Relentless

AM - 13 Green Springs w/ James and then XC up to top of Highland w/ Stefani.  Not as sore or as tired from last night as I thought I might be (but it usual catches up to me two days after).  (Landreth 271.3)

afternoon - 6 Sienna Hills Park with some barefoot running.  Ran over 1.5 miles and then did 5x barefoot grass striders and finished off with 2 solid barefoot miles right at 7:00 pace (ususally go a bit slower barefoot, so I tried to actually keep running instead of the usual jog).  Then 1.5 home in the heat.  (Cumulus red 578.25)

Pool Running - 20 min (1off/1on)

AM - 14 I don't remember what James and I ran, but I am sure it was good.  Then XC and I ran dogpound w/ Ashley and ended with 5 barefoot grass striders (Stratus Bee 53.4)

afternoon - 6 Parkway with an extension.  (Stratus 512.8)

AM - 12.55 Again I don't remember what James and I ran (this is why you should blog everyday, or have a computer that will let you!).  Then XC Parkway nice and easy with most of the team running together.  (Stratus red 437.25)

PM - 10.2 Club run.  Good club run tonight.  The heat was on, but we kept it nice and cool and enjoyed it.  Quick turnaround for tomorrow as we head up to Enterprise down to Veyo on the dirt for the 4th of July. (63.45)

AM - 2nd Annual Steven Abraham Lincoln Hooper Memorial 17.35 Mile Fun Run -

Things really went well this year.  The race directors had pretty much everything right on the ball: the distance was dead on, the awards were spectacular, the hydration more plentiful, the minor adjustment in start time made a huge difference, and the oraganizers were able to arrange the temps to stay down just enough to the finish to make it enjoyable, and of course, the course is one of the most scenic and spectacular pieces of trailrunning in the western United States.  There were a few flaws as always:  in a Twilight Zone like moment, we traveled up into Enterprise twice while only leaving it once, Logan yelling out the window at rabbits to move and Bill sleeping at the wheel also added some intrigue.

Despite all this, the field was smaller than last year.  The WildBull's goal was to finish in one piece, Logan's goal was to avoid getting eaten by a mountain lion, and my goal, of course, was to crush the field like always and destroy any hope they may have had of taking home the crown.  The run moved uneventfully UP mountain passes, by amazing views, and near dead decaying cows until at mile 13 the Bull made a bold move to the lead.  Logan and I kept relaxed and pulled him in within the mile.  At this point, the race became an eery predecesour to the famous hotdog eating contest to follow later in the day.  The great Loganashy broke away and took a slim lead as we neared the final mile.  He would not be beat, he must gain the crown abdicated by Clyde "Superfly" Behunin.  Davey Holt stayed steady behind the intimidating Santa Claran and in the final 1/4 mile pulled a sneak attack to end dead even at the finish.  A monumental moment in the history of this race; a tie!  As Billy finished, we slid into our prize - 15 minutes soaking in the freezing tributary stream of the Santa Clara River. (Landreth 288.65) 

As the only 2 time finisher of this classic race, I am awarding myself with the Thomas Jefferson Lifetime Achievement Award for Dedication and Commitment to and the Love of Distance Running.  It is a very special award that I will hold very dear to my heart.

afternoon - 5.25 Parkway.  Had a very short turn around as it was getting hot quick and I wanted a good nap, so I went out and hit a quick 5er to round out the day.  (Cumulus silver 538.15)

AM - 20 SGM w/ Logan and Dustin. An amazing way to end the week. We dropped off Marcie and then James and started off on our 20. Both Logan and I didn't think we would be hitting anything too quick, but coming up Winchester I wanted to help Logan hit a solid hill like he has been working on, so we picked it up. Then he just kept going, so I went with him - but it wasn't racing, it was great training together. We hit 5 very solid miles at the end including a 5:08 mile 19 - at the end of a 130+ mile week. (Stratus Bee 73.4)

The whole week, including today has me stoked! I really feel that from last Saturday through to today, I have hit multiple workouts that have made me a much better runner.

Goals for next week:  I will hold back a bit and hit 120 miles next week (the 130 was great - It just kind of happened and I really didn't feel all that spent, just a tad this morning until we started moving better, but I need to make sure I don't get injured just going too nuts with it).  And I will look to continue to feel very positive with my running.

