In the Pursuit of 24: Week 9
This week, although it was a 60-plus miles week, we are this week running just back-to-back long runs. It is another 60-plus weeks, but even if you reduce the total distance, that is okay for this week. Suppose you can divert miles toward recovery, that is fine. But make sure it is for and focus on recovery. This coming week is the next back-to-back-to-back long runs, which you probably became aware of the prior week, and how vital these sequences are to prepare us for 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.
Assessment:
Take the time you need to focus on those items that will optimize your recovery. These include food, mental, muscular, and sleep. Figure out the adjustments you need. If you can’t keep the volume for this, that is great, but if not, that is ok too.
Planning:
It’s time to look at your week and figure out where which runs might need to adjust.
How is the plan going:
This week was another solid week. The workweek mileage was decent; here are some highlights,
Monday: Rest with some stretching
Tuesday: Easy 6 miles
Wednesday: Some more stretching followed with InsaneRunning in the afternoon.
Thursday: Rest
Friday: Early morning 8-mile run. 1st of back to back to back runs
Saturday: An incredible 19-mile run. It felt good; I could easily do an additional couple of miles. We visited the NC Art Museum as we thought the bridges at Umstead at the Turkey Creek Trail loop were not open. It was fun, as a few of our runners had never done that route or visited the museum.
Sunday: Great 24 miler that turned into a 26. We started very early in the morning, and once again, the weather was phenomenal. My left knee acted up a bit about mile 17, but it settled and I was able to continue with a comfortable pace.
This week’s actual numbers:
| Week 9 | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thur | Fri | Sat | Sun | Total |
| Plan | Stretches & Rolling | 5 | 5 | Rest | 8 | 16 | 24 | 58 |
| Actual | Stretches & Rolling | 6 | 5 | Rest | 8 | 19 | 26 | 64 |
Next Week Plan:
| Week 8 | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thur | Fri | Sat | Sun | Total |
| Plan | Stretches & Rolling | 6 | 5 | 6 | Rest | 20 | 26 | 63 |
