Week in Review: Tip Top Mileage and an Upcoming 50K

Oofa, it’s a scorcher out there. Temperatures are peaking here in Sacramento and if the forecast is correct, the weather will be relentless through the long holiday weekend. 

It’s been a productive mileage week, the most productive in my memory, actually. 

Seven days, seven runs, each varying in distance and intensity. In total, I logged 43.3 miles, averaging 6.2 miles daily, but my actual runs varied between 3.1 miles and 13.1 miles. My half marathon attempt over the past weekend resulted in a personal best. My second long run this week was on Thursday. Got my shoes all sandy while jogging 10 miles down by the banks of the American River. Check out the chart below for a recap of the full week.     

 

Originally, upping my mileage wasn’t purposeful. I wasn’t training for a specific race; I just wanted to go farther. Throughout spring and early summer, I consistently logged between five and 15 miles weekly. In early July, I shifted gears. My aim was growth, and I’m quite pleased with the results from the past seven weeks.     

7/12-7/18: 33.9 miles

7/19-7/25: 25 miles

7/26-8/1: 32.7 miles

8/2-08/8:  30.5 miles

8/9-8/15: 27.2 miles

8/16-8/22: 25.3 miles

8/23-8/29: 32.5 miles

A synchronous purpose for the miles?

While perusing the interwebs last week, I stumbled upon a virtual race that required my registration. After all, it’s named after my favorite cryptid. 

The Bigfoot Elusive Race is a virtual race being held worldwide through the rest of September. Registrants can sign up for six different distances, including the 10K, 50K, 50mile, 100K, 100mile and 200mile. 

I’m nowhere near ready for a 50mile race, but I think I’m ready for a 50K (31.1 miles). So I signed up for that distance. It’s a bummer that my first attempt at this distance will be alone, but that’ll also be part of the challenge. Being surrounded by other runners can be invigorating, giving you extra gas when the tank feels empty. I’m curious to see where my mind will go while running this distance. 

I’m still determining where I’ll attempt my 50K, but the most likely sites include the Lake Natoma Trail (an 11.1-mile loop) or the Hidden Falls Trail Loop (a 14.9-mile loop). Decisions, decisions, decisions. 

Happy running!