SD delivered an impressive return to big-volume training this week — the first back-to-back long run block of this peak phase, and a statement of intent with 9 weeks remaining until race day. Total run time hit 8:10, covering 66.1km and 2,457m of elevation gain across a well-structured week that included quality uphill stimulus, hill hiking, and two endurance runs on the back-to-back. CTL sits at 80 with ATL spiking to 112 — a significant but expected load jump given the return to high-volume work, and form sits at -25 which is a normal training stress response. The week was well executed across all sessions. The single flag to monitor is posterior hamstring discomfort reported during Sunday's second long run — athlete is self-managing well and remains positive, but this needs close attention heading into the next loading week.
"It was a good week overall — stayed in the easy zone almost all week. Fuelling is going well, stomach holding everything down nicely. One thing to flag: on Sunday's second run I had a little pain in my hamstring down the side, behind the knee. After an ice bath it got a bit more painful, but no bruising. I iced it, rested, and used anti-inflammation gel. I think it was a stretch or maybe a very minor strain. Overall feeling good — strong. I'm very positive about the hamstring, I feel like it's not something serious, just needs time. Tons of work at the job this week which caused the delayed update."
- Fuelling is functioning well — gut tolerance during long efforts confirmed. Continue fuelling protocol of 55–65g CHO/hr on endurance runs.
- Athlete attitude is strong — the mindset around the hamstring issue is healthy: not panicking, self-managing appropriately, and staying positive.
- Job stress and workload noted — this is real-life fatigue that compounds training fatigue. Sleep priority is especially important this week.
- Athlete completed the full B2B block which is a significant accomplishment — this is the foundation of 100-miler preparation.
- This was a genuinely impressive week. Jumping back into a full B2B long run block after a recovery period is hard — SD executed it with discipline and the results show in the data.
- The PMC tells the story clearly: CTL was in a significant decline through March and has now started climbing back. The ATL spike to 112 is expected and appropriate — this is what productive loading looks like. Form at -25 is a normal training stress response, not a red flag.
- Wednesday's hill hike with vertical focus (156 TSS, 10.6km) was excellent race-specific stimulus. At 10,000m of vertical gain across the race, getting comfortable on sustained uphill effort with poles is a critical priority.
- The back-to-back structure (Sat–Sun) is the single most important training stimulus for 100-miler preparation. Running on tired legs — even at conversational pace — teaches the body to move efficiently under fatigue. The fact that SD completed both days is the week's headline result.
- The hamstring flag on Sunday requires monitoring. The description — posterior knee / distal hamstring, pain increasing post ice bath, no bruising — is consistent with a mild strain or proximal calf/hamstring junction irritation. It is not a training-stopping flag at this stage but must be tracked daily this week. If pain persists or worsens during easy runs, we adjust immediately.
- Total load of 410 TSS / 66km / 2,457m vertical is a significant step up. The priority this week is not to add more — it is to absorb this block properly.
- Full week completed — no missed sessions
- First B2B long run block executed successfully
- 66km / 2,457m vertical in a single week — race-specific volume
- Fuelling protocol working — zero GI issues
- Easy days kept genuinely easy throughout
- Excellent athlete attitude and mental resilience
- Pole technique practiced on hill hike — race-ready skill
- Hamstring — daily check-in required, report any change immediately
- ATL at 112 — fatigue is real, recovery protocols are non-negotiable
- Sleep: body battery readings show low floors (Low 6–10) — prioritise 8+ hrs
- Work stress layered on training load — manage total life stress
- Easy days must not drift grey zone as weekly TSS increases further
