More 1000m loops at Busey Woods. I look forward to this type of run because it is so much fun, and I gain some speed fitness in a short amount of time.
The past 5 weeks or so I have been feeling great - lots of energy, a good mix of endurance and speed, fast recoveries. Also, the last time my knee bothered me was almost 2 weeks ago during the final miles of a 31.5 mile run. The next day it was fine, and has not bothered me since.
Only a few days remain before I stand at the starting line of the 50 mile North Country Trail Race. Everything feels great, physically and mentally. Because my knee has not been hurting I have confidence that I can finish the run. Not only that, but this is a race where I am planning to give a 100% effort. A few of the races this year have been run for training purposes, and I made sure to give less than a full effort so that I could make a quick recovery. The recent half marathon, the Devil's Lake 50k, even the shorter 7.5 mile trail races have been run at moderate exertion. I did give a full effort at the Howl 8 hour race last month, although I did take it easy during portions of the race (long aid station stops, lots of walking breaks).
So I plan on running the 50 miler this weekend at maximum capacity. I am going to take risks - starting out slowly the first mile or two, but quickening the pace fairly early, maintaining it as long as possible; shorter aid station breaks, if possible - while I feel slowing down and taking my time while refueling is a good strategy for finishing a race, the time does add up, so I want to try getting in and out faster than normal. I am not sure if this will help or hinder the final result, but it is something to try; I plan to run the uphills and downhills, if possible. I will walk on occasion when I feel the need, but not on the hills, that is a place where I can gain time on close competitors, and I love running hills, so no need to walk unless I am bonking.
From the above I can see that my confidence is tangible, however, I am still cognizant that a lot can go wrong during 50 miles of running. My knee may start to hurt; I could fall and injure something; all of my risk taking could backfire, forcing me to bonk and walk many miles. I remember talking with Ken W., a runner who is a little bit faster than me. He told me when he ran a 50 miler last spring he bonked at mile 40 and had to walk the final 10 miles - ouch! I imagined Ken cruising along quickly during the first 30 miles, then starting to feel fatigued at mile 35, but refusing to slow down - and then BAM, it is all over in an instant because the body refuses to take that kind of abuse. I guess the lesson to be learned is to give 100%, but within reason - if my body tells me to slow down, I better listen.
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