Deadlifts and Distance Running — Being Humbled By The Hills

In my happy place

This was definitely the most challenging race I've run so far.

The conditions weren't great, it was cloudy and much time was spent going up hills.

It was also the best run I've had on the trails. There was a section where I felt totally immersed in traversing the terrain. I was in a flow state feeling like I was part of the land. I felt free.

It taught me a lot about the work I've done so far and what's to come.

This Was A Training Run

When I signed up for last year's 10km version of the event it was supposed to be a stop on the road to the Edinburgh Marathon (I never actually got to do it because it got cancelled lol).

It was the same again this year.

This run builds my engine towards the 50km race in May. It was programmed in to be a peak of the training I've done since the start of the year.

Peaking is when the volume (amount of running/weight) is at its greatest. After the peak, you taper off reducing the amount of training to allow your body to recover before continuing with building more capacity.

For example, last week I ran roughly 37km:

Half-marathon (21km)
Easy Zone 2 run (8km)
Tempo run (8km)

Compared to this week it was 26km:

Easy Zone 2 run (8km)
Tempo run (8km)
Easy Zone 2 (10km)

Each cycle of this means you have multiple smaller peaks throughout your training for a big event before hitting the big one.

Recovery becomes a priority off the back end of weeks like this too. That means eating plenty of carbohydrates to replenish the lost glycogen stores.

There's also a comedown effect too. Building yourself up mentally for events like this cause a dip afterwards. Being able to recognise and manage the slump after becomes key.

Never Underestimate The Land

Knowing I could run a half marathon gave me confidence. I've done it plenty of times now so I know what to expect.

Except any other time I've gone this distance has been majority flat and on the road. This was a whole other experience.

Trail running is naturally slower. The terrain varies almost every step and there are no long flat straights to settle in and build up speed.

I got complacent thinking the elevation wouldn't be too much more than what I had previously done. I was wrong.

We spent a good half an hour going up a steep incline that wound around the hill several times. This sort of path can play tricks on the mind leading to a false sense of security and sapping the energy from your legs.

My heart rate was high and we spent a lot of time walking the inclines to allow us to keep a steady pace.

Overall, we completed 770m of elevation (over half the height of Ben Nevis).

Nature is probably going to win if you head on with it. Be smart and go slower on the uphills. Then, you can get a good (safe) speed on the downhills without feeling fatigued.

Enjoy It

This is simple.

For me, being out in nature pushing myself physically and mentally gives me fulfilment.

The time away from phones and the busyness of life makes me feel good.

Whatever you're doing, there has to be an intrinsic joy felt during or at the end - a sense of satisfaction.

Yes, it's often uncomfortable. The wind and rain skelp your face or you have wet feet.

But at the finish line, you know you've pushed yourself to achieve something you haven't before.

You get the warm feeling washing over you with a sense of joy and a smile on your face.

Summary

Each run I do is part of working towards something bigger. These mini peaks all compound before you hit the big peak.
Nature is hard to fight against so be smart about tackling it.
Do what brings you satisfaction and joy. That could be anything.

What is it that's forcing you to grow right now?

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