All,
Well I’m 2-months into my training for my 50-mile ultra-marathon scheduled for April, 4th. So far so good…despite a few minor aches and pains and having the flu twice since January.
I am running weekly mileage totals nearly double of my “normal” marathon training distances. This week I logged 73-miles. Here’s how a typical training week breaks down: 3-days running (9-miles/5-miles/9-miles), 1-day rest, 2-days running (28-miles/22-miles), 1-day rest…repeat. To put things in better perspective…I ran a total of 9-marathons last year. Since I started training for my ultra, I’ve had training runs of over 26.2- miles at least 5-times since January. Oh yeah…each of those extended runs were followed by a run the very next day usually ranging from 18-23-miles in distance. During the next three weeks my training will reach fever pitch and my weekly mileage will soar to 85-miles/week. Then, about 2-weeks before the race, I’ll start what is known as a “taper period.” The taper period will greatly reduce my mileage, and allow me to rest my body before putting it to the test.
My body is starting to really show the signs from the aggressive weight and core training program I stared after Thanksgiving. I tipped the scales today at a scant 154lbs, and have an estimated body fat percentage of 9.2%…possibly lower. I may not be big like some of the muscle-heads you see at the gym, but I am cut for my height (5′9″). A few friends who have seen me working out to include one of the personal trainers at the gym all commented they want to be in my shape when they’re “that old.”
People ask me all the time what kind of diet I’m on since I’m burning so many calories each day. I don’t really have a set dietary schedule. I eat when I’m hungry…WHAT I eat makes all the difference. I have adopted the “Caveman Concept” of eating….all that means is I try to eat things that were around when Cavemen walked the Earth. I eat lean cuts of meat, fish, nuts, berries, fresh fruit, green leafy and root vegetables. I try to avoid anything that has been “processed” when possible. I did enjoy myself during the Super Bowl…wings, chips, beer, etc. etc. Heck, it’s all right to have a reward from time-to-time.
When I’m not running, working out at the gym, or literally at work, I’ve been busy making preparations for the race and associated road trip. A couple of old friends of mine who live in the
With only 5-weeks to go before the run, I am both excited and nervous. If my training continues to progress…I see myself finishing my ultra in under my goal time of 9-hrs 30-mins.
I’ll keep you posted…
–Sean
