Revising Training + Remaining Optimistic

I suppose this is sort of part II to my last blog. Given the nature of my achilles tendon and the almost stress fracture, I've been forced to change my entire 2010 calendar. Having come to terms with that now and accepted that I won't be at the Canadian Death Race this weekend (but sending loads of goodlucks to everyone that is) I've had to think about how/what will be the best way that I can prepare and be ready for this September when I head to Italy for the Tour des Geants - a 300km, non-stop, solo race on full on single track that will take me around the base of the highest four thousanders in the Alps! AWESOME!!

So with my new goal for this fall, I've been thinking about how I can best train given the nature and caution of my injuries that I must proceed forward with. I've been biking 12-16hrs weekly over the past 5-6 weeks so my MTB is strong. I've been on the SUP lots too, so upper body endurance is increasing once again. Last week I was able to test out running and it went pretty good. I did a 20min and a 30min with no pain during or the day after. This week I've done a 1hr, a 45min and another 30min, happy to report zero pain. My confidence is returning slowly but surely. Each run I've focused entirely on quick cadence with a midfoot strike.

Gutted that I had to pull out all my A ultra's this summer, I'm trying to determine what will be best for Italy. I was so looking forward to the CDR and even though I don't think that I have lost any fitness, I know that there was no way that I could go and run 130km without having run in 6 weeks. That would probably just lead to re-injury. So, because I have been multi-sporting, I've maintained fitness and endurance and probably above all else, stayed mentally sane. Team Technu recently asked me if I would come join them in Lake Tahoe for a 24hr adventure race. With not being at the CDR and my weekend suddenly free, I thought why not. This would still give me a solid 24hrs of training but would not be entirely on foot. The run/trek sections will be dispersed throughout the race and it will be a good test to see where I am at. In addition, it will give me some sleep deprivation training, something that I haven't had to utilize since last October at World AR champs in Portugal. So, here I am now in Tahoe. After a 2 day drive down, I'm now prepping my gear and enjoying some California time. The race gets underway tomorrow at 8am. Check out Big Blue Adventure Race.

Unfortunately, I will be racing against my team, DART-nuun Sport-Multi. Having thought that I would be at the CDR, the team had to find another female. However, I will return back to California in 2 weeks time to race with them at Gold Rush.

All in all, I am feeling positive about the progression of my injuries and the rest of 2010 for racing and adventuring. I've decided to not stress over missing the CDR now as there are so many other races to go and tackle out there. I can't wait for Italy and my return to ultra running. I've had so much support from people in regards to this difficult time that I can't say thanks enough. I've recently become an Aunty too, and so despite having a very challenging entrance into this world, little Ela is my newest inspiration. She has put life back into perspective for me so I thank her for that.

I've been ticking some items off of my Bucket List too so I will share that shortly. Some good things do come injury I suppose :)

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer, adventure onwards.....