Endurance athletes are some of the most elite athletes in the world. These athletes compete for hours at a time. This makes the sport grueling both physically and mentally. Wright Training athlete Tina Greene is among this group of top tier competitors. Greene will face the 50K El Vaquero Loco race on August 5th. The event is a steep and long journey through the Bridger National Forrest.
Greene has been training for the event for the last several months. Wright Training caught up with Greene to ask a few questions about her upcoming event. Check out her responses below…
What does your training consist of?
I structured the preparation for running the El Vaquero Loco 50k using the Uphill Athlete training plan designed by Luke Nelson, a well-known ultrarunner. I modified the plan due to some recurring foot issues, which limit the amount of miles I can run each week. After speaking with Crystal, I decided to trade two runs during the week for two days at Wright Training.
I started the program on March 19th. The first eight weeks were to establish a solid base of aerobic fitness and functional strength. I would run four times a week and all runs were under my Aerobic Threshold. After a base was set, I worked on specific strength and endurance for several weeks. I performed many threshold hill repeats on Old Pass Road, which in May, was mostly snow covered. The final phase, which began in June, was the most challenging as it was time to work the uphill and distance. I cut my running to twice per week, two days at Wright Training, and hiking or biking uphill for the other days. The first few weeks were simply one long run per week (anywhere between 12-18 miles), however it quickly became more challenging. I had weekends where I would run 30 miles in two days, increasing vertical with each run (mainly based on melting snow). I hit my biggest mileage and vertical two weeks ago with 10,000 vertical over 40 miles. I experienced some foot pain in my final long run, so I was forced to cut it short. As I taper in preparation for the race, I have turned my attention solely to cross-training and resting my body. I continue to attend Wright Training classes and mountain bike. I added hot yoga classes and will have a couple of sessions of acupuncture prior to race day. The one regret I have was not integrating more yoga/stretching into my program earlier.
How do you think your training will translate to the race?
The many hours I spent grinding up and down the Tetons these past few months have prepared me for hours of moving in any sort of weather on tired legs. I have run into snow, hail, rain, lightening, scorching heat, wind, grizzly bears and moose. I have dipped my feet in every cold stream, chugged $3 soda at the top of the Tram (more than once), endured countless sandbag get-ups and everything else thrown at those who brave a Wright Training class. I think this will all translate to a tremendous adventure in which I can manage the highs and lows that my body and mind will encounter.
What do you think will be the most challenging part of the race? Why?
The biggest challenge for me will be the nearly 9000 feet of climbing. I am not entirely sure how my body will react to it but I mimicked the race as much as I could in training.
How is this different from any previous races you have competed in before?
About a year ago, a close friend asked me to run a marathon with her. I accepted. Before that moment, I was a dedicated mountain biker. It would have never occurred to me to run a 50k at all. However, I enjoyed the challenge of training and once I completed a trail marathon, I was excited to try it again. El Vaquero Loco will be my very first 50k, so it is different from anything I have ever done.
What is your overall goal in the race?
My overall goal is to run happy and finish with a smile on my face.
What is your ultimate hype song to get you in the right mind for the race?
I have a few, actually. I am out there for hours, so I need several. Here is a taste:
“Don’t Let Me Down” by Chainsmokers
“You Can Do It” by Ice Cube
“This is What You Came For” by Calvin Harris
“Dig Down” by Muse
“The Greatest” by Sia
“Thunder” Imagine Dragons
