8,000 feet of climbing

I’ve been reading so many blogs and websites about ultra running. One aspect of training that I need to make sure happens is increasing vertical every week. I read a blog that discussed doing 8,000 feet of climbing each week to prepare for Leadville so I’m adding it to my weekly goal. Hiking will help.

It was nice to finally get back on the hiking trails this week. The ice from last week made trails treacherous even with spikes.

Winant Trails in Concord
Hiking on the Winant Trails in Concord. The ice has been covered with melty snow.

The Road to Leadville: Week 27 Recap

Week 27 went well. I did all the miles on the plan: 36 miles.

Two days were spent running on the treadmill due to weather; mainly icy roads and sidewalks. But both weekend runs were outside: Saturday morning temperatures in the 30s, Sunday sunny and cold.

I smiled and was happy for 90 percent of Saturday’s 14 mile averaging 10:30 min miles which is really good for me. The course was hilly with a 933 ft. elevation gain so I’m making progress and getting stronger. I had the same pace for the Sunday 8 miler but this course was relatively flat. I’m just getting used to back-to-back runs; the 8 miler felt slow and was a bit painful. I’m ready to ramp up the miles and get back on trails.

I had a deep tissue massage on Saturday which was painful but needed.

I did weights/core three times this week and loved doing it. I’m adding more weight slowly and trying different exercises. I added Box Jumping this week.

Average Weight: 158

Average Resting Heart Rate: 48

Training Time: 7:05

Next Week’s Plan:

Training Week 28 Recap – The Road to Leadville 100 Run

The Road To Leadville

This week I did every run on the training plan. It’s not the official plan since the Official 25 Week Leadville 100 Run training plan doesn’t start for 3 weeks but I’m getting the disciplined training down.

After running twice on the treadmill this week due to icy road and trail conditions it was great to run outside on Saturday and Sunday despite the frigid temperatures that forced me to wear a balaclava.

The treadmill is just so boring.

This week I did three weight room training sessions for the first time. This is week 4 of weight training and I started slowly with two times a week. I do feel stronger and pushups are much easier. I’m gradually adding different options and getting advice from the trainers.

I’ve been thinking that I may plan a trip to Colorado in June for the Leadville Marathon in addition to going out in July to hike Pike’s Peak with my Colorado friends. It would be good altitude training for the August 100 miler.   

The next few weeks of running look like this:

Each run during the week has a purpose:

Tuesday: Hills
Wednesday: Speed Work/Temp
Thursday: Recovery Run


I do have a little issue with my low resting heart rate and low blood pressure again. I am monitoring it and salting all my food. I just need to stay healthy and get stronger; I can do this!

East Osceola Mountain

Made it to East Osceola Mountain on January 28, 2019. New England 4,000 footer list: 2/69.

I didn’t take any photos at the top because it was so cold and windy; I couldn’t wait to get back to the car. Even with spikes, I superman’d it at one point on the steeps going down, which was pretty nerve wracking. Once I got to the flatter section I put on my snowshoes and enjoyed a walk in the woods as the snow started to fall. I will make it to the main peak, Osceola another day.