UTMB lotto loss

After nearly two weeks off running visiting home in Minnesota I’m back at it. A bit sore but doing ok. Routine in life is falling back in to place which I’m looking forward to. 

As the title of this post says:

I guess I’ll keep chasing it! No Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc for me. I wasn’t expecting it really anyway. So as it stands West Highland Way (WHW) is the “A” race. Just need to sort out that mandatory crew requirement now. 

I was fortunate enough that the wife bought me a pair of Nike Vaporfly Next% shoes. They weren’t a surprise, more of a “do you want those for your birthday” gift.  They’re a very expensive running shoe for marathon racing, $250! Normally shoes are around $120 - $150. It’s proven to increase your time by around 4 percent, really, no joke! Look at any elite race, those pink or green things, yep EVERYONE is racing them. And if their sponsor is different they’ll be spray painted! 

Now I feel obligated to race a marathon. Looking at the Shakespeare Marathon in Stratford-upon-Avon (people also call it the Stratford Marathon) on April 26. It’s close to home and supposedly flat and fairly fast. It also lines up well with the WHW.

I’ve never focused on a marathon PR. My best so far is 3:00:09 on a hilly course and I believe was a training run for Superior 100. The obvious goal is sub 3 hours, but I think I’m good for sub 2:50 if I train right. So I’m trying to sort out training. In all actuality it could be extremely beneficial for ultras as long as the speed work doesn’t injure me, something I’ll need to keep in check.

On we go.......

Lotteries continue.......

Just finished another three week cycle of building miles. Topped out between 57-60 miles for the past few weeks which is the most I've consistently run. Definitely feeling it though. Got a bit excited on week 2 and pushed the pace a bit too much, my right calf is feeling a bit off. I think I'll be alright though. Christmas week is a step back to lower weekly miles. I'm going to try my hardest to not let the holidays and travel divert my plans. As I've mentioned before my two run commutes definitely make hitting the higher miles much easier. I guess I'd be very happy with two 40 plus mile weeks all things considered.

The other day I entered the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc lottery. UTMB is the biggest ultra in Europe, it's right up there with Western States 100, and actually, likely more popular. It as well is difficult to get in to. I tried in 2014 but wasn't selected and up until now I've not met the requirements to get in. They require a certain amount of "points" that you get from specific races to get in. Then, it's up to luck!

The race is a doozy. It's 105 miles circumnavigate Mont Blanc starting and finishing in Chamonix with around 30,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. Click on the map below and I believe you can zoom a bit. 

   

UTMB course, image from UTMB website

I've yet to search for a crew for West Highland Way. I think I'll throw it out there on the Facebook in January and see what I get. It still frustrates me that it's required to have a crew. And to top that off the wife has yet to confirm if she can get work off for when I'm gone. Supposedly she has some meeting. Anyway....

In other news I was awarded the Jeet Kune Do Black Belt of the Year at the academy. It was definitely unexpected! I try to help out as best I can and attend other people's gradings to provide encouragement and help out if needed. I love that place and wish I could be there more. I get frustrated when I have to miss classes for school functions or the wife is out of town for work. It was nice to be recognized though. I may not have perfect attendance or be the best but that doesn't matter, we're all there for different reasons and I think it's safe to say no one is there to learn how to hurt people. 

This was definitely a huge motivator to practice more at home. Running draws a lot from me and outside of that will power to do extra things wanes. This was a nice kick in the ass to set more habits and it’s working!  Besides when I train the kids usually do too. It’s good and bad, as the focus becomes on their curriculum vs mine but either way it’s still a win. Now if I could get my consistency back for strength training! 

  

Summer race plans are forming

Running has been going well. Steadily increasing my mileage each week. Currently up to 60 mpw and hoping to hold that into the new year. It will be tough though when I’m off work watching kids. I’ll lose my run commutes which is usually 8 miles a day. I won’t have Jeet Kune Do or Muay Thai though so sleep will hopefully be improved. It can be done though. 10 miles is possible 6 days at 4am! I need to accept the fact that I may end up cutting back though for a couple weeks. 

