My week in Auburn ahead of my first international 50km race
What my week looked like in terms of training and how I'll approach nutrition for this race.
Here we go! I’ve touched down Stateside and settled into race week.
It’s always an exciting time, a combination of starting a new adventure mixed with some pre-race nerves. On top of that, I have the added excitement of meeting my new team - adidas TERREX.
Canyons 50km will be my first race as a member of adi TERREX. So although it’s a lead-up race to Western States, I feel an added pressure to perform. In saying that, meeting the new team has put me at ease. I’ve been warmly welcomed and it’s a very cool atmosphere to be a part of.
Being in Auburn brings mixed emotions. In my mind, I have the jubilation of my Western States finish from last year. But I also reflect on my 2022 Canyons performance. A massive fail in my first golden ticket WS qualifying attempt. I understand that those races happen and I’ve put that disappointment past me. The thing with showing up in 2022, I felt like an individual. I travelled, prepped, raced, and dealt with post-race feelings by myself. But this time around feels a lot different.
Joining the team here in Auburn is great. We are staying in a beautiful place in the Old Town of Auburn and things feel very relaxed. I really believe that trying to keep your traveling routine as close as you can to your normal routine puts your in the best position to have a successful race. That’s what we’re doing. Staying as relaxed as possible. Doing some cruisy taper week runs. Cooking some easy meals together. And in general having a good time, sharing some laughs.
My mind is at ease and I feel relaxed sitting here a couple of days out.
In terms of workouts. I have been given a full taper week. This has looked like:
Monday: Arrived to Auburn - rest
Tuesday: 70 minutes on the trails
Wednesday: AM: WU, 4 x 5 mins at Marathon Effort, CD PM: Photoshoot with run-throughs
Thursday: Optional easy run - 30 to 40 mins
Friday: Easy shakeout
Saturday: Race
It’s always interesting how the body reacts post travel. So far, the runs here have felt good (long may that continue). Temperature wise it’s not too hot, sitting around 20 degrees during the day and race day looks like it will be cooler, especially with a 6am start. Whatever race day brings now I think I’m prepared for it.
This will be my first international 50km. I will be lining up alongside some super quick teammates and other professional athletes. So I look to get a good feel on effort as we start out and make sure I run a smart race where I continue to adhere to the practices that have worked for me.
My fuelling strategy for the 50km will be similar intakes to what I have been targeting in my hard training sessions and previous races.
90g/carb per hour and 500ml per hour.
There are no aid stations out on course so I will be relying on what I can carry on my body and topping up my fluids at halfway. The trails are in beautiful condition. We’re dodging the poison oak in training but that will be the least of my worries come race day.
Right, now I’m off for my optional easy run, getting nutrition ready, a pre-race interview and bib pickup. Then come Friday there is nothing left to do but relax and then race!
Can’t wait!
For those in NZ, you’ll need to be having a large Saturday night to follow along with the race starting at 1am NZT and finishing around 4:30am. For those keen, here’s a link to watch/follow: https://live.utmb.world/canyons/2024/50k
Appreciate all the messages of support :)
