March ended up being a breakthrough month on a few levels. I ran the most miles I ever have in a month, put in my first 50+ mile week, ran back-to-back half marathons, and ran my first 18-miler and 20-miler. Knock on wood, things seem to be going well in preparation for the marathon in May.
Here are the stats:
Runs: 26
Miles: 206.4
Time: 28:57:47
Avg pace: 8:25/mi
Avg HR: 129.5
Long week: 51.3 mi
Long run: 20 mi
And, now, for the "oops". I try to keep my body weight within a 5-pound window. I typically weigh myself every Thursday morning. Last week, I fell just under that "window". This week, I fell even more. I've lost 3 pounds in the last 2 weeks and, for someone who is already very thin, that would be considered "free-fall". I've felt plenty strong during my runs and my recovery seems to be improving, but it's going to be a challenge, as the miles and long runs pile up, to make sure I stay on top of my caloric needs. My goal is to run strong and fast at an optimal racing weight - not "manorexia"!
Hi Colin,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on kicking big time butt with your high miles this month!! Also, nice work on your long runs:) Training for your May marathon is going well...you are going to do great! Make sure that you are taking in enough calories...I don't want to have to worry about you:) Have a good one!
"Optimal Racing Weight"
ReplyDeleteI would define that as the lightest you can possibly be and still train and race without injury or becoming overtrained … fyi, imo, my.02 ... It's has nothing to do with the scale or mirror or BMI or body fat percentages and Everybody's different.
Thanks Julie!
ReplyDeleteGood point, Arthur. I've never run this kind of volume before, so I don't really have a gauge for what my weight "should" be. So far I feel like I'm recovering well and staying healthy. I just get nervous seeing the weight start dropping suddenly. I'm pretty small-framed, so maybe I can get away with "Kenyan weight"!
I know what you mean about keeping weight from falling. I am thin also and keep a watch pretty closely. I weight each morning to keep a close eye on things. If I did it weekly I could really miss a bunch.
ReplyDeleteOh, and excellent month. Nice work.
When I increase distance I always get to a point where the weight just falls no matter what, even if I eat more. Eating enough is very important. I eat whatever I have a craving for. The lost weight is a benefit on the long runs.
ReplyDeleteThanks Adam & Johann. Like Arthur mentioned, maybe my low weight itself is inconsequential (to an extent) as long as I feel strong and healthy. I do notice the difference in my long runs - even a pound or two! But my wife is starting to complain that I'm thinner than her!
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