Relentless

morning - 5 sego Lily. Did the Sego Lily loop to shake the legs a bit. Still feeling a bit blah. (Kinvara 655.65)

Squaw Peak 50 9:48

Turned out to be such a bummer race - probably the biggest disappointment for racing in my recent running. I've learned that having too big of goals can set you up for a big fall as well, but I know that going into this race I was in the best ultra shape of my life, had really worked on some of my weaker spots (ascent/descent) and was ready to get a great run in. So what happened? My best answer was in the form of two mistakes I made: 1) Zion was just too close. I had hoped that I had Zion easy enough to not have it zap me like it did. But obviously not. This one really bums me out because Squaw was the race that I really cared about. 2) bad choice in shoes. I wasn't sure about the 110's, but after Zion I felt totally fine and I love the lower profile and lighter weight for control and quickness on the trail. But it was just to rocky and my feet were killing me part way through the run.

So anyway here's the report:

The race started off much slower than in 2009. So there was no need to kill it at first. And Logan, Scott Jamie, Jody Benson and I just settled into a good pace and settled in. Up the first climb to Squaw, I fell in behind Jamie and stayed a step or two behind him for longer than we had last time. Logan was a little behind and I didnt want to distance him too much so I tried to split the difference a little. Jamie is a great climber and I didn't stress about being behind him at this point. Got through the first aid station and then I met up with my dad a few miles later and felt like it was time to start closing on Scott. For a few brief minutes I felt great and started closing the gap - I got it down to about a minute and then had to stop and go to the bathroom. From here the lead just grew. I could see Jamie across the top of the course, but had to go to the bathroom again and just couldn't get closer anymore. Around 10 my hips really started hurting, I tried to say it was just the climbing, but it was a sign of things to come. I noticed that I couldn't push any pace, but through 20 I was still on pace to go under 8:00 and hit my goal, but the wheels were already off. I struggled up Hobble (where I had switched shoes for the road, which was good even though it took a few seconds - because my feet were in a major state of pain). Jody passed me and I decided to just chill at the aid station until Logan caught up, hoping the rest would do me good and being with Logan would get me going again. It didn't.

Back into the hills I continued to really struggle. The top woman passed us and Logan worked to go regain the spot. I on the other hand began The Long Walk. Between late 20's and 33 I pretty much just walked the whole time. I was pretty bummed about life. I was mad at myself for not dropping out and so mad that I hated running. So I just walked. And as I walked no one passed me. And it was making more mad that no one was passing me. Eventually I got caught and then a few more people passed me and I made it to the aid station. I finally got the will to get going again and just kind of struggled for the next 6-7 miles. But at least I was running and moving along. Just before the big climb a few more people caught me, but I hiked up right with them. At the top I had to stop and work on my feet. I was surre they were covered in blisters and I didn't want to look, but figured I had better address them before the descent. The aid station was very limited (it is pretty remote), but I got some mole skin on my feet and started out. Just before leaving I heard the radio say that the leader was about to finish - I looked at my watch and it said 8:15, I thought about how I should be done... Blah. So I started the descent and set a goal of breaking 10:00 - if I had made a list of my goals for the race breaking ten would have been so far done the list I wouldn't have even numbered it, but today... At least it was something to run for. I pushed pretty good down the hill until my feet started hurting so bad I was just about to quit. I finally hit the aid station at the bottom and switched y shoes again and started on the road. Pushed pretty good to catch four guys, but I was mad again thinking I should have been catching the leader here not where I was. Looking back at the splits I did actually make it down the mountain just a minute slower than Jamie.

So the race was finally over - even though it was over about 5 miles into it. Logan and I crawled to the river and got in. My feet were destroyed and I was cramping all over. But it was over.

