Still Here

It has been a few weeks since I updated this blog, and I apologize for that, but I am still here and still grinding. I a have also been making sure to update my training through the YouTube channel as well, but really should be putting more of that on here.

The long and short is that I feel confident in my abilities, but do not have confidence in my training as of yet. Responsibility is something that prevents all of us from doing EVERYTHING we want and that has been the consistent theme over the past few months but now I am also fighting an injury in my right ankle. This has not stopped me either but has surely slowed me down. This however does not appear to be a bad thing!

I was recently told by another ultra runner that going at even a 12 minute pace might be too fast for me to sustain over the course of a 6-7 day event like I am planning. Jogging at a 13-14 minute pace might actually be more likely and I should expect to walk a lot. The later part I already figured, but I was shocked at how slow I may actually have to go. Training at this pace has been nearly impossible. With the weather being nice out I want to just let go and run hard! I have been holding myself back a lot because of the ankle and this advice, but it is driving me a bit nutty! That is until last night.

I came up with a bit of a solution that SHOULD help me slightly. To help my ankle heal and prevent the pounding as well as to slow down slightly I started walking on my treadmill carrying a 40lbs ruck sack. Why would I do this you may ask! Well it was just my daughter and myself home last night first off so I couldn't go outside when she was asleep, at least for a 4 mile walk, but also I wanted a challenge!

That is the point of training for me, to create a challenge that I have to fight through. That and the wonderful training effects of rucking and how much strength it builds. It is amazing how much energy it takes to walk a 15:30 mile while carrying 40 lbs on your back. This allowed me to have the mental processes of a typical workout (struggling through) while also being able to take it easy on my ankle and train at a slower pace.

I am also realizing that pushing 60-70 mile weeks right now is a bit unrealistic at least to do so consistently. My life is too busy. Once the school year is over and summer school starts I will have an extra hour in the morning and the afternoon and I will be able to add in some additional miles. This will allow me to get to the number of miles that I desire while still being able to live my life.

Over the next few weeks I will be covering a bunch of topics I have learned about ultra running and the tips and tricks I have received from some of the best out there. I will say I am only learning so this information is more about my education than experience, but I want to share as much as I can with anyone that needs it. I will post a few stories on here but also check out my  YouTube channel using the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChjbvwl7He71kkfIELqvxDg