I wanted to get a big run in today as there aren't that many Saturdays left until Squaw Peak (thinking positive about the wait list). I figured I would combine some runs I had done earlier in the week and, after giving it the good eye from town and deeming it relatively snow free, throw a Malan's Peak in the mix as I haven't been up there in a while because the trail has been a slushy mess.
I was actually a little nervous leaving as I knew the route would test my fitness and I hoped I would pass. I started out by running the Indian Trail out to Ogden Canyon and back from the top of Lake Street. I maintained great running cadence all the way out and back and I was super happy that it felt much easier today than Monday and there was much less snow. Going out toward Ogden Canyon, I must have passed at least 4 scout troops, a theme that would happen all day?? no problem except they don't like to get out of the way, like driving through a herd of cattle.
Back onto the BST with 10 miles and 2850 vertical complete. I picked up the hand held water bottle I had stashed and headed South to Taylor Canyon, hoping not to get squashed by F-Dudes on mtn bikes (note: not all mtn bikers are f-dudes, but there are lots on the BST in Ogden, go figure?).
At Taylor Canyon, I was determined not to break the run I had maintained to this point. I was going to run Malan's on tired legs, I have run it plenty, but never been able to do it with alot of miles on the legs and going into the climb I had 11 miles and 3000 feet done. Like I always say when writing about Malan's, the thing is STEEP!, I alwyas knew the vert, but today, with the Garmin , I could get a good look at the profile, climbs about 2100 ft in a little less than 2 miles. I was shocked that It felt relatively easy, ran every step less about 100 yards where the snow was too bad. I passed about 10 people hiking up, even a fit looking couple who were power hiking hard, I always wonder if the shuffle is any faster than a power hike. Kinda fun, cause I got kind words from them all as I passed them coming back down.
Hit the BST intersection again, with 15 miles and 5100 vertical down at 3 hours. I picked up my stashed bottel again and headed South, I wanted to run out and back to where I turn around on my short loop, about 5 miles RT from where I was at. Ran about a mile and a half and started doing the math and relized I needed to cut it short to take my 10 yr old to his soccer game. Turned around at that point to not push the clock, got home right on time, to find my wife had taken the boys early, which is fine, but I had plenty of go left in my legs and would have loved to run 'em into the ground.
For me, and my mediocre running talent, I am totally happy with my progress, 7 months ago just getting through one part of this run was a big deal, a year ago I could barely run 3 hours straight on a flat road. I still had plenty in the tank at 16.5 miles and 5300 vert. I am excited to keep pushing and see what else I got.
PM RUN
Got 2.5 easy miles in at the park with the dog after the soccer game. Ran'em barefoot on mostly grass, a little dirt road and some paved path, felt awsome. I have really been trying to incorporate the barefoot type stride into my running for about 5 months now, and it has made a huge difference!, I'll save that for a later post.
Week: 52 miles, 10,700 vert. | 