the non running strategy of ultras

I've spent quite some time trying to find a training program and have come up with something that I think will work.  I even had it reviewed by my old college track coach that has done ultras and he gave it a thumbs up.

Now I'm researching the non training/running parts of ultras...nutrition, electrolytes, food, gear, shoes, gaitors, socks, blister prevention, etc.

It seems the food, electrolytes, etc theories are endless.  But what seems to be the best bet is to try all the options during training and see what works and what doesn't cause stomach issues. so i guess i'll start experimenting once i get into the really long runs (2+ hours).

Gear.  i tend to get sediment/gravel/sand in my shoes when i run or walk.  this will only result in blisters.  i tried running with my backpacking gaitors this morning but ended up peeling off the trail within a mile so i can only assume they will work.  i'm a little concerned though that my gaitors are too tall and will get too hot.  i might try one of these sock/gaitor combos (http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/clothing/gaiters/product895.html). I will also start running with either hand held water bottle(s) or a belt system. Again, something that will need to be tested.

there are all kinds of things about ultras that are so different than running 10k's and track.  things like nipple covers, waterproof socks, etc.  so much to learn, luckily plenty of time.

192 days till race.

so far so "just good"

after last week's feeling of ease, this week wasnt...so far
i got my 8 miler in today before work.  not sure if its the time of day or im just tired but whatever reason the last few days have felt really sluggish.  i keep telling myself (basedon past experiences) that some days/weeks just dont feel great.  i'm pushing on.
198 days till race

small world

after googling the "croom ultramarathon" for runner reviews i happened across what was a review by a friend from our old home town, clermont fl. not only that but his wife has the 50k course record.  small world indeed.

ran only 4 today cause my garmin watch's battery died and could tell how far i had run.  1 mile short.

203 days till race time

on the trail...

i've been running on the delaware canal tow path the last few days.  its a nice trail system worth 60 miles. if you want to run a loop you have to cross the delaware over to NJ, run along the river and cross back over.

so far my shin is feeling much better and i think part of it is the softer surface.  hope it continues.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/delawarecanal.aspx

gave shins a try

after taking 5 days off because of a left shin splint i hit the road/trail today for just 3 miles.

the first .4 were on the road and immediately i felt my shin. but after a 1/4 mile or so it seemed ok. i ran on the delaware canal for 2.2 of the 3 miles. i'm still going to take the monday/friday rest day schedule and see if that helps.

with last week i decided to look at other ultras later in the year, just in case i cant make the necc training for the april target race. if needed i can delay the race later, maybe the palo duro 50 miler in october. we'll see...

as expected

this past weekend i started feeling a pain in my left leg. so monday i just ran a few miles. i haven't run since. it appears to be shin splints, which i never had in all my years of competitive running. really pisses me off. but as long as i can start back up in a few days I should make my April goal, hopefully. going to try taking mondays and fridays off, even during these low mile weeks. also going to try and get on the trail more often.

Week One

almost done with the first week of the official ultra training schedule. some days went well to great, a few were pretty bad...not sure why, not aerobically challenged, just extremely tired. I'm trying to get more sleep so maybe that will help. This week will total around 35 miles.

Regardless of how the running went this week, the week itself is ending pretty good. OU loses to BYU!!

217 days till race.