Bit off message, but I run in Adizero Xt3's and I'm thinking of changing to zero-drop New Balance trail shoes... like... now. I think my Adizero's have a 6mm drop so nowhere near the 12mm average. Do you think I'll manage the transition ok before SDW50?
I run in NB MT10s, they have a 4mil drop, and a great minimalist feel, I would seriously recommend these for all but the muddiest trails. I guess the time to transition depends on your current gait, if you're already light and efficient and don't heel strike, then you should be fine. You could try to rotate them into your running program and slowly build up the mileage.
First over-marathon distance for me tomorrow. 30 miles, trail. Training run. Have hydration pack, shot blocks, Kendal mint cakes, new running tights! The bloke in the shop where I bought them Made me try loads of pairs on and then show him how well they fitted. After the fifth pair I started getting a bit suspicious.
Anyway, wish me luck. You might see me on the SDW between Worthing and shoreham.
I had to cut short at 26 miles. I have a weak hip flexor and it can get really painful when I'm running lots of hills, then that throws my knee out, so I was in agony from about mile 20.
It's easily fixable, so I'm not too worried. A week of specific exercises should see it right.
On the plus side, my 10ks are pretty consistent at just a shade under an hour at the pace I intend to use on the day and I'm not feeling fatigued at all. So its not all bad.
And it was a glorious day on the South Downs Way today. Made me glad to be alive despite the swearing.
I ran up to Crystal Palace Park today to try to find and support a club mate who was doing the London Ultra. Saw a different person from my club, and helped some people find their way, but totally failed to see the person I'd intended to see, which is a pity. Still, I covered nearly nine miles, gently, which was probably good for my ankle (still not 100%). That's only my second outing since TT50 wrecked my feet (did just under three miles yesterday, after two weeks of rest). Hopefully I'll be able to increase to something more like a proper long run next weekend and get out on the South Downs the week after.
Ran 20 miles yesterday, about half and half on road and on trail, some of it along the North Downs Way (we ran a "j" shape loop from Coulsdon, heading south then east, taking in part of NDW, and returning to Croydon then for me continuing north towards Beckenham). I was slower than I should have been, but not sure whether that's down to loss of fitness with my recent two-week break after Thames Trot, lack of any speedwork in the last couple of months, slightly tired legs from the eight miles the previous day running to Orpington for a beer festival, or the after-effects of the beer I drank at the festival (only six half-pints of beer and one half of cider, so not TOO much).
Ankle much better than it was, but still painful when my foot turned outwards on uneven ground. However my heels were fine, and my tendon isn't hurting today, so definite progress!
I really need to get out and recce half of SDW50 next Saturday or Sunday and the other half the following weekend, plus I'd like to fit in recces of NDW50 as well sometime as a refresher - and I have the 30-mile Lakeland 50 recce at the end of March... Running out of weekends! Not sure how much I'll want to do in the five weeks between SDW50 and NDW50 - I wouldn't have thought I'd want to have more than one 25-miler in that time...
How's everyone else's training going?
And for those of you who have been out on SDW this weekend: what are the underfoot conditions like at present?
It was good. Couple of longish climbs at the end but certainly not steep. Dead easy to navigate. I have seen all of the SDW now, still going to cover it all at least once more.
If you are doing the last part of course check out the video and directions on the centurion site to get from jevington to the track.
Ran my age to celebrate my birthday today - 41M on NDW. Felt strong t/out and had plenty in the tank at end. Definitely could've done 50. So that's not my race pace I guess...
Looks like it's Worthing to Falmer or Falmer to Eastbourne for me on Sunday. Probably Worthing to Falmer, but I've not decided 100% yet. Hope the map I ordered arrives in time...
Comments
Bit off message, but I run in Adizero Xt3's and I'm thinking of changing to zero-drop New Balance trail shoes... like... now. I think my Adizero's have a 6mm drop so nowhere near the 12mm average. Do you think I'll manage the transition ok before SDW50?
I run in NB MT10s, they have a 4mil drop, and a great minimalist feel, I would seriously recommend these for all but the muddiest trails. I guess the time to transition depends on your current gait, if you're already light and efficient and don't heel strike, then you should be fine. You could try to rotate them into your running program and slowly build up the mileage.
I agree with Tiago. I'm wearing MT110s for the SDW50 - used to minimalist shoes on the road (MT10s, MT20s, MR00s).
OK.
Gotta stop doing this. Too much G&T and I've now signed up for another ultra after readign all your posts.
Very excited.
Anyway, wish me luck. You might see me on the SDW between Worthing and shoreham.
Have I forgotten anything?
It's easily fixable, so I'm not too worried. A week of specific exercises should see it right.
On the plus side, my 10ks are pretty consistent at just a shade under an hour at the pace I intend to use on the day and I'm not feeling fatigued at all. So its not all bad.
And it was a glorious day on the South Downs Way today. Made me glad to be alive despite the swearing.
Thanks for asking.
Well done Snap! and sympathies for the problems.
I ran up to Crystal Palace Park today to try to find and support a club mate who was doing the London Ultra. Saw a different person from my club, and helped some people find their way, but totally failed to see the person I'd intended to see, which is a pity. Still, I covered nearly nine miles, gently, which was probably good for my ankle (still not 100%). That's only my second outing since TT50 wrecked my feet (did just under three miles yesterday, after two weeks of rest). Hopefully I'll be able to increase to something more like a proper long run next weekend and get out on the South Downs the week after.
Might be running the 2nd half of the SDW50 this weekend if anyone fancies a run out?
I'd love to - but I think I'd slow you down a lot, and not sure I should try for that length of trail on this ankle for another week or two.
Either day, morning start mate. Not too fussed about time.
Ran 20 miles yesterday, about half and half on road and on trail, some of it along the North Downs Way (we ran a "j" shape loop from Coulsdon, heading south then east, taking in part of NDW, and returning to Croydon then for me continuing north towards Beckenham). I was slower than I should have been, but not sure whether that's down to loss of fitness with my recent two-week break after Thames Trot, lack of any speedwork in the last couple of months, slightly tired legs from the eight miles the previous day running to Orpington for a beer festival, or the after-effects of the beer I drank at the festival (only six half-pints of beer and one half of cider, so not TOO much).
Ankle much better than it was, but still painful when my foot turned outwards on uneven ground. However my heels were fine, and my tendon isn't hurting today, so definite progress!
I really need to get out and recce half of SDW50 next Saturday or Sunday and the other half the following weekend, plus I'd like to fit in recces of NDW50 as well sometime as a refresher - and I have the 30-mile Lakeland 50 recce at the end of March... Running out of weekends! Not sure how much I'll want to do in the five weeks between SDW50 and NDW50 - I wouldn't have thought I'd want to have more than one 25-miler in that time...
How's everyone else's training going?
And for those of you who have been out on SDW this weekend: what are the underfoot conditions like at present?
Thanks for that. Hope you enjoyed your run.
If you are doing the last part of course check out the video and directions on the centurion site to get from jevington to the track.
Ran my age to celebrate my birthday today - 41M on NDW. Felt strong t/out and had plenty in the tank at end. Definitely could've done 50. So that's not my race pace I guess...
WiB thanks for that extra info - I'll look at the site.
Looks like it's Worthing to Falmer or Falmer to Eastbourne for me on Sunday. Probably Worthing to Falmer, but I've not decided 100% yet. Hope the map I ordered arrives in time...