Back in Ultra Territory

I survived the 30.5 miler today. I didn't starve, I didn't pass out. I felt good the whole way and stuck to a steady, slow pace. I had roasted carrots and almonds with me I didn't feel the need to walk at all so I kept running. I didn't get hungry. I came home after 15 miles to change into dry clothes and eat a little, then I went back out.

Five and a half hours and change later, I was home. It was cold and breezy today. Not windy, but there was enough wind to keep me cold the whole time. It wasn't all that exciting, I did two out and backs on the bike path and ran up by the stadium. That was it. Pretty low key. I listened to trance music which I haven't done in a while. Lately I haven't been listening to music, but today was a good day for it.

There were a few places on the bike path where the wind filled in the path with snow, from yesterday's conditions. Otherwise the footing was good, just a few patches of ice in shady spots and of course in my neighborhood, but other than that, clear. It was a nice day, with off and on cloud cover but mostly sunny.

I made the mistake of looking back at my running log from last year. I forgot that I was doing 90 mile weeks and running short fast races, and weekly faster runs with Wheaties Boy. I was running well, until I failed to take a good break late last fall. Now I'm rebuilding, and it will be interesting to see how I feel at Pemberton in four weeks.

I find it odd that I've been running so slowly, on all my easy runs it seems like 10 1/2-11 minute miles are all I can do. Not sure if that's due to the weight gain or age or deconditioning. I guess I'll start to find out soon. All of it is changing now. It does seem harder to get back in shape the older I get.

But I think it's because I'm still building up and my legs are tired all the time. This week I think I got 60 or so miles, which is my longest week since last summer. And I forgot that doing 30 miles on a low base is more difficult than if you're doing consistent 90 mile weeks.

Looks like the Aurora Borealis missed us, we didn't miss it. Good thing because I slept through the night last night and didn't take advantage of what was supposed to be the last chance to see it.

I think it's time for a visit to the hot tub...