week 5 training recap

Miles run: 37.9

28 days until 50 miles!

What was planned:

Tuesday: 5 Thursday: 30 min / 8x20 strides/ 30 min (5.9) Saturday: 18 Sunday: 9

Last week, I got my training plan for the remainder of September, and I've never been so excited. I serendipitously received an email for last-minute sign-ups to the Boulder Field 100 in Jim Thorpe on Saturday. The Boulder Field 100 offers an 18-miler, a 50k, and a 100k. Knowing I had 18 miles planned for Saturday, I asked my husband if he wanted to camp for the night so I could run the next day. He said, "Heck yeah!" We packed up our car and headed to the park Friday afternoon to camp for the night. The starting line was less than 2 miles from where we slept. Talk about convenience! I love using races for my longer training runs. They help spice up my training from constantly running the same trails and take the thinking out of it for me. All I have to do is show up and follow the pink ribbons (oh, and run, of course).

What got done:

Tuesday: I headed to the CVT after work to complete these 5 miles. I didn't feel tired from work, but my legs would've argued otherwise. I felt like a snail trudging through molasses (I think I've used this before, but it feels right). No matter how hard I tried, I felt like I couldn't get my legs to wake up. I kept the run as easy as intended, but honestly, no part felt easy. I was glad to finish.

Thursday: I originally planned to do this run on Wednesday, but after Tuesday, I felt so tired that I came home after work and took a long nap. So, Thursday I spent the morning doing errands around my house (re: 7+ loads of laundry) and then headed out around 1:30 to do this run. The 30-minute warm-up didn't feel horrible; it felt slow again, but it was nothing compared to Tuesday. However, when it was time to pick up the pace for the strides, I felt like I couldn't get my legs or feet to turn over fast and move. My strides are usually done around the 8-minute pace, and the majority of these were 10 minutes!

Friday/Saturday (mini race recap): As mentioned above, my husband and I camped in Hickory Run State Park for the night. We arrived around 5:30 and initially set up EVERYTHING at the wrong campsite (major facepalm). Once we found the correct site and re-set everything up, we had dinner and relaxed by the fire, chatting with another couple.

The 18 miler start time was 7:30. I woke up around 5:30 and got out of bed by 6 to start the morning. I had prepped a lot of my stuff the night before, but race day jitters (even though it was just a training run for me) still set in. I had a chocolate croissant for breakfast, paired with a MUSH overnight oats, and I think I might've found the perfect combination of breakfast foods that work for me. I felt adequately full before starting, and in addition to my fuel during the run, I never got hungry (which has happened in the past).

My husband dropped me off at the start line with 7 minutes to spare. I pinned my bib on, hopped in line, and the race began! For the first 5-6 miles, I was surprised at how "easy" the course felt. I kept reminding myself to enjoy these miles because I was sure something more challenging was coming. The mile leading to the Boulder Field was difficult to navigate (for me, at least). If I wasn't worried about breaking an ankle, I could've run parts of it as many other runners were, but I took my time and hiked it. The boulder field was absolutely breathtaking and difficult to navigate. There were cones laid out in the middle to follow, assuming this was the easiest path to take. I took my time crossing and met my husband halfway in the field. It was the hardest "thing" I've ever encountered yet. I'm so glad it was earlier in the run — I would not have wanted to cross that on tired legs!

After the boulder field, there were at least 2 more miles that were difficult to navigate. And I think when I say difficult, I really mean annoying. It was a very, very small single track with bigger rocks scattered throughout, covered in moss, which made landing tricky and slippery at times. Luckily, after this, the rest of the run was easy (to a degree). There were 3 water crossings, which I laugh at every time I encounter one in one of these Uberendurance races. It's truly not one of his races without water. While I felt good temperature-wise, crossing these felt refreshing on my feet and legs, so no complaints. My sneakers and feet dried off quickly, too.

Miles 14-16, I was on the Ridge Trail, the second hardest part of the course. This trail felt very similar to Valley Forge and involved up-and-down climbing. My legs started fatiguing, and I was ready to be done. I also started to get bitten by mosquitos, which enhanced my irritation. The final mile was on pavement and was a welcomed terrain change for my legs. When I realized where I was and how close I was to the finish line, I began to pick up the pace. I finished my last mile at a 10:37 pace, crossing the finish line with a huge smile and greeted by my husband waiting for me, camera in hand, as always. I grabbed a hot dog with sauerkraut, got changed out of my sweaty clothes, and headed home. I took a long Epsom salt bubble bath when I got home with a delightful IPA from Cape Charles Brewing Company in VA. Afterward, our friend Nick came over, and we made wood-fired pizzas and relaxed around a fire.

Sunday: Every Sunday, when I wake up to do my second long run, the line from Holes plays on repeat in my head: "I'm tired of this, Grandpa! // That's too damn bad!" (Thank you, social media, for bringing that sound clip back). I fight with myself for about an hour while I'm getting ready for the run. Knowing that I signed up for this, I chose this; I want to do this; I get to do this; this is MY hard; I'd rather this than the alternative. My legs weren't even sore this morning, and I got adequate sleep. I'm just overall tired and will remain tired until this training and the 50-miler are complete. I ate breakfast—another chocolate croissant (I think I'm on to something here) — and headed out the door. I decided to run from my house to the SRT today.

It only takes about a mile before my mood changes, and I am filled with gratitude for the ability to do this. Even on previous runs where I was sore and more tired, the gratitude overwhelms me and makes me forget about any grumblings I had before running.

I ran 4.5 miles out, almost hitting the Reynolds Dog Park. I was surprised at the pace I was holding as it felt easy, considering the 18 yesterday. When I was towards the end of the SRT, I ran into my friend Sean, and he joined me for about half a mile before he turned around. We talked, and I ran faster than planned (sorry, Coach), but it was a nice distraction to help time fly by.

I have 2 more weeks of building for this, and then the (much welcomed) taper begins.

Send carbs (chocolate croissants), good vibes, and maybe a massage.