Run Happy, and Training for a Longer Run

10/21/2014

Thanks so much Hendrik! I love this mid-race photo you took! Not only because I think it pretty much sums up how I was feeling at the time (pretty stoked to be there running in this awesome, huge event), but because of the guy in the blue's expression - is he horrified, or excited, or amazed to see me pulling my best peace-sign-smile-for-the-camera pose?!
Another thing that I am stoked about - I just checked the official website, and the results are out. Apparently I cam SECOND in my age/gender category (female, 30-40, in case you're wondering, lol...) and SEVENTH woman overall (out of 1227), and EIGHTY-FIRST out of everyone (total number was 4352)!!! (The shouty capital letters are because I am AMAZED!!! And excited...) Quite amazed as I started way back in the massive throng of runners, almost at the back of the pack. STOKED. Check it out, here's the 'official' version for your humble perusal:

Ok, now, I'll calm down and get to that 100km training. Hmm, it's coming up so fast that I'm not sure I have enough time for exactly 'perfect', adequate training. But then, you know? Who ever really is completely, and perfectly 'ready'?? There is always more we think we could be doing, and sure, usually I would be thinking that I"d need to have put in a few months of training prior to this massively challenging event. However, I just don't have that option. So, I'm relying mainly on my habitual running habit and of having a solid-ish running base to start from, although I am clearly lacking some longer runs. In order to make up for this, the next couple of weekends (my only chance before the event in November) will be kicked off in appropriate fashion with a long-long run early on the Saturday morning. I'm planning for 26-28km this Saturday, and then 30-32 on the following one, with the usual 12km or so runs throughout the week, and a few yoga sessions too. Any advice for how to prepare for a kind of unexpected, once-in-a-lifetime event when you're pushed for time would be greatly appreciated!! The event kicks off on Friday 7th with a 42km leg, then the NEXT DAY there is ANOTHER 42km, then the third and final leg features a 25km. Yes, I know what you're thinking - this is MORE than 100km! You'd be right! I'm confused too... Let's just say when I'm out there, I will be needing the following motto and mantra like never before: If you can do THIS, you can do ANYTHING! This is far beyond anything I've ever attempted before, so I'm nervous and excited in equal measures.

Have you ever taken part in a multi-day event?? What tips do you have for rest and recovery between legs/days??

12 Comments

Karen link

10/20/2014 10:05:47 pm

Yaaa! Wow, that is exciting to place so well among so many runners!!!!! and you were going at your just for fun pace lol awesome! That is a huge event, I have never done anything like it. I have no idea on tips, but hiking over the years I will say pumpkin seeds always have a super effect on me :) They are light,give you energy and protein, do you like them? might be a good snack in between events. I love your picture :) The guys expression is something lol

lou link

10/20/2014 10:18:22 pm

Thanks Karen!! yeah, I am especially surprised as the place was jammed full of full marathoners (WAY more of them there than halfers) and we were all running together. Apparently that was almost 30,000 other runners! Thanks Karen, I'll try pumpkin seeds for sure - they have an awesome array of seeds on offer over here, hopefully I can find some. Haha, I know right? He looks downright disgusted with my presence perhaps :0

running schlub link

10/21/2014 12:26:38 am

Wow that picture is epic lol.not sure what that guy is thinking but that is awesome!! Congrats on the AG 2nd place, totally cool.

What the?!?! Where have I been?? Your running a 100km multi day race?? You are going to do great. Get your two long runs in and your overall training will take over during those days. Can't wait to read about it.

Lou link

10/22/2014 11:22:38 pm

Thanks Schlub!! yeah, in only two weeks time now!! Eek ,every time I explain it to a student or another teacher a little voice inside my head goes 'WTF?!' It was a very recent decision, but I'm thinking, once in a lifetime yes? So, I HAVE to give it a go. I will definitely be writing all about it! :)

Amy link

10/21/2014 01:18:02 am

Congrats on placing well! When I ran it, we did not even have a chip/net time. We all had to go under the clock time. So some improvements have been made!

Your next adventure sounds amazing! I love Guizhou. Just be sure to take each run easy and not wear your legs out too much. You can do it!

Lou link

10/22/2014 11:24:48 pm

Thanks!! Yeah, luckily there were chips as I was a full 9 minutes behind the clock time I think. How many people when you ran it Amy? You did the full yes?? Was there much smog on that day? It was pretty terrible here on Sunday...
Thanks - slightly worried as think there are cut-off times of 6 hours for the 42km and I'm not sure for the 25km day. Hope I can make it and take it easy enough too! :)

Kristina link

10/21/2014 03:21:16 am

WHOO! Congrats on the AG result!

I wish I had any kind of good advice to give you, but I don't! haha. The only thing I can say is that I think this multiday race is all about what your body can endure, which means MOST of it will be mental. As long as your mind is strong and can tell your legs to keep going, you will accomplish what you set out to do. You have a great base and you're a strong runner so I think physically as long as you don't get injured, your body will handle it as long as your mind pushes you! Which it will because you're mentally tough too! Anyone who can run the great wall half marathon and come in first place woman is mentally tough!

Lou link

10/22/2014 11:26:11 pm

Thanks so much Kristina!! Now that IS good advice!! Thanks - I will have to remember that you think I'm mentally tough and bring my toughest mind ever to this event! Thanks for the support!

Kristen link

10/21/2014 07:58:23 am

I think the guy in the blue is amazed that a woman is keeping up with all of those men! There is not a single female, aside from you, in that photograph. Way to kick butt! That is so awesome that you finished 7th overall woman and 2nd in AG! You seem like you did it effortlessly.

Lou link

10/22/2014 11:30:04 pm

Thanks heaps Kristen!! I was SO surprised with my placing hey! Didn't expect that at all. Makes me wonder if the bad air was affecting everyone else or if most of the women got stuck way back in the queue, as surely there would be many more faster women than me?? (There were with the Shanghai one, when I came 27th and my time was a full ten minutes faster than this one). Anyhoo, I am stoked nonetheless! Thanks! :)

Kim link

10/21/2014 11:20:57 am

I think that guy just looks panicked because he thinks (knows) you are fixing to beat him!
Great job on the race - awesome!!!

Lou link

10/22/2014 11:34:30 pm

Thanks Kim!!! Yeah, this was one of those gigantic races where all the marathoners and half marathoners run together (and start pretty much at the same time too, but with the major disadvantage of all the half marathoners starting BEHIND the full marathoners, so you spend the whole race weaving and dodging to try and get in front or to pick up the pace a bit). So, maybe he was thinking, 'why doesn't she do the FULL marathon like all the rest of us? What a slacker...' lol... :)

Run Happy, and Training for a Longer Run

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