Training Schedual Advice

[swamp ratt]

Hello,
I am VERY new to this forum and have really enjoyed the INFO. I have read thus for. I am from Baton Rouge LA. and have been running ultra dist. for about 8-10 years and really love it. Being that LA. is NOT known for being the "ultra" running capital of the world, I have really gotten used to (and really like ) all the looks, remarks, and  attention you can get when you tell someone down here that you're going to run for 24hrs or you're setting out to go 100 miles this weekend. I'm sure all of you know what I'm talking about.
I sent in my app. for BW this year.This is my first attempt and really do not know what to expect. I have been doing "AT LEAST" one 100 miler for the last 5 years with a good many 50 milers and IRONMANS along the way.
Living here in Baton Rouge, I do not have the chance to compare my training to other " mortal " ultra-runners. By mortals, I mean the normal mid to mid/back of the pack runners. I would love to get some pre. BW training week examples from some exp. BW runners.
Actually, I would love to get any/all advice I can get that may help me "just in case" things where to go my way. But, if not this year maybe next year or thenext,or the next, or the next.
Thank you very much, and I look forward to reading my new found forum.

Wayne 

[Marcia]

Good luck on your BW application!

I've run two Solo Crossings, and both times my peak mileage was 50-60 miles per week. Nothing very extreme. I did long runs of 30 miles or 50K about every 2-3 weeks throughout the spring. Both years I also ran a 50-mile about 3 months before. I did pretty intensive heat training both times. 

[swamp ratt]

Hey Marcia,
Thanks for the reply. It's really cool to be able to talk to someone who has been "out there" and be able (i hope) to pick their brain a little. Another couple of questions,if you don't mind.
I am 41,will be 42 in Feb. and I am planning on doing the " Rocky Raccoon " this Feb.3,2007. IF you were me, what would be your #1 priority as for as training goes, for BW that is?? Example: heat training , time on your feet , ramping up current weekly mileage (i am around 50 a week right now).  etc......
You mentioned INTENSIVE heat training in your reply. Did you follow a program similar to the one on the BW web page ? If not could you please tell me yours. How long is a " normal " heat training program for BW need to be
OK, OK, I will stop. I could fill up this whole page of questions, because I TRULY respect ANYONE who has made the "trip" you made, and I am desperately hungry for ANY and ALL info. that may someday give me the needed edge to make the same trip. Either "organized" OR solo.
I hope my asking is not imposing too much on your or anyone else's who wants to join in time.
Thank you VERY much,

Wayne 

[Marcia]

First of all, I hope some other people will chime in and answer. There are lots of people more knowledgeble than I about this. And it's always good to get your information from multiple sources about these things. Everyone is different.

If I were you, I'd just go ahead and train as I normally would for Rocky Raccoon. I'm not sure what the profile is for RR, but make sure you do some hills, because that will help you at BW. I start my heat training whenever it starts to warm up here in California. We have pretty good natural heat training here, so I go out and run in the hottest part of the day as much as I can. I don't use the A/C in my house at all, and I do a lot of outdoor work. About a month before the run, I start turning the heat on full blast in the car, with the windows rolled up. That gets me up to about 125 degrees. Since I live an hour from town, every trip I make in the car is at least 2 hours. If the weather doesn't cooperate and get hot by June, I start wearing a lot of fleece. I'll overdress for many of my runs, and for everyday activities. For the last 3 weeks or so, I make sure I feel hot ALL day long. Somebody tell me if I'm wrong on this, but I think you can fully adapt to the heat in about 3 weeks. Or maybe a little less.

Beyond that, I can't really advise you on training. It's such an individual thing. Mileage helps. Time on your feet helps. Hill training helps (uphill AND down). I like to do plenty of walking in my training (especially fast, uphill walking) because I walk a lot on the BW course. Just do as much as you can of everything without overdoing it or getting injured. Be obsessed!

Best of luck to you! 

[swamp ratt]

Hey,
Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for taking the time to reply back. I always do exactly what you were talking about, get as much info. from as many people as I can,put it all in one BIG "pot" then go through it and pick out what I think " fits " ME best.
I LOVE the "BE OBSESSED" quote. If you or ANYONE else thinks of ANYTHING else to share, lets get it going !!!

Thank you,
Wayne