AM - 18.25 Factory Stores out and back w/ James. Then XC practice to Middleton and a few more miles around Dogtown. Legs are feeling last week a little. (Stratus red 455.5)

afternoon - 6.35 Prospector/Church Rocks Trail and then down through Grapevine. (Cumulus red 584.6)

Pool Running - 20 min (1off/1on) 

AM - 13.35 Lower Grapevine to Highland w/ James - tried to push the hill to make up for missing Meat Grinders last night (family finally got back into town!). Then XC Dogpound and 5 barefoot grass striders. Was pretty spent. Probably a good thing that I didn't hit hills last night. Hopefully I will get my legs back a little through the week. (Landreth 300.55)

afternoon - 6.5 DinoTracks.  Nice and warm out.  I think I am adjusting to these crazy afternoon runs.  (Cumulus silver 544.65)

Pool Running - 20 min (1off/1on) 

AM - 15.3 Fields w/ James and then XC Dino Tracks. Run slowly got better as I woke up. Legs weren't quite as trashed the last couple days, but still a few runs out from really having much in them. (Stratus 528.1)

afternoon - 5 Washington Loop w/ Turtle Creek extension.  Not bad only doing 5 this afternoon (1 mile makes a difference in the heat!) - just need to hit 20/day this week, so I was able to cut it down.  Although since I stayed in town on the roads instead of going out to the desert, I couldn't count the number of weird looks I got.  (Cumulus blue 302.9)

Pool Running - 20 min (1off/1on)

AM - 12.7 Green Springs w/ James and then XC team run on the Parkway. Nothing too big of a deal this morning. (Cumulus white 76.15)

PM - 10.2 Club Run.  Good turnout as I had most of the varsity XC there (running with this group once a week for the rest of the summer will really help them and teach them a lot about running).  Pace was solid throughout, but the last 2 or 3 Logan and I did a solid tempo finish; it really hurt, in a good way.  (Stratus Bee 83.6) 

AM - 12.3 Just the Parkway w/ James since I had to get to XC over in Bloomington Hills. So then XC we ran a 7 down the trail into Bloomington and made a loop up Sugar Leo and under the freeway. The kids (boys V and top JV and Ashley) are all doing very well. I am super excited for them and the team. (Cumulus blue 315.2)

afternoon - 5.25 Tortoise Fence.  Not as hot out today.  If I wasn't so spent, it would have been enjoyable to do a nice 10 out.  (Cumulus red 589.85) 

AM - 20 Bloomington Trailsx2.  A pretty good run except for the last 3 or so.  Was very humid out this morning and I about lost every ounce of water in my body.  By the end, my right quad was just gone (tired, tight, low on fuel), and it cramped up pretty solid on me.  I was a little worried it was going to blow, so I eased it in pretty casual like.  (Landreth 320.55)

Solid week mileage wise.  But the body is tired.  I am happy for a break next week and excited for Bryce.

Goals for next week:  Very important - mileage can't be over 90 including the race.  Enjoy the taper and recovery of the week.  Stick with race plan and be mentally tough throughout. 

AM - 16 Middleton w/ James and then XC Tortoise Trail up near the top w/ the top Varsity. A good 16 miler with no leg issues from the other day. (Cumulus white 92.15)

PM - 9 Bloomington Hills.  Went on a little run today instead of Meat Grinders.  The temps were great with a little rain coming down; it made it very fun - not to mention Kam being high on life (and Red Bull)!  (Stratus 537.1)

AM - 11.85 Green Springs w/ James and then XC went with middle group on a 4+ miler down to Dogpound. Legs a little tired and heavy. (Stratus Bee 95.45)

afternoon - 5 on Treadmill.  Depletion run before loading tomorrow and Thursday.  1 mile warm up, then went 6:00,5:50,5:40,5:30 for a quarter each, followed by a mile at 5:20, then ended by going back up for a quarter and a mile cool at 6:30.  Not too bad, a bit hard to hit a good rhythm on the treadmill; but I decided to do it there to try and focus on the pace and not the heat (even though it isn't horrible out today).  Now the real taper.  (Cumulus white 97.15) 

