Hi guys! Two things. Firstly, a quick update on NSM for ultras.
Now I'm sure sirpoc absolutely did not intend this, but it worked great for me! I think the key is NSM still brings a fantastic base and all you then need to do is pace the ultra sensibly along with fueling. I ran a 80k race last weekend and finished the course in 29 minutes faster than previous years, just using NSM as a base and a much longer run on a Sunday than recommended and a super stretched medium long run usually on one of the easy days. Other than that, it would be considered classically "vanilla".
A bit like you marathon guys, I just felt super strong! It's probably optimal for my lifestyle and keeping me healthy, opposed to anything more aggressive ultra wise which I also found can take over all my spare time just recovering. Anyway, just thought I would add this as it seems it's testimonial season so thought I would share mine for any other weird ultra obsessives like me :)
My second point, is has anyone seen sirpoc training lately? I feel like he has made a huge jump back to London level. A while back how he posted he's basically going to do vanilla + 2 sessions cycling, what he called a "free hit". His reason being the recovery is sped up cycling in the morning, to the point by lunch the fatigue has vanished.
He ran yesterday 4*3km , finishing well under LTHR and averaging around 3:18-19/km. I know he raced a couple of weeks ago and it was "only" 15:04 but it just seems that kind of workout seemingly relatively comfortable is way above that. I just wondered if that really is it, the next key when you are maxed out is not necessarily running doubles but cross training to unlock a bit more. I know he said ask him in half a year, but it just seems like there might be something unlocked in just a few months.
Not everyone always agrees btw, but by Letsrun standards the debate is pretty civil!