First 4 Weeks of 50K Training

WOW! I cannot believe that I have been training for my 50K for 4 weeks already.  The first month went by quickly and there is no doubt that the next 2 will go by just as fast.  Overall the first 4 weeks went relatively smoothly, I did adjust miles and days several times already because honestly life still goes on and I am trying to train for this 50K and keep balance in my world.  I have felt good, nothing major then common soreness and learning to run on tired legs is a big challenge.

I am using a training plan that I received from a friend and modified a bit to fit my upcoming race schedules and life.

Breakdown of the weeks: (planned/actual)

Week 1 Ending 6/9: Planned Miles = 24 Actual Total Miles = 34

(Runs of 2 miles, 6 miles, 6 miles, 14 miles (trails), and 6 miles)

Week2  Ending 6/16: Planned Miles = 25 Actual Total Miles = 37

(Runs of 8.13 miles, 3.2 miles, 6.25 miles, 7 miles and 12.15 miles (trails))

*This week was toughest by the time I set out for my long run I was on day 5 of running hard.  I learned after this week rest days properly distributed and easy runs are essential.

Week 3 Ending 6/23: Planned Miles = 28 Actual Total Miles = 31

(Runs of 4.65 miles, 9.1 miles, 14 miles (road) and 3 miles)

*After a hot and humid long run in the sun I remembered why I like the shades of the trail.  I struggled with this weeks long run.

Week 4 Ending 6/30: Planned Miles = 28 Actual Total Miles = 24

(Runs of 3 miles, 4.5 miles and 16 miles (road))

*With a traveling husband and an out of town family trip, topped with thunderstorms it made for a difficult week to get my runs in.  The long run was not easy, another hot and humid in the sun run but once it was over I was able to smile since that is 1/2 of the 50K distance!

Happy 16 Mile Long Run - longest run post babies!

Along with running, I have been reading as much as I can on Ultra Running, following the Ultra Runners on Twitter, listening to podcasts and just trying to gain as much knowledge as I can.  I do not doubt that I will finish because finishing is the only option (short of injury I will cross that finish line!)  The biggest obstacle I have in my way at the moment I believe is my nutrient, I have been eating like garbage and it's making the runs tougher then they already are.  I have the good food in the house, I am just choosing not to eat it.  Same goes for hydration as well, I believe on several of these runs I was not properly hydrated at the beginning so I started off the run behind.  My goal for the next few weeks is to get my hydration and nutrient back on track to where it needs to be so that I can run well.

Do you have any Ultra Marathon training tips? Favorite blogs or podcasts about Ultra Running you would like to share?