Training continued...

The last couple weeks training has been going well. I've been floating around 70 mpw with a hilly long run and two quality speed work sessions. I've even made it to the track for repeats, not a normal part of my Ultra training but my next race is a 50k. I feel pretty confident going in to Yankee Springs but it is a winter race in Michigan. There is no snow yet but that could quickly change. I'm getting a pair of Montrail Bajada from our Rep from work to try out. If they work well I'll be using them at Nueces 50mi in March as well. I feel I confident that I can roll through the 50k and up my mileage into the 80-90 mpw range and keep the quality up. The most important thing is to stay injury free and feel strong. I could put in 100+ mpw but feel the quality would suffer, maybe when I do my first 100 mile race. I'll put a race report on here and hopefully start adding some pictures as well.

A little Update

After Des Plaines I was suffering from some knee discomfort. I was able to work my mileage back up slowly  and my knees weren't getting worse but not much better either. I decided to get out of my Kinvara's and Cadence and wear a more traditional shoe. One week and the knee pain was gone....I believe that running in the more minimal footwear helped me improve my stride but I handle the higher mileage better with some cushion. Maybe there is something to the Hoka's. Because I work at Gazelle Sports I have the opportunity to run in many different types of footwear, which is nice. I think its helped me dial in what I prefer for training and racing. As of now I'm floating around 70mpw with two quality speed days and training for Yankee Springs Winter Challenge 50k Jan. 5th. Training is going well and Old Man Winter has stayed away from Michigan so far. Hoping to run a solid time and win then roll into higher mileage training for Nueces in March.