From Little Things...

Last week I managed to string together some descent training. There was only one day marked as 'rest' in my training diary and best of all, I didn't write "tight calves", "sore calves" or "sore feet" once - a first for 2011. Although I only managed 34km for the week, I also managed to swim and bike and even did three weights sessions. So far this week has been going well too. Things are definitely on the up.

Washpool is just over two weeks away. I am going to do a 30km run at Lake Manchester this weekend and then taper a little bit. I don't really need much of a taper, however, carbo loading is a must!

I am looking forward to Washpool with the same eager anticipation that I had before my first ultra - the 50km at the Glasshouse Cook's Tour in May 2010. I feel a little silly. This distance is barely more that a marathon (something I am yet to run) and my preparation has been sporadic. Regardless, I feel like this will mark the start of a new running season for me and that is far more exciting than the possibility of a PB or finishing a really long distance right now. For now, being able to run 50km is what I want.

The other side of the world

Last weekend was Glass House 100. That marks a year since I last completed an ultra. It makes me sad to think that. Last year I managed to complete my first ultra (a 50km) and then go on to do 96k at Kokoda Challenge and 100k at glass house. This year I don't even think I have completed a race. Such a horrible realisation has made me decide to enter the 50km at Washpool in October. After that, I am going to do some baby length triathlons and build up to a reasonable distance tri by February. I would love to do a half iron man one day, but that is quite far in the future. I also have this crazy idea that I might do the 100km at Alpine Challenge next March, but I think I will reassess that idea a little closer to the date.

Despite being disappointed about my disappointing year of running, I very much enjoyed Glass House. This year I got to crew for Chris who was doing his first 100km. Crewing is quite interesting and fun - you get to check out all the outfits, meet some lovely new people who also seem to like following runners around in their cars, eat your runners yummy food because he thinks not eating will save him time and, most importantly, watch the progress of runners throughout the race. Chris finished in 13:22. Quite fast for a 100km, quite awesome for his first 100km. I am very proud of him.

Today I did a 10km road run without any shin pain. Things are looking up. Small steps, deep breaths. Can't wait for Washpool!