Last weekend, I did my second marathon in the mountains after doing my first a week earlier. The first which consisted of the first 26 miles of the Angeles Crest 100 ultra proved to be quite challenging to say the least. Although we only ran between 6,600′ – 9.400′, I could definitely feel the rarified air and I had a pounding headache. It seems like I don’t do well at altitude as I age! Oh, well, maybe the lack of long distrance running also played a role. In the end, we climbed over 9,000′. A good all around day and stunningly beautiful with ideal weather (it’s hard not to in Los Angeles).

My second mountain marathon was even more difficult because I did a big week in between of running, biking, and paddling. To say the least, i was not recovered but pushed through and accomplished my goal to get in the miles and increase my training volume. I met my goal of over taxing my body without giving it time to rest. This approach does not work for everyone but it does for me and I plan to have a really good 3 week taper to Primal Quest.

So, for this weekend, I plan to switch it up and do a big day on the bike by riding 130 miles and 12,000′ of climbing with my teammate Sean. He’s preparing for Ironman Canada so he also needs time in the saddle. We’re riding the stunning Hwy 2 through the Angeles National Forest from the Rose Bowl to Wrightwood. This will be my last big ride. On Sunday, I’ll do a fast pace run and then paddle at sunset if everything works out.

The following weekend – July 25th – I’ll do my last long training by competing in the Desert Winds 12 hour night race with my girlfriend. The Desert Winds races are fantastic navigation races so I’llbrush up on my navigation which I desperately need, plus I get to play with my girlfriend … what else can I ask for.

After that, I will taper my runs and bike sessions while still doing some significant padlding. And, of course sleep little as we begin the mad rush final preparations to Primal Quest.

Let’s hope I can stick to the plan!

My other teammates are also hitting it hard. Both Aaron and Ryan competed in the Cream Puff 100 mountain bike race this past weekend and Ryan is planning on doing two 24 hour races before Primal Quest … please make sure you rest! My teammates are nuts.

Tessa in Brazil did a 90 km mountain bike race against the best in the nation. We’re still waiting to here how that went but we’re certain she’ll be ready for PQ. We only hope we can keep up with her.

Posted by Cyril Jay-Rayon

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