Step Three

Run Faster Mommy's Unofficial Guide to Training for an Ultra Marathon: Step Three

by Heather, who has in fact, never run an ultra marathon. 

Step Three: Monogamous Relationships.

One of the unique things about my fitness journey (and the reason why I can never seem to log as many running miles as my peers) is my lack of an attention span for one single activity.  Some call it a lack of commitment. I call it being a free spirit.  I will find one thing I LOVE to do, and run with it (sometimes literally) until it bores me or the next new thing catches my eye. Running. Bootcamp. Insanity. Swimming.  It always comes back to running, but it seems I have fitness-wander-lust.

And so after a month of hard core mileage for this ultra training....I inadvertently cut my mileage back almost ten fold.  But not because I was being lazy.

Because I stumbled upon a new love.

Meet the Precor Adaptive Motion Trainer (AMT).  Handsome, isn't he?

As you might remember, when I moved here to New Hampshire I started working at the local YMCA as a Wellness Coach/trainer (which, by the way, I looooove!).  And two weeks ago, we moved from  a very, very, uhh...lets call it "well loved and utilized" (and like a hundred years old, and no I'm pretty certain I'm not exaggerating) building to a brand new, $15 million facility.  Therefore, over the last 2 weeks, in addition to logging work hours I've been logging some serious gym rat hours.  I can not lift enough it seems, and more so, I can not get enough of the AMT.  What the heck is this thing? Funny you should ask, I googled you a video (I swear this isn't a sponsored post, I just really love this thing)



Needless to say, logging 70+ miles a week, I have not.  Being perfectly able and in shape to run 20+ miles at a time, yet feeling like I may pass out and die after 30 minutes on this torture device? Check!  It's like a non stop uphill run that makes your quads burn and cry uncle.  It hurts. It's exhausting. I love it. Seriously the thighs in my jeans are getting tight, and it's not because of any hostess cupcakes.  All muscle, baby.

Alas, while I'm feeling stronger than ever, I did learn a thing or two in school.  Like the principle of specificity of training.   In other words, if you are going to run 50 miles at once you best practice running for a long, long time, or face impending doom (or stress fractures).

And so run for a long, long, time I must.  Cross training is stellar, but low impact only isn't going to help me one bit in this venture.

Plans have changed a little. I will no longer be able to attend the Mississippi 50 miler on my birthday weekend. Funds, kids, flights, you get the idea.  Instead I fully intend on running all 50 miles here in Keene, on my birthday (March 2nd.  So if you are in the area and feel up for a few, or 50, miles, come join the party.  I'm serious, my mom will make cupcakes. GU flavored even).  That leaves me 70 days to continue what I started.  Reel in that wander lust and focus Heather, focus.

Sorry AMT, but I'm already seeing someone else. His name is "run your a$$ off", and I believe we have a date.

Now, where'd I put that Garmin....?