Ultra Training Day

Okay. Only 50 days -- count 'em, FIFTY! -- before my ultra trail run in Farmville. Here's my promise to you. No matter how well how I do on race day -- finish or take a DNF -- I will have trained as hard as I can for the event. I'm hoping for the best (or at least a good photo op). Some might call this behavior risky. But I like to live on the edge. Take chances. Take risks. These strategies aren't for everyone, but I think they keep me healthy and happy. My cardiologist says I need to view this ultra not as a race but as a long run. We agreed that even if it took me ten hours, I can probably still pull out 32 miles given my fitness base. We also talked about doing all my runs in zone 2 (60% of maximum heart rate). I used to always go pedal to the metal. Live and learn. So, thank you for hanging in there with me. For your words of support. For your emails just to check in. It means the world to me. It really does. 

Here are some pictures and vids from today's activities. I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea, so feel free to skip. My destination today was obviously the High Bridge Trail. To get there you drive northeast from Farmville along the River Road until you hit the trailhead. Here's the entrance. As you can see, it's waaaaay out in the middle of nowhere. 

You run mostly on crushed gravel -- remember, it's a former railroad bed. But eventually you get to experience the highlight of the trail, the bridge itself. 

Today I plodded on for 8 miles. That used to sound like a lot of miles to me. But to complete the ultra I've got coming up, I'll need to complete exactly 4 times that number of miles. Right now this is all a bunch of numbers in my head. After my run I mosied over to La Parota, my favorite Mexican eatery by a long shot. I got my usual meal of chori pollo because I am addicted to this dish (it WILL be in heaven, guarans). 

Here's me talking to my server. 

Yes, I know my pronunciation stinks. Earlier in the day I lifted for 1.5 hours working mostly my arms and back. 

I love this place. Your gym rat friends are always waiting for you to show up. (Fun fact: Thinking about going to the gym burns anywhere between 0 and 0 calories. Bet you didn't know that. You have to actually show up.) I'm told that all this gym work helps to stabilize your body and helps with alignment when you run. I hope so. When I go to the gym I go to work and work hard. I don't mess around. I am in the zone. I get my stuff done and get out. 

Anyhoo, winter has felt really long this year but the days are finally getting longer and the temps are rising slightly. Spring is right around the corner. I just know it. But for now, I leave you with me running off into the sunset.

Have a wonderful evening!