Friday, March 25, 2011

Training Update

It has been a while since I posted, but I guess I just haven't had much to say.  I am back on a high mileage training schedule (50 to 60 miles a week), and getting ready for the Strolling Jim 40 miler in May.  Since my last post, I had difficult race at Mt. Cheaha due to illness, and a good bounce-back run at the Gate River Run 15k in Jacksonville.

I have resumed running with the Rooster Beaters early morning crew three days a week which strengthens my resolve by forcing me to wake up at 3:45am to get in 5 or 6 miles before work.  Having people to run with early is a huge factor in my training, because it reinforces my dedication to training and I use it as a motivator during races.

I am sad that my unofficial running coach, Orlando, is out with a serious knee injury, but I'm sure he will be back soon and we are carrying on, waiting for him to get better.

Another running friend, Nathan, is training hard and logging impressive times in races, and we are doing long runs every weekend together.

I was talking to a co-worker the other day about running, and she asked me how one trains for ultras and I said you just have to run high mileage and focus on the long run, but I got to thinking about it, and the real answer is that you have to enjoy running.  I remember when I started and could not run a mile without stopping (and that was only about three years ago).  I did not enjoy it at first, but over time I have come to truly enjoy running.  Some people report that they can get a lot of thinking and problem solving done while running, but that has not been the case with me; I simply enjoy the experience.  I'm not much for multi-tasking, and if running becomes an extension of work or other problems, then I will find some other habit.  I think of running much like playing the guitar; I just get into the flow of what I am doing and everything else tends to melt away.

Anyway, training is going well now, and I am expecting a great race up in Tennessee at Strolling Jim in May.

Carl