Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Weekly Log: 5.19.14 - 5.25.14

It's finally here - the week of my big Spring race.  I was looking forward to dragging my whole family up to Vacationland to stay with college friends but now that Ezri's infirm, I'll be going up solo.  I'm bummed as I was looking forward to the family getaway.  Anyway, Ez's injury has been the focus of the past week and thankfully she's starting to adjust to using a wheelchair which increases her mobility considerably.  Watching her tool around in it was a welcome sight.

So...Pineland time.  I think about my training.  Was it enough?  I mostly just increased my mileage higher than ever.  Didn't follow any particular training plan.  Just ran a bit more (with a paltry amount of speed work.)  But since my goal is simply to run a strong, consistent 50k I think this approach will be sufficient.  So long as I don't blow up.  I've taken to laying out my goal posts in my weekly log prior to my big races (hell, it worked last fall.)  I feel like it keeps me honest and gives me extra motivation to not screw up.  So with that being said:

A Goal: Sub-4 hours
This is a ludicrously optimistic goal and likely out of my league.  We're talking 7:45 miles here.  When one starts thinking about their potential in a road marathon plus a measly five more miles...why it doesn't seem that fast, does it?  Of course there's a world of difference between road and trail and those five miles will probably feel like a blister on my soul.  Still, I destroyed my A Goal last October at NipMuck so I felt like I should have an appropriately unattainable goal for this race.

B Goal: Sub 4:15
Alright now we're getting into the realm of possibilities.  While sub-4 is probably a pipe dream I think I'm very capable of coming in under 4:15.  That would be a badass time and put me up near the top of the standings (based on previous years' results.)  This would involve low 8 minute miles which I know I have the endurance for.

C Goal: Sub 4:30
The third goal post.  The back-up goal post.  9 minute miles.  I feel that I should easily come in under this time and if I don't, it means I screwed up.

Monday - East Providence, RI - 3.2 miles

I started this very easy week with a quick loop through East Providence to hit up the bank and Cumbies.  Immediately I felt all sorts of twinges and pain in my feet and legs.  I'm falling apart.  What are you doing running you fool!  Rest for the weekend!  After a mile my legs sorted themselves out and the negative voices quieted.  I always become super-paranoid about injury the week of a big race but in the end my body holds itself together (knock on wood.)

Tuesday - 0 miles

260 push-ups (standard/military/wide/decline) 40/30/40/20/40/30/40/20

Another day home with Ezri who woke up angry but mellowed as the day went on.

Wednesday - Caratunk, Seekonk, MA - 4 milesd

More easy miles, this time back at the Caratunk Refuge.  It was hot and it seemed like the plant growth along the trail had increased dramatically from last week.  It wasn't long into the run when the bugs began to swarm.  They weren't too bad but I can see this place being dreadful in a few weeks.  I may have to steer clear for the summer.  Water hazards weren't as bad as last week and I was finally able to run around their muskrat pond with fear of submersion.

Thursday - 0 miles

230 push-ups (standard/military/wide/decline) 40/30/40/20/30/20/30/20

Friday - East Providence, RI -  3 miles

Checked out various trails around the 10 Mile River Bikepath.  There was a nice stretch of singletrack alongside the reservoir (along with a lot of swampy bugs.)  On the other side, dirt bike trails wound their way through the woods and past murky ponds to nearby train tracks.  I found a large section of ATV trails set up for paintball with tarps and blankets tied to trees every which way.  Watch out!

It was humid and I kept the pace easy.  I listened to my body and everything sounds good.  I'm as read as I'm going to be for Sunday.

Saturday - 0 miles


Sunday - Pinelands 50k, New Gloucester, ME - 31 miles

4:05:56.  7th overall.  2nd in Age Group.  Great race and great experience.  Report to follow.

Weekly Mileage: 41.3 miles

Year to Date: 841 miles

2 comments:

  1. Glad to hear Ezri is becoming more mobile, that has to help. Absolute bummer this can't be the family get away you pictured. You will kill the honest goal you set for yourself. The injury demons to knock steadily on the door don't they? You are well trained, plan or no, you knew in the back of your mind what you wanted to accomplish and you set out to train for just that. Go forth and enjoy every step of Pinelands!!

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  2. Good luck Seth - looking forward to the write up
    feel better Ezri

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