Since last Wednesday, I've been feeling like I'm sick - "sore" throat, heavy eyes and a general fatigue that is just bringing me down in every way.
Maybe that's not the case. It's spring in the desert and I'm beginning to question whether my allergies are hyper-sensitive this year after starting my allergy treatments. I started taking a Zyrtec again to see if it helps. I'm curious whether a week in Seattle will curb some of these symptoms and perhaps justify my desert allergy theory.
I brought my running/rain gear for this week. We'll see if gets used or not.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Too much, too soon? (Superman syndrome)
The prescribed mileage this week was 42 miles. Naturally, I bumped this up to 54 thinking it would be no problem.
- Monday, good.
- Tuesday, fine (legs a little sore)
- Wednesday, slight tickle in my throat.
- Thursday, sustained IV-drip of Emergen-C, in bed by 9
- Friday...throat is questionable, feeling 80% and tired
I would just love not to be sick right now.
I have to travel for work next week and it never fails - either I'm sick before I leave or I get sick in the process. In either case, it makes for a sh*tty week and lost days of training.
I'm probably going to take today off in the hopes I can re-cooperate enough to do my long run on Saturday.
Have a good weekend everyone!
Monday, March 19, 2012
The first week
This first week of training I'm discovering just how challenging it's going to be to find a balance between life, weather and the time I need to spend on the trails.
If I wanted to artificially inflate my weekly miles, I'd include the Mesquite Canyon 50k last Sunday...but I won't. Reality can be cruel.
If my week goes from Monday to Sunday - then I logged 35.81 miles (24.13 running, 11.68 cycling). Had I gotten in my long run yesterday, my total running miles would be closer to 37. Mother nature wasn't having it though. As you can see, hail combined with rain and wind pretty much crushed any hope of making it outside.
The silver-lining of the week is that I dusted off the road bike, laced up my new shoes and started riding again.
Hello, cross-training.
Let's hope Week 2 stays on track.
Week 2 expected miles = 54
 |
| What the hail?! |
If my week goes from Monday to Sunday - then I logged 35.81 miles (24.13 running, 11.68 cycling). Had I gotten in my long run yesterday, my total running miles would be closer to 37. Mother nature wasn't having it though. As you can see, hail combined with rain and wind pretty much crushed any hope of making it outside.
The silver-lining of the week is that I dusted off the road bike, laced up my new shoes and started riding again.
Hello, cross-training.
Let's hope Week 2 stays on track.
Week 2 expected miles = 54
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Something epic (or, Stupid is as stupid does)
Yes. I plan to run 100 miles. (Well, cover 100 miles.)
To advertise that I'll be running the entire distance is probably a fallacy :)
As personal goals go, this is the big one. And in my mind, that distance is still hard to grasp. I know the level of training I've been doing to prepare for 50k's and the schedule, distances and endurance required for 100 miles still seems like a long way off (24 weeks to be exact).
While it gives me comfort to know that many others have attempted and conquered this distance, I personally know that as the weeks get harder, I'm going to struggle to find a schedule and plan that works for my family and I.
You might think that training that much and running that far would be the hardest part. The truth (for me) is that making the time for kid things, family time, business travel and anything else recreational is actually the hardest thing to account for.
I hope you stick around to share this journey with me...it's going to be awesome.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Mesquite Canyon 50K race report
I had mentally prepared myself for the most difficult race of the series as I arrived at the White Tank Regional Park yesterday. I had reviewed the elevation profile several times and knew there was going to be some climbing and scrambling.
The race started out like many others - I set my own pace while many folks shot ahead...mostly the elite runners along with first-timers who perhaps didn't realize how long a day it would be. I felt really good out of the gate despite some potential risky gear choices. (1) Compression shorts that have rubbed me the wrong way in the past and (2) a 'newer' pair of my INOV-8's (turns out that old Roclites have been the root of my ankle issues - so it was either deal with old issues or take a chance with newer shoes).
Well, about a mile into the race, I happened to step on a rock just right and stretch out the arch on my left foot. It felt like I had torn my fascia and re-injured my foot. Though somewhat dejected at the pain, I kept moving hoping that the trail would find a way to be more forgiving and less rocky. Turns out my foot would be fine but the terms 'less forgiving' and Aravaipa Running never seem to go hand-in-hand.
I will say that of all the parks we've run at I think White Tank is the most scenic of them all. Sweeping views, massive canyons and the shear magnitude of this park was very awe-inspiring. The trail hugged the side of the mountains and held a gentle incline through about mile 10. I was moving at a pretty good clip and enjoying the mild weather as the sun continued to stay veiled behind a thin layer of clouds. My hopes of the weather staying cool would also be dashed.
After descending some steep trail, we hit the aid second aid station and turn-around at about mile 13. As I tended to some hot-spots on my feet, 2 things happened that I did not intend. (1) I handed my Camelbak to a volunteer and asked for ice and water. What I got was ice and lemon-lime Gatorade. (2) I took both Endurolytes and Speed Legs. (I typically don't take Endurolytes but it was starting to get hot and my face was pretty salty).
