As I’ve gained experience running ultras over the past several years, I’ve tried to develop a set of rules to help me along the way. Unfortunately, what seems to work for one race or season or distance doesn’t translate well to another. So what start out as rules gently dissolve in general guidelines: don’t go out…
When Run is a Four Letter Word
Brutal. Soul-crushing. Hard. Unending. Soul-crushing (yes, I know I used that one twice, but it comes the closest so I might just use it a couple more times). These are just some of the words that come to mind when I think back to yesterday’s 20-mile run. There are many others, however I’m trying to…
Becoming Proficient
Fact #1: The first time you attempt something you’re gonna suck at it. Fact #2: You’re not going to be much better the second time. I don’t know why I seemed to have forgotten these facts as I started my quest to finish a hundred 100-milers. I had some “successes” at shorter ultras (i.e. I finished them) mixed…
2017 Eastern States 100 Training Plan
I’m 59 days out from ES100 so I guess it’s time I came up with a training plan. The good news is that Old Dominion proved that I’m in the best 100 mile shape of my life. Granted, I’ve only been doing these for a little over 2 years now (boy, 2015 C&O 100 seems…
2017 Old Dominion 100 Mile Race Report
Similar to my Umstead race report, I’m going to start with a brief overview of the race for the undecideds or merely curious. My (overly) detailed race report that follows will be of interest for those who are planning to run the race and my family/friends. What OD100 Has to Offer Historic. This is the 2nd…
Old Dominion Buckle
Finish time: 23 hours, 45 minutes. Race report will be done later this week.
2017 Old Dominion Preview
The excitement is really starting to build for Saturday. I’ve been getting that nervous anticipation feeling since about 8 days out. I didn’t feel this heading into Umstead and thought it might be gone for good (been there and done that and all). I’m glad it’s back though as a lot of fond memories (i.e. standing in…
Mile High Club
I finally joined the mile high club this past week and I have to admit that it was harder than I thought it would be. I don’t travel an awful lot whether for business or for family vacations so the opportunity rarely presents itself. And when I do travel, it’s typically to locations either on…
The Ten and Two Workout
Even though I’ve been running for five years now and doing ultras for 3 of them, I’m still not sure if I’m doing the whole taper thing right. You’re supposed to ramp down your weekly mileage from your peak week to race day. My problem is that the only variance in my weekly mileage depends…
Numbers Lie
I just finished my last long run of this training cycle – 31 miles. I had been looking forward to and dreading it at the same time all week long. Up until now, I didn’t even know that was possible. After last week’s blisteringly fast pace, I was wondering how much time I could lop off…