Phew! I feel like I blinked and the entire month of March passed before my eyes! It’s hard to believe that April Fool’s Day is on Saturday, and with it the Umstead 100 🙂 Despite an incredibly hectic work and travel schedule over the past month, I am feeling incredibly good about my training block and I’m ready to have a blast down in Raleigh, NC.
It’s spring break at the University of Delaware this week, and the timing could not have been better. Not only has it given me the extra evening time to get other things done, but I’ve been able to rest and catch up on a number of different projects occupying my time. With the exception of a small “snowstorm” 2 weeks ago (which still resulted in the university being shut down for a day and a half), it’s certainly felt like spring is in the air. If I’m being honest, it’s felt like spring since November 🙂 For the second year in a row, an incredibly mild winter has meant an amazing training season. Last year, the build-up was for the Georgia Death Race, and this year it’s Umstead.
I had the trails all to myself after the snow fell!
I may sometimes feel like the daily chase means chasing my tail with everything on my plate, but the truth is I love being busy. Not only does it leave me so much more satisfied at the end of the day, but it also means I value and appreciate every mile that much more. Each chance I get to lace up my shoes is a gift, and I won’t be taking it for granted any time soon! Keep #chasing42, y’all!
Chasing42 Log: 20170303- 20170328
Run: First off, let me reassure you that the streak is indeed still in play. I am at 493 days with at least 1 miles logged, and going strong. It’s amazing how normal it seems now to make sure that I’m getting in that quick mile even on my rest/recovery days. Over the past few weeks, my hectic schedule has definitely meant some early morning and late night runs, but I’ve been holding strong to my training. Shortly after my last daily post, I headed up to Leesport, PA for the Naked Bavarian 40-miler. I planned on treating it as a solid training run for Umstead, and a chance to work through race-day logistics. The 2-loop course was made more interesting by the sub-freezing temperatures, but I still felt really good the entire way and the 6500 feet of elevation gain was nothing to shake a stick at either. I’ll eventually get up a full race report but I can definitely say it was a great way to start the month and round out this training block. Over the past few weeks, I’ve dialed my volume back and have actually committed to a legitimate taper. The Taper Gremlin has been hitting my hard, though, especially while spending all of last week in sunny Atlanta for work! However, I’m keeping myself focused and I’m ready to give it my all on Saturday!
Miles: approx. 250
Elevation gain: approx. 17,500 feet
The weather in Atlanta was gorgeous all week. I love run-exploring new cities!
Thought: I’ve been thinking more and more about gear lately. I know- shocking, right? 🙂 I’ve been gathering everything I’ll need for this weekend, and have been traveling more and more lately so I’ve been thinking more generally about the most efficient running essentials to pack. It’s an ongoing research project for me, and perhaps it is for you as well. I’ll spend more time in a future post sharing my essentials, but I’d love to hear about your essentials on race day. What do you make sure is in your race pack/ gear bag/ drop bag? What is your organizational system? Do you have a bag or other container that you have come to love? I’d love to hear all about it all! What are your essentials when you are #chasing42?
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