Canal graffiti in Worcester 

My previous post I showed a screenshot of my West Highland Way (WHW) lottery result. I’m in! This race had always been an afterthought due to it requiring two crew members and a car to provide support for the entire race. It looks like the crew is also your “aid stations,” I don’t believe the race organizers provide anything through the run other than time keeping. Usually every checkpoint or aid station provides food and water. I obviously need to start doing some more research and also find some people willing to follow me throughout the race. 

Also with this “big race” I’ll likely drop out of the Lakeland 50 in July. It could be done, but too much racing isn’t conducive with family. 

The WHW race begins at 1am on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice. Yes. 1 AM! This year that happens to be on June 20th, why don’t we just say Friday night June 19th! Anyway, I’ll dribble more information as I begin the planning process. 

This puddle was a perfect mirror until a truck drove through it. Annoyed!

I also mentioned the Western States lottery which was yesterday. I think I got damn lucky getting to run that race when I did. The number of entries to the lotto are exploding. I had less of a chance this year, with more names in the hat, than the first time I tried and got in. Seeing that, I almost feel like I’m ready to move on and chase a different race like Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB), which carries the same if not more weight of importance than States. That’s not saying I won’t be in that lottery in the future though! 

Who said road running was clean

The next two lotteries I’m shooting for are UTMB (100 miles Chamonix, France), close to Christmas I believe, and Tor des Geants (200+ miles Italy) which is January or February. It is possible to do the West Highland Way and one of these two as they are both in late August or September. Ideally I’d do UTMB, the Tor is extremely intimidating especially not living in the mountains. 

Change of subject. Shoes. So I’ve recently been testing out a pair of Hoka Clifton 6 road shoes, they’re my new “commuter shoe.” Very different from the Altra Torin I’ve sworn by for the last few years (shown on my feet in the above photo). They’re maximally cushioned with much less sensitivity to them and are rockered. They kind of feel like you’ve got a ball under your foot that rolls your foot from heel to toe. The upper is snug but not uncomfortable. The rocker doesn’t effect me as I don’t heel strike but walking in them it’s really nice. So far I’m really enjoying them despite the big differences. I like the smooshy soft feel but am trying to get used to the snug fit, they come in widths so I’m curious how the wider 2E version feels. Altra has an enormous toe box which I really like. So far I’m impressed with the Clifton and understand why they’re so popular. 

Diglis footbridge over the River Severn. Part of my daily run commute. 

That’s the latest update. Back at it......

My “A” race is a go: 

Didn’t get chosen for Western States which was just fine. More later when I have time. 

I did it. I entered the Western States lottery at the last minute. I can’t afford to go if I get chosen so it’s likely if I’m chosen I’ll back out and lose some of my entry. But if I don’t get chosen I’ll have more tickets in the hat in the future when I’d prefer to run again. 

However I made a mistake. One that could work in my favor. My credit card expires this month. The lottery is next month. So I’d guess if I’m chosen my card will not work and the entry will be thrown out. I lose all my tickets for future lotteries (which if chosen happens anyway), but I may possibly not lose the portion of my entry if I withdraw. If I’m not chosen I continue on in the future with more tickets in the hat. 

I guess the reality is I’ve possibly moved on from this race having already done it. It’s a massive expense with other experiences at other races I should really be looking at. It will always linger though. 

So lottery season continues. I’m anxiously awaiting the West Highland Way lottery results which I hope is early December. Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc is the next lottery with results in January I believe. Then the doozy. Tor des Geants is in February. 

My mileage is slowly increasing as this base period I’m doing is going well. Podcasts and audiobooks keep the easy unexciting paces shrouded in the early morning darkness tolerable which in turn is making me aerobically stronger. It’s hard to run really easy. It’s boring. But patience is key. 

