May 1st is always an exciting day for me in my preparation for Western States as it marks the beginning of my heaviest training month. As much as I love the race, it is the training that ultimately makes it all worth while. I have found that as I get older and slower the training takes on added significance as it not only fuels my fitness but my emotional well-being as well. This year, in particular, training has provided an excellent outlet for stress and tension.
I am particularly psyched about the coming weekend as I will be on The Course for 16 miles late Friday afternoon and then 52 long, tough miles on Saturday. I look forward to the first weekend in May more than just about any other weekend of the year.
And, I am curious, for other Western States runners out there, what are your May training plans?
2 comments:
Hi Andy
This will be my first Western States and my hundred miler. I am looking at a 26 hourish (+/- 3 hours) time but who knows what can and will happen on the day.
Here are some of my big workouts for May
5/3 Michigan to Swinging Bridge and back to Cal2
5/4 Michigan to Cal1
5/10 Bath Road to Dusty Corners. Return to Foresthill (the dreaded 6 canyon run).
5/18 Ohlone Wilderness 50k
5/24 Robinson to Drivers Flat
5/25 Foresthill to WhiteOak Flat
5/26 Placer High to Dead Truck (via quarry road) return via WS Trail.
I know this might sound like a lot for an enthusiastic middle of the packer. Trust me, I have some serious rest days thrown in there also.
Cheers, Paul
You are a machine!
Never trained on the course prior to running WS. My build up used to be once a week local trail runs ranging from 4 to 6 hrs. with a weekly total mileage maxing out at 70 - 80 miles. Actually most years it meant running a 100 a month prior to WS. I guess everybody has their regimen.
Post a Comment