It's been a while since I did my first (and only!) 50km in beautiful Wuyuezhai, China. Two years, to be precise. I have a feeling Ultra Trail will be a harder version of the 50km too. Given the nature of the Blue Mountains. I remember the Kedumba half marathon last year, so I have had a sneak peak of part of the course. For those who don't know what I'm on about, you can check out the Ultratrail website here: http://www.ultratrailaustralia.com.au/
Man, do I miss trail running. Now, where to find some trails in Hanoi?!
Ahh, thinking of that amazing time in Wuyuezhai now and reminiscing - this was seriously one of the best times of my life, and probably my favourite time in China - although it's a toss up between this one and the 100km challenge in amazingly-stunning Guizhou (this might even be my favourite ever China experience for a number of reasons). Here are a few happy snaps from the 50km a couple of years ago:
Hard to believe this one was only two years back - it feels a lifetime ago. Oh well - here's hoping for muscle memory hey!
Plus, I have mostly kept up my training, although the last few races and events have not been trail running as such, but on paved roads.
Next Sunday is the Long Bien Half Marathon. Then about a month later is a full marathon through the streets of bangin Bangkok! I can't WAIT for this one! If only for a chance to carb-load courtesy of the amazeballs Seven Eleven stores over there. You know it.
I am aware that I need to step up my training for this full marathon, so yesterday took myself on an early 30km training run (early, as it was neither Saturday nor Sunday, and so not the traditional domain of the long run - but being a partial cover teacher at the moment, my schedule is frequently changed at the last minute so I am going with the flow and saw this as a good opportunity to get my run in pre-weekend, and thus giving me 3 extra hours over the weekend now! Wootwoot!). Now 30km is still a long way! The run itself was awesome (taking in two laps of beautiful West Lake), but I was feeling decidedly wrecked later on, after having gone to teach my regular kids' class on a Friday night. I will be aiming to take it very easy today (having a much needed no-training/rest day today). The week has been fairly full on with lots of teaching, commuting by bicycle, and getting my training runs and a strength training session in too. But it feels GREAT! Never will I take for granted the pure joyous fact that I can walk around, cycle around and run around again, pain free and not suffering from an illness: my immune system copped a fair beating recently but I finally seem back to 100% health. Phew!!
Well done to all the participants in the Eat To Win Challenge - you are all amazing! It's almost the end of our second week, and halfway through the program - seriously, would this year please slow down a bit!?
Happy eating and training everyone! For all the lady runners out there (and some dudes too of course), here you go: you're very welcome: