Hopefully, in the past few weeks, you have been able to take advantage of the events/races. Also able to test your performance and logistics. As great opportunity to gain knowledge and experience that will serve you for your upcoming Ultra event. Like we have done in the past couple weeks with Derby 50k and Shakori 40 miler. Even if you could not participate during the event, perhaps you could simulate the distances and the quick changeover. Next week is a recovery week; enjoy it!

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

If you are unable to do so, do not worry. This portion of the training plan was the first block where we were able to test a few things. There will be at least two more opportunities to really test the distances, endurance, effort, logistics, fueling, and mental toughness, as the longer back-to-back runs will be the main element for the next block.

Assessment:

How did these past three weeks feel? There were a few long runs and an excellent distance events to press the pace and increase the effort. Also to practice changer over and start to figure out how to get organized. Consider your targets for the upcoming event in April and also what things you will want to try before the event during the training sessions.

This will start translating into being able to sustain a certain effort for a longer amount of time. You are starting to understand the different intricacies of running on tired legs and optimizing for recovery. Key elements as we are soon entering the next phase of training.

Planning:

Anything that needs adjustment?

What would you do differently? What went well?

What is the plan to try the adjustments? (Do not leave anything to luck; remember that we must try to understand and increase the chances of success for all the items we can control and/or influence.

DO NOT LEAVE IT TO CHANCE!

This week’s actual numbers:

Week 17	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thur	Fri	Sat	Sun	Total
Plan	Stretches & Rolling	6	5	6	Rest	40	Rest	57
Actual	Stretching	6	5	4	Stretching	40	Rest	53

Next Week Plan:

Week 16	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thur	Fri	Sat	Sun	Total
Plan	Stretches & Rolling	6	5	6	Rest	15	16	48