Like I said, such a bummer. I really know that I could have done very well had I played this out smarter. Can't do anything about it now though - live and learn and move on. At least i had almost ten hours out in the beautiful mountains.

morning - 3.5 Turf Farm. First morning of XC for the summer. Had a pretty good group out and we just enjoyed a nice easy run. Good thing because I couldn't have done a lot more. (stratus grey 961.35)

morning - 4.5 Turtle Creek. Another nice and easy morning at XC practice. Really not feeling too bad. I can tell I am tired when we hit a hill and my feet still hurt quite a bit, but don't hurt while I am running. I'll throw in another mile with running around at our first day of summer kids running club - a very big group for that. (barefoot 12 29.5)(Boston 840)

morning - 7.5 Maverick. Ran over to practice and then got an extra half mile on the grass. Then we went up to Maverick. My legs feel like I just ran a hard 1600 - that jello feel, and my feet are still pretty hammered - the blisters aren't bugging at all but they are all bruised and tender. Then ran back home and various distances with my girls. The temps are just amazing right now. I wish I wasn't recovering so I could go out and hit 20-30 each day right now. (barefoot '12 30.5)(Landreth blue 777.15)

And Levins for the win! Great day to be a T-Bird!

AM - 6.5 PV Townhomes/Grass. Took Elin out before practice and got three pusher her in the stroller and then 3.5 more on the grass for practice today. Drove over since the girls come with me on grass day and get their run in. (Barefoot' 12 34)(Altra 330.5)

afternoon - 5 Parkway. I just needed to get out and run - after watching Cam's race again and Running Brave, plus the nice temps. I needed to run a little. I felt really good and was happy I got out. (Hyper Speed 2 146.75)

AM - 9.5 Dogtown/bank. Got a few miles in before practice and then another 3 with the team (we will start getting a few more in next week). Feeling pretty goo - besides my feet that must be bruised up because they just hurt all the time. I'll be ready for a bit more next week. (Barefoot '12 35)(Connect 203.25)

0 - took the family camping today and it ended up being a zero day; which I am totally fine with. We had a great time.

A decent recovery week. I feel pretty good and think I am ready to get a few more miles in next week.

AM - 10.5 Parkway/Tortoise Fence. Went out and got a bit in before practice and then we went up into the desert. Felt a little blah at the start today, but then I got moving a little better as the team moved down the hill back to the elem. (Landreth blue 787.15)(Barefoot '12 35.5)

afternoon - 6 Grapevine. Temps really aren't too bad right now and the run was fine. I took it up the hill for a little more mileage. (Triumph silver 727.05)

lap swim - 15. Jumped in the pool when I got home and swam laps for the first time this summer.

AM - 11.5 Buena Vista/Dirt Miles. Got up and ran the BV loop before practice and then a couple extra barefoot laps. Then we went out to the Dirt Mile and hit a few and finished up with a good Kids Club. (barefoot '12 37)(Triumph 822.5)

afternoon - 6 Grapevine. Headed out in the early afternoon and did the same run as yesterday. A little warmer than yesterday. And my right shin (that muscle on the front, don't know the name) has been acting up this week. And this afternoon it hurt the most yet. Have been icing and trying to get any swelling down on it. (free 651.95)

AM - 16.5 Clyde's/Buena Vista. Good run with the guys this morning and then a good practice. I just wish I could beat this leg pain. (Barefoot '12 37.5)(F50 222.25)

AM - 11.5 Mosquito Trail/Grass. Elin was up early so I took her on my run this morning. Pushing the stroller made it so I didn't get as far, but besides my leg hurting it was a good run. I saw three tiny little kit foxes on the trail down by the power station - they just stood there and watched me, so I walked over and stood there just two feet away. Then I went home and got the girls and went over to practice where we ran barefoot on the grass. (barefoot '12 41)(Oregon 380.5)

afternoon - 6 Grapevine. Temps were really up there this afternoon, but I am getting more used to it. I ran by a guy on the trail and said, "Morning." I had to laugh because with 100+ degrees it wasn't too morning like - just a habit I guess. That tendinitis was feeling a bit nicer this afternoon, but still a long way to go. (Stratus black 992.45)

