As a last decent size workout before Kettle, I joined the guys out at Afton on Saturday. I originally planned to do hill repeats, but really did not want to do that alone for a couple of hours.
Instead, I decided to run with the guys, and run the hills hard.
Keith and I developed a new workout. I will call it "Fartlek hill racing repeats". Basically, you race the other guy(s) up each hill you encounter. Keith let me win a few as his legs were still full from last weeks' Superior 50K.
I could just hear the other 2 (Wilson and Zach) thinking "would those 2 guys just grow up".
I found it was an excellent way to break through the metal walls one hits when "red lining" a hill.
Towards the end of the run, everything was still in place. I wasn't trashed, just worked. My legs were sore, but the right kind.
After the last hill, at the top I told Zach "I am ready for Kettle".
I am not sore today, so I think it was just the right amount. 1 25K loop with some hill sprints. Call it sharpening.
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I am becoming less worried about the weather. I have this gut feeling that the weather will be fine.
Also, yesterday was a bit muggy when we were out there, and I was fine with one bottle. I had not supplements.
I believe the 10 extra pounds I was carrying around all last year was body fat which insulated me and made me sweat more. I also ate too much at each race.
It has been a long 8 months of training for this, and it is a great feeling to have these pieces all coming into place
* hydration
* fueling
* base endurance
* hills
* mental monkeys
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It's just maintenance miles now
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9 comments:
Awesome, Matt. Glad to hear you are good to go in 2 weeks! Being mentally prepared is the most important thing, and you are definitely feeling confident right now. Keep it up and see you in Dairyland!
Whenever I try racing someone up a hill, they always seem to be half my age. If it's a long enough hill, I can still take 'em. It's coming down that's hard for me. I like doing hills with a heart rate monitor set to beep when I hit my maximum, then see how long I can keep it beeping; that way I'm racing myself.
One bottle or two at Kettle?
Yeah, like I was saying, you look like a new runner this year. Good luck at kettle.
We'll have to compare notes - I am 10 lbs heavier than the last time I ran Grandma's (or at least I hope to be that in 4 weeks time..!) - I suspect you'll see the benefit... And there's just no way the weather at Kettle can be as bad as last year. Should be a really good one for you.
Good for you - I'm sore today after the 3 flat miles I did yesterday! Could you lose my extra 10 too? Your fab home brew is not helping in that department :)
Racing Uphills sounds like fun...and how do I run the 38 miler legally and free?
Nic,
Email me. Go to "view my complete profile" and there is a link to my email there.
Sounds like things are coming together nicely! You are definitely ready!
Hey Matt, it is good to hear that it is all coming togther for you.
Can't wait to hear how you do.
I'll probably be at FANS this year spectating, so I'll keep an eye on Harmer to keep him honest.
The hill work at Afton sure sounds like good training.
John
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