Finding My Ultra 2.2

The second and last Base Training Period comes to an end this weekend. I plan to celebrate the fitness I have been able to accumulate over the past two months at the Indian Island 15k Trail Race on Sunday.

This last block of training went very well.  I followed the game plan almost perfectly and I can't wait to reap the rewards at the end of December.  My body has responded quite nicely to the gradual escalation of volume this month.  There has been positive changes across the board starting with an increase in my aerobic endurance. Improvements in my mechanical efficiency have also been noted.  I had anticipated that I would be challenged mentally as the longer runs have grown longer however, It has been easy to stay checked in and to be in the moment. There has been an obvious change in my physical appearance. Over the first month I dropped about 5.5 pounds. This month I have lost 2 more  for a total  of 7.5 pounds.  Nutritionally, I have done my best to avoid eating meat and molding my diet into that of a vegetarian.  

Starting in December I will start to tailor my training towards the Traprock 50k.  Reflection upon my past two months of training and the demands of the Traprock 50k I need to address my muscular strength in order to power up the inclines.  I also need to work on quickly navigating declines.   Nutrition will obviously play a critical role in my success and I have started to dial in what my body needs.

My goals for December are as follows:
1. Avg weekly volume of 50 miles
2. Improve muscular strength and endurance 
3. Improve technical aspects of trail running (quick descents) 
4. Redefine comfortable by stretching my aerobic zones.

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