Saturday, March 08, 2008

Taper Time

Today completed week two of the training plan. I logged 38 miles, again picking up the extra two running with our beginner group. Now it's on to taper. Except...we're doing a fun point-to-point tomorrow morning and its 7.5 miles, so I'll be a little over my planned five. I'm sure it will be fine.

I found a couple pairs of Asics 2120s online - they've already arrived and are ready to rotate with the Brooks. Thanks to Angie, I found the Garmin post I was looking for here. I've ordered the charger and it's on the way. I hope I get it in time to test it out this week. I have to figure out how I'm carrying it - I don't plan to carry a bottle, so I've got to find an alternative.

Pac Rim is a one mile loop around a lake. It's a 24 hour run - as many miles as you can log in that time frame. My goal is 50 miles. My pie-in-the-sky goal is to accomplish that in 12 hours. My realistic goal is more like 14 hours, maybe even 15. Wendy has been planning to pace me for seven miles in the evening, and this week Jessica decided to join her. Today, it sounds like Jenny will sign up and shoot for 50 as well - we'll mostly run together. Cat and Abi are also talking about coming down. Of course, Rob, Jamal and Steve are all going for the big miles and we are carpooling down. Eric will be driving down after running the Chuckanut 50K. It's a 4.5 hour drive from his run to my run. He'll be helping me through those last miles.

Steve gave me some great input about fueling and drinking (we all know I don't manage that too well during long runs), about rest breaks, and about what to expect in the later miles. He's advising me to eat and drink a little every time I pass the aid station (every one mile). Listening to him has given me an added boost of confidence - thanks Steve!

All in all, I'm feeling pretty good about this run. I won't deny the butterfly feeling in my tummy when I think about the distance, and the little spurt of anxiety that goes with it. At the same time I feel a surge of excitement and confidence. Complex feelings that indicate I'm stretching my comfort zone. That's a good thing, right?

Today at coffee there was a lot of talk about another race this spring - a 108 mile point-to-point. Jane is considering it and has suggested I join her. I thought about it while I was walking the dog, and asked Eric what he thought when I got home. His response was so honest and wonderful. He said something to the effect of, "I don't ever want to tell you not to do something, because, who knows what you can do. But, I've been with you when your heart has given you trouble on long runs and I worry about the toll it takes on you. You could try and stop when it becomes too much." It echoed the thoughts I have been having, because honestly, I wonder about 50 miles much less 100. Just how far can I push? I've been lucky, really, really lucky. I haven't had a huge problem since Couer D'Alene last spring. But, oh, CD'A was bad, and so was Mt. Si. Something compels me to move forward though, something urges me to keep trying. The answer about 108 miles? The answer is, I can't think about it now. I need to see about 50 miles. I'll have a much better idea after that. It's not really something that has been on my radar, and I'm not really sure it has grabbed me.

So, I'll put that thought aside and focus on resting and fueling for Saturday. And in the meantime, I plan to enjoy taper week!

29 comments:

Anne said...

Sounds like you're getting good advice, and I hope it quells the butterflies. I would love to someday do a 24-hour race. I've seen them in action in it's a safe, almost comforting setting. I just know you'll come through in great shape.

Joe said...

Good counsel from Eric. I have to tell you, I think a lot about your physical heart (not your emotional heart) when I see the long races. Do listen to it.

And, yes, the 108 is interesting to think about and need not be committed to.

Cool taper...you're in good shape, Michelle!

Steve S said...

I'm glad you took my "lecturing" as Lorri calls it well. I do really want you to do your best and in the most effective way. I am excited and nervous about Pac Rim at the same time. I guess that's one of the great parts of running, to challenge yourself and explore what is possible.

Anonymous said...

Funny thing, I was going to send you an email telling you that I know you can do a 100 mile run - other than your heart - and that I would totally understand if you were concerned and worried about your heart - not the distance . . . that part of it I KNOW you are capable of. Which, Michelle, means I have total faith in your ability to complete your 50 miles, too!

Jane

tryathlete said...

Good luck with getting the 50 miles.

Enjoy taper week! I'm sure you can squeeze in a manicure day somewhere for the little toes.

Don said...

Thanks so much for your very kind comments. Sunshine appreciates your support, as do I. :-)

Anonymous said...

one step at a time. it's nice to konw you can contemplate 108 miles, though, isn't it?!

Sarah said...

There's no way you won't make 50 with a support network like that! No need to worry about 108 just yet. But I understand that compulsion to keep moving forward.

Darrell said...