AM - 18 Dogtown/Fields. Elin was up again (like always), so I took her out for a few and noticed how worn out I was feeling. Got her back to sleep and dropped her off at home (only to have her wake up again), then ran down to PV Park in the Fields for practice where we ran a good four miler. Had to get home, so I ran. More miles than I had planned for this morning, but now I'll take the afternoon off and see if a little rest helps me feel a little better (my leg and my energy) for tomorrow. (Connect 221.25)

AM - 14.5 Target. Thought about heading up to the trails and had a good idea in my mind about what I wanted to do, but then changed my mind when I started thinking about my leg and how a trail might set it back a little bit, so I decided to stick to an easy route on the roads. Did the Target loop, but took it down to the River Trail instead of on the road. Felt pretty tired for a bit, but then got going better. Then I bumped into Ally and ran with her for a little - she called it a Steve and Kendra moment! Finished with a mile with the dog. (Hyper Speed 2 161.25)

Week was pretty good. Got a few more miles than I wanted, but I was tired, but I will survive.

Goals for next week: get my tendinitis feeling better, try to get some workouts in if I feel a little stronger.

AM - 13.5 Parkway. Leg felt a little bit better today, but still nowhere near clear. Ran the Parkway with extensions all over just to fill the time until practice where we ran the four mile version of the Parkway. (235.75)

afternoon - 7.5 Grapevine. Real summer is here. Hot, hot today. On top of Highland I extended down to the park to get more water and wet down the shirt and hat again which added another 1.5, but didn't make it any worse because the water was worth the extra. Unfortunately, my leg was not feeling good at all - pain with every step. (Triumph silver 830)

AM - 14 Middleton/Dirt Mile.  Went out into Middleton on my own this morning and then onto the Dirt Mile for XC practice.  Felt pretty decent; much better than yesterday afternoon, on the leg side of things.  (Barefoot '12 41.5)(Stratus grey 974.85)

afternoon - 7.5 Grapevine.  Much better than yesterday afternoon, but still a little more pain than this morning.  Besides that, it was a real good run.  I felt good and had fun thinking about how fun Kids Summer Running Club went this morning (we have over 260 kids coming this year!).  We held our first race and Pyper set a new record for the 4th grade and younger group, winning by a big margin.  And Rylee barely got out-leaned by her friend Cristina for the win and record for the 5th-8th graders.  They pushed hard and did great (just like most of the kids).  Laney didn't work nearly as hard, but she is just in 1st grade and has a long time to work into her own running.  (Last Ohana 308.5) 

AM - 17 Clydes/Grapevine. Could feel I was a bit worn down this morning, so I'll take the afternoon off. Same level of pain in the shin. (Barefoot '12 42)(Triumph 837)

AM - 13.5 Parkway/Grass. Out on a variation of the Parkway again today. I wanted more, but I slept in a little because Elin had me up half the night - I really don't know what to do about that kid. Practice today was a grass day. Besides running on the grass-which I love - I like grass days because I can keep a closer eye on each member of the team's progress. I like the effort most of the kids are giving. It will be fun to watch both the boys and girls teams grow and mesh throughout the season with our youth/inexperience. Ran home and got Pyper and we went back to the grass and ran two more. She is quite a strong runner for a 9 year old - running with her is pretty much the equivalent of running with some of the mid-upper JV girls - and it is a lot of fun. (Barefoot '12 53)(Boston 847)

afternoon - 7.5 Grapevine. I know it's the same ol run, but the accessibility of water is the key when the temp is reading 109. I took a lesson from Quadsi and put ice in my compression on my shin and it was feeling great... until it all melted and then there was a crazy stabbing pain that really set me back. I told Al that if it doesn't get feeling better by next week I will think about visiting the doc. (Free 660.45)

