So in twelve weeks I will be attempting to run 50km within seven hours and as such, I've started my training plan. It felt to get out and run at a comfortable "ultra-style" pace where I walked most of the uphills and ran the flats and downhills. I walked when I got a bit out of puff, and ran when I didn't.
Running in the modern world can be all very complex with talk of "Heart Rate Zones" and "tempos" and "intervals" and "hill work" and all this jargon. And I think that's why I'm drawn to ultras at the moment, although I'm sure my mind may change at some point. Marathons and half marathons and 10ks and 5ks are all distances where everyone has their own idea of what a "good" time is. Yet for ultras, people rarely think "how fast did you do the ultra?" they simply shocked at the idea of doing an ultra!
Ultras also take the complexity of modern day running - it simply comes down to: run as far as you can. Don't worry about time or pace or zones, just get out and get it done. Of course, races still have cut off times and limits, but that for ultras they tend to be quite generous. They also have aid stations with tasty food and fizzy drinks... perfect for those who enjoy eating as much as they do running.
I'm sure the training won't be perfect to get me in shape for the ultra - there will be moments when I am sick or have a slight niggle or simply don't have enough time. But with patience and perseverance it can be done, and that is the goal. Just get out and run (and walk from time to time).
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