Operation: Ultramarathon

Phase 1:

So after completing my second marathon about a half-hour faster than my first one, a strong sense of accomplishment washed over me. I had already made up my mind to begin training for the Shamrock Marathon in March in Virginia Beach. As soon as I arrived home, I looked up some more advanced training schedules and began getting ready for March. This was a mere 3 weeks after my first Triathlon, and I had already been looking at my next chance to run one of those. So, while looking at a more time consuming and higher-milage marathon plan, how was I to work in my cycling and swimming without burning out or overtraining?

My next opportunity at a triathlon turned out to be at the end of April, and another at the end of May. Weighing my options, I decided to focus on triathlon training...after the holidays, of course.

During the beginning of my new training regimen, I discovered something even more daunting than my two marathons....an Ultramarathon. These are reserved for those with more masochistic inclinations. Imagine...instead of running one marathon, you run two...back to back...and on trails instead of pavement.

This more than slightly intrigued me...and I set myself upon researching it more. I had heard of these before. I distinctly remember reading a Men's Health article about Dean Karnazes and how his friday night consisted of leaving his house after dinner and running 70 miles all through the night...stopping at 7-11's for a slice of pizza and gatorade every now and then.

Now I was even more inspired.

However, I decided to do it right, and be smart. I downloaded an ultramarathon training plan that emphasizes longer runs on Saturday and Sunday, with shorter "maintenance" type runs during the week. Now I can bike and swim during the week.

How is it working out so far? I'll let you know in November...

But for now, I start off this new kick with a 15k run here in Pensacola, known as the "Double Bridge Run". It begins in historic downtown Pensacola, crosses 3 mile bridge, through Gulf Breeze, and across the Sikes Bridge into Pensacola Beach. My overall time was 1:12:30 and I finished 333 out of almost 1500 entrants.

Recovery for now...then back on track Monday.