In the Pursuit of 24: Week 14 : Insane Running

In the Pursuit of 24: Week 14

This is part of a series of posts regarding how we prepare, plan, and train to complete the 100 miles Ultramarathon Umstead 100: In the Pursuit of 24. For all the ultrarunning series, here is In the Pursuit of 24, last week’s post, and for additional ideas, follow the link. Training for a 100 .

This coming week is a big event week. For some of the InsaneRunners, this week is their opportunity to complete their first official Ultramarathon. They have a plan in place. It is up to them to keep calm and execute that plan. For me, it is also a very important week as I get the opportunity to share 13.1 miles with my daughter to be there when she completes her 1st Half Marathon at Disney.

Here is where we all put the pieces together in an event. From all the prep work, quick changeover, fueling, chafing, and most importantly, putting in effect the why we want to do this.

Assessment:

Whether you have a great event or it does not go entirely the way you want it to go, this is a great opportunity to test and put into practice all that we have been talking about for the last few weeks. All of it will be a good learning opportunity. Think about what has gone well and put those things in place. For all other items, make sure you make the necessary adjustments, and for any new items that you would like to try this time, make sure you strategically implement those in a way that does not jeopardize your event. What things have we learned from the quick turnaround sessions? What about what clicked well during the training runs?

Planning:

Putting the pieces together.

How are you going to set up for the event? Being effective at your station and the aid stations. Know what you need and what you want ahead of getting to the stations. Set it a few days in advance so you know if you have to order or go to the store.

What equipment are you going to use? Shorts, shirt, shoes, socks, gloves and other. Hopefully, nothing new. Also, could you start using the same items you are thinking of using in April for Umstead (Or your 100)? We know that running shoes are not going to be the same, given the number of miles still left in the plan. But if you could use the same brand and model, you will be able to determine if it is the right shoe or size for the long miles to cover.

What is your fueling plan for the event? What is your calorie per mile expenditure compared to your consumption? When are you planning to use caffeinated fuel? Are you going to try anything new?

Why are you doing this for? What is the purpose? The reason? How are you going to tackle the moments of doubt? Who are you going to rely on?

How is the plan going:

This week was another solid week. The workweek mileage was decent; here are some highlights,

Monday: It is Christmas day. No running, just a very nice rest day and spending time with the family. One of my favorites is my new Insane Running cap!!!! Super cool!

Tuesday: 3 miles, pressing the pace a little bit. Bianca pressed the gas for a faster three-miler than planned.

Wednesday: 12-mile run, no water or fueling. I was testing the slower pace without having to use glycogen as the main source of energy. I felt the energy being depleted a little bit past halfway, but I slowed down a tad and was able to sustain a decent pace.

Thursday: 3 easy miles with Bianca. Meanwhile, Jamie got confused about when the weekend was happening this week and headed out earlier in the week to tackle his back-to-back long runs—taunting the group by reaching the end of the American Tobacco Trail, mile marker 22.

Friday: Long yoga session followed by a shorter rolling session

Saturday: 16 easy long miles, the first of back-to-back 16 milers. I tried again to fuel with the Cameos early rather than in the later parts. I worked ok.

Sunday: Great cooler weather. Well, it was freezing, but that is the type of weather I love for running 16 miles on the flat American Tobacco Trail. We ended up looking for Jamie at mile marker 22, but he was nowhere to be found.

This week’s actual numbers: