Rob Mackay :: Notes from the edge

The annual Elk/Beaver 50km is coming up this Saturday. Considering my season so far (slow), and the fact that I don’t really view it as a competitive race in the ultra world (i.e. it’s more of a marathon plus 8km) I am going into it with a relaxed attitude. 

I looked at the online registration names and it’s the first race in a long time where the field was so small and I only recognized 1 name in the 50km category. It means that we’ll either have a slow field or there are some fast marathoners who are coming. In any case, hopefully we’ll have some sunny weather!

The strategy: Run as well as I can and still go out for a few drinks afterward.

I’ve been thinking about my decisions lately.  Good/Bad. The question comes up; 

Will you regret that decision for the rest of your life?

Not likely.  The reduction of dissonance is an evolutionary tactic to help us sleep at night. We can always convince ourselves that the decisions we made were the ‘right ones’ and the feelings of regret are replaced with justifying our decision.

Funny how the human mind works.

The 2008 Gobi March is just around the corner - I’ve been monitoring blogs from some of the participants for this year’s race. It’s hard to believe that a full year has gone by since we were out on the edge of the Taklamakan. Still now people ask if I will ever do a race like this in the future. Of course. There are about 50 races like this in the world at the moment. I have my sights set on the Coastal Challenge, Tour de Mont Blanc, TransRockies, etc. but I need some time in between the races for my family.

Running ephiphany: Out running the other day I had a moment where the “Why do I run?” question was answered. I am a social introvert. In other words, I enjoy being with people but gain strength and recovery from the stress of every day life by being alone. Running is dedicated ‘alone time’ and because ultra training forces you to go long, rarely do people want to join you.

I’m beginning to really enjoy recovery days. My target is 30k, broken up over 2 runs. Speed = granny slow. I know I’ve had a good session when there is no tightness in the legs, when it feels like I didn’t even run.

It’s on recovery days that I actually have my head up. I spend time looking around and noticing the world. I was thinking that I’d like to have my camera with me on recovery days to take photos… So, I’m going to start today - I’ll post the photo of the day on my blog.

We watched the movie last night. I read the book years ago after reading Into Thin Air and becoming a Krakauer junkie.

I didn’t remember much about the story other than vague recollections of the main characters isolation and eventual demise. After watching the movie last night, the one word that has been floating through my head is ‘unencombered’. People say he was mad but I don’t believe it. I think he was looking for freedom and ultimately found it.

My aerobic training looks like this… (i.e. no marked improvement over 4 months)

Any suggestions?

I woke this morning with the intent on running a tempo session. The intent was there…

So, after lounging in bed for another 30 minutes I got up, switched my training sessions to lunch and post work and made myself a cup of coffee. Saturday’s workout still had me recovering this morning.

On Saturday, in prep for for Elk/Beaver, I ran 3 loops (50, 45 and 55 minutes). I ran into Maestro Joey who was just coming off a good workout, then took off.

I’ve had faster sessions and during the 45 minute lap, my heart rate/breathing was up too high… Nowadays my issue is speed, not if I can finish the distance.

40 hours of recovery since the run should mean a good tempo session today - 4 miles @ 6:00/mile. 

To keep myself focused and not overwhelmed by the 160km/week target, I am mentally focusing on 3 high intensity workouts/week. Recovery days are spent with the mp3 on, noticing the environment and thinking through problems.

From what I have read and listened to in podcasts, recovery days are critical. My 3 recovery days are averaging 20-30km/day but I running almost on air. I mean that I am going slow enough to not feel any serious pressure on any muscle/tendon/joint. In my mind, I keep saying, “Go granny slow…” words that Dom Repta said to me when I was training for MDS.

Work lately has been Gatling gun-like - continuous output without reloading.

I’m feeling a bit tired. But not too tired to be re-thinking my career strategy. I am taking minutes, when I can, to shape a new career vision. 

A good friend of mine told me that she is making a major shift. She’s leaving the relative ’safety’ of the U on a solo ultra-endurance run of sorts. Being human she is unsettled somewhat about the uncertainty of the future. That said, I’ve seen much crazier things happen than someone becoming a successful consultant.

I’ve been struggling lately with a goal. The goal is to run a consistent 100 miles per week, focusing on 3 hard sessions and including speed work - because although I feel great at 50km plus, I am turtle slow.

The struggle isn’t physical. I’m finding my legs are no worse off than when I was at 75-80 miles. As well, my energy is fine.

The struggle is time. How do you fit it all into a day (following Lydiards 22km one day, 32 the next method) Yesterday was a good example. 3 runs and I only managed 25km. 3 runs! The last was late in the evening.

Late yesterday afternoon I was speaking with someone I work with, someone I respect and believe to be a great leader. I was bemoaning the fact that I couldn’t ‘get it done…’ His response struck me. He said, “You’re one of the most detail oriented, organized people I know, you’re way more dedicated than I am…” Detail oriented. Organized. Dedicated. Funny, I don’t perceive myself like that…at all.

It makes me think that over time, immersed in the workings of everyday life, we loose the plot. We loose perspective. It’s a good reason to hire a coach…