A little thing called life..

 Approximately 2 weeks after my last post (May 2024), I began a new job as Executive Director of 232-Help / Louisiana 211.  This job has been a natural progression of my nonprofit career, and I was happy to have been approached for the position.  I started it with the belief that I would be able to balance my work and home life (which includes my running) as I had before.  Boy was I wrong. 

Not long after starting my new role, it became evident that something would have to give.  The first year of this job was incredibly demanding mentally.  There was a lot of work to do getting the ship sailing straight again, and while I enjoy challenges, it definitely left me drained. I tried for a while to maintain my running volume so that I could still take part in the Cowboy 200, but at some point I had to admit that it just wasn't going to happen. 

Instead of being a stress reliever and a nice brain cleanse, running was causing me stress - or, rather, missing runs because I was exhausted was causing me stress.  Add to that hormone imbalance from perimenopause, and I was left defeated.  I quit running completely, not knowing if that was the end of my running or just a temporary break, but I put it out of my mind (but I held on to all of my running supplies because, who knows?). 

Here I am now just a couple of weeks after my one year anniversary with 232-Help and that old familiar tickle is back - the one that makes you look at a shaded, tree-lined road or path and think "Man, that would be fun to run".  Once those thoughts started popping up more regularly, I knew it was time to start moving again.  And, the recurring thought that I would really like to run one more 100 miler helped me to realize that it is not time to throw in the towel.

Now that I am somewhat getting my hormones under control and my work life has calmed down considerably, thanks to finally having a solid team working with me, I have slowly started rebuilding my base.

I am planning on 2026 being another racing year with a 100 miler next fall or winter, depending on training and which race I choose.  

I plan on documenting my training struggles and triumphs here for anyone who is interested.  The posts will likely be brief and to the point (and some will be offensive on some level, I am sure), but they will also be very honest about what it is like for a 54 year old woman to start from almost scratch.  It should be a "fun" ride.

Happy Running! 

Edie

A New Way of Training

 When I took on the challenge of training for the Cowboy 200, I knew I would have to add lots of strength work, but I wasn't sure how to fit it all into my life and not be exhausted all of the time.  My current training mileage has double digit runs on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday along with speedwork on Monday and a weighted vest walk on Tuesday. Thursday and Sunday are rest days currently. Trying to add weights to this schedule was a bit of a puzzle.  

For the first time in a long time, I have begun splitting my long runs (anything over an hour on weekdays and 2 hours on weekends) into a morning and evening run.  This allows me to keep my weight workout on M,W and F at 30 minutes and still be able to function throughout the day. So far, it is working really well!  This is also helping to speed up my heat acclamation as I am getting the high humidity in the morning and the heat in the evening. It is also making me be extra mindful of my hydration and nutrition during the day as I am focused on fueling my second run.

Me,  after early morning runs.

I remember this from years ago, and it is holding true today as well - the second run of the day is often faster than the first.  It also helps that I usually spend 10 - 15 minutes doing static and dynamic stretching before the second run of the day to workout the day's kinks which helps make the second run more enjoyable as well.  I am terrible about this in the morning - I just want to get the run done and move on with my day. 

For overall fitness for the type of event that I am training for, I feel strongly that this is the way to get the miles in and stay (somewhat) healthy.  Well, it works for Camille at least....

https://www.trailrunnermag.com/training/camille-herron-says-skip-the-long-run/

Happy Running!  

Edie

And now the real training starts...

 

Today is the day that my 20 week training schedule for Cowboy starts!  Over 750 miles in base building done and countless workouts to get ready for the mileage build that is about to happen and I am ready!

I have been seeing a PT for the last couple of months for a recurring injury - glute / piriformis / sciatic something or other - something I have dealt with on and off for as long as I remember, and I think he has it figured out!  It actually came down to a lower back issue and I am doing lots of band exercises and stretches to fix it.  (If you are in the Acadiana area, I highly recommend Beau Sonnier with Move Rx - he isn't cheap, but he gets results!)

I had to slow down my training for a bit since Beau said to keep the pain level under 4 - so in the place of running for a couple of weeks I was speed walking with a weighted vest.  This surprisingly helped keep my cardio mostly in tact, and helped me to keep my routine of getting up and getting something done every day.

So now we build ... 

Happy Running!  

Edie

"focus more on strength training" - Words of Wisdom for training for a 200 miler

 Luckily, I have been a part of ultra running long enough - either through participating in races or hosting them - that I have built up a strong circle of ultra runner friends.  Regardless of the race I may be interested in, chances are someone I know has done it and can give me tips.  This is so valuable to me.  I love getting tips and insider information about the course and support at the event, but more than that, if I know someone who has done it and I know they lead a pretty normal life otherwise, it shows me that I can do it as well.  

Cowboy 200 is no exception.  I knew a few people who had completed the race, so after signing up, I reached out to a friend, Troy Eid, who did Cowboy the very first year it was held. The year he did it, it was held in November and the temps rarely got above freezing.  Luckily after that year, they moved the race to September, so some of the temperature related challenges he faced I won't have to worry about, but he has been a great source of information about everything else.  

The one thing Troy said that really resonated with me, was to focus on strength training even more than high mileage.  This makes so much sense to me. He's not saying don't do long run training, I know that, but what he is saying is be sure not to neglect strength training.  The main difference between the 100 and 200 milers (despite the extra 100 miles to cover), is the overall body fatigue late in the race.  Overall strength will make a huge difference in your ability to complete the distance. 