AM - 10 Bank and back w/ James and then XC I just did Roundabout w/ a few different groups of kids while the Varsity went up to Highland.  Maybe one of the worst runs of my life.  A very good thought heading into a big race!  My legs were like bricks.  I dug back into them with the stick when I finished (did 40 mins. of the foam roller on them last night).  (Stratus red 465.5)

AM - 6.85 Parkway w/ James and then around Washington a little before practice (sent kids on a shorter run - 3 miler - and some ultimate. Felt a lot better this morning. The taper is setting in a little, but still some room to freshen. (Landreth 327.4)

PM - 6.8 Club Run.  Nice little jaunt around Sunset getting honked at by a record number of people - must have been Bill up front!  (Cumulus white 103.95) 

AM - 6 Washington Loop w/ Buena Vista extension and then around Cottonmill East w/ James. XC was running Icehouse Trail and I wanted to join them, but not today. (Stratus Bee 101.45)

evening - 3.2 Cannonville.  Went for a short little shake-out w/ Clyde once we got the camper set up.  Race should be good tomorrow.  (Stratus 540.3) 

AM - Woke up and got ready and caught the bus to the start of the race.  Then hit a 1.05 mile warm up.  I think I should have warmed up more.

Started off well.  Logan took off hard after Brandon Doolin (former CV runner, who ended up running very well), Italia, and a couple gunners.  So I was kind of stuck by myself, but just a little.  I knew I wanted to hit a quicker first 2 miles than last year, but not as fast a Logan 1-5:24, set up pretty good and I felt pretty decent. 2-5:24, still felt good about how I was starting and looked to close on Logan a little on the downhill as he settled down. 3-4:46, sounds insane, but is the same 3rd mile as last year.  I thought it would be quicker, too quick, since I pushed a little to catch up to Logan so I could have him pull me for a little while.  4-4:54, Things are going well as we continue down the drop. 5-4:57, I was very pleased at how I was running time wise.  My goal was to hit a solidly quick section here and use the downhill, it backfired on me later. 6-5:03, Logan noticed I was breathing very quick and heavy and advised me to keep it relaxed.  I tried to, but it would immediately go back to a struggling lack of rhythm.  7-5:18 Logan took off as we hit the flat (I thought because he knew Vick was right behind us, but he didn't hear him, he was just racing hard).  Vick and his buddy passed and it was like a switch went off, I totally lost it all.  8-5:27 I should have been so worried and mentally weak.  Seeing a 5:18 and 5:27, I should have realized I was still very solid and recovered back to 5:20 which was the plan.  Instead I gave up.  Why?  From here it all turned crappy.  I am kicking myself that I let myself go so bad mentally.  9-5:44 When I should have been making a move on Vick's buddy who was just 30 meters in front of me, I only let myslef focus on how bad I felt.  Can't do that!  10-5:39 I should have used my Gu around 6, but I was planning on using it at 8 and by that time my stomach was a mess.  I was fighting every step not to puke or lose it, so I didn't dare take it - or any drinks.  So by this point, my body was depleted.  Another poor racing move on my part. 11-5:46 I did some math and tried to figure out where I was, and decided a solid last 5K would still set me up for something solid.  But I didn't push on this mile at all, I was out of it mentally. 12- 5:58 Oh Boy!  What was I doing.  13-5:35 Pushed this a little as I took a quick glance and saw Italia closing and not far behind him, Clyde.  So I tried to refocus and this is what turned out. .1-(5:05 pace to finish),  Obviously, I still had a little there because I hit a solid stride again for the last of 13 and to the finish to solidify my 5th, but I was weak.   Crossed in 1:10:18.  A little better than last year, so that's good.  Still got a little money, so that's a bonus.  Another 1:10 (4 or 5 straight now!  So it is time to get over that bump)

After a few minutes, I jogged out to help James and he was just around the corner, busting it is with a 6 minute PR and a great 1:22!  I was way stoked for him.  Then James, James, Clyde, Logan, and I went for a 2 mile cool down. (Ohana 89.5)

