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 week the name of the game is tapering by reducing the mileage just a tad. Believe it or not, the reduction does not mean sitting on the couch longer or for the whole day. Tapering this week still includes a half marathon long-distance run.

Although it might feel like a long taper, we are still putting in some good mileage to keep the body moving and starting to feel comfortable. Some might consider or feel that it might be too long, and we might lose some conditioning. Keep in mind that this is the time to recover and work on mental preparations for dealing with different situations. Time to enjoy the light training and let the body get back and close to an optimal state. It is also time to start thinking about those non-running things.

If you are planning on using new running shoes for the event, this is the time to start breaking them in. Do not let them be the item that breaks you down during the event. There are many good short miles for you to start breaking them and making sure that they will be the best running shoes for the event. This week I started to break in my Brooks Adrenaline and the Salomon Ultra Glide both will be my go-to shoes for the Ultramarathon.

This is also the time to do the final test on the electronic equipment items that you might be planning or considering using for the event. You want to do this to make sure that if you need backups, you can procure/borrow/buy/order those to have them tested and ready for the main event.

Assessment:

You want to once again be honest with yourself about what are the things that are working great and those things that might need minor adjustments. Not really much time left, so this weekend is the time to start all the preparations and get the checklist ready. As we are getting close to the final weeks towards our event, here a few additional things to keep in m ind.

What electronics are you planning to use? Wireless headset? How many? Are they old? How does the battery last for each? Which miles will you need to have ready for you?

Using an MP3 player (Yes, they still have those; I used to use the iPod Shuffle until the battery stopped lasting enough for one loop). Will one be enough? Will a wired headset be enough? Will there be spare ones? How about battery life?

Carrying a phone during the event? How does the battery last? Will you need to put it on airplane mode to extend the battery life?

Headlamps, flashlights, torches, and handhelds will have enough life in the battery to last the time you are in the dark. Have a backup just in case the main one stops working?

DIABETES TIP: Glucose meter. Do you need one at certain aid stations/checkpoints? Does the event have a medical tent, and is one available for you? Do you need more than one? Is it charged and ready? Spare CGMS sensors?

One GPS watch? Multiple ones? Relying on the Pacers? Once you determine the watch’s life, can you charge it during the run? Do you need a second one? Are you planning to stitch the GPS file of multiple data files?

Charging Blocks: are you planning to re-charge any of the equipment or electronics you are planning to use? Do you have them ready? I had some old ones that they do not charge as they used to.

The answers will help you get ready for the next step, the planning session.

Planning:

Re-check the checklist, the items, and the approach. Week prep, the day before prep, morning prep, and event checklist. Do not forget your post-event checklist. All those lists will need to be checked for necessary minor adjustments.

During the next few days, charge the electronics and turn them on, especially those old ones that you have not used in quite some time. Make sure they will last the time you think they are needed.

Even the charging block, verify that it will charge as expected. Have the necessary cables ready? You do not want to be surprised by having to charge and the cables not being there. Organize and strategize your approach, what? when? the how? you are going to charge. Planning and preparation are key now that you have time to test your strategy.

Start gathering all the items you need to tackle the event. You want to have the stress now rather than closer to the event.

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 5 InsaneRunning miles

Thursday: Stretches

Friday: Stretches

Saturday: 7 easy miles

Sunday: American Tobacco Marathon Pacing 5:05

This week’s actual numbers:

Week 3	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thur	Fri	Sat	Sun	Total
Plan	Stretches & Rolling	3	Rest	Rest	10	10	26	50
Actual	Rest & Stretches	Rest & Stretches	5	Rest & Stretches	Rest & Stretches	7	26	38

Next Week Plan:

Week 2	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thur	Fri	Sat	Sun	Total
Plan	Stretches & Rolling	3	5	3	Rest	15	10	37