Monday, April 11, 2011

Running

Since running an epic 38 mile run with 10k+ of vertical from Boulder to Nederland on April 3, I've been taking it reeeaaaaalll easy. The reason for that is because I'm a downright lier and, before Lake Sonoma, when I said I felt sharp and excellent, what I really meant was that I felt exhausted and sluggish. I could hardly move, and I almost just gave up at Eldorado Canyon on the 3rd and ran back to Boulder. The lesson here is that 115 mile weeks really kick my ass, and I need to intersperse them with much shorter weeks - a concept called "periodization" that is going to be my new experiment. The fact that some people can run upwards of 150 mile weeks repeatedly without getting injured is pretty amazing, and raises the question of "are their bodies just more inclined to take high-mileage training or have they trained themselves to deal with that?" I don't know.

Barring any environmental disasters (see: Lake Sonoma), I'll be running the Zane Grey 50 this weekend. Geoff Roes will be there too and will doubtless kick my ass, but maybe I can stick with him for at least 40 miles. The course looks like a lot of fun, although the legendary technicality of the trail is pretty worrisome.

Great job to everyone who ran the American River 50 last weekend. Particularly to Ryan Burch, my good friend and training partner here in Fort Collins. He headed out to California for his first ultra that starts at a sub-7:00 min/mile pace and managed to come in fifth! Wow! He ran 6:09, which is a great indicator of speed for his upcoming bid at the Western States 100. Ryan and I first met after he beat me at the Jemez Mountain Trail Runs 50 mile in 2009, and his performances have only improved since then. I'm lucky to have him to run with. Also starring in the top-five at AR was FoCoLocal (and former Englishman) Nick Clark, cruising into a smooth third in 6:00. Maybe now you can start running on trails again, Mr. Clark.

Now check out this photo and then come run with me here in ONE MONTH!

photo Klas Eklof
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7 comments:

  1. Dakota,
    You think there's any good UTMB training in Telluride?

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  2. I couldn't agree more on mileage. At altitude and with serious vert (15K+), a 100 mile week is impressive, taxing and lastly, dangerous for the body.
    Besides the mileage man himself, Anton, who else is running consistently over 120? I just don't know many ultra guys yet, but it seems like most of the studs float around 85-110...

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  3. Dakota: When I lived at sea level, I could lay down 100+ mile weeks without much a problem and without risk of injury. Living at altitude now, no more. I have to really be careful because your body works so much harder at altitude. Granted, I have about 1/1000th of your talent, but I do think running high mileage at altitude is very hard on the body and it amazes me that guys like TK can do it week in and week out without rest and periodization.

    Wyatt

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  4. That exact picture is the background on my phone.. Keep up the good work, I'm psyched to see what you uncork at Hardrock.

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  6. Also agree w/ above regarding mileage and periodization and think you are on the right track. Alternating high/low mileage/vert. over weeks and months I feel is very important. I'll drop down at least 20-25% on mileage some weeks to let my body catch up. Should leave you more fresh for higher quality workouts later.
    Good luck at Miwok.
    Brian

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  7. Did we run into you on the Mesa trail Saturday afternoon?

    Coupla Fans

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