Ready for the first 100 miler of the year

After a day of running around and getting everything ready for my first 100 miler of the year I can’t wait to start. This will be the first “food testing” to find out what kind of nutrition I will be using this year at Badwater. My plan is to go as long as possible on liquids only (Perpetuem http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem.pp.html and Nuun http://www.nuun.com/ mixed with Carbo Pro http://www.carbopro.ca/ ). During the night I may add avocados, mashed potatoes, chocolate milk, Ensure and Red Bull. Hopefully it will work out. Race report to follow.

By the way it took 6 minutes to set up the easy up gazebo. I love it!

Getting ready for the big weekend

It looks like the weather gods won’t be on our side this weekend. I was checking out the weather channel at least twice a day and I’m still hoping for a nice, warm and sunny weekend. However, since one never knows what one will get, I decided to be on the safe side and buy one of those easy set up gazebos to keep all my gear and food dry during the race. Apparently the gazebo should be set up in minutes, at least according to the description. As I never really trust any directions I will do a practise set up of the gazebo tomorrow in the backyard with a stop watch.

Tapering

This week was all about tapering for my first race of the season. I have to admit that it’s the least likable part of my training for Badwater. If one really loves to run, not being able to run for as long as one feels is a little bit of a challenge. Because less running means less eating and I really love to eat. Although, less time running means spending more time with all the other adventurous and interesting things in life like my husband, my friends, my cats, cooking Swiss gourmet meals and making more detailed plans about this year’s Badwater race. While I was running on the treadmill this morning I realized that I didn’t use any music during all those long hours running the Badwater Ultramarathon last year. Music and senses are very important in my life. So I decided I need to burn some very special Badwater Music CD’s. As a proud Swiss citizen I need at least a couple of CD’s with famous Swiss Music. In addition to the Swiss music I will have an emergency CD called “Songs for the Almost Dead” which will include the most inspiring songs I know to push me all the way to the finish line. I will start picking the songs tomorrow. If you have any suggestions please post them to the comments. Mille grazie!

Another weekend of running

Wow, I was wrong. Somebody turned the switch back to winter. Summer has not yet arrived in Toronto. Last Friday, I was very glad Angie didn't mind to start running at 7:00 am instead of 6:00 am. We headed out to Sulphur for 3 loops (37.5 miles). It was cold and during the third loop it even started to snow. However, despite the cold weather my feet stayed warm and blister free. I was wearing my new Drymax Trail Running socks (thanks Drymax) http://www.drymaxsports.com/lite_trail_running.php . Angie and I were glad once the run was over as it got very chilly at the end. I couldn’t wait to get home to warm up with a hot bad and a glass of wine.


Angie after the run trying to keep warm.

Evidence of a very muddy trail...

Yesterday the new Running Free store http://www.runningfree.com/ in Ajax had its big opening which started on a beautiful sunny morning with a great group run through some beautiful trails. Congrats to Steve, Garth and Veronique and thank you for making me part of an amazing team.

Today, most of the Ultimate Warrior runners must have slept in. The few who made it out did a short 7 mile tempo run in preparation for next Saturday’s Seaton Trail races

http://seatonmudpuppies.ca/race_details/index.html

My first race, the Jerseyville 100, will come up in a couple of weeks and I decided to join Veronique and Glen for the easy trail run (13 miles). The weather was beautiful and spring is finally in the air.

Weekend Training

Wow, somebody turned the season switch from winter straight to summer. Yesterday the temperature was a hot 28 degree Celsius, almost perfect Badwater training conditions. Bernie, Dave and I started at 6:00 am for our 37.5 miles run at Sulphur Springs. It was still dark at the beginning but what a difference after Dave turned on his new flashlight. Man, it was the brightest flashlight I’ve ever seen. He lit up the whole forest. It is a Coast LED Lenser P7 from Zombie Runners http://www.zombierunner.com/store/product1989.html
Though, at a cost of $99.95 it’s quite price but you really get what you pay for. I highly recommend it.

And another recommendation is my new trail running show, which I bought for the Massanutten Mountain Trail 100 on May 15, 2010. It is the La Sportiva Wildcat. When I tried it on in the store it felt very comfortable from the beginning. After running for 7 and a half hour straight it still felt comfortable and I just love this shoe and love the name!

I was wearing the Drymax Maximum Protection running socks http://www.drymaxsports.com/extremerunning.php and I didn’t have any problems with blisters or hotspots. MMT I’m ready to rock n’roll!





Some information about the Wildcat from the La Sportiva website:

La Sportiva Mountain Running® category. Wildcat is ideal for training sessions and free time activities thanks to its lightweight, comfort and breathability features. The upper is made from an exceptionally breathable perforated net fabric, the boot has a wide fit for maximum comfort. The built in gaiter protects against stones and mud. The boot features a TPU Stabilizing heel and a Frixion® sole with Impact brake system for enhanced grip and shock absorption on difficult terrain. This model is available with or without the Gore-Tex® lining and in 4 colours.

Monthly Mileage Record

Whoo-ah! I finally broke my monthly running mileage record - March 2010 total = 308.5 miles. Let's celebrate!