I suppose it was inevitable that, with just over 7 months to go, I would begin writing about Western States and my hopes for the 2009 race. I know I'm a bit obsessed with the race and I accept that. In fact, I've even come to embrace it. That said, my running is going so well right now that I can't help but think that things are starting to point in the right direction.
This year, I plan to do the same 7 month build-up as I have done for the past five years:
November to January -- foundation.
January to March -- sharpening.
March to June -- endurance.
One thing I am thinking of doing differently this year is racing a bit more. Now, at my age and condition I never really "race" anything shorter than 100 miles but I am thinking that a few forced long runs at faster than average pace may hold off the aging process just a little. With that I am thinking of the following:
November - Quad Dipsea
January - Ghost Town 38.5
February - Moab Red Hot 50K
March - Way Too Cool 50K
Of course, after that, it's all training but we'll see how it goes. And, of course, it's all subject to change.
Man, I'm excited. I can smell the dust on the Manzanita already!
AJW
2 comments:
7 months if far from too early to start writing about Western States. Heck, I'm focused on my race 31 months out! Keep building that base!
-Bryon
Ps. I'll go smell some dusty California manzanita for you next weekend. Rumor is that it smell like victory.
Andy,
I'm the same way. I've had a lot of bad luck with WS over the years and I've only crossed the finish line as a pacer. I've missed the race due to a torn ACL and in 2005, I missed the time cut-off at Highway 49. Last summer, I was in the best shape I'd been in for years and then the race got cancelled. I've been obsessing about next June for months already.
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