Something epic (or, Stupid is as stupid does)

This is the first week of my training for the Leanhorse 100.

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.

Goodbye to The Hills

Today is our last day in South Dakota. I truly have enjoyed being back in my old stomping grounds to visit with friends while rediscovering the Black Hills through my training.

A big shout out goes to my buddy ToddG - I have trained by myself for such a long time now that I forget what it's like to have someone to chat with on bike rides or haul your ass out of bed on those "don't wanna" days. Thanks for the motivation and awesome trail runs!!

I was reviewing my training log last night and realized that I have only been swimming once since we've been here. Not good. On the other side of that coin however, I have taken full advantage of the elevation and hills the last couple weeks and am riding and running stronger than ever. For example, my last ride with Todd was a scorcher - now, we had almost perfect conditions that day so it's no surprised but still...

That previous ride was part of a brick that I decided to do the night before-hand. Realizing that there are many more weekends left before Lake Stevens 70.3, I added on a 6 mile run over the very same hills we just got done riding (ignore the splits, just look at the time - my Garmin freaked out halfway through so I only have a few splits and total time). Not a bad run if I do say so myself. I haven't seen anything under a 9-minute pace for quite some time.

So here ends a chapter of training that I must say I'm very very happy with.

Howling prairie winds....you can suck it.
Steep hills & elevation....kiss my ass.

I'm coming for you Lakes Steven's (and you too Mikel!).

All's well in South Dakota

Things have been looking good as we've made our transition from the desert heat to the lush green hills of western South Dakota. Part work and part vacation, I was very worried that training and nutrition would take a header as I adjusted to not only the altitude but the reality of being in a new home, bed and routine.


I'm happy to report nothing but good news so far - my bike arrived (unscathed I believe), we've been eating well (and right) for lunches and dinners and I've been able to mix up my training with some trail running and elevation ta boot (man, that's fun).

I managed to get in an hour swim this morning - don't ask me how far I swam because I couldn't tell you...I haven't been sleeping well and have some tightness in my neck and shoulders. I wasn't feeling great when I got into the pool so I wasn't really interested in any sort of distance. So I just swam. Took breaks when I was tired or winded and then kept going. I felt better afterwards, so that's good. I just hope this musical beds doesn't cause any additional issues.


Going to get the bike assembled today and then take it in for a tune up in the hopes of going for a ride Friday or Saturday.


My secondary concern is all the rain - it's mostly at night but it does put a damper on things. Rain, rain go away...