Mileage and sugary-goodness

He's a post to keep my meager group of follows satiated with an update of sorts. There isn't much going on lately. Just running off Thanksgiving still. While the word 'diet' really isn't in my vocabulary, you might say I'm attempting to be on one this week by just watching what I eat.

This means not plunging my face into the bowl of home-made whip cream or eating 3 chocolate-peanut butter cookies after dinner. Damn you sugary-goodness.

I'm working on my mileage this week - actually, consecutive miles. I'm trying to run more consecutive days in a row to ensure I'm building both mileage and endurance. 8 miles on Monday followed by 10 miles on Tuesday. 13 miles on Thursday followed by 15 miles on Friday. This will certainly test your resolve but also your commitment to pain.

While I did fine at Pass Mountain a couple weeks ago, I'd really like to finish far better than 8 hours at McDowell Mountain on December 10th.

Thanks for checking in!

Pass Mountain 50k race report

I arrived at Usery Park around 6 am and got registered with no problem. After making the typical pre-race pit stop, I was able to get my pack and other items arranged in preparation for a long day of running. The weather was surprisingly warm (~54 F) so I ditched all the gloves and arm warmers knowing that my core temperature would keep my warm running through the desert.

It was great to gain some inspiration from some of the other runners who where still recovering from the Javelina 100 the previous weekend...amazing athletes of all ages.

With only 30-40 other runners toeing the line, the race start was pretty low key. Even knowing the day would be long, I couldn't help get caught up in the excitement of another race start. Of course, I went out hot (fast). Too fast. Within 3 miles, my quads were on fire and I was completely winded. Not good.

As I slowed things down near the first aid station, the first real doubts entered my head. It wasn't even sure I had enough energy to finish one lap. I resolved to eat well at every aid station, keep a slower pace and just try to have fun.

The first 2/3 of the course is actually pretty flat. Gentle rollers and nicely groomed trails made for good, even running. Despite these nice trails, within the first 10 miles, I could already feel a hot spot forming on my right foot. I stopped at the second aid station, ate some food and proceeded to patch my foot with some MoleSkin (highly recommend by the way).

I was feeling pretty good leaving the second aid station but that would soon change.

I will tell you I'm a very environmentally conscious runner when it comes to trails and state parks. When I see trash, I pick it up. Today however, my good citizenship cost me some time. I must have stopped at the exact right spot to pick up some trash and completely missed the turn to head out around Pass Mountain. Arggh. I had to back-track about a half mile only to find the turn lit up like a Christmas tree.

That next 8 miles would be a doozy. If it wasn't the overall elevation that got you, the trail turned rough and semi-technical. There were very few steep areas but the gradual climb was eating away my energy and overall mental fortitude. It was at the highest point of the mountain, did I really consider stopping and being satisfied with one loop (26k).

See that light-colored rock? The trail goes up and over  right about there.

After getting to the 3rd aid station (16 miles now), I stopped and ate for a while, talked with the crew and felt surprisingly refreshed - like the last 8 miles never happened. Which surprised me. At that point, I resolved to keep going. I'm not a quitter. And today would be no different.

Approaching maximum elevation.

My pace had slowed to about 11 minutes per mile but honestly, it felt pretty good. Better than walking anyway. I knew that I'd be walking exclusively during my time on the mountain so I tried my best to keep moving while on flat ground. There was only one point where I felt my stomach go wonky. It wasn't bad so I just kept going. Overall, I was eating well and that never was an issue during the race.

The second ascent over the mountain was definitely hard. I had to stop several times just due to the fatigue in my legs. I was facing just pure exhaustion. When you don't put in the distance, the miles take their toll.

Despite a whole lot of walking, I managed to make it up over the mountain and start the descent into the last 5-6 miles. I never really knew exactly how far I was because of the previously mentioned missed turn. In either case, I just kept running. Running felt better than walking so that's what I did. Despite the sore feet and strained quads, I just kept going. Go Forrest, go.

I was making pretty good time and anxiously awaiting the final aid station before the finish. You know how it goes though...the more you're looking for something, the longer it takes to find it. Those last 2 miles drew out like an eternity. Once there, I paused for a couple shots of cola and a refill on the water before heading out for the home-stretch.

I walked a bit more and rounded the corner to the finish only to see my friend Erik, his folks and my family hanging out and yelling my name. I get such a charge when my kids come out and run with me. They thought it was pretty awesome that they beat me to the finish line :)

Unofficial time: 7 hours 58 minutes

Another day, another 31 miles I guess. I hope to be a little more prepared for the next one. More miles. More endurance. Less pain.

See you out there.

Your badge of greatness

I've been reflecting on the significance of this weekend and what I was thinking and feeling a year ago as I prepared to take on the 140.6 mile course at the Arizona Ironman here in Tempe. Nervous. Scared. Anxious. Excited. And ready to be done.

I'll be honest. It seems like a long time ago.

Perhaps it's because I haven't been spending countless hours in the pool or on the road cycling.

Perhaps it's because my goals are aligned with something I truly enjoy.

Perhaps it's because that accomplishment is starting to pale in comparison of my future aspirations.

In either case, I wear my IM badge proudly and am excited to watch as other friends and competitors earn their own this weekend. It is a phenomenal accomplishment that no one will ever be able to take away.

Wear your badge with pride, whatever it may be. You've earned it.

Giddy'up.

Work-induced taper

I have not had a work week like this in a very long time. It's a good thing I don't work for a start-up because I don't think I'd make it. I just don't have the stamina to work 14-16 hours a day, every day and still be the person I want to be. Even my kids can tell that something's up.

While I'm frustrated that I let work completely dominate my life this week, it's been very rewarding and successful.After years of work and patience, one of the biggest projects I've ever worked on has launched - and launched successfully, I might add.

