[Author’s Note: This article is part of an occasional series on the unique opportunities and challenges of growing older as a runner.]
After over 30 years of working ultramarathons, subsequent month, I will likely be doing one thing within the sport I’ve by no means completed earlier than — run a 250-mile race. On Could 5, I’ll embark on the longest run of my life on the Cocodona 250 Mile right here in my house state of Arizona. Over the previous a number of months, as I’ve constructed up my coaching earlier than the large day, I’ve been more and more experiencing the pre-race pleasure of a starting ultrarunner, and I have to admit it’s fairly enjoyable.
Not surprisingly, I really feel a lot of the identical nervousness I felt over three a long time in the past getting ready for my first extremely. And, alongside the best way, I’ve realized that there are a number of points of working a brand new and for much longer distance which are testing my means to adapt to new issues. Put one other method, the Cocodona 250 Mile is instructing this outdated canine some new methods.
Andy Jones-Wilkins and his canine, Josey, in Arizona. Picture courtesy of Andy Jones-Wilkins.
The largest and most mentally overwhelming new trick I must study is managing sleep in such an extended race. In my total profession working ultras, I’ve slept throughout a race precisely as soon as, on the 2016 Hardrock 100. For each certainly one of my different races, I’ve been capable of get by way of them with out sleep. This can clearly not be the case at Cocodona!
It appears to me that managing sleep is among the greatest challenges most runners face at multi-day occasions, and there appear to be many alternative plans and methods that athletes make use of of their races. As for me, I’m engaged on a plan that may have me run as far into the second night time of the race as I can earlier than taking my first sleep break. Then, from there, I don’t actually have a plan, apart from sleeping each time I really feel the necessity to and having my crew and pacers handle these sleep breaks in order that they don’t seem to be too lengthy.
The subsequent new trick I’m studying is the best way to use poles. I’ve solely raced with poles a number of instances and by no means for the size of time I will likely be utilizing them at Cocodona. I’ve been diving into the analysis on power expenditure variations with and with out poles and have a basic plan of when and the place I’ll use them. I’m additionally studying that I’ve wanted to work on my higher physique energy as a part of my coaching as utilizing poles does result in higher physique fatigue. Lastly, I proceed to work on my pole method as there are clearly variations between the fitting method to make use of poles and the incorrect method, and an excessive amount of of the incorrect method definitely provides to muscle fatigue and ache.
Lastly, I’m coming to grips with carrying a heavy pack. For almost all of my ultrarunning profession, I’ve been a handheld individual. Two bottles and a pair of shorts with pockets have been traditionally sufficient for me to get by way of any of my ultras. Operating Cocodona this fashion is just not doable. Between obligatory gear, the quantity of water wanted on a number of sections of the course, and the vast temperature swings through the race, working Cocodona should be completed with a pack. And a reasonably heavy one at that. I’m slowly adjusting to working with a heavy pack throughout a lot of my every day runs, and over time I’m turning into extra accustomed to it.
AJW working the 2021 Three Days of Syllamo stage race along with his most well-liked handheld bottle. Picture: Amanda Harvey
A month out from the large day and I’m keen and excited for the race, as this outdated canine is oddly having fun with studying some new methods!
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from Previous Canine Brewing Firm in Bobcaygeon, Ontario. Single Malt Scottie is a wealthy and nutty Scottish ale, paying homage to the traditional Scottish ales of Glasgow. Weighing in at a gentle 4.7%, Single Malt Scottie is a scrumptious beer to be loved nearly any time.
Name for Feedback
Have you ever any massive objectives for the yr which would require you to study some new abilities as a runner?