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, we continue the Holidays and fall/winter running season with the Durham Race13.1 half. The 1st big long-distance training run was where we got to practice and put in place a few things we had learned. We are going to get another opportunity to test a few more things when we tackle the Shakori 40-mile event.

Assessment:

It is time to reflect on how things are going at the moment. We had a long-distance training event in which we were able to start testing the long-term plan. Be honest with yourself; what are the things you might want to test again? And new things to try.

Planning:

Make a list of the things that are working according to plan. Also, the things that are working better than expected or not necessarily working as usual.

Recovery regimen? (Including food, stretches, sleep)

Muscle soreness? (More than usual, is any nagging issue not getting better, same on both sides, or is it asymmetric)

Fueling working ok? (Type of foods settling well? Variety of items working? combination ok?)

Is the equipment working for you? ( Your electronic lasting as expected? Is it providing the information you need? Useful information? Are music libraries working for you? Need adjustments?

Clothing and shoes performing as desired? (Any shafing? Hot spots? Anything that could later cause any issues? Too tight? Too lose?

For each of those questions, reaccess and devise a plan to address any issues. Now is the time to adjust, try new things, and add or eliminate to the standard routine.

How is the plan going:

A phenomenal week with solid mileage. My daughter visited for Thanksgiving, which provided an opportunity to run a couple of times with her. The workweek mileage was decent; here are some highlights,

Monday: Some Yoga, nothing extraneous

Tuesday: Easy 4 miles

Wednesday: InsaneRunning 5 mile easy

Thursday: No warm-up or cool-down, just pacing the 3:00 Half Marathon. Skinny Turkey Half

Friday: I had an amazing time running with Bianca. She ran her 1st 10-miler and was having a lot of fun.

Saturday: What a great event. Derby 50k, excellent running weather, lots of fun, and I got to try a couple of new food items.

Sunday: Some easy Yoga.

This week’s actual numbers:

Week 19	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thur	Fri	Sat	Sun	Total
Plan	Stretches & Rolling	Rest	5	15	Rest	31	Rest	51
Actual	Stretches	4	5	13	10	31	Streches	63

Next Week Plan:

Week 18	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thur	Fri	Sat	Sun	Total
Plan	Stretches & Rolling	3	5	4	Rest	15	18	45