It’s taper time!

I’m at the start of the taper for my next ultra marathon, so no more long runs in the weekend for me for the next couple of weeks.

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I’ve started running a new circuit, which is only 7kms long, but has loads of hills in it. The first time round it I wore my five finger shoes. This meant I could not run very fast and had to focus on good form and proper posture.

I really enjoyed (as crazy as it sounds) powering up the hills. Because I couldn’t push too hard without pounding my feet, I never worked so hard that I was out of breath or had the lactic acid build up in my legs. I actually felt that I could keep going forever. I love that feeling.

This time around I was back in road shoes, so I was able to push the pace a lot more. So I did.

In the end I was only 1 minute per kilometre faster, but I was a lot more spent by the time I got home. So it was a good, short, hard workout that got my lungs and heart working.

I’m happy with the way that is going because I can see how my body is working on the uphills and downhills, and how my change of running style is affecting my speed and performance.

Most of what I’m focusing on now is core work, mobility and strengthening my ankles (which is why I was running in fives.) I know I have the endurance to cover the 56km distance, and that I can cope with the 1535 metre elevation gain (5,000 feet) no problem. All that really remains is to set myself up to run it as best I can.

I still won’t be fast, but hopefully I won’t be last this time.

Some stats from Mr. Garmin

Distance: 7.6km
Time wearing fives: 52:24
Time in road shoes: 45:11
Average pace in fives: 6:56
Average pace in shoes: 5:57
Elevation gain: 200m
Average heart rate in fives: 139 bpm
Average heart rate in shoes: 157bpm

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