[Author’s Note: This article is part of an occasional series on the unique opportunities and challenges of growing older as a runner.]
After over 30 years of operating ultramarathons, subsequent month, I might be doing one thing within the sport I’ve by no means accomplished earlier than — run a 250-mile race. On Might 5, I’ll embark on the longest run of my life on the Cocodona 250 Mile right here in my residence state of Arizona. Over the previous a number of months, as I’ve constructed up my coaching earlier than the massive day, I’ve been more and more experiencing the pre-race pleasure of a starting ultrarunner, and I need to admit it’s fairly enjoyable.
Not surprisingly, I really feel a lot of the identical nervousness I felt over three a long time in the past getting ready for my first extremely. And, alongside the best way, I’ve realized that there are a number of facets of operating a brand new and for much longer distance which are testing my capability to adapt to new issues. Put one other method, the Cocodona 250 Mile is instructing this outdated canine some new tips.
Andy Jones-Wilkins and his canine, Josey, in Arizona. Photograph courtesy of Andy Jones-Wilkins.
The most important and most mentally overwhelming new trick I have to study is managing sleep in such an extended race. In my complete profession operating ultras, I’ve slept throughout a race precisely as soon as, on the 2016 Hardrock 100. For each one in every of my different races, I’ve been capable of get via them with out sleep. It will clearly not be the case at Cocodona!
It appears to me that managing sleep is likely one of the largest challenges most runners face at multi-day occasions, and there appear to be many various plans and methods that athletes make use of of their races. As for me, I’m engaged on a plan that may have me run as far into the second evening of the race as I can earlier than taking my first sleep break. Then, from there, I don’t actually have a plan, aside from sleeping each time I really feel the necessity to and having my crew and pacers handle these sleep breaks in order that they don’t seem to be too lengthy.
The following new trick I’m studying is how you can use poles. I’ve solely raced with poles a couple of occasions and by no means for the size of time I might be utilizing them at Cocodona. I’ve been diving into the analysis on power expenditure variations with and with out poles and have a basic plan of when and the place I’ll use them. I’m additionally studying that I’ve wanted to work on my higher physique energy as a part of my coaching as utilizing poles does result in higher physique fatigue. Lastly, I proceed to work on my pole approach as there are clearly variations between the appropriate method to make use of poles and the flawed method, and an excessive amount of of the flawed method actually provides to muscle fatigue and ache.
Lastly, I’m coming to grips with carrying a heavy pack. For almost all of my ultrarunning profession, I’ve been a handheld particular person. Two bottles and a pair of shorts with pockets have been traditionally sufficient for me to get via any of my ultras. Working Cocodona this manner is just not attainable. Between necessary gear, the quantity of water wanted on a number of sections of the course, and the large temperature swings in the course of the race, operating Cocodona have to be accomplished with a pack. And a reasonably heavy one at that. I’m slowly adjusting to operating with a heavy pack throughout a lot of my day by day runs, and over time I’m turning into extra accustomed to it.
AJW operating the 2021 Three Days of Syllamo stage race together with his most well-liked handheld bottle. Photograph: Amanda Harvey
A month out from the massive day and I’m keen and excited for the race, as this outdated canine is oddly having fun with studying some new tips!
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from Outdated Canine Brewing Firm in Bobcaygeon, Ontario. Single Malt Scottie is a wealthy and nutty Scottish ale, harking back to the traditional Scottish ales of Glasgow. Weighing in at a gentle 4.7%, Single Malt Scottie is a scrumptious beer to be loved nearly any time.
Name for Feedback
Have you ever any huge targets for the 12 months which would require you to study some new expertise as a runner?