Last week's high training week has come and gone.
57 miles total with about 6,000 feet of gain.
One of the things that's been great about this training is discovering new routes and trails -for both running and discretely pooping. Even if these new routes kick my ass. The above picture was taken at the Switzerland Trail outside of Boulder.
Another spectacular thing about training for the Transrockies Run is that it's been a necessity to buy lots of new things (or maybe I have a running gear addiction and this just fuels it appropriately). Headlamp, 0 degree sleeping bag, first aid kit. Also, this windproof/waterproof running jacket from Sugoi. Usually costs $189 but I got it for $48 on the Ironman site.
Another purchase? New trail running shoes. You all know I'm a huge fan of the Brooks Pure Line. So, I tried out the Brooks Pure Grit trail shoes. Love. Very light weight, but enough substance to protect my feet from rocks. And hopefully snakes, mountain lions and bears.
By far my newest piece of gear is the Orange Mud Endurance Pack (BPVP70) - I'm wearing it in the first picture. I feel like Orange Mud really did their homework on this one. This pack sits up a bit higher than many hydration packs, so it really stays put. It is very adjustable for smaller framed-people. It holds 70 ounces of fluid, plus has a front pocket for additional smaller bottles. There is a storage area perfect for gels, gloves, phone, etc. If I have to carry a bunch of shit and liquid, then I want to do it in a pack like this because it only weighs 9.5 ounces and hugs onto my body so I (kinda) forget it's there. There are also bungee cord things on the back (not shown in below pic) for carrying trekking poles, jacket, etc. I think my only gripe is that the hose/tube for the bladder is a bit too long. Seriously, if you are in the market for a new pack, consider this one.
Oh, and another fantastic thing about the Transrockies Run? On stage 3 (which is the toughest day apparently - 24.5 miles), we have a Beer Mile Race. Apparently this guarantees not only some puking, but some nakedness. This is the guy who won last year:
I am not sure what his left hand is doing
Ultra runners do have nice bodies, no?So, this week is my last big push right into taper time. So far -
Mon: Off
Tuesday: 3 miles (recovery)
Wed: 8 miles w/hills
Thursday: 7 miles (in Breckenridge at 11,000 feet) + 3 miles hiking
Friday: Off
Saturday: 10 miles (trail, 1,600 feet of gain)
Sunday: 21 miles - planned (3,500 feet of gain)
Total: 52 miles
On today's run:
To tell you the truth, I don't think I'm exactly prepared for this race. How does one exactly prepare to run 6 days straight, 120 miles total and 20,000 feet of climbing, most of it about 10,000 feet? But, I did what I could do with work, family and my reality TV/wine addiction. I know there will be people who put in many more miles. I also know there will be people coming from sea level who will struggle with altitude, so at least I have that on my side.
Regardless if I'm ready or not, here I go. 10 days from today.
Have you ever done a beer mile? Naked? No and no.
Best piece of running gear you've bought lately?
SUAR
PS: In Breckenridge this week I hiked with my parents (both 77 years old). They rock, no?
PPS: Thanks to Orange Mud for sending the hydration pack my way to try.