I have mixed emotions about the race as I think about it.  The effort: good for part of the race, poor for part - 1st half may have been a little quick and it hurt me later.  But how do you break though when you never push the limit?  So I tried and it bit me.  Mentally:  pretty weak.  It is always the most frustrating thing to me when I give up mentally.  I knew a great time would hurt; I tried to convince my body and mind of this, but I wasn't ready.  I think some more solid finishing runs will get me more ready for this.  The time:  Okay time.  Can't yell at it, but I could have easily been so much better.  I think about last year though, and realize that I wasn't too pleased with my performance here last year either, but it got me ready to run stronger at Provo and then SGM.  So I take from this that I ran a little faster than last year, I have a much stronger base than last year, and with great training partners to push the tempo now the next two months as we hit 100-115 mpw, things are going to be great at St. George!

AM - 8.3 a SORE 4.5 out and back w/ James then a little before practice, finished off with 2 during practice to round it out. Legs really are pretty trashed. But it was a lot harder to start than to keep going. Tried to use the stick and then my usual daily core stuff. (Cumulus blue 323.5)

afternoon - 5.7 Sienna Hills Park and 2 miles barefoot running on the grass. I am sure am much more sore than last year after Bryce. This afternoon felt a little better than this morning, however. (Cumulus red 593.55)

AM - 10.25 Green Springs w/ James. Then XC 3 miles up Tortoise Fence ran w/ Austin then Danny. Felt a little better than yesterday. The quads are coming around, but the calves are still a bit tender. (Stratus Bee 111.7)

PM - 5.75 Sienna Hills Park by way of lower Parkway and back.  8x100 grass striders.  Feeling noticeably better this afternoon compared to morning.  The striders were good and got my legs moving as I worked on having a quick pull-through of the foot.  Ave. for run was 7:40, first time under 8 since the race; so legs are showing signs of improvement.  (Cumulus Silver 548.85)

AM - 12.15 Fields w/ James and then XC to Sienna Hills (they did some barefooting) and back. The occasional pain I have in the tendons behind the knee was back today in my right leg. I think it is from continued tightness and soreness in my legs. Add to that the fatigue I am still feeling and I am not sure about tomorrows Big Workout. I think I'll be alright though to at least give it a shot. (Cumulus white 116.1)

PM - 7.85 Treadmill.  Because of some family stuff, I planned on running this evening, but Ally had to go to the doctor for an ear problem and that meant treadmill time.  I really struggled to get through it.  I do better on the treadmill if I have been running on it a lot; then it seems less tedious.  But I haven't been on it much this summer, so it is grinding.  But I am sure it is not as bad as Al's ear pain.  (Stratus red 473.35)

AM - 15.2.  Big Workout #19 - 4 mile warmup, 7 Tinman Tempo (6:00), 4 cooldown w/ Clyde and Logan at DC.  Started off with the warmup and my body was sending signs of distress.  About 100 meters into it, a sharp pain sent through my butt and all around my left leg causing it to give out and forcing me to stumble to stay upright.  But I hope it would all work out.  Heading back onto the Bloomington Loop we began out Tempo - I was supposed to hit 6:00, and I hoped I could do it (things still aren't really recovered from Bryce.  1-6:03; 2-6:00 the two slowest were down the trail! 3-5:56 pushed harder up the hill around Bloomington and Clyde and Logan pull away a little; 4-5:54 just try to keep focused and not worry about how tired I felt.  It was weird, the pace wasn't hard, but my legs just wouldn't respond and move (an oxymoron); 5-5:59; 6-5:51; 7-5:55 worked pretty hard to keep those last few under 6:00 up the trail, but I made it.  Then 4 cool.  Not a bad workout considering how I felt.  It actually gives me a little confidence - although the pace isn't supposed to kill you, it was nice to accomplish it when I am trashed.  (Landreth 342.6)   

