The Lake of the Woods Run is on June 2nd, and I'm rapidly running out of time to get in any kind of shape. I've managed to get in a few rides and a few runs, but I'm definitely not race ready.
Last Monday I hopped on my bike and went for a 27 mile ride, and other than the fact that by the time I finished I felt like I was sitting on a steel bar it was pretty good. Of course since the weather has warmed up a little bit the wind has decided to blow so I had to deal with headwinds for about half the ride. The good thing about riding a circuit is that if you're fighting the wind on one portion, you have a nice tailwind on another portion. On Monday's ride I had a pretty good breeze in my face on the way out, a nice tailwind on about part of the way back, crosswinds for about two thirds of the ride, and a nasty headwind for about 3 miles when I was almost done and really tired. Over all it was a good ride and I did it fairly fast.
On Wednesday I took my running clothes to work and did the OIT 5 k route so I could get a few hills in. It felt pretty good...at least in comparison to last year's runs where I had to walk. The wind was gusting to about 20 mph and of course was in my face when I was struggling up the first hill, but I run slow enough that other than being aggravating it doesn't affect me. I ran right at a 10 minute mile pace, so I felt pretty good about the run.
Friday I decided that I need to start adding miles, so I headed out to Reeder Road to do get in a 4 mile out and back. The weather was amazing. Temps were in the low 70s, and there was only a slight breeze (5-10 mph). I opted to start the run with the breeze at my back which proved to be wise...after my turn around point the wind kept me from sweating too much. I got in my 4 miles in just over 43 minutes, so I'm averaging just over 10 minute miles.
I need to somehow pick up my mileage, whether it's running or riding probably doesn't matter too much. Counting today I only have 13 days to get ready for Lake of the Woods, and I'm really worried. The last time I ran the race really sucked. Between the hills and the altitude I almost died. I have to work until after 3 today, but I'm seriously thinking about heading up to Lake of the Woods to do a practice run...which if I manage to do, will probably do absolutely NOTHING to relieve my anxieties.
Any suggestions on a 1 1/2 week training regimen for a hilly 5k at altitude?
