Diving into the New Year

Runners generally hit a new year with optimism and plans for improvement. That's where I am this January, running longer distances than I have the last few years.

For a good many years, I've been a 20 mile a week runner. I always figured I could do OK in races as I'd run my miles on the quick side, testing myself when I felt good. This short distance approach works up to a point--but now I believe that I'll benefit from the oveall strength and endurance gained from going longer. You can only improve so much on low mileage; indeed, during my last buildup to serious racing at age 50, I added some distance to my buildup phase of training and the 5K and 10K times improved quite a bit from the previous year.

To begin with, I'm stretching out to 30 mile weeks. At the center of my weekly schedule are 15-16 kilometer runs in the hills above the city of Oaxaca. Man, these runs take me out of my comfort zone and challenge me to improve.

It's my good fortune to have befriended local ultra-marathoner Richard Stoutner. He is a fellow Oaxaca resident and the owner of Mashica Sport here in Oaxaca. He trains distance runners, triathletes and bicycle racers. He exudes enthusiasm for endurance sports, and a matter of fact positive attitude that is contagious.

I've been running with Richard once a week. While a run in the 15K range is my long run day at present, I'd call it one of his easier workouts. I focus on maintaining my rhythm on the trails and roads above Oaxaca, while Richard glides smoothly up and down the rolling wooded trails. This man is seriously fit. Currently he is preparing to run the Ultra Caballo Blanco 80 Kilometer event in March, the race at the center of Born to Run book by Christopher MacDougall.

I'm enthusiastic about stretching out to longer runs, and indeed racing with more miles under my belt. And of course, I'm looking pulling for Richard to have a great run at the Ultra Caballo Blanco this March 2nd!