The bad news is that I used work as my excuse and let running slide - all on the guise that "I'm tapering". This isn't completely a bad thing but at the same time, it adds a little doubt and concern for this Saturday's race.

Am I worried that the Pass Mountain 50k is this Saturday and my longest run is 13 miles?
Yes.

Will I be able to walk on Sunday?
No.

Does it matter?
No.

I'm going to run 31 miles and have fun doing it.

Fighting fatigue (and tryptophan)

My wife's family came to visit on Thursday (from South Dakota) and as always, we did our share of eating.

And then we ate some more.

Believe me, I love having a nice meal out on the town, but 2 or 3 restaurant meals in consecutive days will test anyone's waistline. Not to mention our mini-pre-Thanksgiving yesterday...turkey breast with kick-ass sausage & cornbread dressing and crispy smashed potatoes (oh, and the pumpkin pie).

(Turkey + stuffing + carbs*2)*multiple servings = food coma

I did manage to get in a couple runs Thursday and Sunday but it wasn't nearly enough to burn off the calories I consumed during these few days. They were smaller runs too and the effort and self-motivation it continues to take to get out of bed to knock these out is proving to be more work that the actual run itself...which is just messed up.

I am still resolved to run my 50k this weekend. I'll just ease my pain with a huge serving of turkey...that should put me right to sleep :)

Do Epic Sh*t

Thanks to Sarcastic Mama (and LeeR's repost)
for the graphic

I've resolved to do what it takes to run the Pass Mountain 50k on November 19. I know that I'm going to be severely under-trained and there will probably be pain. But you know what, I don't quit because something is hard.

I am on the downward dosage of my antibiotics and I didn't feel wiped this morning. The legs felt great and the brisk 40 degrees did not even phase me.

I am guessing I'll get one more long run in before the race (and I use that term loosely because the only thing I'm racing is the cut-off time on the clock).

Thanks for checking in.

My affair with penicillin

I'm throwing in the towel and headed to the doctor today. I felt like I turned a corner last weekend and was getting better but this junk in my nose and ears continues to be a problem. I would bet money that I've got an ear infection. It's gotten to the point where they slow me down but don't physically hurt anymore - which is pretty sad.


My larger concern is that once again, I face the prospect of potentially bailing on my next race in 2 weeks. That's just not a lot of time to put on the mileage and actually enjoy a 50 km run. Could I do it? Yes. Would it be the most joyous experience of my life? Probably not.

So cheers - penicillin cocktails for everyone!

7 random facts

One of the great things about blogging is that you realize there is this entirely different world out there of people who, just like you, are interested in the same things, who have the same aspirations and fears all mixed together.  They have families too and have to work really hard at accomplishing their personal and professional goals. I've met some amazing people out there.

One such fellow I "met" while training for Ironman Arizona. Jamie was balancing a family life and training just like I was - dealing with work, family and all the other things that come with dedicating yourself to completing an Ironman. He passed the proverbial torch on a little exercise where your followers get called out to post random facts about yourself. Jamie's are posted here and quite interesting :)

Read on for some nuggets about me!

1. In high school, I lettered in Baseball and Drama. I played (second-string) short stop, third base and was the go-to pinch runner. I held the record for stolen bases and my nickname was 'Wheels'. Drama was an outlet for singing and dancing that I really enjoyed. I was a member of the International Thespian Society. I was Fin before Glee was cool.
2. I have a massive sweet tooth. Candy, chocolate and anything sweet doesn't stand a chance when I come around. I don't gorge but it is a standard after-lunch or after-dinner treat.
3. I have a Master's degree in Geological Engineering. I spent 8 years in college studying Geology and Geological Engineering at a small school in South Dakota that I don't use today. It is still a hobby but my professional life today doesn't have anything to do with geology or earth sciences.
4. I have never had a major injury. Yep, I've gone my entire life without breaking a bone or having any serious injury that required surgery or a cast (knock on wood). Outside of a severe case of plantar faciitis, I've managed to avoid serious trauma and injury.
5. My first triathlon was a 70.3 Ironman (2009). It corresponded to a family reunion near Boise and so I just went for it...it inspired my father to do his first triathlon at the age of 64.
6. I am not musically inclined - at all. Sure, I can sing with a chorus (see #1) but solo gigs, playing musical instruments or shaking my money-maker is not something I could make a living at. They will not be asking me to headline at Caesar's Palace anytime soon.
7. I am an Air Force brat. My brother and sister and I have been around the world during the 26 years my father was in the Air Force. We were stationed in South Carolina, Illinois, England, Idaho and finally in North Dakota where he retired as a Senior Master Sergeant.

To pass along the tradition, I'm calling out a few people I know read this occasionally:

• Another Trevor: http://trevor-triguy.blogspot.com/
• SusieTri: http://adultonsetathleticism.blogspot.com/

Have a good one!

Fear mixed with doubt

Coming off sickness is one of the most precarious places to be when training. I've had a week "off" trying to recuperate and regain my strength.

Translation: (1) Sleeping in (2) Eating poorly

While I'm feeling better, I am still filled trepidation knowing that if I push too hard, I'll be right back on my ass gulping NyQuil for a week. Being sick is hard enough but knowing that my next scheduled race (Pass Mountain 50K) is only a few weeks away, I have to be able to ramp my mileage up again to be remotely ready for a 50 km race.

I am slightly worried that I won't have the mojo in the coming weeks to get there. There's even a small bit of doubt that clouds my judgement on whether I should force myself back into training even though I'm probably only at 85% strength.

My motto is, you just have to try. You may fail. And that's OK. Then again, you may succeed. And when you do, that fear mixed with doubt slowly disappears...and is replaced with strength and confidence.

And that, my friends, is a good day indeed.