I think the problem with my running is the fact that I took a lot of time off with an injury before running Vermont, ran Vermont 100 on residual fitness and cross training, and then expected to just be able to continue training as if I had never taken the time off. I never really gave myself a chance to re-build to full fitness.
As advised by Paul D., I will plan to run the 100K at Green Lake as a training run for the Oil Creek 100 miler. Paul advises that I pace at Green Lake 100K as if it is a 100 miler. Knowing my fitness and strength is not back to baseline was causing me some stress with the race coming up this weekend. To do it as a training run makes perfect sense and takes all the pressure off. Now I have a much better attitude about the race and am looking forward to it.
Yesterday I took a day off from running and rode my road bike instead. I felt crappy starting out, but better as I went. I finished off feeling more like my old self. I'll ride again today and do my strength workout. I definitely can't get into shape in this one week before the 100K, but I can rest up my running legs as much as possible and adjust my attitude to feel more positive and optimistic.
Laurel, don't forget that you have basically run two 100 milers this year plus you just did a very long effort at MMD. I think our bodies are pretty good at telling us when rest is needed and sometimes (all the time?) we aren't very good at listening. Be careful.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an excellent plan to me.
ReplyDeleteYes Laurel, be positve and optimistic and you will get where you want to be. But for now patience is needed and it will be that much better when you get there. - KC
ReplyDeleteMMD is a leg beater. Even if you ran it as a training run, it must have beat you up some. One thing to do this week that will help with the 100k this weekend is rest (a massage would be nice too).
ReplyDeleteLaurel, I like Melanie's message suggestion, as well as the other folks ideas who chimed in...the body needs rest. I had a message this week and will have one after the GLER--what wonders for the legs...also she mentioned the Graston Technique and because of your blog, I had a clue about which she referred! thanks! See you in NY. Training run is how I consider all the long runs.
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