Running Plans....2009

With the year almost at an end I have started thinking about what my running goals are moving into next year.

Looking back on 2008 there was definitely some magic and plenty of good times but it didn't start out that way. Heading into 2008 there was a dark cloud hanging over me as I had recently discovered a large growth above my eye which was growing at an alarming rate. I was scheduled for surgery late February and the surgeon had advised me that the likely outcome was going to be double vision and the risk for total blindness was high. While I expected that a lot of things would be affected like driving and work, I was more troubled about what it would do to my running. Running has become a bigger part of my life than I ever imagined that it would when I started out.

Highlights for 2008 were:-
1. Marathon PB - 2:57:10 at Cities
2. 12 Foot Track - 10:23 (and course record)

After running 12FT in August I was thinking I wouldn't run another ultra but I was wrong. The calling has started for me to give it another crack in 2009. But I want to do it better this time around. I haven't focused my training towards achieving my ultra potential so with that in mind the new year will be about focusing on the long stuff. So what is the right way to train for an ultra? For me probably close to what I did when focusing on a road marathon but with some longer runs on the trails thrown into the mix. Back-to-back long runs -- perhaps? But I am a little wary due to previous injury. Probably just need to keep things in check and try not to do to much too soon which is one of weaknesses. Injury is usually the way my body teaches and I hope that I will be listening more closely this time around.

I am now in the process of thinking about what my key races will be. Maybe North Face in May?

With North Face in mind my build-up races and runs might include:

January - Australia Day Fatathon 42k
February - Megalong Mega+ 36k or Gray's Point to the Gong 60k option
March - 6 Foot Track 45k
April - Hellgate Gorge 46k (?), NF recon runs 50-60k
May - North Face 100k

Before the big event though I'll try and run the whole course in sections to gain some familiarity and get an idea of what time(s) I should aim for. Might check out to see if I can get any splits from the runners that completed the event last year.

So what's after North Face? I think a new marathon PB....! Maybe Gold Coast.