Tuesday, May 8, 2018

50k Training: What I'm Wearing, Eating and Running

I'm sitting here eating cheese and yawning. What are you doing?

I haven't talked about my training much for this 50k (32 miles) on June 2, but just because I didn't brag out it, doesn't mean it didn't happen (double negative - sorry - I can do what I want on my blog). Actually, I have talked about it, just not on the blog. But on Instagram it's been a crazy party, so follow me HERE.

Suffice it to say that since February I've literally been running over mountains, through valleys and across streams. I've gotten really good at power hiking, squatting behind trees and breathing very loudly. "Fuck" has become a regular part of my vocabulary, especially when I look at an upcoming climb and wonder how I will muster up the energy to get to the top of it. Somehow I always do. I've found a tribe who pushes me without even knowing it (this basically means that they don't slow down, they are tough as nails and I want to be like them so I keep moving forward).



To give you a taste, here's the profile of Sunday's 12 mile run:
That climb up to mile 8 is one we call "Oh, for fuck's sake"

12 doesn't seem so far, but when you add in 3,500 feet of climbing, it's a lung and ass buster. This course is part of the 50k I'm doing, so it was good practice. We started at about 8,000 feet and wound are way through snow and across a stream no less than 15 times. All of this to say, trail running and road running have very little in common except for the running part. Everything else is different (the terrain, the muscles used, the strategy involved on the technical parts, etc).

How I'm fueling:  My stomach has been holding up really well as long as I drop the kids off at the pool before my run (aka pinch off a loaf aka drop a deuce). During the run, I've been inhaling whole wheat tortillas with smashed avocado and sea salt, Bobo Bars, GUs and Honey Stinger Chews. I've been getting really hungry on the run and since sometimes I'm out there for 5+ hours I've had to be careful about packing enough.


Image result for bobo barsGU Energy Gel - Single Serving - Salted Watermelon (20mg caffeine)Image result for honey stinger chews


Supplements I'm taking: Not much. I sometimes take Sport Legs before a run and usually a few Salt Stick tabs before and during depending on how hot it is. I don't tend to drink an electrolyte drink while I run (just water) so I supplement with those. I've also been taking an amino acid (ARO3x Amino) after runs for recovery.

Image result for salt stickImage result for aro3x amino plusSportlegs Capsules One Color, One Size




Miles I'm running: Typically it's been 45-55 miles per week. There's always a speed work out at some point and back to back long runs on the weekend. Last weekend was a 22 mile run on Saturday and a 12 mile run on Sunday. All of my long runs incorporate lots of climbing (2,200 feet to 6,000 feet) and are at elevation (anywhere from 6,000 feet to 9,000 feet). The race starts at 8,100 feet with the highest point being 9,500 feet with a total of 7,250 in elevation gain, so I want to be prepared.

Gear I'm using:

Hydration PackOrange Mud Endurance Pack VL
Trail ShoesSalomon Speed Cross 4
Road Shoes: Nike Women RN Free
Sunglasses: Oakley and Goodr
Socks: Balega (I love the Blister Resist socks)
WatchEpson Runsense sf 810 (I was using a TomTom Spark, but the battery life is too short. The Epson can go for up to 13 hours/GPS without being charged).
Shorts/shirts: Whatever is clean
Image result for goodrSalomon Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoe - Women's-Blue/Blue/Green-Medium-10.5 USBalega Women's Enduro No Show - 7455, Large / Mid Grey/Sherbet Pink



Plan I'm using: I'm using the 50k plan from Krissy Moehl's Running Your First Ultra. I highly recommend this book. It has training plans for 50k to 100 milers and incorporates lots of wisdom about workouts, fueling, injuries and recovery.



My goals for the race: Based on what those in my age group (50-59) did last year, I'm expecting to finish in 7 1/2 to 8 hours. The climbing in this race is no joke and it will be hot. The winner in my age group did it in 7:50 last year, with the first woman coming in at 5:50.

So there you have it. If you care. I've said it before and I'll say it again - one of the best things about running is there is always a new adventure around the corner. It never, ever gets boring. If I'm lacking challenge and excitement in other areas of my life, I know I can find it with running.




What's your go-to fueling during a run? 

Which do you prefer - trails or roads? Depends on where it is. I love Colorado trails but also like a nice country road

Favorite piece of running gear? 


SUAR



21 comments:

  1. Your first ultra? I feel like you've done one before! Go you!

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  2. I am so excited for u. I became nervous excited reading your plans. All my best to u - I can imagine u will have a successful run; b sure to embrace it all.

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  3. We wear the same shoes darling. The similarities mostly end there. How did you study up on your amino acids? Word of mouth or have you tried others? Those Honey Stingers are awesome but I think GU smells like catfish bait.

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    1. Actually Ken found the amino acids and I just took his word for it! I haven't tried any others, but I've heard MRM Reload is good too.

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    2. You'll do great. I am thinking about running a 50k in Clearwater, FL. Not sure if I'm there yet; but, we'll see - fuel for me? I've tried the GU energy gel - but, I find, my stomach squirms and it doesn't sit well. So? I've tried Honey Stinger Waffles, which I really like a lot. Clif Shot Bloks with caffeine. With that being said, I've also been reading up on using honey, maple syrup and molasses - they all have their own benefits, or so I read. Giving those a shot.

      I prefer roads - a trail run occasionally - although trail running is supposedly better for you, I don't like running over roots, stumps - I'm older and if I ever broke a bone, I'm not so sure that I'd ever run again. Favorite piece of running gear? Well that would have to be my team singlet. I don't bring water or fuel with me when I run long runs - sometimes, I'll hide water on my routes so I don't have to carry - just never liked having anything on me when run - well, with exception of clothes! :-) Great blog! Will visit more often.

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  4. I just did the North Face Endurance Challenge D.C. 50K and the trails of Algonkian Park were amazing (yet crazy muddy). Running on the east coast is so much easier than CO (duh). I definitely prefer trails, and am a fan of Cliff Shot Bloks and salt caps. Thanks for the tip on Krissy's book!

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  5. Love this post! I turn the big five-oh next year and am thinking about doing a 50k in honor of it, though it will be a relatively flat one in Minnesota. Great tips and I will be asking for the book for Mother's Day as a way to break the news to my hubby about my plans. ;-)

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    1. GO FOR IT!!! What a great way to celebrate 50!

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  6. You lost me at "12 doesn't seem so far" - lol. Go you!!

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  7. I love Tailwind Nutrition for all my long runs. It's actually the only thing I eat or drink during my marathons. 2 32-ounce bottles is all I need. I'm running my first 50K too this year. Can't wait! Only mine is in Illinois which means the elevation will look like this ____________________________ . :)

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    Replies
    1. So I'm guessing Trailwind must have a decent amount of calories too?

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    2. Yup and they sell pouches so you can add more or less depending on your body's needs.

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  8. Its funny what people carry and how they prepare for something I just frequently did in the 80s with a fanny pack a water bottle and some m&ms. It all seems so complicated now.

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  9. This post is really helpful. I intend to start my training this weekend. Today I will buy some suitable clothes. Office work make me become fat increasingly. hotmail log in

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  10. Nothing to add except I'm in awe of your accomplishments!!

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  14. I prefer roads - a trail run occasionally - although trail running is supposedly better for you, I don't like running over roots, stumps - I'm older and if I ever broke a bone, I'm not so sure that I'd ever run again. Favorite piece of running gear? Well that would have to be my team singlet. I don't bring water or fuel with me when I run long runs - sometimes, I'll hide water on my routes so I don't have to carry - just never liked having anything on me when run - well, with exception of clothes! :-) Great blog! Will visit more often.
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