In the Pursuit of 24: Week 2


Final training week. Very low mileage to let the body recover. Even the stretches and gym sessions are going to be very light in intensity. Just to get the blood flowing and warm up the body to get the active recovery going. I have started to add a few things to the cooler and backpack and figure out how to organize and fit everything that I might need during the event.


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 is the final preparation week. Most of the details are not running preparation items. It is all about the mental, items to have, logistics, and packing. Now, with that said, since I know you have been preparing along the way, with location, travel, and things to have, get, and test, it should be basically minor adjustments and following your checklist.

Assessment:

By now, you probably have devoured the runner’s pamphlet/informational that the event coordinators provided. There are rules about who? When? How many? And information for pacers to know and follow. The runners are also responsible for their crew and pacer. This is very important to know, given that it is not just the runner that could cause or trigger a disqualification. And after all the time, miles, and training, who wants that?

Start checking your list and details. Review them with your crew and pacers. Allow them to ask questions and clarify as much as possible. A nervous or not informed pacer or crew could easily derail months of planning and preparations.

Get as much ready as you can; you want to reduce the time and stress of thinking about logistics or packing too close to the event. This week, focus on getting as much rest as you can.

Planning:

Recovery, communication, non-running prep work, and planning.

How is the plan going:

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

Monday: Rest and stretches

Tuesday: Rest and stretches

Wednesday: Stretches, followed by InsaneRunning 5 miler

Thursday: Rest and stretches

Friday: Rest

Saturday: Easy 16 miles

Sunday: Great meet-up with the pacers/crew and U100 runners to talk a little bit about what to expect and areas for opportunities.

This week’s actual numbers:

Week 2MonTueWedThurFriSatSunTotal
PlanStretches
& Rolling
353Rest151037
ActualRest &
Stretches
Rest &
Stretches
5Rest &
Stretches
Rest16526

Next Week Plan:

Week 1MonTueWedThurFriSatSunTotal
PlanStretches
& Rolling
353Rest 61330