Nearly the middle of March already.  How is everyone feeling?

I have been building up to run the last 40 km as a pacer at the Tarawera Ultra this weekend.  Also put my hand up as a volunteer to stand on the corner and direct runners for the first couple of hours.  Probably my only chance to catch a glimpse of the elite runners as they fly past.

In last years race they had to do a last minute course change due to fire risk in the forest.  This year we have Tropical Cyclone Lusi bearing down and expected to hit mid race.  Could be fun.  From heat stroke one year to hypothermia the next.  Luckily most of us are prepared but we still get some people under-estimating the dangers of trail running in bad weather.

Hi Puke! So Cyclone Lusi might add just a little excitement to the race, eh?  "severe gales and torrential rains"  What, no lightning? Sheesh!  Hope your buddy does well and that you enjoy your stint at pacing him, along with the volunteering.

 

My running is kind of up and down these days. For example, I had splendid runs  last Saturday and Monday, and then felt really  lousy last night. Today was a bit better, but not great.  Overall though my legs and core feel really strong, like I've had some kind of fitness jump, which feels really good.

 

I have a 10K race coming up this Saturday - which I have not trained for. My left hamstring has a lingering problem and intervals make it cry; so I've given them up for a while. I'll be lucky to run under an hour for the 10K. Of course I'm going to do my best and I expect I'll really aggravate the hammy. Hopefully it will recover in time for the trail half marathon set for mid-April - which I also haven't trained for.  I'm having trouble lining up a running buddy to go out in the forest with these days and I don't like to go alone.

 

Lessee, other news.

the bad: I ran a disappointing 25K trail race last month.

the good: I figured out why...a failure in my training.  Last year I did quite a few trail runs and hilly routes in training, but this year I couldn't because my trail running buddy hasn't been available.This year I worked mainly on distance, which was great, but didn't prepare my muscles for the work required in this race. So after about 2 hours, I got cramps in my calves, hams, and glutes that continued the rest of the race. It took me 3:50 this year compared to 3:35 last year (and that included tripping and limping for the last 45 minutes last year.)  Obviously for next year, I'll beef up my training!

 

Anyone else with news??

I know, no lightening, shouldn't even call it bad weather.....

I know it is hard to take it easy in a race sometimes, but it sounds like that's what you should do in the 10k.  Run further back in the pack and enjoy yourself, talk to others, then smash then in a sprint finish :-)

As for training...completely over-rated.  I have had plans to train properly for my next marathon in May, not going to happen.  Will have to rely on the top few inches...again

It's Saturday!! How did it go Puke? What effect did Cyclone Lusi have on Tarawera? Hoping you had a good day overall.

I'm preparing for my 10K, mentally more than anything. I'll use it to get a measure of where I'm at and kick off the start of adding tempo runs and intervals back into the weekly mix. I've been reluctant to do that lately because they bother my left hamstring; but since I'm too lazy to get it figured out, this should force my hand. I also lack confidence that I can run the paces I want to/used to.  Obviously it's way past time to get over this sh!t and explore the truth of the matter. I lean heavily towards Puke's observation that training is overrated...especially when it has a negative impact on my running. So my gun-ho approach will be tempered by the enjoyment factor since I don't want to get burned out again.

Ayola - Barcelona vacation right around the corner!! You should definitely take your running gear and get some runs in. Have someone take pics of you running somewhere special for a memento of your trip.

Yes. Barcelona running pics please Ayola

As for pacing, it is actually quite slow pace so tge hardest part is slowing yourself down. And being able to talk no stop about anything.

how did the 10k go happy?  Was it this weekend?

well the cyclone had a major effect on the ultra. As a large part if the course is only accessible by boat, and no boat would go out in high winds, they had to shorten the course to only a 70 or a 60. And as it was they still had to pill pin early as the course was getting dangerous.

My day started Good with me spending 4 hours on a street corner directing runners in the right direction. it rained almost constantly but I got to see the elite runners in action, then all the normal runners after.

Next I had to drive to the other end if the course and catch my runner For what turned out to be only 22km.  Had a great time running in atrocious weather and  had a blast running muddy downhills and jumping in puddles.  This morning I could hardly talk. My throat was so sore from talking.

Thoroughly recommend it if you ever get a chance.

A comfortable 56! Yeah foam roller!

Looks like I picked the right year to run Tarawera!