Photo courtesy of Andrew King - D4 Productions

Thursday, August 20, 2009

11 myles - 1.13:23

Coyote Ridge - 8:00 A.M.
mid 50s, dry, clear
mind/body - motivated!
easy effort

Damn! I wish I could bottle the stuff I had today! Running without a chain my friends! On FiYer! Just a 6:40 avg. but I was really holding back knowing I have to pace BFish for fidy on Saturday. It was a great feeling everything coming together in a run - you know what I'm talkin about right?

I really can't wait to get to Leadville tomorrow - lots of friends will be there. The best part about it is that I don't have to stress about running, just hanging out and soaking it up. It's shaping up to be a great race with lots-o-talent. See you all up there!

Check this story out. Half Moon road closed could cause problems for Leadville on Saturday

This will be the scene at Fish's cabin but without KULAK?? Say it ain't so Joe?

6 comments:

kammdavis said...

Hey Scott-
I've started following your blog and your training to try and learn from someone who seems to know how to race well at ultras of any distance. I've noticed that the majority of your runs are around 7 min. mile pace for around 1.25 hrs. Why is that, and what are your basic guidlines for ultra training? A little info would be much appreciated. Congrats on an amazing year so far. I think you are having one of the best racing seasons of all the top ultrarunners. Keep it up!

Unknown said...

Hey Kamm,

Thanks for the kind words! I like to think I can compete with the best of them no matter the distance and it all comes down to specificity of training. Why 7 min/mile and 1.25 hours?? It all comes down to my settled in easy pace, standard length of my daily run during the week, and nothing specific to train for since Hard Rock - just getting the myles in lately. And as a result of those runs I will end up with around 70 myles/week, nothing big but it doesn't have to be in my opinion. No magic in those numbers, only a routine. I think everyone has one, it's just a matter of finding your own by experiment.

I started this blog as my training blog because I have so many family members that don't live close and it's a way for me to let them know how I'm feeling leading up to a race. But I'm also finding people who benefit in some way from my training, either to gage my next performance or take something that I'm doing and integrate into their training.

Now back to the specificity, if you've been reading my blog you will know that Paul Dewitt coached me for the past 8 months. The one thing I learned from him is quality, not quantity (ie speed work). I hate speed work (and treadmills for that matter) but it's the ONE thing that has made the difference for me this year. When you do speed work you cruise at a faster rate more efficiently for longer (ie burning less fuel). No matter what distance or terrain I was training for Paul had me do two speed workouts per week. That way my body wasn't as stressed when it came to that 7 minute pace for longer periods of time.

So to end, I'm not a big mileage guy. I think the most I've done this year is 91 in a week getting ready for Rocky Raccoon. I am now a big believer in speed work no matter how long you are going. I'm also a big believer of back to back long runs of 3-5 hours each week. And last thing is consistency in training with gradual intensity and time. Listen to your body and when it pushes back, back off. It's all about your progression and competing with your younger self. I hope that helps and if not you're more than welcome to email for specifics, be glad to help. esjaime44@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hey Scott -

It was great to see you out on the course Saturday -- quite a lift! Thanks.

Sorry we didn't get to talk or hang in Leadville. I'll be following along on your CT adventure and wishing you the best of luck out there!

= Garett

Unknown said...

Garett!

WOW man! Great, great race! One of THEE best even paced, smartest races I've seen in a long time! Well done my friend!

I'm really happy for you and the success you've had this year!

Talk soon
Scott

Anonymous said...

Scott, Thanks for the kick in the butt on Hope Pass. You were right, not long after we spoke the demons did show up to get me. But, to no avail! By the time I was running thru the tape, I had forgotten all about them!!

Great seeing you out there!!

Bryan Schlotterback

Unknown said...

Hey-Hey Bryan!

Congratulations! There was not a shadow of doubt in my mind that you would cross that finish line! You looked so strong up on Hope! Too bad it was the only time we could chat.

Good to see you and hope to catch up again soon at another 100!
Scott