Grindstone 100 Mile Prep – Week 5 (Ultramarathon Training Update)

Another week in my Grindstone 100 mile prep and another setback in training. I was able to get some running in this week, but I may have pushed too far by attempting a 10 mile run.

I started the week with just a couple miles on the treadmill for a few days and my foot actually felt okay. By day 4 of returning to running, I did an hour outside on the trails and felt fine afterward. I even took a rest day just to be safe.

On Saturday I tried to stretch it out with a 10 mile run on a gravel road. By mile 7 I had to stop because I could feel the injury starting to flare up again.

That brings me back to another break from running. We are now two weeks out from the Cherokee 70K, which is our tune up race for Grindstone. At this point I am planning to only run again once I have zero pain in my foot. The goal is to not rush it and give this injury a real chance to settle down.

Maintaining fitness during injury with cycling

Even though running volume dropped again this week, I’ve been able to keep fitness up with cycling. I still hit over 90 miles on the bike in addition to the short run sessions.

The legs have definitely been the limiter on the bike, and the bike itself is not helping much either since it is older and the gears do not shift well. Still, I am staying consistent and trying to build leg endurance wherever I can.

I am hopeful that this cross training is helping me maintain aerobic fitness while I get my foot sorted out.

Week 5 training summary

Monday
2 miles run walk
19.55 miles cycling

Tuesday
4.25 miles run walk

Wednesday
3 miles run walk
15.53 miles cycling

Thursday
7 miles run walk

Friday
30.25 miles cycling
(30 miles on my 30th birthday)

Saturday
7.72 miles run walk
14 miles cycling

Sunday
15.16 miles cycling

Weekly totals

Running: 23.98 miles
Cycling: 94.51 miles

Looking ahead to Week 6 of Grindstone training

Heading into Week 6, the focus is simple. Get healthy. I am not going to force running until the foot is fully pain free. The priority is showing up ready for the long block ahead and ultimately Grindstone 100, not forcing fitness in the short term.

Here’s to a better week and hopefully getting back to consistent running.

Coach Cam