Turns out that if you want to get bloated and feel like s*it, take these 2 supplements at the same time. I struggled back up the mountain. I was overheating. My heart rate was skyrocketing. I was massively bloated. I eventually took my shirt off starting splashing the ice water from my pack onto my head and neck...but, oh wait - it's now ice water/lemon-lime Gatorade. Dammit.
Eventually I made it to the peak of the second big climb. My legs were feeling really good and my GI eventually calmed down. I took one final break at the top and crammed down a gel. OK legs, time to run. By now, it's hot. And I had to walk a thin line between using my water/Gatorade for cooling myself down and actually drinking before I reached the next aid station 9 miles away.
I refilled my pack with water at the next aid station (I would have dumped it out if I still didn't have ice sloshing around), grabbed some partially melted M&M's and took off up another climb. In my head, I know that the rest of the trail is downhill but I had no idea that the space in between would be steep, sharp and treacherous. Ford Canyon (partially seen below) is part wash and part massive boulder/outcropping of pure white rock (limestone?) in the middle of this canyon of black and brown rock. I would have loved to take more pictures but I was more focused on getting done with this race.
I exited Ford Canyon with a crusty head of hair (from the water/Gatorade cooling baths) and a pretty good sun burn. There was just no way to escape the desert sun this day. At the Ford Canyon aid station, I downed half a jelly sandwich, more Gatorade, chips and filled up my pack with water. It was 3.5 miles to the finish but I was not going to take any chances.
Thankfully, the trail between the aid station and the finish was nice and smooth and perfect for cruising into the chute. Though I could tell I was on the verge of over-heating, my legs felt great and I crossed the finish line in 7:38.
As races go, this one turned out pretty good. I can honestly say that I have more discomfort today from the sunburn than from the run itself. Plus, my hair has a refreshing lemon-lime scent. Bonus :)
The overall results are here. My personal Garmin stats are here.
The race started out like many others - I set my own pace while many folks shot ahead...mostly the elite runners along with first-timers who perhaps didn't realize how long a day it would be. I felt really good out of the gate despite some potential risky gear choices. (1) Compression shorts that have rubbed me the wrong way in the past and (2) a 'newer' pair of my INOV-8's (turns out that old Roclites have been the root of my ankle issues - so it was either deal with old issues or take a chance with newer shoes).
Well, about a mile into the race, I happened to step on a rock just right and stretch out the arch on my left foot. It felt like I had torn my fascia and re-injured my foot. Though somewhat dejected at the pain, I kept moving hoping that the trail would find a way to be more forgiving and less rocky. Turns out my foot would be fine but the terms 'less forgiving' and Aravaipa Running never seem to go hand-in-hand.
I will say that of all the parks we've run at I think White Tank is the most scenic of them all. Sweeping views, massive canyons and the shear magnitude of this park was very awe-inspiring. The trail hugged the side of the mountains and held a gentle incline through about mile 10. I was moving at a pretty good clip and enjoying the mild weather as the sun continued to stay veiled behind a thin layer of clouds. My hopes of the weather staying cool would also be dashed.
After descending some steep trail, we hit the aid second aid station and turn-around at about mile 13. As I tended to some hot-spots on my feet, 2 things happened that I did not intend. (1) I handed my Camelbak to a volunteer and asked for ice and water. What I got was ice and lemon-lime Gatorade. (2) I took both Endurolytes and Speed Legs. (I typically don't take Endurolytes but it was starting to get hot and my face was pretty salty).
Turns out that if you want to get bloated and feel like s*it, take these 2 supplements at the same time. I struggled back up the mountain. I was overheating. My heart rate was skyrocketing. I was massively bloated. I eventually took my shirt off starting splashing the ice water from my pack onto my head and neck...but, oh wait - it's now ice water/lemon-lime Gatorade. Dammit.
Eventually I made it to the peak of the second big climb. My legs were feeling really good and my GI eventually calmed down. I took one final break at the top and crammed down a gel. OK legs, time to run. By now, it's hot. And I had to walk a thin line between using my water/Gatorade for cooling myself down and actually drinking before I reached the next aid station 9 miles away.
I refilled my pack with water at the next aid station (I would have dumped it out if I still didn't have ice sloshing around), grabbed some partially melted M&M's and took off up another climb. In my head, I know that the rest of the trail is downhill but I had no idea that the space in between would be steep, sharp and treacherous. Ford Canyon (partially seen below) is part wash and part massive boulder/outcropping of pure white rock (limestone?) in the middle of this canyon of black and brown rock. I would have loved to take more pictures but I was more focused on getting done with this race.
 |
| The massive white outcrops below the abandoned damn in Ford Canyon. |
Thankfully, the trail between the aid station and the finish was nice and smooth and perfect for cruising into the chute. Though I could tell I was on the verge of over-heating, my legs felt great and I crossed the finish line in 7:38.
