Passing the Century Mark

101 total miles last week!  Great week of running, including an early morning outing at Oak Mountain with snow still on the ground in high areas and the Mercedes Marathon on Sunday.  Passing 100 miles in a week for the first time is a huge physical and mental boost heading into the 50 miler in less than 3 weeks.  I feel very confident in my training and believe I am as prepared as I could be.  Doesn't guarantee success, because anything can happen over that distance, but it's nice to feel prepared going into the race.  Now it's time to go easy for a few weeks before the big day.

Mercedes Marathon on Sunday was another fun event.  I always enjoy seeing so many friends and familiar faces at this race.  Decided to run last minute as a final long training run before beginning the taper for Mississippi 50.  My goal was to stay steady throughout and finish in the 3:20-3:30 range.  I fully expected to be closer to 3:30 given the mileage on the week and due to a 19 miler on Oak Mountain trails the day before.  However, I felt good throughout and was able to hold a steady pace throughout and finished in 3:18:54.  Ran a 5 minute negative split, which was also a huge confidence boost heading into the ultra.  The race recorded four splits during the race, and it was fun to see the results showing my place within my age group at each split:  10k-17th place, 20k-16th, 30k-16th, Finish-6th.  Obviously I felt pretty good late in the race to be able to gain 10 places during that span. 

Congratulations to many on a great race on Sunday, but particularly the following:
     *Michelle Litte - Completed 1st Half Marathon!
     *Andon Briggs - Completed Marathon with almost no training!
     *Beth Briggs - Completed Marathon with no training (Unbelievable!)
     *Beth Patrick - Broke the 2 Hour Mark in the Half!
     *Aaron Ainsworth - 1:14 Half...Smokin!

Verse:  "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men."  -1 Corinthians 12:4-6

January Totals

January Total Miles: 356
   Off Days: 2 (1/30 and 1/31 - Family travel day and stomach bug)
   20+ Runs: 5
   Races: 1 (MS Blues Marathon)

January was a great running month for me, including my highest mileage week (94) and month ever.  With five runs over 20 miles, including three over 27 and a weekend featuring back-to-back 20+ days (22 Friday/ 27 Saturday), I feel very strong with the 50 miler coming up in just over three weeks. 

Most importantly, I was able to spend a considerable amount of time on the trails at Oak Mountain during January.  Each run out there has been enjoyable, and the time really flies by on the trails.  I completed two five hour runs during the month, and each seemed like only a couple hours.  For me personally, the difference between trail and road running is huge in terms of overall enjoyment.  Time in the woods doesn't feel like training, but rather a chance to enjoy the scenery.  Plus, Andon Briggs has joined me on a couple occasions, and his company certainly helps pass the time.

One more week of hard training, then a gradual three week taper for the 50 miler.  Getting close.

Verse:  "Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn..."   -Isaiah 51:1