Brief Training Update

I’ve really ramped up training for the Gold Rush 100k, with big increases in my mileage this week and gradual bumps up in my weekend long runs. As such, I have virtually no time to write the many blog posts that are formulating in my head. Today I just want to briefly share a sentiment regarding training and accomplishment.

Finishing a marathon or ultramarathon is an excellent accomplishment, and we are rewarded with a great feeling of satisfaction at the finish line. However, for most of us, 90% of the work happens in training. Today I managed to run 5 miles on a treadmill while snow continues to fall for the third day straight.

I strive for each run to be a quality workout – to have a purpose. Sometimes this is difficult to achieve when you are squeezing it in during the only hour you have available that day. Today’s run had two purposes: to add mid-week miles to my legs and to prepare myself mentally for running when it barely seems possible.

As I finished a mere 50 minutes on the treadmill today, I felt as accomplished as finishing a marathon. I smiled to myself and thought, “You race like you train.”