Zombie running

Last week was a great weeks training despite missing an easy slow run as work made it impossible, even with my planning.  But I got a surprise on Thursday when I headed out early from my office for my hill run. My coach was running past so joined me for a few hill reps before heading off.  Surprisingly it turned out to be my fastest hill rep session ever! Thanks coach.
In two weeks time I’ll be typing this post having completed my 65km Ultra.  My training is at an interesting stage as it’s reaching its peak with back to back runs this weekend.  Saturday the weather forecast was horrendous.  45 mph winds with rain and I had 3 hours and 10mins to run.  My coach said to wear my running gear that I’d be wearing in the race so I did. Unfortunately the temperature despite the wind and rain was 13 degrees - not ideal as I overheated.
I met with Callum at David Lloyd at Hamilton and we ran the 25 mins to Chatelherault where a group of fellow athletes including my coach were going to join me for a lap.  But remember, that was a lap.  I had three to do and then run back to Hamilton so I was always going to be pacing myself.  My coach stayed with me as the other, 1lapers, sped off.  My legs felt heavy as I headed round and if I knew that, I knew my coach knew it.  She stayed at my pace and we finished the first lap and met up with the rest.  It wasn’t a slow lap but it wasn’t fast.  But I knew I had 2 more laps to go and then head back, all on my own.  And that’s where the inner voice comes in.  We had a good chat but I made sure that he knew we were finishing this come what may.  When I got to the car, I dried off and got into new clothes.  Headed home quickly and stuffed my face with food before taking a snooze.  Good recovery as I felt busted.  I had run like a zombie from the 1st lap. Staring into the space in front and barely acknowledging anything around me - in the end it was a 3hr 17minute run.  In my experience that’s the place I get to when I’m getting close to tapering.  I’m knackered but have miles still to run so “man up” and get on with it I tell myself.
But the secret is back to back long runs so today I had a 2hr run.  Despite the curry I had last night which was “sorted” before I departed, fortunately,  I felt great. Heart rate was steady and I ran on feel.   Two good back to back runs and tomorrow I have another 1hr 12 min Run and on Tuesday a 1hr and 1 min - this is tapering.  Not a rest but less stress on my body.  I love this stage because I know where it’s heading, the startline where I’ll be raring to go.  But to get there you need to get through the zombie phase and that was accomplished this weekend! Good times.