Been using the Maffetone Method because it’s easy. 180 - my age gives me the top end of my aerobic heart rate zone. I add 5 beats because of my recent running history which is a lot. I keep my heart rate below that number no matter what, it can be mind numbingly slow depending on one’s fitness level. It takes months for the aerobic system to adapt so patience and consistency is key. Over time the pace will lower but also the body adapts to more miles making it stronger and less injury prone for if/when it’s time to add intensity. 

Shooting for a 60 mile week then an easy rest week and things are going well. 

A handful of photos I’ve taken recently. Didn’t have time to touch them up although a couple may have been doctored via Instagram. Tons of flooding lately as you’ll see. Mostly from Worcester. It’s really messed up my run commutes as all access across the River Severn is blocked by water except the main bridge. 

A few rare nice autumn colors though too. Getting ready for Perpetual November. Lots of rain, cold, and wind lately. It makes it tough to motivate but I’m making it happen. It’s hard with no solid support behind you. No positive encouragement. Alone. However it makes me feel really good so I make sure I get out.

Today is the last day to enter the Western States 100 lottery. I know I can’t do it, just too expensive, however I figure I may as well try. Yes, if I get in I’ll have to back out and lose some of my entry fee, but if I don’t I’ll save my lottery tickets for the future. Fortunately they do refund a fair chunk of your entry, unlike the past, so at least I don’t lose a bunch of money! Why do I chase it still? Maybe I want a finish line photo with my daughter on the Auburn track, maybe the Sierra left a deep impression on me, it’s the last place I actually lived, I don’t know. Been there done that maybe I need to move on. 

I think lottery results for the West Highland Way Race are emailed out December so I’m anxiously awaiting. That likely would become my “A” race. It was really encouraging that I had a positive response from people to help out and crew. People that I hardly even know! I know my wife really has no interest so I wouldn’t even consider asking her. 

Running has been going well but it’s putting martial arts on the back burner. Life has become a very routine thing ending in exhaustion around 830pm. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. 

This morning I actually slept right through my alarm which is a rarity. I still can pick up some miles at work and early Sunday morning. I’ve been trying to not count on Sundays for running as most people do. It’s traditionally the “long run” day as marathons are on Sunday. I’d likely get a speech about how selfish I am going out for a few hours. I figure if I can get what I want in all week I don’t have to worry about that then. That’s alright, I look forward to, I embrace the 4am alarm, and am proud of it when it’s got a 3 on it! I enjoy a simple activity. Putting one foot in front of the other. 

Lottery Season has Begun

Lottery season has begun. A classic race I’ve always wanted to do since moving here I may try to have a shot at. The West Highland Way Race. 95 miles following the West Highland Way from Milngavie (Glasgow) to Fort William, Scotland. 

It’s unique as it requires each runner to have a two person crew with a car. The crew I believe is required to follow you the entire race and provide all support. One person must be able to run, if needed, I think the final 40 miles with you. This is the main reason I’ve passed on it. I like to be able to do it myself, it’s just logistically easy considering my situation here with no running friends and a family.

One funny thing is there’s a West Highland Way Challenge Race as well! A fully supported, easily accessible to solo runners, race that follows the exact same course. Why? Well if you read the “Challenge Race” website it sounds like two race directors from the “Race” website had a falling out so one started a more inclusive race called the “Challenge Race.” Even though it’s the same course etc. it seems the “Race” is still seen as more important which makes sense being the original. 

Something to look forward to I guess. If chosen I’ve got a month I believe to confirm and pay or let it lapse and lose my spot, no money lost. So I see that time period as a chance to round up two people to crew. 

Here’s the race links if interested:

“Challenge Race”

http://whwracechallenge.co.uk/

“Race”

https://westhighlandwayrace.org/

And one for the West Highland Way:

https://www.westhighlandway.org/the-route/