Ultra Training and New Diet

Training is in full swing!! I am roughly four weeks in and on schedule. I have managed to run on the trail at least once a week but I am getting to the trails every chance I get. I feel myself getting stronger. I have been improving at staying upright and descents are looking a little less painful. Hills are going to continue to be a struggle as I get stronger, but I am going to keep at them. The more I run in the woods, the more I fall in love with trail running!

Me on the trail

Training for a new distance is scary but the running is essentially the same. I have a calendar laid out that incorporates speed and distance to train my body for the race ahead. But, one of the most important aspects of training is eating healthy. Healthy eating is how you properly fuel your body for the work you expect your body to do. I am the first to admit that I don't always eat like I should; mainly because I tell myself I work hard running, I should be able to enjoy all foods. The problem comes when I am out running 13 miles then come home and chow down on junk food. This way of eating is a disservice to my body because I am not feeding it the fuel it needs to recover.

Usually when training is in full swing I am make sure I'm filling my body with fruits and vegetables. But, this training cycle I have been reading a lot about ultra training and diet. I have read a lot of books and blogs and one of the common practices is eating a plant based diet.

The name alone sounds super intimidating, but it is not nearly as scary as it sounds. A plant based diet isn't a fad or some restrictive way to live. Plant based is exactly like it sounds, plants. This encompasses everything from veggies, to fruit, whole wheats, beans and legumes. That really only cuts out super processed foods and meat. Typically, I'm not a huge meat lover; chicken is usually my go to meat and even more recently I have been consuming fish. I don't plan to completely cut those out but I think it's something worth exploring.

So, my plan is to give it a go. This training cycle I am going to fuel my body like the ultra elites. My hopes are, just like when I started eating healthy a few years ago, I won't miss the meat and junk. I will still include fish and maybe even chicken in my diet on a few occasions but I hope to eventually dwindle it out for the most part. I'm excited to try something new, and scared it's going to be hard but I know I can do it. I know it's going to be good for my body.

Either way, I will keep you guys updated on how it goes or how it doesn't. Check back soon! In the meantime, hit the trails or hit the road. Get out there!

All smiles..