Update 01/07/2013: It’s actually 40 days away not 20, I was reading the wrong countdown! 40 days still isn’t long though but a lot better than 20. Post now corrected.
40 days
40 days!!
That’s how long until the North Downs Way 100!!!
This week has actually resembled something akin to actual training, my first proper week since being injured. Obviously with the TMW on the previous Saturday it wasn’t going to be a massive week for mileage, I am having to build myself back up.
Monday was a rest day as I had taken the extra day off work so spent it with the family. Tuesday it was back at work so a 11.5 mile cycle in the morning and a 12 mile cycle in the evening. My legs were still pretty sore from the marathon but the cycling actually helped to loosen everything up.
Wednesday the usual cycle but I have now started to run on my lunch break. I don’t have the time to do anything too long but can just about squeeze in 3-4 miles. This was the first run without any strapping on and although still sore my ankle held ok, it was road running so the risk is lowered. This was a fairly pacey run for me with 3.43 miles in 26:02.
Thursday again cycling and a lunchtime run, same route but I managed to get the time down to 25:32 which potentially is a new PB for a 5km run, which given the lack of any real speedwork (or training for that matter!) I was very pleased with.
Saturday was a long run across the North Downs, I was aiming for anything between 15 – 20 miles and ended up with 16.78 miles. I stopped to take pictures and enjoy the views so it wasn’t a quick one, also I still can’t dash down the technical trails so I am having to just plod along.
Good news is that I felt ok throughout the run and had plenty of energy at the end, so I am getting there but the question is can I get there in 20 days.
We shall see….
Below are some photos from Saturday:
UltraPlodder.com 
I remember doing a 10 hour day on the S Downs way many years ago………it was superb.
How is the training going buddy? Only 19 worrying days left to go…
Ankle still isn’t 100% but ran a 30 mile training run the week before at target pace and felt ok. It’s getting very real now!
Good to hear. This is my first ultra so will be leaning on you experienced guys for support and encouragement.
Do you have a target time?
I have planned my times for each checkpoint, I have broken it down into pieces but my overall aim is around 26 hours, I will be uploading my plan in a day or so to the blog. This is my first 100 so from mile 50 it will be unknown territory.
That sounds good. I am aiming for a more reserved sub 29hrs but like you have planned my times at each station so fingers crossed it should all be okay.
I shall keep an eye out for your next blog post 🙂
26 is best case scenario, just getting under the cut off is the main thing.