Week 1: December 25 – January 1, 2017
Welcome to my first 50k Training Log! Here, I will publish a weekly summary of my training in preparation for the Two Castles 50k Ultramarathon. I expect these entries to change over time as I figure out which information is useful and what is unnecessary.
For specific exercises I do in the gym as well as my running plan, visit my 50k Training Plan post. I will only detail my long runs, as those are the only ones of significance and, honestly, the only ones I enjoy.
Feel free to reach out and provide any feedback you may have or request any other specific information! Without further ado…
- Monday:
- AM: Weights – Legs
- PM: OFF
- Tuesday:
- AM: 5M run on the River Trail
- PM: Weights – Chest & Triceps
- Wednesday:
- AM: Weights – Deadlifts & Core
- PM: OFF
- Thursday:
- AM: 5M run on the River Trail
- PM: Weights – Back & Shoulders
- Friday:
- AM: Weights – Legs & Upper
- PM: OFF
- Saturday:
- AM:Long run – 13.64 mi – Buffavento Castle Area
- Sunday: OFF
Total mileage: 23.64mi
Summary
This week’s long run, while “only” 13.64 miles, was brutal. The weather was fantastic, but this section of the trail is a real bear. As you can see below, the vertical gain for that short of a distance is pretty ridiculous, and it included a a 2100ft ascent to the top of Buffavento Castle as well–what a killer. This is great training for the 50k race, as this is part of the route that it runs along (not this piece specifically, although those doing the 80k race will have to do this entirely).
I love running in this part of Cyprus, as it has fantastic views and no crowds. I rarely see anyone else out on the trail, which give me free reign to walk as much as I want without feeling guilty! Ha!
Until next week!
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Brandon Chase is a writer, endurance athlete, and guide based in Maine. He is a former Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State and spent nearly a decade overseas serving at embassies in Egypt, Cyprus, and Pakistan.
Along with a 98-day thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, he has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, hiked the West Highland Way, fastpacked in the Himalayas, and trekked around New Zealand and South Africa. He also regularly competes in ultramarathons at the 50k, 50-mile, and 100-mile distances. He is a Lead Guide for Andrew Skurka Adventures and the New England Outdoor Center.