Some interesting thoughts about just how far we should push ourselves. It is a exciting and scary to keep pushing the limits, but there's no need to be foolish either. Enjoy the taper, test yourself a little at the 24 hour run and then go from there.

seagull junker said...

have fun at pac rim. too bad chuck-a-nut got moved to the same day as pac rim years back. t.c. and others make a huge effort and do both races that day. 50 miles will be no problem for you. neat that eric will be joining you later in the day!!! have fun!

Unknown said...

I get caught up in thinking about what's next before completing what is right in front of me as well. I am not sure next weekend has completely hit me yet. I tried to think about it today at coffee, but it still seems like a long ways away. It is going to be a fun weekend. There will be pain, misery and doubt at times, but all the support, your training and mental toughness will pull you through.

Anonymous said...

Taper week - oh goodie! Does this mean we get stories from you like we did from Eric while he tapered? :)

I am so excited for your 50 miler! When I read about these crazy runs I often get a little twinge of interest. Maybe someday. . . in the meantime, I'll live vicariously through your experience. :)

Scott McMurtrey said...

maybe when you get something like 70 miles next weekend it will help you make a more confident decision one way or another about any 100+ mile event. ;)

Meghan said...

Michelle,

Your post made me feel so many different emotions.

First, there was giddiness for you and your race. Then there was, "Oh, Eric is such a sweetheart." Finally, I felt concerned for you and your heart.

You have lots of good advice and support coming to you from the people all around you. In light of that, I only have one little piece of 50-mile advice, and that is to keep your mind on the scale of small. Don't let yourself wander through a thought like, "Oh my god, I still have 28 miles to go." Instead, tell yourself, "1 mile till I am going to drink such-and-such." or "Seven miles of being paced by so-and-so." This mind scaling really helped me through RR100.

With regards to the 100 mile idea, it's nice to dream, isn't it? Dreaming is safe for your heart. I echo Angie in saying I know you're taking it one step at a time.

Take care tapering this week!

Thinking of you,
Meghan

Ironayla said...

I want to wish you the best this coming weekend with your 50 miler. How exciting, especially when you said you weren't interested in such a distance :)

Your running has been very inspiring for me. You continue to keep moving forward. :)

I look forward to hearing how things go for you. And one of these days I will be joining you for a run (even if a short one) and coffee :)

Ms Eva said...

Wishing you the best the weekend on your 50 miler. I know you'll do great!

I wouldn't even contemplate the 108 until Pac Rim is over. Enjoy the experience!

Hugs & Smiles. :D

Olga said...

Eric did say it very well. So for now lets focus on a 50, which is not a phantom goal for such an endurance gal like yourself, right? You are the one who never quits. juts be careful, monitor, eat, drink, and walk it off if needed!

Anonymous said...

You are a machine, woman.

Journey to a Centum said...

I am very special. Maybe that's why Rob "Rattler" Hester will run with me. After all his vocation is special education.

lizzie lee said...

Wow, 108 are big numbers... If you dream of it, go for it.... I still see 26.2 like a huge distance!!!!

Jon said...

108 miles? Are you looking to do NB2V? If that is the run, I've volunteered as general crew (unless Shawn wants to put me with a runner or two) for the event. I'm thinking of doing that for my first century run for next year if I can get my butt back into the swing of things. Right now, Mt Si is going to hurt bad for me if I still decide to do the 50 miler.

Sunshine said...

Enjoyed your pie-in-the-sky goal and your realistic goal.
Delightful planning.. a good way to think about it.
Best wishes!!!

Leslie said...

Go for it Michelle! Enjoy the ride and go push those limits!

Leslie

*jeanne* said...

50 miles, 24 hours!
Whooooooo-wheeeeeee!
Taper well, B'o'P, and enjoy the challenge!
Me?
I think I have a 5k next weekend ;-)

Anonymous said...

Best wishes on Pacific Rim. Given the success of your past year I think 50 miles is doable. I certainly wouldn't bet against you. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

Laura H said...

Good luck tomorrow Michelle! One mile at a time! You are very wise "staying where your feet are" and keeping the focus on this. I look forward to reading your report!

As for Eric - he is special! I heard there was a short bus for him to ride up to Chuckanut in! ;)

Dori said...

3/15 8:22 pm
How's it going? Hope you're done or close to it, and reached your goal. Sending good thoughts your way. :-)

Scott McMurtrey said...

the suspense!

Meghan said...

Alright, don'tcha know that were all anxiously awaiting to hear that you're okay, happy, and recovering? Oh I hope you're alright, Michelle! Been thinking about you all weekend and wishing that you met your goal.

Take care,
Meghan