July 2021 Running Update
If you’re new to Journey to Chamonix, then welcome to my monthly running update!
Each month I track my progress to my goal of running in the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB), which I’m hoping to achieve in the next few years. Qualification races, lotteries and a Strava load of training to do first though. For the latest progress read on!
Since last update
I’m well into my training block for the Surf Coast Century (SCC) 100 km event in September now. Approaching my peak weeks of volume and feeling good. Not an injury in sight! I’ve been quite deliberate in foam rolling for 15 min at the completion of each run. It is painful at the time, but working well. I’ve noticed the benefit it brings particularly on back to back running days.
I’ve put a great deal of work into increasing my training plan at a gradual rate to ensure I don’t overload myself and to minimise the risk of injury. I am getting toward some of the longest mileage I have completed on a weekly basis which is sometimes challenging. However, the thought of the SCC event, along with the finishers stein if the 100 km is finished in under 16 hours, is enough to keep me getting out the door.
I was fortunate enough to head out to Silvan in the Dandenongs, East of Melbourne and go exploring. Some big vertical ascents (along with the descents on the way back to the car) will no doubt assist my preparation for the SCC. Also, it’s just a really pretty area and one that I don’t visit nearly enough!
I’ve been testing a few nutrition and hydration strategies on my long run days. I’ve come to discover Wagon Wheels and Strawberry Clif Bloks are definitely my favourite mid run. I just have to make sure that I don’t eat through my stocks during late night snacking!
Thanks for checking in on my progress and all the best with your own workouts and events you’re tackling in August! Check out my Race Schedule for more detail on other events I’m looking to tackle in 2021 and beyond.
| Date | Activity Type | Distance | Pace | RPE* |
| Fri 2 Jul 21 | Run | 8.0 km | 4:52 min/km | 6 |
| Sat 3 Jul 21 | Run | 5.0 km | 3:46 min/km | 5 |
| Sun 4 Jul 21 | Run | 24.0 km | 5:14 min/km | 8 |
| Tue 6 Jul 21 | Run | 6.0 km | 5:05 min/km | 4 |
| Wed 7 Jul 21 | Run | 7.0 km | 5:15 min/km | 4 |
| Fri 9 Jul 21 | Run | 10.0 km | 4:54 min/km | 8 |
| Sat 10 Jul 21 | Run | 24.0 km | 6:55 min/km | 6 |
| Sun 11 Jul 21 | Run | 11.0 km | 4:39 min/km | 8 |
| Tue 13 Jul 21 | Run | 10.0 km | 4:55 min/km | 6 |
| Wed 14 Jul 21 | Run | 8.0 km | 4:36 min/km | 7 |
| Fri 16 Jul 21 | Run | 14.0 km | 4:43 min/km | 8 |
| Fri 16 Jul 21 | Run | 11.0 km | 4:39 min/km | 8 |
| Sat 17 Jul 21 | Run | 11.0 km | 5:02 min/km | 6 |
| Sun 18 Jul 21 | Run | 10.0 km | 5:04 min/km | 4 |
| Tue 20 Jul 21 | Run | 12.0 km | 4:57 min/km | 5 |
| Wed 21 Jul 21 | Run | 14.0 km | 4:57 min/km | 6 |
| Wed 21 Jul 21 | Run | 7.0 km | 4:37 min/km | 5 |
| Fri 23 Jul 21 | Run | 17.0 km | 4:53 min/km | 7 |
| Sat 24 Jul 21 | Run | 10.0 km | 5:17 min/km | 5 |
| Sun 25 Jul 21 | Run | 10.0 km | 4:11 min/km | 8 |
| Tue 27 Jul 21 | Run | 7.5 km | 4:46 min/km | 5 |
| Wed 28 Jul 21 | Run | 10.5 km | 4:35 min/km | 8 |
| Fri 30 Jul 21 | Run | 12.0 km | 4:53 min/km | 6 |
| Sat 31 Jul 21 | Run | 5.0 km | 4:47 min/km | 3 |
*RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) measures workout intensity (0 easy, 10 max effort)
How have I progressed
- Training block in progress for the SCC
- Focused on recovery – sleep and foam rolling to help prevent injuries
- Trialling gear, nutrition and hydration in preparation for the SCC
Stats since last update
- 264 km along local paths and tracks
