I’ve enjoyed 50k training these last couple months. I hope my race is still a go at the end of August but seemingly anything can (and will) happen in 2020.
In 2019 I completed my first 50k. It was long, and it was physically demanding and mentally taxing. But the finish line was the sweetest one I’ve crossed yet.
50K Training in 2020
My finish time was nothing to write home about, unfortunately. And my last couple loops were extremely challenging as I battled a nagging IT band injury. You can read the full recap here! I never had much doubt that I would finish, but I wasn’t too thrilled with my overall performance. In short, I wish I had done better.
Because I had so much on my plate for 2020, I didn’t give much thought to another 50k. But of course those pesky familiar questions started nagging in the back of my mind. You know the ones — the what ifs, can I’s, should I’s, and I’d like to’s…
We’ve all heard them before, especially after a race!
In late 2019 I began entertaining the idea of another round of 50k training. Even though I had a lot on my plate for 2020, I figured if I timed it right I could make it happen. I had a few to choose from but when I stacked them all on the chopping block, I realized I really wanted another go at the one I completed in 2019 — Moebius – Green Monster Trail 50k.
And then COVID happened.
As it turns out, I now have very little on my agenda for 2020. Most of the worry about race dates and locations quickly became irrelevant. Oh how naive we were back in 2019!
As spring races began getting cancelled — namely the Tokyo Marathon — I knew it was only a matter of time before the domino effect of race cancellations worldwide began in earnest.
50K Training through Quarantine
Throughout quarantine, I began to build out my 50k training. I started logging higher mileage, thanks in part to the Orange Mud RATS race and GVRAT 1000k. And I’m now enjoying my double digit runs on the regular. I’ve been having a blast exploring the trails, running with my son, taking my dogs for runs, and just having a good time. The only drama so far is that I twisted my ankle this week. I’m hoping that won’t derail my training or I’ll be a sad kitty.
Continuing with 50K Training
There are a lot of unknowns going forward. I have decided to let the chips fall where they may and see what unfolds before me. I’ve decided to continue my 50k training in pursuit of a PR come August. Despite fall races now being cancelled, I’m still training like there will be a race.
I’m hopeful this race will happen for two reasons. First, it’s a teeny tiny race. And the RD already mentioned that he’d run every single one of us individually if that’s what it took for the 2020 race to go on. And second, Ohio is currently in a decline of COVID cases. I’m cautiously optimistic that we’ll remain in a decline through the fall. Of course who knows how likely that is — but it is what it is. Plus even if the race itself doesn’t happen, I’d still be running high mileage through the summer anyway. My plan is to keep plugging away through 50k training and hope it happens! Let’s put it this way: I’m having fun on the trails with a tentative goal for the future.
I’ve truly enjoyed training these last couple months. I really hope Moebius is still a go at the end of August but like everything, there’s a lot of time between now and then, and seemingly anything can (and will) happen.
2020, you’ve really flipped the script. And then turned it inside out. And crumpled it up. Now we’re just waiting for the 2020 script to become spitballs or something else obnoxious…
xo
Let’s talk!
Do you have any goals for the remainder of 2020?
Are you still planning on races in your area?
