Training has been going surprisingly well! I’ve been really happy with it. Usual long run on Mondays have been consistent, started doing a tempo run on the treadmill Thursdays, and this week fit in a back to back long run Monday Tuesday! The kids’ sports day, kind of like field day in elementary school, was cancelled due to rain so I got an extra day off. I took full advantage and ran 21 miles. The timing leading up to North Downs Way 100 couldn’t have been better. 

Wyre Forest singletrack 

Been making a list of things to focus on during NDW100. I just need to implement them.

1. Aid stations - in and out fast, don’t waste time

2. Consistent pace - pain will get better

3. Run easy hills

4. Listen to music, podcasts, or a book

An insane amount of time is wasted at aid stations, UTMB I was hanging out with Chris and Gail for nearly 4 hours! Not that it was a bad thing as it was really fun but this race I don’t have a crew, no reason to hang out. 

Focusing on a consistent pace, realizing “it will get better” when I feel bad is probably the most difficult. 

Late in these races it’s easy to walk any hill. It’s an excuse. Easy running will always be faster.

I usually end up chatting with people, it’s fun and passes the time, but it also slows you down sometimes. Music etc distracts the brain, passes time, and has been scientifically proven to reduce pain, but I’ll hopefully move quicker.

Considering how I’ve felt in training if all goes well I’d hope to have a solid finish. Doing the math the pace doesn’t need to be fast, just consistent, and I could do really well. 18 hours would be fantastic. 

This would be an ideal race to have crew and/or a pacer as both are allowed. My buddy from Cornwall would’ve but he’s racing the following weekend. His girlfriend lives on the course even! Oh well, it would’ve been fun just to run together but no big deal. I’ve done most of these alone anyway. 

I just need to acquire a new pair of shoes and I’m ready to go. Maybe one more long run, two tempo sessions, and then rest! 

Trail snacks are ripening 

Really been enjoying getting to know the Wyre Forest better. Without a huge need to work on uphills I can roam a bit more. The single track out there is excellent. Most trails are questionable legally and made by mountain bikers. Super fun, winding and smooth,  are for excellent flowy trails. Sometimes I wish I was on a bike but running them is just as good.