Ethan Cannon

This was one of the most memorable runs in my life. I saw this cool trail (which I suspected existed) when I did a hike the other day. The trail goes under a power line that runs along the foothills of Mapleton (like the Bonneville shoreline trail). I checked it out today... what an interesting experience. It just kept on going and going. I tried not to get my hopes up that it would. I was perched up in the mountains looking over some cool views, like the windmills, a canyon (with another dirt road I want to try running on), a huge complex of BMX type trails, and more. I even ran past a herd of sheep. Crazy!

My achilles felt quite well today. I did feel a weird pain near the end on the inside upper middle of my right foot, as if it were on the bone. But I'll see how it feels tomorrow.

Cold morning. Nice except for the wind. Even though it was cold, I decided to run in the morning. I hope to always live in a place with a temperate climate where I can run in the mornings for a good chunk of the year. It is just really nice to do that first thing. I think my ideal day would include a longer run in the morning and then a short afternoon run. 

Ran to Springville. I felt really slow (on purpose) but ended up averaging 6:42, which surprised me. 

I realized how much I love morning runs when the forecast called for snow this morning and I was heartbroken. Thankfully it was fine. It looked like a storm was coming as I ran, but it never materialized, and I enjoyed a nice, slow run. 

10 miles, nice and slow. Here is my hypothesis: what if I can run a little slower each day (as in 7-7:30 per mile instead of 6:30-7). I had an amazing workout a few years back the day after I ran with a friend who was slower than me and thereby ensured I ran slow. The other day I was looking at previous training logs, and boy, I can get really beat up during the season. I think I've come to some good conclusions and learning experiences from the injuries I HAVE had, but what about the injuries that I ALMOST had? During the season I often seem to be battling against overdoing it physically and sometimes psychologically. What if I could improve my workouts, peak better, and enjoy running more by eliminating the tiny little bits of "pushing myself" that remain on easy days? For example, if the wind is blowing at me, I can feel comfortable going 8 minute pace. Thats ok! Just an idea. I have been feeling really good recently. 

Note: I don't intend to run slow every day of the offseason. Some days, yes. But this is most important when I am running two hard workouts and a long run each week.

I take it back. TODAY felt like a legit long run, complete with chafing, sore achilles tendons, and hammered knees lol. I worry a little about my fitness. I assume the mile markers are decently accurate and they showed me going like 6:25 pace up the canyon and two steep miles downhill in 5:35 and 5:42. We'll see. It was tiring at times but not ridiculous. Plus, the run went by so quick.