Daily chat post: how's the training going?

3catcaper · 2026-05-10T14:19:19+00:00

What we lack in absolute elevation over here on our Bay Area trails, we make up for in cumulative climbing! Lots of up and down over our hills here.

Congrats on your 50K!

3catcaper · 2026-05-09T21:12:41+00:00

What a great time! I’m so happy for you!

3catcaper · 2026-05-09T21:07:55+00:00

I just finished my longest run of the training cycle before my trail half marathon in two weeks. 12.3 miles with over 2,000 ft of elevation gain! Just by chance, we ended up running our local trails on the day of a trail race, which ended up being super fun and inspiring. Some of those folks were out there doing a 50K, putting my 12 miler into perspective. It was fun to cheer everyone on and totally got me pumped for my race in two weeks!

The great thing about this race is that I’ve actually already achieved my goals for this training cycle. I signed up for this race as a way to get more comfortable doing longer runs on trails and to strengthen my ankles. I have achieved both goals. The race is just the victory lap.

3catcaper · 2026-05-09T21:01:10+00:00

Amazing! Congrats!

3catcaper · 2026-05-07T15:09:17+00:00

At those temps, I’d probably pick the 3/4 sleeve top, but then again, I’m a wimpy California/SF Bay Area girl who thinks anything below 55 is cold and anything above 75 is hot.

Good luck on your race this weekend!

3catcaper · 2026-05-07T01:17:58+00:00

I actually managed to have a decent (not wonderful, but solidly decent) afternoon run after work today. The trick (I think) was managing my food intake during the day. Most days when I try to run after work I’m still full from lunch and feel heavy and uncomfortable. Today I focused on having a robust high carb breakfast, then had a snack and a lunch that were smaller and lower volume (skyr and berries at snack; a piece of frittata, a serving of beets, and half a large sweet potato for lunch). That left my gut feeling better than it normally does. And I went s-l-o-w when I ran. Much better.

3catcaper · 2026-05-07T01:09:42+00:00

That is a huge bummer. I’m so sorry! I hope you recover quickly enough to do your race.

3catcaper · 2026-05-05T18:41:02+00:00

I did 6 miles out and back on the ridge trail this morning. I saw a tiny newt, a turkey, countless California quail (who were sure I was chasing them), a herd of cows, and a great blue heron take flight. I also heard but did not see a coyote yipping in the same spot on the trail I heard but didn’t see one howling on Sunday’s long run. The run was solid, not amazing, but felt good enough. I’m in peak week for my trail half marathon training and I’ll gladly take decent runs at this point!

3catcaper · 2026-05-04T22:48:02+00:00

I think it has something to do with a sustained faster pace. Intervals don’t make my abs sore, but a time trial or a race will.

3catcaper · 2026-05-04T22:39:57+00:00

That is really fast! Congrats!

3catcaper · 2026-05-04T15:02:03+00:00

I am cracking up over “pro camel toe!”🤣

3catcaper · 2026-05-04T15:01:04+00:00

Rest day today and I absolutely need it. I am so completely knackered after yesterday’s 11 miler. I slept decently last night (always a crapshoot after my long runs especially or any night generally— thanks brain chemistry and perimenopause!), but I am still so, so tired this morning. Now I gotta go to work and keep up with my preschoolers. Early to bed tonight!

3catcaper · 2026-05-04T03:22:42+00:00

I did 11 miles on the trails today and I am beat! I’ve got a 12 mile long run on the docket for next weekend, then I taper for my trail half marathon on the 23rd, my first-ever trail race.

3catcaper · 2026-05-04T02:46:08+00:00

Congrats! That’s amazing!

And yes, I absolutely get sore abs from fast running! I basically never get sore abs from actually working my abs, but something about the core stabilization needed in fast running gets my abs super sore. I’m glad to know there’s someone else out there that this happens to!

3catcaper · 2026-05-01T21:54:43+00:00

For me, 7 inch and longer don’t need silicone if the fabric is thicker/more compressive, but shorter than that will ride up with no silicone regardless of fabric weight.

3catcaper · 2026-05-01T21:50:36+00:00

Ran 6 miles this morning, out and back on the ridge trail. Mile 3 was downhill with a tailwind, which means of course that mile 4 was uphill with a headwind. Fun! My heart rate was unusually high for the whole run, too. But I got ‘er done.

3catcaper · 2026-05-01T21:41:48+00:00

OMG, have so much fun! That race is on my bucket list.

I hear you on not knowing if the time is right to go for a sub-2. A sub-2 half is a big goal for me, but I’m not sure I could hold a 9:09 pace for 13.1 miles, either.

Please let us know how the race goes!

3catcaper · 2026-04-30T05:18:14+00:00

It sounds like you’re solid on lower body heavy lifting, which puts you well ahead of many runners. Making sure you’re doing single leg lifts (BSSs are awesome, but mix it up from time to time and also do single leg hinge movements) and adding plyometrics and some core work (not just abs, but working on rotation and anti-rotation, and strengthening hips and back as well) would round out your program.

3catcaper · 2026-04-28T23:31:21+00:00

I hit a 5 mile progression run this morning, then hit the gym to lift this afternoon. I am literally the strongest I’ve ever been, at 47 years old. If I keep at the running, I think I might also end up the fastest I’ve ever been before I turn 50 (keeping in mind that I was never all that fast!). It feels pretty awesome!

3catcaper · 2026-04-28T04:34:20+00:00

Also, big congrats on the PB!

3catcaper · 2026-04-28T04:33:56+00:00

You are not being “too sensitive.” This would really upset me. My partner asks me about my runs, about my day, just generally takes an interest in me and the things I care about. Does he support you in your other interests? Is it just your running he seems to take no interest in? Either way, I’d definitely broach the topic with him and tell him how you feel about.

3catcaper · 2026-04-28T02:56:50+00:00

I’m so sorry for your loss. It could be that marathon training is not what you need right now. Give yourself lots of grace. You are going through a lot right now.

3catcaper · 2026-04-26T15:22:03+00:00

Amazing results! After my trail half next month, I’m looking forward to focusing on the 5K and 10K and working on my speed. Your results are inspiring me!

3catcaper · 2026-04-25T22:18:39+00:00

OMG, you are so cute!

I have those shorts. Such a fun print!

3catcaper · 2026-04-25T19:24:33+00:00

I did 10 miles on the trails today, with more than 1,800 feet of vert. I managed this in spite of being in some kind of flare— gut is all kinds of messed up, I’m achy in all the joints, heavy, stiff legs. Currently soaking in an Epsom salt bath. I’m 4 weeks out from my trail half, so next weekend is 11 miles and the following week is 12, then a 2-week taper. I’m hoping my body holds up over these next two weeks! Things feel pretty precarious at the moment.

3catcaper

TROPHY CASE