Speaking of skiing I'm also considering a pair of roller skis with pneumatic tires. I easily could use these at the Wyre Forest, but the cost/time analysis puts me off. They are expensive, I'd need boots too, and I make really good use of my Wyre Forest time now by running. Not to mention if I want to use the Chariot I'd need to get the trekking or Nordic ski package in order to pull it with a kid. I've got an eBay search out there but it's not a priority right now. Sure would give me that ski "fix" though!
Everyone has been sick the past few weeks. I think I've got it the least for now but it's still annoying. I just shut up and deal with it. It hasn't been messing with my training at all other missing a few JKD sessions due to kids with high temperatures.
Speaking of JKD I skipped my most recent test. October had been a crazy month (hence no blog posts!) and I just couldn't pull it together. I knew everything but just needed to finalise one thing. My brain was fried and I gave up. I was disappointed in myself. My time management had been so good but has been falling and did. Gradings are super fun and I would've had to Thai box spar against a very experienced guy, which although very intimidating, I would've learned a lot in those few minutes.
In a way missing the test has been a motivator much like entering a running race unprepared. So now I've instilled a basic plan of 20 or more minutes per day of JKD at home. I've also included a basic calisthenics program, something that has slipped as well. I need to set the habit to start small and when the habit has formed grow from there as time allows.
Running has been good. No pressure. I'm looking at a 25 - 30 mile per week goal right now which is easy to do but should maintain my fitness without burning me out. I'm on the Wyre Forest twice per week with the little dude in the Chariot doing 7 - 10 miles (usually 10) which is as always a super fun run. It's getting muddy and wet but that's part of the fun. The majority of the photos are from these runs, definitely autumn. The other runs are unfortunately at night. I hate night running. Drunks. People heckling me. Almost getting hit by cars. Poor light for photos. End of the day motivation. Just no fun. Still awaiting the little dude to sleep in consistently, as of now we're back to 5-530am.
I'm hoping to streak December again, running every day. I'm not sure to what extent though. A couple motivational running websites have different plans: 30 minutes minimum (Advent Running) or 20 minutes/3 miles (the Marcothon). The streak running association says minimum one mile. In years past I've done the 20 minutes/3 miles. 30 minutes could be a stretch but it is just a month. I've still got time to decide.
Once December is over I have 24 weeks until my "A" race, South Downs Way 100. As I've mentioned before I've got a decent line up of races leading up to it but now may be adding one more. A week after the Worcester Marathon I may have an opportunity to run the Brighton Marathon for a charity the wife is involved with. I'd have to raise money, which I hate doing, but it's a super fast flat course as long as it isn't windy. This is still up in the air but it would be fun to see how fast I can go at the marathon distance.
Either way even if I only do the Worcester Marathon I'd be looking to PR despite it being a hilly course. I've never focused solely on a marathon for a PR. All I need to do is focus two days per week of my training on marathon specificity and it should happen. The mileage needed for an ultra will already be there, just need some threshold work to be able to go faster at the 26.2 distance.
In other race thoughts it looks like if a trip to the the US happens in July I've got a few options for adding another ultra to the summer. That is if all injuries and motivation play nice! I could be burnt out or in need of rest however it could be good just to race for fun? One race in particular looks cool; Voyageur 50. The Upper Midwest Trail Runners website of July races shows a few options of varying distances. Voyageur 50 happens to be the Saturday before a party I need to be at so the timing could be just right. One fun thing is that you're allowed a crew throughout the race which is uncommon for a 50 miler. Not that I need a crew but if family want to watch it's a bit more spectator friendly.
That's about it for now. Other thoughts running through my mind, I turn forty in 2017 which is pretty crazy. Maybe Rovaniemi 150 could be an option?
That's about it for now. Other thoughts running through my mind, I turn forty in 2017 which is pretty crazy. Maybe Rovaniemi 150 could be an option?
