Training Log Archive: ultra_amy

Event: Vermont 50 Miler
 

Vermont 50 - my goal since 2009 has been to go sub-8hour on this course. No idea why, just thought it was a reasonable goal for me. Then, I've had years of less than idea legs, fitness, weather, or whatever...and I've never gotten it.

2013 VT50 - I finished in 7:55:xx! I felt like crap and was actually dragging early on (especially on the uphills), but after about 30 miles we hit the single track and I finally got my legs under me. I stretched out my stride on the flats and downhills, and did what I could on the uphills. At mile 41, I was 20 minutes ahead of my 2012 pace, and I knew if I could hold it solid (with the help of my pacer, Sara!) that I could finally achieve this 4-year goal. We ran strong and barely finished under 8 hours. Yay!

While it wasn't the perfect day, I am proud to be fit enough that even on a less than ideal day I could still achieve something outstanding (for me). It was a beautiful day in Vermont, and it really boosted my confidence in my fitness. It's incredible to have days like this that really show the hard work and dedication I have.

C • Yay! 2

Rest day...except for the stress and walking around at the pre-race stuff, it was a relaxing day. I even took a nap, and it was wonderful!

Easy morning run w/ Kate and Karin - did a 'mixed surface run' on trails, bike path, and road around Amherst. Great morning to be out!

Both my morning run and my afternoon strength folks cancelled out of today - I took it as a sign to recover and rest up for this weekend's race rather than train through it. I guess this means I really want to break 8-hours on Sunday!

C • DO IT! 1

Easy trail run this morning - must have felt good, since I feel like Sara and I covered almost every trail at Sugarloaf! Calves are a bit tight, but much better than yesterday. Been wearing calf guards since yesterday morning's run.

Ran easy this morning before work - everyone bailed and I ran alone. Perhaps it was that, perhaps I was just tired from tossing and turning, perhaps I was imagining things, perhaps (but not likely) it was the shoes I was wearing (a bit more minimal...but how could such a short distance really affect me like this?) - whatever, my calves seemed awefully tight, and sore, so I shortened the run and used the time to go home and pick up some calf guards to wear at work today. I am pretty convinced it's taper madness...that I'll feel every tweak in my body, real or imagined.

Went to gym with Steph - we did a bunch of dynamic plyo type exercises. I went a bit easy - don't want to be worn down come Sunday!

Easy spin...felt great after taking yesterday off! :)