September 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
It’s still all things Surf Coast Century! I feel like I’ve been saying this for months. The event has been postponed yet again from 11 September to 23 October to 4 December. However I’m much more confident about this event going forward. A combination of COVID restrictions and vaccination levels increasing should see the organisers in good shape for this event to go ahead. Now I just need to get my body right!
After posting an article on how I’ve completed my best training block ever, sure enough things have changed. The race has been pushed out so this training block will need to be restarted or continued. I’ve also had a niggle in my knee which has led me to have two weeks of a decreased load. Not the ideal preparation I had been hoping for.
However, it may work out rather well for me with the Surf Coast Century being pushed back another 6 weeks. This will mean that I can gradually rebuild back up to my previous running levels and still have some time to taper. If I had continued at these elevated weekly mileage levels up until the race, I might have done an injury or even showed up to race day fatigued and in need of rest.
The easing of restrictions now means that I can also now go on 2+ hour runs as well as runs with other people within 10 km of my house. I’ve already got a few lined up. I really enjoy running with others as the vast majority of my running is by myself. It’s a good change. I have found that it helps with motivation, the kms tick by and it’s just nice catching up with people while doing something you both enjoy and brings you happiness.
As we approach the end of the year, my thoughts are turning to next year and some of the potential races that may be on the cards. I’m looking to get the remainder of the required UTMB qualification points as well as hit a new goal for a marathon. The Alpine Challenge, one of Australia’s toughest events, and Melbourne Marathon look to be near certainties. The Great Ocean Road Marathon (or at least one of the smaller races) also looked to be booked in with a group of friends. Now to just fill out the remainder. Decisions, decisions…
Thanks for checking in on my progress and all the best with your own workouts and events you’re planning for October! 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 |
| Thu 2 Sep 21 | Run | 16.0 km | 4:59 min/km | 5 |
| Fri 3 Sep 21 | Run | 20.0 km | 5:02 min/km | 6 |
| Sat 4 Sep 21 | Run | 18.0 km | 4:50 min/km | 5 |
| Sun 5 Sep 21 | Run | 14.0 km | 4:14 min/km | 9 |
| Tue 7 Sep 21 | Run | 22.0 km | 4:52 min/km | 5 |
| Thu 9 Sep 21 | Run | 12.0 km | 4:49 min/km | 7 |
| Sun 12 Sep 21 | Run | 6.5 km | 5:01 min/km | 5 |
| Tue 14 Sep 21 | Run | 10.0 km | 5:08 min/km | 3 |
| Thu 16 Sep 21 | Run | 10.0 km | 5:07 min/km | 5 |
| Sat 18 Sep 21 | Run | 12.0 km | 4:45 min/km | 8 |
| Sun 19 Sep 21 | Run | 11.0 km | 4:58 min/km | 7 |
| Tue 21 Sep 21 | Run | 12.0 km | 4:50 min/km | 5 |
| Thu 23 Sep 21 | Run | 9.7 km | 5:11 min/km | 4 |
| Fri 24 Sep 21 | Run | 12.0 km | 6:19 min/km | 2 |
| Sat 25 Sep 21 | Run | 17.3 km | 5:05 min/km | 6 |
| Tue 28 Sep 21 | Run | 9.0 km | 4:30 min/km | 8 |
| Thu 30 Sep 21 | Run | 12.0 km | 4:51 min/km | 6 |
*RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) measures workout intensity (0 easy, 10 max effort)
How have I progressed
- Restarted strength work for my legs – has helped with knee niggle
- Booking in race schedule for 2022
- Brushing up on SCC course and race reports
- Trialling gear, nutrition and hydration in preparation for the SCC
Stats since last update
- 223.5 km along local paths and tracks
