And, I was lost.
So, I panicked and started e-mailing everyone I know who is running JFK to find out how they are planning on training for it.
I scheduled out estimated mileage until November and feel a little better. Originally, I planned on taking it quite easy for the remainder of June and the month of July. I figured I'd cut way back on mileage and enjoy having no plan. However, I'm a creature of habit. I've gotten pretty used to my routine. During the mid-week, I'd run - twice a day. Once in the morning, once at lunch, anywhere from 3-6 miles during each one. One of them would usually involve the dogs.
On the weekends, I had another routine. Run 8-10 miles one day and then more miles the other day. As of late, one of those was broken up with a short run, stop, pick up the dogs from the animal shelter and then finish out the mileage for that day.
Last week, I figured I was recovering and did very little in terms of running. But, by the weekend, I didn't quite know what to do. I felt like a sloth and missed my routine. I figured I'd go with the same approach, just less overall miles. I didn't like it and wanted to feel like I was progressing towards something.
So, I have my estimated mileage mapped out and will get back to my normal routine since that's what feels comfortable.
However, I need races in there. I don't really have any planned since those plans stopped in June as well.
I signed up for a 5K on July 4th. It will likely be the only 5K I'll run for the rest of the year. The exception being the Peace 4 Paws 5K in September but I don't know if I'll run since I am helping with that one and if I run I'll probably have either one of my own dogs or one of the shelter dogs by my side. I had a goal to PR in all distances for the year. Guess that means next week is my shot at the 5K...very unlikely that it will happen!
In August, I plan on doing a local 5 mile race but otherwise my calendar is clear.
I'm thinking of signing up for Fire on the Mountain 50K again as my last long run before JFK 50 Mile. I'm also debating signing up for Freedom's Run marathon. Both race dates are planned for people training for JFK but in some ways, they all seem kind of close together (Oct. 13, Oct. 28 and Nov. 17).
There is something intriguing about re-running the first marathon I ran and the first 50K I ran as training for my first 50 miler though...hmm...should I just register for those two and cut off race registering after that? Or, should I consider some other choices? Thoughts or suggestions?
I have no advice for you, having never trained for an ultra. I am a sucker for symbolism and tradition, though, so I like the idea of signing up for both of those races as training.
ReplyDeleteI also don't have advice for you since I haven't run an ultra yet. But I'd imagine it would be good to run those races as supported training runs in prep for your big race. Plus, re running your first races would be cool. It's something I hope to do with the NYC marathon at some point.
ReplyDeleteSince I have yet to run an ultra, I don't have lots to offer. But I do my friends who run ultras always try to throw in a marathon about a month out. As for the 50k as well--I'd go by how quickly you recover. If you generally come around pretty quickly, then maybe you could handle it all.
ReplyDeleteI love using races as training runs. During training I would look at my planned mileage for a given week and if a race made sense, I'd do it. The hardest part for me was remembering not to "race" it. :) I think it's great if you could incorporate those familiar races. Are there any other races you are interested in that time frame? Can't wait to follow your training. :)
ReplyDeleteI think you should use my blog entries as last year as a blueprint for your life. You're welcome.
ReplyDeleteInitially I said I don't want to do a race twice, because I would rather see a new race. My 2nd marathon was the Wineglass Marathon and my friend got injured during the training and couldn't start last year. She is planning on doing it this year though and I decided I will do this one again. I have to say I LOVE the fact it's the same race. I compare the training progress from last year and it feels great to see my progress. So my vote is for doing the same 2 races as last year!
ReplyDeleteI don't have much advice since I have never run an ultra. I do think it would be cool to run that marathon, but it seems like a lot of races in a short period of time! But if you are going to be running that many miles those weekends anyways, it is probably not a bad idea to race!
ReplyDeletei think i was smiling the entire time i read this. i am the same way. i dont like training plans necessarily but feel lost when i dont have structure. haha!
ReplyDeletei like to sign up for races as training...i love the race atmosphere!
I definitely think you should throw the Freedom's Run into your training plan. Perfect timing and perfect distance for the lead-up to the JFK. How tough is the course for the Freedom's Run? I need a marathon-distance training run the weekend of that race, and was thinking maybe I'd stay with my in-laws in DC and drive up for that race. I'm not looking for anything too challenging course-wise.
ReplyDeleteI have friends who've run Freedom's as part of their training for JFK; I'm considering it, but haven't committed. Another options is the Halloweeny Fat Ass 50k: http://www.anstr.com/halloweeny/. Part the Halloweeny's course is the same as JFK's.
ReplyDeleteI think it sounds fun to re-run that marathon and do the 50K as part of training! Just as long as they are still training :) (and not racing, lol)
ReplyDeletesince i have no ultra experience-not sure i can help. if you think you can do it all-i say go for it :)
ReplyDeleteI don't really know about Ultra training, but if others are doing it, it can't be that bad, right. I would go for it, even if all the races seem close together!
ReplyDeleteseveral of the JFK folks in our club run Freedom's as part of their training. It's close enough that you don't have the added expense or stress of traveling/logistics.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you're not going to race it, you could hang back with me and tell me how great I'm doing - even if I'm about to drop over. Ok, maybe not since your walking pace is close to my race pace. :D
I love doing races that I've already done, because I'm also a creature of habit, and like knowing what to expect. I say do it. How'd your race today go? Did you decide to register for those two races?
ReplyDelete