What's Next

Nearly a full week since the sprain, and no running.  I found this period to be refreshing, as I rarely have so much time between races.  2012 was a quiet racing year, largely due to the fact. Had qualified for 2013 Boston in October 2011.  I did run my first ultra that February, and first Marine Corp.  I also had my first dealings with lung clots. This year however has a different feel.   May, ignoring my grand Canyon R2R2R run on the 17th, has a runner's inter-seasonal break feel.  In my youth, my coach would mandate 2 week downtime between seasons. No running. Ironically, the ankle sprain has brought about my 2nd week off in 4 weeks.  I may take a few more days, and slowly ramp up to June. 

I am actively assembling a training plan for my PR assault at VT50 in late September.  My goal to complete a marathon or more in all 50 states will go on hold with this return to Vermont. Having spent some energy on racing options for my training partner and I, I decided on a return to a familiar course would be best suited for a 50mile PR.  Weather has varied greatly each of the last 3 years, so I do go in cautiously. If they are ideal,as it was in 2013, and I put in the training - a sub 8hr should be reached.   A stretch target has been established of 7:30.  I am in a different place than last year, which was simply to finish under the cutoff.  Having finished in 9:00, and learned so much this past 9 months, I seemed to posses the confidence of a cheetah chasing after down a cow, who's up in age, and tied down.  

Without numbing you with details, the summer will be committed to a 'trial of miles' (courtesy of Qeunton Cassidy) period.  I will emphasize hills and slow endurance.  Weekend excursions with my buddy, Sean, to the mountains will take place.   He even wants to complete a Presidential Traverse this summer, another bucket list item.   My VT50 training commences June 1st as I begin the ramp up to a couple of 100 mile weeks in August.  12 weeks of strength and endurance work, with September geared towards quality and recovery.   I look forward to increased downhill runs and many....many 3hr 'standard' runs.   My goal is to complete several 5 to 6 hour long runs before the race.  Mentally keying off on completing 30+ mile training successfully at race pace. Knocking off an hour will most come at the expense of walking, so learning how to climb without exerting too much effort will be important. Uphills will not be made up of power strokes and running on my toes.

Another change will be to seriously address core strength and flexibility.  I will assemble a morning routine, based on what my Physical Therapist has been showing me.   Regular post run stretching will the norm, as will the pre-run warm up.

Running in the summer is a huge challenge.  I am a cold weather runner.   I have the gear, and having grown up training in these New England winters, I have the skin for it. I will emphasize identifying routes with water....but not that standing, bug infested stuff (read: No Airline Trail).  I have water bottles, and water packs. 

Come race day, look for the dark tan runner.   That's me.