Ultra Training Week #2

Posted in general, marathons, nutrition, ultras by Nate

And feeling “ultra weak”. It’s week 2 of the training plan, and I managed to surpass the goal and log 53 lovely miles last week. I’m sore everywhere, including restless legs that keep me up at night, black toes on my right foot and blistered toes on my left. All evidence of how out of shape I let myself get over the holidays (and I still have about 15 more pounds to shed before we hit the target).

The pain’s not a big deal if you view it as an indication of progress, though. So long as it’s not intolerable and I’m not having to mask it with Ibuprofen just to get a short run out the door, I’m assuming my body is OK with it.

I’ve cut cheese and dairy out of the diet to see if it makes any difference in healing times and energy levels. I’ve been experimenting with some interesting new vegan recipes (self-invented/improvised) such as Red Beans & Rice, which I haven’t had in the 14 years since I stopped eating meat.

Treadmill pace is whittling down into the low 8/high 7 minute mile range. Distances are getting back up there. It feels good to feel somewhat back in the game.

A nice long trail this weekend will be a good change of pace, and hopefully the last snowy run of the year. Sure I love them, but having to gear up like an Eskimo is getting tired.