Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Wrapping my mind around The Double

I have been grappling with the reality of running the WS/HRH Double in less than two months. Part of me says I'm crazy while another part is psyched. If nothing else, I'll get a fun family vacation out of it and see some amazing places in the process!

Anyway, the challenge for me over these next few weeks is training for both events at the same time. My typical WS build-up includes long runs in the heat with moderate altitude and more running than walking. I try to find places to run that mirror the conditions of The Course and mentally prepare myself for the feelings I will inevitably have on the run up Bath Road, the 20 minutes into Cal 2 and the climb up from Highway 49. Interestingly, this approach has worked pretty well over the years and I seem to be on track today based on my training. I've even gotten over my "sweat hump." (For those who care, my "sweat hump" is the point in the year when I can tell my body is holding onto sodium. I determine this through the highly scientific method of licking my arm after a 30 minute sauna session. If the saltiness doesn't sting my tongue, I'm over the "sweat hump." That just happened this morning!)

Back to The Double. The different thing now is, at the same time I am preparing for the familiarity of WS, I am also looking into the mystery world of Oscar's, Handies, Virginius, American Basin, and the rest. It's a tricky dance. With the snow quickly melting in the High Country here in Idaho I am now able to get up to 10,000 ft and in the next two weeks should be able to get up to 12,000 a couple times. I won't be getting past that until I get out to Silverton around July 4th and I hope that that will be enough.

Thus, the plan at this point is to try to run 10 times a week for the next three weeks. Five runs per week will be WS training (heat, rolling hills, hard, runnable trails, etc...) and the other five runs will be HRH training (big elevation, power hiking, altitude, gnarly trails, etc..). It's certainly a new experience for me but one for which I am oddly excited. I'll keep you posted!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

how is the hardrock-specific training (as well as the sheer volume) going to affect your performance as WS? that'll be very interesting to see..

Anonymous said...

AJW - My advice...upon arriving home from WS simply take a good 13 day nap. You will then be ready! Roch Horton

AJW said...

Roch,

That is some great advice! Thanks. Although I was thinking that the 13 day nap might be more effective if taken at, say, 13,000 feet.

AJW

Scott Dunlap said...

Man, that's some wicked training. I would practice puking at 12,000 feet while you're at it. ;-)

You're a rock star, my friend. Even if just for training for two 100-milers at once.

SD

Brad Mitchell said...

AJW-You will not experience any gains by "training" after WS100 in prep for HRH. RECOVERY is where you need to focus. Be smart, relax, heal, and enjoy the down time/family time in order to feel refreshed as you toe the line at HRH.

Anonymous said...

And then, wait to you see how you feel on the inward bound part of Leadville... you still planning on LT100? Kulak's favorite puke fest.

BFish

Unknown said...

I want your autograph after you finish this. I will pre-buy beer in preparation for our celebration shortly after you finish - don't dog me! You WILL finish HR and you WILL drink beer with me!

If it's any help mentally, I trained simultaneously last year for a 150 mile, 6 day stage race in the desert 3 weeks before HR

AJW said...

Scott,

Thanks for the kind words. As far as puking at 12,000 feet, I've never done that before. Is there gravity up that high?

Brad,

As usual, thanks for the rational advice. You know me, more is better!

B Fish,

Yes, still on for Leadville. If I can walk.

And FastED,

I would love to throw back a few with you on July 11th in Silverton. Just tell me where you're staying and I'll come wake you up when I finish:)

AJW

The Sunday Adventure Club said...

Great blog, I'm also a subscriber to the more is better philosophy. Good luck with the races. Richie.