The Week of May 5-11, 2008

After a long break, I hope to start posting weekly training updates for the foreseeable future. I had stopped when […]

By on May 11, 2008 | Comments

After a long break, I hope to start posting weekly training updates for the foreseeable future. I had stopped when my training took a serious downturn in early March and never restarted because I wasn’t sure anyone read my training updates. However, with a teammate 4,000 miles away, I figure I should try to keep him in the loop. By posting these updates on iRunFar, I also let you know what I’m up to and hope to keep myself accountable over the next couple months. Read on for a look at my training week.

Synopsis of Week’s Training:
Alright, here’s my week. I started the week with an easy run to work. Tuesday included 8+ miles of moderate night trail running with Keith Knipling – fell hard twice. Wednesday morning broke with a progressively faster run with Mike Wardian and Steve Tappan – we cruised the last 5 at just under 7 minute pace.

On Thursday I ran my first speed session on the year and felt good enough en route to turn a 3 mile workout into a 4 mile workout. Had little trouble running 6:15-20 pace on flats and slight declines… slowed considerably on inclines. Friday was an easy run to work. I also drank too much Friday night… hence a not-so-fun not-so-fast run on Saturday.

Sunday’s long run started well with a decent 10.5 out to the American Legion Bridge. Identified wild ginger for the first time ever – a highlight of my week. Had an okay first couple miles back, but was walking by mile 15. Probably walked 2 miles total on the return trip. Got some refreshments at Potomac Overlook Park‘s Visitors Center. Was able to run the final two miles home. Was stupid for not bringing any gel – a really dumb move so early in my training.

That’s it for this week. I may post a recap of my year to date training… if I get a chance. As a side note, I’ve run every day for five and a half weeks. Feeling strong.

By The Numbers:
Monday – 7. Easy run to work.
Tuesday – 11. Moderate night trail run.
Wednesday – 10.5. Moderate run.
Thursday – 8. 4 miles hard.
Friday – 6.5. Easy run to work.
Saturday – 8.5. Hungover run.
Sunday – 21. 15 good miles, 6 awful miles.

Weekly Mileage: 72.5
Year-to-Date Mileage: 849
Three Week Moving Average: 61.2
Year-to-Date Weekly Average: 45.3

Upcoming Training Goals:
Bust out two more solid weeks of training before taking a much needed (and overdue) down week. Pace Mike Mason to a solid performance at the Massanutten 100 next weekend. Keep incorporating a speed workout every week. Eat better and get good sleep. On that note, good night.

Bryon Powell

Bryon Powell is the Founding Editor of iRunFar. He’s been writing about trail running, ultrarunning, and running gear for more than 15 years. Aside from iRunFar, he’s authored the books Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons and Where the Road Ends: A Guide to Trail Running, been a contributing editor at Trail Runner magazine, written for publications including Outside, Sierra, and Running Times, and coached ultrarunners of all abilities. Based in Silverton, Colorado, Bryon is an avid trail runner and ultrarunner who competes in events from the Hardrock 100 Mile just out his front door to races long and short around the world, that is, when he’s not fly fishing or tending to his garden.