Monday 31 May 2021

Party like it's 1999

If the last week was to be summed up in one word it would be "speed".  Now don't get ahead of yourselves mixing that with the blog title, it's a different type of speed.
The first type is the speed of fast runs while tapering for my 80 km trail race on 12 June.  The big long slow miles are done, or at least as many done in the circumstances as possible.  Now it's shorter faster runs with a few speedy runs.  It's so good to get my speed per km down below 5km per min but this will bare no relevance on race day.  But it is keeping me fit and giving my legs, lungs, heart and mind some variety.  It's been a good weeks training and my HR is exactly where I want it.
However I've been partying since Friday and today, Monday, will involve some more celebrations.  My daughter finished university on Friday and it was her birthday on Thursday so she came home and it's been party time ever since.  I look at the way those youngsters "go for it" and the next day they are back on it again - true ultra athletes, of a different sort.  And during all of this I still had to train in the heat.
I'm glad to say I was able to pace myself after years of experience but never attained the levels the young ones today seem to reach!
Other than my training the time between now and the race will be preparation.  Checking out the course online, choosing the right shoes as it's a mixture of trail, tarmac and sand, and arranging my food and a drop bag.  Getting a massage to make sure the muscles are ready - went to the chiropractor on Tuesday following my couple of falls.  She sorted me out as always but said that "there was a lot going on" - code for wrecked!
I'm going to watch the videos of the course so I have some idea of what to expect.  Starting to get excited and look forward to "cashing in all those credits built up in the winter months of training in the snow and ice".  After the race I might get my party gear on again but the 1999 dance moves don't go down so well with the young ones!  Back then we certainly didn't call it "dad dancing"!  Enjoy the warmer weather and remember your sun cream....christ I sound like a dad!