous day’s strength work. I went home and did the requisite core work.
Friday was a rest day. I needed it! I took the day off of work because I was still feeling drained from the cold.
On Saturday my long run was 15 miles and it turned out to be quite the adventure. Decided to try a new trail. My cold was still kicking my butt + heat and humidity = a lot of walking. It rained off and on and my shoes were squishy. To top it off I almost stepped on a huge snake! Then of course all the roots and sticks looked like snakes. I almost packed it up early but I sucked it up and got it done. Didn’t want to disappoint my coach.
On Sunday I heard there was a heat advisory starting at 11 AM, so I decided to go out early enough to finish before then and also to take it slow. It was so gross, the sweat was pouring off my hat like a rain gutter. If I didn’t have a running coach holding me accountable, I probably would have skipped the run.
Overall despite still getting over my cold I feel good about the progress I made.
Also, over the past week during my commute I listened to the audiobook Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons. It was recommended by several of my ultra running friends. I LOVED it, and wish I had listened to it before the double marathon attempt. I would have been so much more prepared.
However, now I need a new audiobook! I’d love to hear your recommendations. I love all genres.
Let me know what book you’ve listened to (or read) recently in the comments below!
For more fitness inspiration be sure to check out these running link ups: The Weekly Wrap hosted by hosted by HoHo Runs and Wendy from Taking the Long Way Home and Tuesdays on the Run with Patty, Erika, and Marcia!
Tell me more about the lactate threshold test–what does the information do for your training?
I’m glad you’re starting to feel better. I have been seeing a lot of kids in the clinic with that same strep-imposter virus. The parents keep coming back because they can’t believe it isn’t strep.
I know, the not-strep thing is so weird! I finally after two weeks don’t have a sore throat.
The lactate threshhold test helps identify your heart rate zones. Here is a link with more info: https://www.sporttracks.mobi/blog/determine-your-lactate-threshold
My coach took the results and gave me heart rate zones which I then input into my Garmin.
If I were to try to keep my heart rate in zone 2 in this heat and humidity I would probably be at a walking pace…so I’m not good at that either!
yeah, I did a lot of walking this past week! I just had NO energy with the weather plus my not-strep throat. Today I feel like I’m almost back to normal though.
Lots of running and cross training there. I will look up that utlra book. I really want to do one but the trouble I have is that I do like a road to run along and there are very few road ultras. Here in the UK of course there are no real snakes, not sure how much more I would Fear the Trail if there was stuff waiting for you on it! Good luck with your training and take it easy with your cold.
what? I did not know there were no snakes in the UK! Very cool. We only have one poisonous snake in Michigan (the eastern massasauga rattlesnake) and it’s rare so it is usually more startling than dangerous to come across snakes on the trail.
Ugh! Not-strep is worse than the real thing I think, at least with strep there’s medication got it. Glad you are feeling well enough to get out despite the icky weather.
thanks!
Look at your, right back to training for another Ultra. You go girl!
heck yeah! I’m not going to let one DNF discourage me 🙂
A 100k? Very impressive, lady! When is the event? Hopefully, not in the heat of summer. I’m glad to hear you like having a coach. I do think it helps to have someone peeking over your shoulder, so to speak. I hope you are feeling better. Thanks for linking!
It’s in September, so probably still hot but not August hot 🙂
That non-strep thing made its way around here too. I somehow *knock wood* managed to avoid it. I’m glad you’re on the mend! I’m impressed that you’re shooting for a 100k! I’m just hanging around over here trying not to freak out about a measly 50k. LOL
And I have a online coach too. I LOVE her. I really need that because I’m one to try to do ALL the things and I need to be told what and when so I don’t go overboard.
There is nothing measly about a 50K! I did my first one last year and was so nervous . . . now I’ve done a few and want to see how far I can go. You can do it!
Congrats on plunging right back in to training and on getting a coach! I think you made a great investment. Those lactate threshold tests are TOUGH! Okay snake? I’d die!
yes! I thought I was going to die from the threshold test haha.
I have not ventured farther than 50 miles in my ultras but I’d love to do a 100k one day!
What has been your favorite ultra so far?
That snake!!!!! Yikes….I’d be super paranoid about all the roots being snakes, too!
That was the second snake I’ve seen this year, not sure if there are more of them or I’m just doing more trails. Still creeps me out!
I’ve tried to look at the HR training and the zones have me almost walking. Clearly I am not doing it correctly. I can’t even imagine taking on a 100K but look forward to following along with your training. Happy running!
It does feel like you’re walking at first, but from what I’m told you progress quickly as your heart strengthens. We’ll see!