Great start to our running year
Our running so far this year has allowed us to only be able to squeeze in two running events before we as a nation came to a complete stop due to the Covid 19 virus. Which unfortunately has held us all at bay from late 2019. It has been interesting.
The first event we managed to participate in is the well populated 28klm Two bays trail run held in early January. Starting from Dromana and ending at Cape Shank it’s a new running trail event for us this year. So we decided to tackle it as its been on our bucket list for a while. For the other experienced and more committed runners who participate in the grueling 56Klm. It’s an out and back run from Cape shank. The return-back route is an amazing conquest.
For those who attempted either one of the distances, you have another year to prepare and go again. Well done for giving it a go. Because we know how hard it is.
Running Base planning
For Adam, Kaan and I we fortunately had sufficient time to get in the necessary training and set ourselves a 12 week training program. In short the key points are to:
- Build a greater fitness base
- Add some elevation
- Build the condition required to complete the distance
- Prevent injury
- Recover well
For us every running year to simply complete an event is not enough. To recover well is just as important so a solid well-planned preparation was the key.
This allows for continuation of running and maintain health. Its why we run yeah?
We all managed to complete it in reasonable times and now have a greater understanding for next years event and will be more aware of the nuances of the course and adjust training accordingly. No substitute for experience.
With 2 Bays done and dusted and the initial post celebratory drinks and food were consumed over it was time for me to prepare from the next event in the coming weeks. This time I would be a solo participant as both work and other commitments prevented my running buddies from running. Someone has to carry the can.
More hills to run
As a regular runner and participant of several events over time it was great to be starting our running year with an early 28klm trail run then followed 3 weeks later by the next event. You see the 3 weeks before an event is usually the time to log in that last long run. For me it was a treat to have built up my base from late 2019, run a new longer event and now prep for a shorter one soon. I basically treated the two bays run as my last long run for the next trail event at Kilcunda which is an enjoyable half marathon distance.
I will mention that certain parts of the two bays offer some spectacular scenery and amazing vistas and the single trail sections were fast flowing, however for me running Kilcunda along the beach coastal path and an opportunity to run on the beach itself was an amazing treat. It’s one of the events that I look forward too. Its fast and the elevation isn’t too harsh on the legs with its rolling short hills and flat packed running surface. It’s a personal favourite.
Then it all went to pieces. Well almost.
Buller trail run
The next event we had all signed up was the very challenging and intimidating 22klm run at Mt Buller. This one is an Alpine run with an elevation profile of over 1000m. While the previous two events had challenging elevations for the distances the pure descending or climbing nature of this course doesn’t allow for much even ground to run on (just a little). You are being taxed most of the time. The quads will be burning on the decent or the hammies will be grinding out during the climb.
Given that Kilcunda had been run the first week of February and Buller was supposed to be on the 5th of April it was sufficient time to build the running conditioning from past events and start to focusing the workouts on more challenging terrain designed for optimum elevation.
It was time to climb more so welcome Masons falls in Kinglake.
I had as part of our running plan included some specific elevation on our Long Sunday run. For the month of March that consisted of 5 Sundays we managed to reach a touch over 7000m of elevation in total in preparation for Buller. As luck would have it by the time we had run the last week of the month it was already a given that the event was going to be cancelled and were not going to make it. With the lockdown and stage 3 of conditions imposed by the Vic government it left us all with no event, sadly we had to adjust our strategy on not let our motivation wane.
Hibernation running plan.
Once we found out that a semi lockdown was in place and were effectively on hibernation mode (Gov words) we simply readjusted our general plan and now run a base building style where we try to run at least 4 days per week with two strength session (time permitting). The Sunday is still the long run with now having to leave a little earlier than usual. About 5:30am now to have the luxury of running free of any other people around us. Therefore In keeping with social distancing there is only two of us with the 3rd member running solo on or around his property in the country. Sorry Adam.
With no event on the horizon that been 100% confirmed as a definite my strength and running plan is simple.
If all goes well, Monday is a recovery 7klm, Tuesday a steady 10klm, Wednesday a tempo 15, Thursday Strength day, Friday an early 10klm, Saturday strength and Sunday the long run. All runs are now on Road.
Meanwhile I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to strength train in my own home facility. Besides that , when running we are currently not breaking any laws by having two non-family members run together. Rest days and intensity here are as you feel. Until the next event is confirmed, we will then start working on a more specific and structured plan because that when the heavy running will be back. Fingers crossed on that.
The plan really is to get out and continue moving with the running and compliment it with a full body strength workout. So the idea is to keep you Strong, flexible, fresh and not break you.
Future running events, maybe.
We plan on taking on the very well-known Surf coast century held in Anglesea. This fantastic weekend event in September consists of a 100k klm Ultra (yes 100klm) and a 50klm trail event both held on the Saturday. The 50 klm course is basically the second part of the 100. On Sunday the event allows those who wish to participate in shorter distances ranging from 8.7klm, 15.3klm and the 22.7 klm suited to most abilities who want to try out trail running. So i highly recommend this event as its well organised and the atmosphere is fantastic.
Only time will tell if this year’s event will go on and in a couple of weeks if the distancing restrictions will be lifted. With certain events returning and people’s work places operating as normal. However any event news will add to our running year so far.
To sum up , I hope that as an active person you have found a way around this slight change to our daily routine to incorporate some workouts, are eating well and getting enough rest. I have the little ones at home with me now for home learning. oh sorry “online learning” which now helping to keep me sane during Isolation.
Well see you on the trail.
