Ah, November…. Two months to go until 2027.
Wait, two months until 2027?!
Yes, that’s right. We’re almost at the end of the year–can you believe it? I know I can’t. It feels like yesterday 2026 was gearing up, and now…well, we can get sentimental later. For now, it’s time to look ahead at November and gaze into the crystal ball to predict how things will shake out.
I see…miles…and miles…and more miles…. (Jeez, maybe I need another hobby??)
In all seriousness, I’m actually planning to run less in November than I did in October, September, or August. That’s not to say my mileage will be zero (at least I hope not), but that I’m going to focus on some R&R post Stone Mill next weekend as the march toward Devil Dog draws to an end.
Yes, I’m going to cut my miles weeks and weeks before my December race. I’m sure you’re asking, what coach prescribed that plan? And my answer is simple: me. (Don’t ever take advice from me.) My reason for doing this “mileage cut” so early is simple: because I want to. Yes, yes, what a revolutionary concept, believe you me. You see, I’m already in pretty good shape (for me). Can I do more? Sure could. Will it make a difference? Nah.
The trick with ultras is you have to enjoy the process. If you don’t enjoy the training, then you might as well pack it up because the racing won’t be much fun either. I enjoy both, but I’ve also had to reconcile the long-term effects of this sport…and to maintain the stoke factor, as one might imagine, periodization is critical. Everything is a balance, so a couple of lighter weeks–a decompression of sorts–going into my next big race is just what the doctor ordered. After all, if all goes well, I’ll be over 3,000 miles right after Devil Dog, a good-sounding number to me. Add in daily walks and the number is well over 4,000. That’s a lot of miles, and I’ll still have the rest of December to tack on a couple more.
I guess what I’m saying is that November’s goal is to reorient myself going into DD, and then into immediate R&R as I gear up for my biggest season yet in 2027. There’s lots of good stuff on the horizon, so right now the goal is to enjoy where I’m at.
Until next time.