Leadville Training Diaries, Week 1 Days 5-7

Leadville Training Update: Lessons in Humility and Consistency

Writing daily check-ins seemed realistic when I made that initial goal, but as we all know—life happens. So all I ask is patience and understanding. I promise you’ll get the full training updates leading into Leadville, just in case some of you get inspired!

As I reflect on this full week, I’m proud to say I completed all the planned workouts—so my TrainingPeaks plan is all green! That’s always a big confidence booster. I don’t necessarily aim for perfection (however inclined I may be), but I strive for consistency and discipline. That’s what this week’s progress shows.

This weekend was really great. JJ and I got two long runs in, and I was deeply humbled in both. Saturday’s run was challenging because I was plagued with GI issues—and if you’re a runner, you know. It’s not fun. I’m blaming it on the fried fish I ate at the church fish fry the night before. Even with my distressed gut, I made it the entire 8 miles with only one bathroom stop... McDonald’s to the rescue.

Sunday was by far the most beautiful run we’ve done since moving to Gunnison. We ran to Hartman Rocks, a well-known gem to Gunnison locals and visitors. It’s 14,000 acres of public land with 45 miles of singletrack trails, 45 miles of roads, 50 designated campsites, and countless climbing crags. It’s absolutely breathtaking. Running under the open Colorado sky, the sun warming your skin, you don’t need as many layers as you think. Mountains rise in every direction, the peaks still capped in bright white snow. Hartman’s is especially unique because of the stunning rock formations scattered throughout the park. It’s such a privilege to run through an area steeped in history—once home to Paleoindians and Ute Indian tribes.

Now it’s time to get honest: not all runs go as planned. Saturday’s long run was rough due to GI issues, but Sunday hit me on a different level. Even surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation, I wrestled with some inner demons.

Sometimes I get frustrated when I can’t find a groove or keep up with JJ. He’s a phenomenal runner—he can find a rhythm and fly. I, on the other hand, rarely find that groove. Running is an effort, and no run ever feels easy, breezy, and beautiful (remember that old CoverGirl commercial?). Today’s run left me feeling unrecovered from my last workout, even though I slept well. My legs felt heavy, my breathing was labored, and my heart rate was out of control. I spent the first 3 miles trying to keep up with JJ, and by the time we reached Hartman’s, I felt completely defeated.

Then we decided to take on the massive hill—one that feels like it has a 20% grade. Somehow, I made it to the top, but instead of enjoying the view, I was flooded with negative thoughts:

“I can’t do this.”

“Why am I not fit?”

“All my workouts feel useless.”

The last hill home took my soul, as David Goggins would say. I was completely humbled by that mountain. But I didn’t give up, even though I really wanted to. I even yelled at the mountain (true story). And when I got home, I did feel accomplished. It was the first long run in a while that truly challenged me, and I needed the reminder: I still have work to do.

Training for an ultra like Leadville is about staying in the moment, being consistent with my training, and enjoying the process. That’s why I choose to do these races. Moments like these remind me that growth is in the grind. I’m not perfect and never will be—but I’m incredibly grateful that JJ puts up with my little tantrums. He knows I get competitive when I try to keep up with him, and he knows how hard I am on myself.

I’ve never been a stellar athlete—I’m just an average Jo-Ann trying to do cool and hard things. I know I won’t ever podium, and that’s okay. My goal is to be the best version of myself: a strong woman who can lift heavy and run really far.

The workouts will only get more challenging from here, but each week I’m getting closer to Leadville. It’s time to draw my map of the Leadville course and tape it to my mirror so I can see the route every day—that’s my mental training technique!

Leadville Training: Lessons Learned

This weekend’s runs reminded me how tough training for Leadville truly is. The hills and elevation are no joke. I’m still not sure how I made it 40 miles on my first attempt—I definitely didn’t train for enough hills. This time around, vertical climbing is a key part of my plan. Luckily, these hills are in my backyard now, and I have a few 14ers planned for upcoming weekends.

Workouts Recap

Day 5: Strength Workout

1. Deadlift 5x5 at 155–175 lbs

2. Front squat 5x5 at 65 lbs

3. Step-ups 3x6 with 30 lb kettlebell

4. Core: Russian twists, burpees, hanging leg raises

Day 6: Long run – 90 minutes

Day 7: Long run – 2 hours

Nutrition Check-In

This week, my food and weight stayed stable. My focus now is being more mindful of my water intake and limiting late-night eating. The goal is to stay within my calorie budget and hit my protein target. I’ve realized I need to break my nutrition goals into small, manageable chunks. Each week will have a focus—this week’s focus: protein.

Meals for the Week

Breakfast: Egg and avocado toast

Lunch: Veggie stir-fry with chicken

Dinner: Italian roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and cauliflower

Snacks: Protein shake and yogurt with oats and blueberries

Call to Action

This week, my focus is to hit my nutrition goals. For a long time, I’ve wanted to improve my body composition to perform better. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of, “Well, I worked out hard today, so it’s okay to eat X.” I want to break that mindset.

What’s your goal for this week—and how will it help you reach your long-term goal?

Happy training!