As races go, this one turned out pretty good. I can honestly say that I have more discomfort today from the sunburn than from the run itself. Plus, my hair has a refreshing lemon-lime scent. Bonus :)
The overall results are here. My personal Garmin stats are here.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Deep (running) thoughts
Not a whole lot to report this week.
We're back from a short weekend in the mountains of northeastern Arizona (8,500' in elevation). I managed to stay healthy but lost some sleep due to the high elevation. The dryness and thinner air really felt weird. My breathing was labored and felt like someone was standing on my chest. By the 3rd day, I was feeling better but not after losing sleep and feeling completely wiped out.
Now that we're back, I'm gearing up for the Mesquite Canyon 50K at the White Tank Regional Park this Sunday. Once again, I am not feeling great about the mileage I've put in for my long runs but I discovered a couple things yesterday that have given me a confidence boost and a bit more mojo to push me through the finish at this final race of the DRT Ultra Series.
For starters, I discovered that the issue I've been having with my right ankle is likely being caused by my shoes. They have well over 1,000 miles on them and upon closer inspection, have excessive wear on (only) the outer right edge of the right shoe. I can only surmise that the wear is causing a change in my gait and foot-striking position and causing strain on my ankle. Good thing I have a couple extra pair of my INOV-8's. I'm not sure whether I'll use a new pair this weekend or not.
The second thing I realized is that my standing in the DRT Ultra Series is well, I'm actually *in* the standings! I am 18th OA and 5th in my AG. The shear virtue of finishing 3 of the 5 races so far means that I've accumulated more points than at least 122 other runners participating in the series. It's conceivable that if the top 4 men in my age group don't run this weekend, I could end up in the top 3 for the 30-39 male AG. Now that's worth running for! Of course I'm not delusional and realize that these guys at the top are seasoned runners but even if there's a chance to improve my standings, you know I'm going to give it everything I've got this weekend.
My focus is staying healthy through the remainder of the week and avoiding any pre-race pitfalls. See you on the other side of the finish line!
We're back from a short weekend in the mountains of northeastern Arizona (8,500' in elevation). I managed to stay healthy but lost some sleep due to the high elevation. The dryness and thinner air really felt weird. My breathing was labored and felt like someone was standing on my chest. By the 3rd day, I was feeling better but not after losing sleep and feeling completely wiped out.
Now that we're back, I'm gearing up for the Mesquite Canyon 50K at the White Tank Regional Park this Sunday. Once again, I am not feeling great about the mileage I've put in for my long runs but I discovered a couple things yesterday that have given me a confidence boost and a bit more mojo to push me through the finish at this final race of the DRT Ultra Series.
For starters, I discovered that the issue I've been having with my right ankle is likely being caused by my shoes. They have well over 1,000 miles on them and upon closer inspection, have excessive wear on (only) the outer right edge of the right shoe. I can only surmise that the wear is causing a change in my gait and foot-striking position and causing strain on my ankle. Good thing I have a couple extra pair of my INOV-8's. I'm not sure whether I'll use a new pair this weekend or not.
The second thing I realized is that my standing in the DRT Ultra Series is well, I'm actually *in* the standings! I am 18th OA and 5th in my AG. The shear virtue of finishing 3 of the 5 races so far means that I've accumulated more points than at least 122 other runners participating in the series. It's conceivable that if the top 4 men in my age group don't run this weekend, I could end up in the top 3 for the 30-39 male AG. Now that's worth running for! Of course I'm not delusional and realize that these guys at the top are seasoned runners but even if there's a chance to improve my standings, you know I'm going to give it everything I've got this weekend.
My focus is staying healthy through the remainder of the week and avoiding any pre-race pitfalls. See you on the other side of the finish line!
Friday, March 2, 2012
A weekend off
It is not very often that I "let" myself take a weekend off from running - especially the week before a race. I should be out on the trail about now doing my long run for the week. But I'm not. I pride myself in knowing my body and right now, it's yelling at me...asking for a break.
Rewind to Tuesday.
I had run a half marathon that morning and was feeling surprisingly good. I had a little trouble making it out of bed Wednesday morning for my run so I resolved to take off work a little early and get my mileage done before dinner time.
Wednesday afternoon it was warm, but not overly hot. Still, I left about 3:15 and began knocking out another 13.1 miles. Damn, I felt good. My pace was even faster than the day before and things were going great. There was a point when I felt like I was going to hurl but I figured it was just the heat combined with being hungry.
Turns out it was something more.
I honestly can't say for sure what it was but between the time I left for my run and the time I sat down for dinner 2.5 hours later, something caused me to blow chunks. I'd like to blame it on old Blue Cheese dressing but I was feeling weird even before sitting down to dinner.
I did not eat anything that night - well, I did eat but it didn't stay down. Not even water.
So here we are at Friday and I am feeling 75% and dehydrated. Still.
Besides, the family is heading to Greer Lodge (Greer, AZ) this weekend for some tubing and sledding - I would hate to be run down and sick while I'm supposed to be having fun with my kids.
Have a good weekend. Run hard, run long and have some fun!
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