Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Ready to taper?!

Usually I'm very ready to take a break and reduce training to rest up before a race, but this time I'm in serious denial about how close Transrockies is creeping up. I would love to have several more weeks to prepare. I just now feel ready to start ramping up the miles, which aren't nearly where I'd like them to be going into a race of 120 mountain miles over 6 days.

Considering my early summer foot issue, I was lucky to get in a sort-of-decent amount of running, it could have ended up much worse. I did a lot of extras (the big one being altitude of course, but also strength, biking, yoga, barefoot running). Still, miles are miles and nothing can replace them in my opinion.

On top of lower mileage that I had hoped for, we didn't end up going in any races, we didn't run up any mountains, and I even had to give up the treadmill uphill runs due to the foot.

So.........while I'm not super confident in my training, at least I'm not broken down and burnt out.

TransRockies should be a lot of fun, and I'm looking forward to a week where all we have to do is run a ton on trails, eat, relax, meet a bunch of trail runners, and gawk at pretty scenery.




17 comments:

Derrick said...

Healthy and fresh are two very big parts of the equation. You've done amazing at keeping on the little things while healing and getting in some great all around training.

Great to look towards the fall now too.

Can't wait for summer camp!

David said...

Primary Goal of any race is to get to the Start Line injury free. Job Done. You have Derrick by your side and he will make sure your run the race smart. 6 days is a long time and you still want to be smiling on Day 6. The two of you are going to have such an awesome time I am so Envious, but so happy for you both.

Gawd it is going to be great. I can just imagine the piles of Gear spread around your house at the moment. Don't forget the Peanut Butter Cups

Buttons Thoughts said...

Sara Have a great time. B

Sara Montgomery said...

Derrick - Yes, bring on summer camp!

David - If it snows I'll be sure to break out the peanut butter cups. I am hoping it is very cool and they don't have some freak, record-breaking heat wave.

Buttons - Thank you!

Derrick said...

David, you have me stressed now that we haven't really started packing yet. Actually, it's so different than something like Rock and Ice where you have to think about so much gear. This will be pretty minimal really.

Sara Montgomery said...

Yes, and I'm so glad I don't have to worry about my contact lenses freezing.

Derrick said...

hopefully!

slowrunner said...

you guys will have a blast! i went there last year on a 90 minute training run! take your camera and enjoy the scenery! make sure to visit memphis joe to say hi for me and have one of his famous margaritas!

wish i was going! and ps. you have TONS of time to pack.

Eliza Ralph-Murphy said...

You two have put in some great preparation for this race, sleeping in a tent and all. So how are you approaching this race? Are you being seriously competitive about it?

Sara Montgomery said...

Slowrunner - margarita! Sounds good.

EJ - I guess I just always want to the best I possibly can, leave it all out there type of thing. Whether that places us 5th, 12th or 27th, who knows. I really want to finish and be able to enjoy the trails. And not be too cranky, for my partner.

David said...

Derrick told me he thinks you should start making lists ;)

Let the others start out fast and blow up; then reel them in and bring home the Diamond.

Sara Montgomery said...

David, My list-making has rubbed off on Derrick. He's admitted several times lately that they are useful. (I think he has anyway. I can't remember for sure, I didn't write it down.)

Good advice about starting easy.

JD said...

You're going to have SUCH a good time!

We need a full report when you come back.

Sara Montgomery said...

Thanks, JD. I wish my race reports were as good as yours always are!

Aliza Lapierre said...

Best Wishes to you and Derrick. Enjoy the ups and the downs in all regards because they are all part of the experience.

I look forward to reading your account of the adventure!

Leslie said...

You are going to love it! Good times and good peoples - fun, fun and fun. Now the degree of fun depends on how hard you decide you want to go for 6 days...

If you're racing T.R, it's a whole different game than running to finish. It's 6 races and it's hard. When you're running to finish - it's relatively easy when you're out there laughing,running, and taking photos. That's my take. You just need to figure out where you want to be on that scale. It's also OK to do both - because you're on holidays. Want to race? Go for it! Want to take photos? Take a day off and have fun. Want to compete? Be prepared to suffer. But, know yourself and what is realistic and make sure you both have the same expectations.

Most of all, have fun and enjoy your experience! Hubby's make perfect partners cuz, well - they are your perfect partner and they know you best!

Sara Montgomery said...

Thanks Aliza and Leslie! Wish you both were going to be there this year.