AM - 15 Coral Canyon. Got out to practice early to get some mileage in, but it was very slow and painful. By the time practice started up I actually felt quite a bit better, but that is kind of a usual tendinitis thing - warm up a bit and it works it's way out, only to come back stronger. So I promised myself that I would shut it down for the rest of the week. Up to Monday morning that's about 3 days - so hopefully that helps a bit. I am just kind of bummed because I am enjoying my running a lot right now and am ready to push myself a bit, but the pain just won't let me. I did a little more research and have decided it is extensor tendonitis. It is red and inflammed and all swollen up, and after today there was some bruising across the top of my foot and starting up the leg. I told Al that she can't let me run tomorrow because already on the way home from a neighbor's wedding (that I had to rush home from practice to) I was thinking of just going back out tomorrow and seeing how it felt. (Barefoot. '12 53.5)(Landreh blue 802.65)

What a bummer end to the week.  Blah.  Week would have been great without the tendonitis.  Enjoyed everything about the running - the team, the kids, the weather, the mileage - except for the pain.  

So obviously the goals for next week to get the leg better - please! 

morning - 7.5 Parkway.  Well tested out the leg today.  Ran over to practice and joined the team for their 5 miler, then home and out with Pyper.  There was some pain.  Definitely not all gone, but better than the other day.  (If I put the Thursday/Friday level of pain at a 6, I would put today at a 4.)  So I'll keep icing and ibu and take the afternoon off again.  Maybe more progress tomorrow.  Also learned that one of my Varsity boys has a stress fracture - bummer; he's booted for a month.  (Stratus grey 981.35)

morning - 4.5 Dirt Mile.  Up to the dirt and a couple laps.  Leg was a little better than yesterday - maybe .5 down on the scale (3.5).  Now, I would say it feels like a bad case of tendonitis would feel like for a couple days.  Hopefully I can take it down a notch tomorrow too.  The big bummer realization for today was that my weekend run is not going to happen - I'll be up by Duck Creek Fri/Sat and I was going to run the Virgin Rim Trail (or at least part of in) on Fri - I have the whole day to do nothing.  But even if I am feeling a bit better, I don't think a 32 mile trail run would be the wisest thing.  So, I am going to do that some time soon.  (Stratus grey 986.85)

morning - 10.5  Grapevine/Highland.  Longest run of the week on my leg.  A little more improvement today - just little increments, but at least it is improvement.  Ran with the Varsity boys and Tyson and Trevor out to Grapevine and up Highland and down around in a loop.  I've always liked this run from way back when I was a teenager, so it was good to do it again - even if the desert isn't the same as it used to be.  (Stratus grey 997.35)

morning - 5.5 Grass.  Another shorter single day.  Get better leg; I am about to go nuts.  Kept the shoes on for the grass run, which I really hate, but I should keep the support of the shoe and the Super Feet I have in there (this week is the first time I have ever tried them.  Hopefully they are providing that little extra support I need right now).  (Stratus grey 1002.85)

morning - 6.5 Mustang Pass.   Met up to Green Springs for practice today and ran out in the desert.  I was a little worried about how the varied terrain would feel on the leg, but it was okay.  It is always a fun run out there.  I wish more kids were there today, but a lot were gone out of town and missed out on a good trail run.  (Stratus grey 1009.35)

Another kind of junk week, but I can't dwell on it.  My leg is showing a lot of improvement, so I guess that is a positive.  It has been tough though.  I wanted to run this awesome trail I read about when I was up by Navajo Lake this weekend, but wasn't able too.  I could only run singles and decided to take today off again to extend the weekend a little extra.  So hopefully it will all turn out positive and I can continue to see improvement this coming week.

Goals for next week:  Like I said, continue to improve and try to hold up mentally when I am not running as much as I would like.  I have had people say that it is probably nice to be running so much less, but truthfully I just love running and everything that it means to me that, no, not really in any way is it nice to not be running so much.