I remember asking Robert how he manages to find the time to rack up 120 kilometres a week. It was just after the Calgary Marathon and a few of us were enjoying beers at a downtown pub. Robert told me that he runs two long runs on the weekend – one on Saturday and another on Sunday.
At the time I thought, that makes complete sense. At the end of a work day, I usually do not have time or the desire to run for three hours. If I did, I would be going to be bed every night at midnight or later. I can never sleep after an evening workout.
I think it was ingrained in my brain during marathon training that I should rest the day before a long run. That way the legs are fresh for the big effort on Sunday. But in ultra running I hear a lot about these back-to-back long runs. It prepares you for running on tired legs. That makes sense. Besides I am freaking out about Lost Souls so I will try anything.
This weekend I ran an easy breezy 18K on Saturday and another 25K on Sunday. I threw in some hill repeats on Sunday around the 20K mark. My legs felt fine (save for my recurring right foot woe). I think my core hurt more than anything. On Friday I did 250 sit ups and 250 back extensions as part of a crossfit WOD. I was definitely feeling it today.
My legs are tired (they always are) but I don’t feel that much different than had I rested on Saturday. I didn’t work this weekend so it worked out fine. It also helps that the sun was shining all weekend. I made sure not to run too early because I wanted to get some of that afternoon heat. I know Lost Souls will be hot! I need to prepare my body for running in these temperatures.
And that was my weekend ….
Crystal you are killing your workouts! Awesome job! The marathon plan I follow (normal marathon, not ultra 😉 has sort of back to back long runs: Saturday 16k Sunday 32k is the highest mileage weekend. I agree with simulating race day fatigue and I feel that it has helped me in my previous marathons. I'd love to see a sample of a plan you'd follow for a 50k race. 🙂
Sure!!! I should post something. Honestly blogging has been the last thing on my mind these days. (I'm moving, study for an exam, working, training etc)
Good luck with getting it all done Crystal! You are still hammering down those workouts! I'd love to see a sample plan for a road race of 50k if you have something. It's not on trails like most are and I'm still actually undecided if I'll do the marathon or the 50k ultra at the Valley. Decisions decisions!