Michelle
Into the belly of the build. Five weeks in, five weeks out.

Warmer than usual for this time but still cold enough for long tights and gloves. I have been making my own hydration and nutrition for long runs this build. I figured that silicone baby food containers would work for my "gels" - a mix of honey, ginger syrup, and maldon salt. So far so good!

My elevation runs are laps of the sledding hill. Boring but lots of time to think and reflect. And it makes elevation on race day seem luxurious! I was observing today how different I feel since finishing the phd. I feel it in my muscles. In my bones. It's been about seven weeks since graduation and I am still marvelling at the change. I am excited for the next five weeks of build!

1040m of climbing today in the middle of my long run today. Yoga practice 1174 - self guided yin.

#LongRunDone #SilentSunday #UltraTrail #TrailRunning #Run #Running #DailyYoga #Yoga #PhDLife #PhDRecovery #GetOutside #Gels #Hydration #DIY #GratefullyGrinding
Apr 22, 2024 at 4:17amWeb
Show threadBryan 🏳️‍🌈 PixelfedApr 22, 2024
Go you! 🙌🙌🙌 Cheering you on from the interwebs sideline 🥰🙌🙏🎉
Show threadMichelleApr 22, 2024
Thank you! The support is fabulous! 🌸
Show threadTim StantonApr 22, 2024
@ThunderHoney Sounds like your running program is going great! Very impressive to have that much elevation gain in the middle of a long run. I especially appreciate that elevation gain since that was the same as when I summited a mountain earlier this month. While I was hiking slowly up, two people ran past me uphill— I was impressed with their condition. Not sure if they were training for a race or just doing it for fun.
Show threadMichelleApr 22, 2024
That sounds hardcore! I aim to keep my max HR below 70% (I do zone two or 80-20, 80% is easy, in zone 2, and 20% is hard, usually intervals) so my hills are not that fast (unless it's interval day!). I do notice that I am getting faster while adhering to the HR max but I am not fast! I do enjoy having no DOMS though post long run! I used to walk like I'd been on a horse all day post long run when I did pace/distance but now, just normal. All that to say, I embrace slowly, slowly, slowly on the trail!
Show threadTim StantonApr 22, 2024
@ThunderHoney Yes, I am definitely in the "slow slow slow" mode while hiking. These two runners were actually talking loudly, without needing to catch their breath, while running uphill! They probably do this regularly. That's great that you're getting faster with your method. And, I've adjusted my home workout routine (adding a step program with ankle weights) and I am now able to get a comfortable second wind while going uphill in the mountains. Progress!
Show threadMichelleApr 22, 2024
Progress is exciting! It's so satisfying when a new training program bears fruit!
Show threadTim StantonApr 22, 2024
@ThunderHoney 👍 😀