Wednesday, February 27, 2008

My Inner Geek, Released.

I have three weeks till Pac Rim, where I'll make my bid for 50 miles. I figure, hey, it's time to taper! So I had this plan for the taper, you know, where I would run a minimal distance each week, maybe 20 -25 miles total, rest my weary legs, and just generally slack off.

Then Rob commented on my blog and suggested a couple of long runs for me - maybe 15-18 miles this Saturday and 10-12 next. I quickly emailed him and told him what I was thinking. He was very kind, but said "me and Steve were talking while we were running on Saturday about how people typically taper too much. Just a thought." Dang!

My next step was to talk to Eric. He agreed with Rob - that I should do what I want, but to really be prepared I should shoot for higher mileage. Okay. Two experienced runners, guys who do mileage I can only dream of, telling me the same thing. Both having the confidence that I can pull it off. Both who's opinions I seek out, and further more, have a lot of respect for. What could I do? I committed.

In an effort to feel some measure of planning and control, I let my inner geek loose and made the following plan, and just for fun, a table of my mileage since December. (Mondays and Fridays are my normal rest/Pilates days.)



50 miles is a big goal, and I feel a little anxious whenever I think of it. When I feel anxious, I revert to lists, plans and the occasional chart, all of which make me feel like I am organized and in control.

I am midway through week one and all is well. Cool beans, huh?

23 comments:

Meghan said...

Hello, Geek!

Don't worry, many of us are like this. Having a schedule made ahead of time allows me to just do, and not have to think, except for during the planning stages. I'm a certified geek, too.

Good luck with all this hard work, Michelle!

Meghan

Journey to a Centum said...

This training will help. The fact that you are going to Pac Rim 12HR to run 50 miles is what will get you to the finish line!

Go long or go home baby!

Trail Scat

Darrell said...

Don't we all have charts, graphs and tables like that?

Good luck with the doubles.

Jack said...

Planning is fun, charts, graphs and tables are cool! Have fun with your training.

Wes said...

Seeing geekiness let out just warms my heart :-) I can't believe you are running 50 miles in three weeks! I'm like, "no way!!" :-D but you're like, "Way!!"

King Arthur said...

Rob & Eric have the right idea, wow did I just say that?;~)
I'd have suggested you run at least 3 hours back to back, but I would add staying up late both nights, ie. this Friday and Saturday night, before running the back to backs.

Nice chart! I just made one that goes all the way out to Watershed.

Sarah said...

I've found that shorter tapers work pretty well for me too. You can do it! I decided not to run but I will likely show up to help.

Olga said...

Jurek is for shorter taper, no more than 10 days for a 100M race...man has credits, doesn't he?
Most important - make up your mind about the race day and don't let any other thoughts enter.

Ms Eva said...

There is an inner geek in all of us... :) I love charts & graphs.

In fact, I introduced pie graphs to my 5 yr old yesterday as we made probability charts for the Iditarod. I was impressed/proud when she was able to narrate/recall what each of the 3 graphs represented (sex, residence & experience of mushers) to her dad when he came home from work! :)

Donald said...

I'm more of a short taper guy also, but it varies for everyone.

Either way, it shouldn't matter - you've done the mileage in training, and you'll do fine in the race. So just do what feels right between now and then.

Sunshine said...

If you didn't have a plan, how would you know when you were deviating from it?
Best of Luck!!!

Unknown said...

We're just trying to take care of you and help you in any way we can. You're going to be ready, mentally and physically. You've put in the hard work in training and it is almost time to reap the rewards. I am sure there is a strong correlation between those who make charts and graphs and those who succeed in their quest for greatness ;)

runliarun said...

You plan to run 50 miles? I remember when you said you will not run another 50K.

Charts... cool.

Anonymous said...

Oooooo - look at those pretty charts/graphs! :) So, you're a bit of an organized girl, too? You are going to do great on that 50 miler. Keep making lists, graphs, charts, whatever it takes to calm you - but you are going to wow us all in the end!

Jon said...

Oh yeah, you'll knock out those 50 miles and then some! :-D

Scott McMurtrey said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Scott McMurtrey said...

you're going to do awesome. i wouldn't underestimate your own instincts, either. you've got a running resume that kills most of us.

that's great about your son coming this way next semester. that means you'll have to change your graph colors from husky to cougar. ;)

Sunshine said...

You write marvelous "things about you" ... just not in lists of 5 or 7 or 10 or 100. Thanks for writing!

Joe said...

Love the Geek Thing, Michelle. You warm the hearts of all us engineers out here!!

You have so much experience...if your blisters don't bite your toes, go for the lesser taper!

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

Yeah- making me feel a bit unprepared and that I need to make a graph- actually a calendar...cause I have baseball to schedule around! It all makes me anxious too! Yikes! It will be fun though!!
Jenny

shawn said...

So proud of you for making 50 your goal Michelle! You are going to rock out there. I'm impressed by your mileage too. That's one thing you've got over a lot of us - consistent training! Plus with your pilates training, you are staving off injury.

Just two weeks now! Oh, and the bathrooms get gross - pack some Immodium :)

Sarah Elaine said...

Nothing geeky about that! But then again, look at who that comment is coming from. Personally, I'm very impressed with the organization of it all. Very nice. :-)

Anonymous said...

i'm late, but yes - cool beans!

and really?! most people taper too much?! i'm very intrigued by this...