Training Log Archive: ultra_amy

Ran the Wayland XC race. Warmed up about 2.5 miles, then did the 5k race (with some great trail running aspects, I loved it!) in 20:11. Cooled down another approx. 2.5 miles. I actually felt great during the race - it turned into a head-to-head battle with two girls from another team, so it was all about beating them to the line, and made it really feel like xc!

Early morning run w/ Jason at Mt. Tom. We did the mostly rolling trails, minimizing the inevitable climbing that Mt. Tom offers. We started by headlamp, and the highlight of the run was watching a porcupine climb a tree (and seeing other glowing eyes in the forest that scared the porcupine up the tree). My legs felt a bit dead, but considering only 10 hours between the finish of my run last night and this morning's run, it's to be expected. I kept reminding myself that this is what the legs feel like at mile 40 of an ultra...so just keep moving forward. I think Jason enjoyed hearing me complain and fall back for once. :)

Easy run around Northampton with Jess - felt great! :)

Ran every trail at Sugarloaf...twice...with Frank B. With a xc meet on Sunday (where I knew dispite my best efforts I wouldn't get in a long run), I decided to do a Friday evening long run. Luckily, Frank is crazy like me. We packed in as many runs up Sugarloaf from every side as I could...and I am feeling strong for the climbing...phew!

Workout with Abby - Laura also ran with us (but didn't do the workout). We warmed up 2 miles, then did speed workout of 2 x (2x400, 2x600), didn't know what to expect. Did (1:26, 1:26, 1:57, 2:15; 1:26, 1:26, 1:57, 2:10). So, I was pretty consistent - the 600s were downhill for the odd ones and uphill for the even ones. Could feel in the last two 600s that my legs were getting lactic acid-y. At the end, did 3 x hill repeats (about 1 minute long). Legs felt like they were barely moving up those! Cooled down back to Abby's house.

Ran w/ Ashley at Smith College xc trails. Warmed up a few miles, then did 2 min on, 1 min off x 6 - aiming to be slightly faster than tempo pace. Felt great to turn the legs over, and we did about 0.3 to 0.35 miles in the 2-min segment (6:15-6:30 pace), depending on the terrain for the interval. Cooled down back to car. I certainly felt this morning's intervals, but it just feels great to keep turning the legs over!

Easy run w/ Sara around Sugarloaf and all. Actually felt great especially on climbs - we even had the time to head up and over Sugarloaf at the end to add a bit of climbing. Perhaps my climbing legs are already remembering how to go uphill...

Easy run with Ashley through Easthampton - she was pushing Anders, so it was relaxed pace and on flat pavement, but it was great to run with Anders. :)

Easy Hendrick Street trails run w/ Frank, Greg, and Kyle. Felt better on the hills than I typically do this early in the morning...but it was a quicker run.

Ran at Toby w/ Aaron - we went out the race course, and headed up the power lines. I ran the entire way up, but the legs were burning by the top and I wanted to walk so badly! Ran down the steep trail on the back to get a quick return. Yeehaw hills!

Did push-ups (still doing them off the side of the couch, that's hard enough for me!), dips, squats, and lunges plus abs. Only had time to do 3 x 10 of each, since I had limited time before I met Aaron for a run.

Easy recovery run w/ Abby and Laura - did the Highlands Loop in Holyoke...felt good once I warmed up. Glad to get the run in before work! And now that my 'easy recovery week' is over, it's time to get back at it and get in some great training before Mountain Masochist!

Quite the epic run with Brian. We went to Toby, and Brian dragged his heels for the first part, then took me on his version of a 'recovery run', which includes going up a chin-scraper trail directly up the back side of Toby. I ran almost the entire way, but slowed to a hike for the last steep pitch. Then, it started down pouring on us on the way back to the car - so the trail was a river for the rest of the run. We returned to find that a tree had fallen on my car at the trail head. We spent 90 minutes waiting for the local DPW to move the tree so we could go home. My poor car is ok - drivable, but banged up and will need repairs. All I wanted was an easy hour on the trails...