AM - 12 Highland from bottom up w/ James. Then XC Canal Trail and Rollercoaster from the two churches in the fields. Had to add a couple at the end to hit the 12 and did my striders during the last mile. (Cumulus white 128.1)

afternoon - 7.8 NEW TRAIL ALERT! James and I had spotted what we thought be a new trail, so I went and checked it out this afternoon - it is (although it is still under construction and "no trespassing"). It goes from the bottom of the Parkway through the gap to the river - I'll call this section the Indian Point Trail - after some Indian ruins I found when I hiking last year on the point way above the trail. Halfway down this access trail, there is another trail being made that goes up the quarry around the backside by the hill to the dump (I only went up a little bit of this because I didn't want to hit too many miles - I'll do it another time). At the river, the trail goes north and is bulldozed all the way up to Sunrise Valley bridge 3.8 miles from my house (eventually the trail is supposed to go all the way up to Zion). I've always wanted a trail here, but the tammies made it too thick to even hack one through - so this is a fun discovery. The new trail helped me not think of the toe nail I ripped off this morning moving stuff around in the garage and the pain it was causing (not to be too gruesome, but I tore my middle nail on my left foot right off to the place it comes out the skin.  I pushed it back down and bandaged it up.  The pain was there, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be.  Hopefully it will hold up on the downhill of the course tomorrow.).  Also, it was hot today! (Cumulus blue 331.3)

AM - 18.5 Big Workout #18.  SGM course 8 mile easy then 10 tempo progression from Tinman to MP to LT.  Legs are just gone.  This 103 week has been harder than my 130 week.  Got into the tempo section and could barely make my legs go - quads are just spent.  So I stopped for a minute around 4 miles into it to just reboot.  I finished up my water, stretched, and just tried to focus mentally for a minute and tell myself I could finish it up.  It worked well enough to be able to continue the progression down to 3 MP (5:45's) and 3 LT (5:30) miles to finish up.  On the positive side, I told myself that if I could hit the times when I am this spent (and faster than I have ever finished SGM), I should be headed in the right direction once I get my legs back.  Toe hurt a little, but I survived.  (Stratus Bee 130.2)

AM - 15 Fields Run. Big Workout #17. 4 mile warm/7 Tinman/4 cool. Didn't really hit this one as well as I would have liked. Legs still fatigued, tired in the morning, dark, lack of concentration. A lot of reasons - but all in all, I just didn't run as hard as I should have. Between 6:03-6:10 on the Tinman miles. I've got to get focused, especially when I have to do these on my own and early. (Landreth 357.6)

afternoon - 4 Sienna Hills Park.  Ran out to the park and did my 8x100 striders barefoot on the grass.  They were very slow and sluggish just like I am.  (Cumulus silver 551.85) 

AM - 12 Fields w/ James and then XC to Sienna Hills and ran 1 mile barefoot on grass.  Still not running very well at all.  (Cumulus blue 341.3)

afternoon - 6 Upper Grapevine.  This was one of the slowest, tiredest, crappiest runs I have ever had.  I didn't want to put the time, but then as I used the stick, I read my log from last year at this time.  In doing so, I realized that I have had similar struggles - so I guess I'll put my time so I can read back on it and learn (and laugh).  It took over 55 minutes for 6 miles.  2 miles at 10:00 and 4 over 8:00.  Oh well, move on.  (Stratus red 479.35) 

AM - 15 Big Workout #16 - 6x1000's w/ 200 jog recovery. Up beyond early to meet Logan and Clyde at the track at 4:00. Warmed up for 5 up Green Springs w/ 2 at Tinman. These felt a little strained, and I was worried that I wasn't going to do well on these (especially the way I have been running). Goal time 3:20 (5:20 pace) 1-3:15 felt pretty good, surprised that I did so well; 2-3:17 just wanted to keep them flowing at a steady pace; 3-3:15 Again still feeling pretty solid, almost like I could even go faster, but I tried to run within myself knowing I still had 1/2 the workout to go; 4-3:13 wanted to take a second off each one to end it; 5-3:11 really felt strong on this one; 6-3:10 had to work it a little to hit the time, but did it and let out a little victory yell to congratulate myself and started to dry-heaving. Cooled down with 1 on the track and then 4 out to factory stores and back. Great workout; felt pretty pleased with it. Next time I will go into it with a little more confidence. (Stratus Bee 145.2)

AM - 12 Treadmill.  Made it through it - that's all I have to say about that.  (Cumulus white 140.1)

afternoon - 8 Treadmill.  Again made it through this crap.  Al will be home tomorrow afternoon!  (Stratus 548.3)