I haven't really "trained" much at all. I mean, I am running, but it's a lot of road, treadmill, and speed work... That's not going to help me too much on a course that has 3 major climbs totaling 4,000 feet in elevation gain. Yeah, this is going to be a BEAST!
Two weeks ago I ran 10 miles with Allison on the AT. We parked at Sherwood and ran nearly toRoute 850 and back. That section of the trail has 2 big climbs, so by doing an out and back you can get 4 good hills in just 10 miles. Allison was killing it (she did 20 total!) but I had to walk up every hill. I had no energy. It wasn't good.
I planned my comeback for the next weekend. Allison and I ran the route again, but went a little farther so I could get 11 miles in. My goal was only to walk at the "steps", which is the steepest section of the first climb. The purpose of this run was to give me not just physical training, but the mental training to know I still got it. The good news is I ran the whole thing (besides the steps) and finished strong. I was so relieved!
Allison 22 that day! She is training for a 50k and she is going to crush it!
This coming weekend I am thinking about doing about 8 miles on the trail with two climbs and then calling it a day. I'm not looking to break any records at Hyner and I am envisioning I will be power hiking up many of the hills. That's fine with me. I'm just there for fun and to experience the beautiful course!
I did my very first trail race last month and I'm wondering when my next one will be.... it wasn't anything like yours, though! It was in Page, Arizona around a canyon, a few sandy hills that felt like torture at the time but less than 1,000 feet of gain overall. I think it's so great you get to share the trail running experience with your family.
ReplyDeleteWow that's cool you got to do a trail race in AZ! Sand... so hard to run on!
DeleteI have seen several Hyner bumper stickers on cars lately and u know someone at work here has done Hyner ( he had a sticker on his water bottle). I'm going to check it out right now!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely closer to you than where I live. It's about 2.5 hours away from me. I'm getting a hotel the night before. It's not that I don't want to get up early and drive, I just don't want to drive 5 hours in one day!
DeleteLooks like a great race, and so fun to run with family around! AND, April 20th is my birthday, so no matter what I'm sure it will be a great day :) I'm looking forward to get back into some trail runner after the marathon is done.
ReplyDeleteSo you were born on 4-20??? That explains everything.
Deletehaha. I don't get it ;)
DeleteBWAHAHAHAHA
DeleteGood Luck at Hyner Megan!!! I know you will kill it and have a GREAT time! Enjoy the beautiful scenery, and good luck to your brother as well! Maybe if you have any energy left over after this BEAST of a trail race, you can do some hang gliding!
ReplyDeleteLOL not sure about that !!!! ;)
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