track fan

2:19:43.  25` hard just before 1:45.  Might have been a little longer than 15.5 but I don't think it was quite 16.  We went to run a series of trails in Walnut Canyon Mesa.  Dean and I ran about 4 miles together (pretty fast too, it is just so hard for him to run slow enough to run with me -- even when he is injured!) and then he went back and went on a different trail.  The idea was I would run about 8.5 miles and then end up back at the car, get some water, and then run another 3.5 or so, running about 1:45 (should be 12 - 12.5 miles, probably closer to 12 since it was trail running and altitude).  Well, I got lost.  Ended up running the first loop 2 times (5 miles each) the 3.5 loop and then a series of other smaller 1 - 2 mile loops trying to find my way back.  It was hot at the beginning of the run (not Tucson hot, but about 80F or so and sunny), but then a huge monsoon storm blew through.  I was soaked and the trail got really muddy and slippery.  At first it was kind of fun - actually it was fun the whole way.  When I "thought" I knew where I was I sped up the way I was supposed to (I was supposed to run the last 20-25` hard) - but after I had been running for about 2 hours and realized I had no idea how much further I was going to be running I slowed down a little.    Dean was really worried, since I was an hour later than what he had been expecting ... he is a little mad at me still (in a concerned way - but miffed).  He says I am not allowed to trail run by myself any more.  The bad thing was -- there were actually good signs on the trails too -- I just got turned around and was about 1/4 mile from the trailhead 3 times and did not recognize where to go ... I have a horrible sense of direction.

Happy Sunday bloggers.  I am very depressed that we are leaving tomorrow.

AM: (9 miles, 1:19:47). Whew, welcome back to the desert. We left Flagstaff at 12 noon yesterday and by the time we got home at 4PM it was 109F. Sigh. What a difference 4000 ft makes. It was tough getting started this morning (not just because it was already 89F at 6:30) - my back is killing me (not running related) and my legs were dead because I had a "massage" (more like torture session) yesterday morning. I have two huge bruises where she found some serious knots ... I am sure it will feel much better tomorrow. The run did feel good after the first 4 miles though.

PM: (4 miles). Got out really late because of work, last few minutes were a bit tough as it was very dark ...

I can't wait to get to the cool of DC this weekend ;-).

Happy running bloggers.

1:01:59 (31:39/30:20).  I can't believe I did so well up the hill this morning - especially since it is so hot, I was super tired, and my back is killing me this morning.  I don't know what is up, but it is not good.  One thing is good though -- cardiovascularly I am in great shape, I feel pretty good on my runs, except for the aches and pains.

Happy HumpDay bloggers. 

AM: (9.5 miles, 1:19:23).  26:07 wu 15 x 1` @3-5K effort w/1` recovery 25:32 cd.  My back has been keeping me up at night (I can't lay down without severe spasms, and they happen every time I move positions, so I spent most of the night trying to lay as still as possible).  It is super tight when I first get up, but then it loosens up after a while and feels better (as long as I don't lay down or sit a certain way for too long).  Anyway, it hurts a little when I run, but not nearly as bad as when I don't -- so maybe I just need to run all day ;-).   It was super hot this morning, but I felt pretty good on the fast bits, until the last two - which mainly is an indication that I was running them a little too hard!  

PM: (4 miles, easy).

Happy Thursday bloggers!

1:02:55 (31:48/31:07).  Except for my back I am feeling so good on my runs that it is scarey!  Once I got warmed up (which seems to take a good 30 mins or so) I just felt awesome!  Maybe I ran my pushes too slowly yesterday - slacker me.

I will be missing about 4 miles this week because I won't be able to get a second run in tomorrow evening (since I will be on an airplane) ... I don't really mind, this is the good thing about base training -- I am not nearly as obssessed about not missing a run!

Happy Friday bloggers.  I hope I can get my poster done today -- I really don't want to be working on it on the plane tomorrow.  Since I have to work on a couple papers then !

1:18:37 (40:45/37:52; 9:03/8:24). My back was still in spasms this morning, but once I loosened up it felt pretty good. My run was awesome. It was about 4 degrees cooler, and it really felt good! Who knew that 80F could be so comfortable? Because I am traveling today (it takes forever to get to the East coast from here) I will be missing my second run ... so I decided to pick it up a little on the way home. I felt really good, even the 2 miles uphill!! yea!

Happy weekend bloggers, my posts will be sporatic in the upcoming week. Good luck in your runs and races!!