Training Log Archive: ultra_amy

Bimbler's Bluff '50k' - long course...no one knows how long. The course was extended by about 2k in 2010, so we're still running longer than the original long course. Oh well. I ran 5:15 in 2009 (with a bonk!) and 5:16 in a terrible race in 2010 (stress!), so I just wanted to beat my time there. I also thought after VT50k that it would be great to feel strong and solid throughout the race rather than hitting the wall and suffering thru the race. It went well - I felt strong throughout the race, even running strong thru the finish line. Took 8 minutes off my previous times (I know I could have done more, but what can you do?). I'm pleased. :) Luckily my legs didn't feel yesterday much - perhaps I would have had a bit more zing on the uphills or later rollers...but overall I don't think it was to my great detrement to have run on Saturday. Totally worth it - 2 days running, 2 wins, 2 course records, and a 5k PR! :)

Went to support Tim's 5k race, and pace Kim (her goal was a sub-19 finish) - had no idea what was about to happen. We warmed up easy ~2 miles (16 minutes), and then did 4 x striders (~0.25 mi, 2 min). Then, I started the race with Kim (well, she took off at the start, but I caught her as she settled in), and we pushed together thru the 1 mile (5:50...oops!) and to the turn-around (just before the halfway at 9:08). At some point after that, she wasn't on my shoulder anymore, but as I went thru mile 2 at 11:55, I knew if I could just keep the stride open I could PR, so I just kept running. I crossed mile 3 in 17:47, and cruised to a finish time of 18:21. Holy cow - who knew I could even do that? We cooled down with Brian and Greg - total of 2.5 miles (19 min). Legs actually felt completely fine...hope I don't pay for that later...but in the end it worked out ok.

Easy run w/ Mac around Northampton - started behind indoor track at Smith, and ran up Rt. 9, around Look Park, and back along bike path, thru downtown to bike path, and back to Smith. Great run. Finally got new road shoes, so I had an extra 'bounce' in my stride.

Easy shake-out run with the team. Luckily Ben was keeping a good pace, so he and I ran and chatted.

Team time trial at Holyoke Res. I was the lead on this, so I couldn't run extra miles...so I warmed up wtih the team (~ 1 mile, 10 min), then I kept loose (~0.5 mile, 5 min) as I started athletes. Then, I ran w/ Rachel for the first mile, then picked it up to try to beat the rest back (3.1 mile, 21 min), and cooled down with the team (~0.5 mi, 5 min). Very disjointed running.

Track workout with Kim and Abby from Abby's house. Warmed up to HHS track (2.3 miles, 18 min) then did Kim's killer Stonehill workout - 800, 1200, mile, 3 x 400 (400 rest for long intervals, 200 rest for the 400s). My goal was to stay sub-6 min pace for the longer intervals, and then hope to beat 85s for the 400s. For some reason, I felt good this morning, and was able to do well - 800 (goal: 3:00, ran: 2:59), 1200 (goal: 4:30, ran: 4:24), mile (goal 6:00, ran: 5:51), 3 x 400 (goal: 85, ran: 83, 81, 80). Cooled down back to Abby's house (2.2 miles, 17 min). In general, I was really pleased with this workout - it seems like just a few months ago I was struggling to hold 6:30 pace for workouts, and now I'm rocking out at sub-6 min pace! :)

Easy run with Annie around Holyoke and Res. Felt good - she's worn down from her half marathon on Saturday...and after my cleanse I'm happy to take an easier day.

Easy run with the faster Elms kids - we ran at the Elks, but I stuck to the fun trails to have a better run with them. We had a good time.

Day off - I coached my team, but didn't run at all. Last day of the cleanse, and the legs felt weary and unresponsive. My motivation is also weary and unresponsive...so hopefully real food will turn that around.