Review of my training for the Fidelitas 80K/50M
It was a warm 30C/86F outside as I suited up and ran a 9K/5.5M loop after work yesterday. I’m tapering now for the 80K/50M race on June 23rd, so I tried to maintain an even 9 minute/mile pace. My legs were still a little tired from the past couple 50-mile weeks that I have been running, so I slowed down a bit towards the end, but that’s okay.
Fidelitas 80K/50M Race – Training Review
I was comparing my training from last year to this year’s training plan for the 50-miler.
- The mileage has been very similar, around 45-50 miles/week, but this year my pace has been slower for most training runs.
- Last year I ran a marathon in April and a 50K in May, this year I ran the same races plus a marathon in March.
- Last year I also ran several (7) shorter races compared to this year’s 3.
Overall I would say that I feel more tired out and less prepared this time around. This probably has more to do with my mental attitude, which is not top fit due to carrying more baggage this year (e.g. wife’s unemployment etc.).
So with my 50-miler coming up in a week and a half this has left me fighting little pings of doubt that seem to be surfacing. In comparison, last year I was hyped up with adrenalin and couldn’t wait to line up at the start for my first 50-miler.
I know deep down that I did the training and can go the distance if I stick to the game plan on race day. In the meantime I need to try to clear my head from the worries of everyday life and somehow get focused. Running an ultra is very mental, your thoughts can make you or break you.
Comments
I'm sending positive thoughts your way Jack!
Are the doubts part of the taper?
Posted by: ali | June 12, 2007 2:41 PM
Running a 50 miler is definitely very mental. There is no doubt that you are physically and mentally able to finish the race. Stay positive and focused on your goal.
Posted by: Rob | June 13, 2007 12:21 AM
Yep, you're going to need a positive mental state to do well. You certainly know you can do the mileage physically, and there's no comparison to the feeling of that "first time", but you have more to prove this time.
You're an experienced ultra marathoner. And this is real life. Hardly anything carries the first time excitement--so this race is like real life. Put your hardships into the race--turn your stress into anger and use it!!
Posted by: Lora | June 13, 2007 11:52 AM
Try to make this day YOUR day and leave everything behind. It's all about Jack!!!! You can do it !
Posted by: steph | June 14, 2007 1:45 AM