Since starting this training cycle, I have added upper and lower body workouts, I have continued my once a week speed work, and I added a day of speed walking with a weighted vest. I have also taken a much more holistic view on training.  I am working with a physical therapist who has helped me work out a shoulder issue, but I am keeping regular visits with him to address any issues that pop up immediately.  I am also meeting with a Registered Dietician this week to talk through nutrition specifically focused on recovery between workouts and runs, and nutrition during runs and eventually during my race. And, I am really focusing on the right supplements and the timing of those supplements to get the most out of them.  

Currently I am getting a little over 100g of protein daily, working on increasing that a bit as my miles begin to climb in the next couple of months, collagen every day for joints, beetroot powder (vasodilator) before runs and mid day for blood flow, and a sleep aid with extra magnesium for muscle recovery during sleep.

So far so good.  I am feeling pretty solid right now as I prepare to enter the actual training next month. (I've run about 600 miles so far in preparation for "training").  

All in all, if I can continue to be smart and keep smarter people around me for guidance, I am hoping to stronger and more well rounded fitness- wise at the start of this race than I have for any other.  But I am 53 and going through menopause, so that tends to balance things out nicely, lol. 

More later, as I dive into the 20 week training plan in April. 

Happy Running! 

Edie

Smack dab in the middle? Feb 5, 2024 (220 days til race day, but who's counting?)

 

There is nothing better than these early morning runs.  

This has ended up being an interesting training journey.  I began "training" in September - right after I signed up for the race.  By "training", I mean that I made the mental commitment to do this race, and began the process of preparing my body for it.  You would think training for your first 200 would bring with it a high level of stress and worry, but it has actually been the opposite.  

This whole race experience will be an exercise in patience and planning.  It's not going to be like a 100 miler where if you are somewhat trained, you can gut it out and finish. You can even get away with not adding strength training to your routine (I did it regularly).  AND you can finish the entire race knowing that you can sleep after. 

This is so different, and I am approaching the training totally differently.  I am not worrying about pace as much as I used to, although I do have one speed workout a week - it just feels good to change it up and use different muscle groups.  On regular runs, if I feel like I need to walk for a bit, I do - I won't actually be running the whole 200 miles, and one day a week is a speed walk session with a weighted vest.  I know from coaching years ago that walking uses totally different muscles, and those need to be trained as well. 

A big part of this training is going to be the mental aspect.  Some of my longer runs will be purposefully monotonous to train my brain to just shut off and keep moving.  My favorite new mantra being "robot, robot, robot" (thanks Courtney D!).

Anyway, that's the latest.  Slight hamstring niggle right now from squats, but not too concerned about it.  Other than that, I think the consistency I have had over the last few months and the varied training load is working to help keep me healthy. Fingers crossed it continues!  

Happy Running! 

Edie

Pre-Training Phase I complete

 

View from this morning's run. How could you not be grateful when seeing this?

Since committing to the Cowboy 200 last September, I have been in Phase I of "pre-training".  This has been a base building phase with strength work added in for fun.  Actually, not for fun - I don't love doing it, but I sure do like the way it makes me feel. 

Anyway, 400 miles later, and I am ready to roll into Phase II of pre-training which will be from Jan 1 - April 15th.  There is an estimated 527 miles to run in this phase and countless hours of weights, thousands of squats and lunges.... 

Then I will be ready for actual training - or the final 20 weeks until the Cowboy 200.  (Estimated mileage in this final phase - over 1,200).

So far so good.  I am tracking my recovery and actually paying attention to what the numbers are telling me and adjusting accordingly, and lo and behold, it is working!  Go figure - if you pay attention and try to do things the smart way, you stay healthy. Huh.  Should have paid more attention to that earlier in my running career.

Meeting with my crew and pacers in January to start planning trip logistics. I have made hotel reservations at the start and finish line, and I am starting to loosely sketch out what my race goals. I always have an "A, B and C" goal for each race and this one will be no different.  The main difference here is that it is the first time at this distance, and really all of my race goals are being pulled out of thin air.  Once I get to my 70+ mile weeks, I should have a better idea.

Meanwhile, I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season, and as always...

Happy Running! 

Edie

Strength Training - Prep for a 200

 

My mail lady hates me.  In the last few months, she has had to deliver increasingly heavy boxes, from hand weights to a weighted vest. Actually, the 20# hand weights were marked as "unable to deliver" and I had to pick them up at the post office.  

The main difference that I am incorporating into training for my 200 versus previous 100 milers is the addition of weight training.  I am really enjoying it so far (3+ months into the training cycle).  At my age (53), I understand more now than ever that in order to have longevity in sport, or quality of life in general as I age, weight training is necessary.  

I have my standard weight routine that I have done for years now, but I have decided to switch it up to guarantee I am getting full body workouts, and use Sally McRae's strength app.  So far so good! You can choose the length of your workout - I lose interest after 30 minutes - or you can start a structured program that she has set up.  You don't need to head to the gym to do it either - all can be done at home, with bands and free weights.  I am not a gym person.  I know, if I need to drive to workout, I will likely not workout. It needs to be convenient, and preferably done before my brain completely wakes up for the day.

Check it out if you are interested.  $99 for the year, and you can customize your own plan, led by Sally who I consider to be an expert in strength and conditioning in general, and especially for ultrarunning. Link below.  

As always, happy running! 

Edie

https://my.playbookapp.io/sally-mcrae