Relentless

morning - 12.1 Club run.  From store into Fields and up River Trail back to store.  A decent run.  James and I ran together as Bill and Steve took off.  (Cumulus gold 130.3)

Goals for this year: Last year I wrote out quite a list of goals and didn't get many of them, so in a way it damped what I did accomplish.  So I really don't feel like setting too many this year.  But here are a few things I would like to accomplish: Have a good quick 10K-1/2 marathon, since I've been working on my speed, I would like to have it pay off; Nothing about mileage numbers other than run enough to keep it fun and help me become a better runner; Continue to work to spread the all around awesomeness of this sport/lifestyle with my athletes, friends, family; Keep a good balance with my family who puts up with a lot because of what I do.

morning - 5.75 Washington Loop.  Just an easy run and then took the dog around the block.  (Landreth black 314.05)

noon - 5.1 Washington Parkway 6x1 min fartlek.  Got out earlier, since I wasn't wiped out from this morning's run and got it done.  Started the fartlek at the overpass at the top of the Parkway coming down, so the first 2 were downhill, 3rd pretty flat, 4th uphill on to Telegraph, 5th and 6th flat on Telegraph and into Cottonmill.  Went from .22 on downhiller's to .19 on uphill and .20 and .21 on flats (including last).  Good little speed play.  (Stratus bee 414.55)

AM - 18.5 Quail Creek.  Had to get out pretty early due to some family things today, so I missed the club run.  Run was okay.  Saw four shooting stars - 1 big one - and the lake was cool looking in the dark.  Legs didn't respond too well to anything, so I kept it pretty chill.  Did push the last 7.5 a little to about a 6:10-30 average, but legs weren't wanting to go any quicker.  (Stratus black 125.75)

Week was pretty decent.  Interesting how quick the body adjusts to things.  I haven't run big mileage for 1 1/2 months and just going to this weeks mileage made me tired.  Although a lot of that had to do with this cold (and now it is an ear infections, beastly). 

Goals for next week: readjust to school life.  It has been great having the time off with the family and doing a lot of stuff together, but now it is time to get back to real life - so I'll see where that takes my running.

afternoon - 10.5 Parkway.  Hit the Parkway with Austin and Corey.  Then brought it home from school as the Jeep is in the shop for a little while.  Snowed on us again.  The novelty of that has worn off.  (Landreth black 324.55)

AM - 2.7 School.  Ran to school today as the Jeep will be in the shop for a little while.  It was 16 degrees and the snow had mad a layer of ice on everything - very slick.  (Stratus black 128.45)

afternoon - 10.9 Mall Trail w/ the boys, then hit 5xbarefoot striders - nice to be out barefooting again.  Then ran it home.  Decided against 2000's today because of the ear infection, now is not the time to make anything like that worse.  Was going to go home dogpound, but the road was torn up and I couldn't get through, so I had to cross country it around Sandberg's.  Got home and took the dog around the neighborhood.  (Stratus black 140.35)

AM - 2.7 School.  Another chilly run to school. (Cumulus white 445.25)

afternoon - 7 Z Loop.  Into Green Springs and around by Z's house and a grass loop to top it off with the boys.  Really tired at the beginning, but started to slowly snap out of it.  (Cumulus white 452.25)

AM - 2.7 School.  Got up and ran to school again.  (Landreth 547.35)

afternoon - 10.75 Middleton Trails.  Went up into Middleton w/ the boys and hit a few trails across the top over to Green Springs and brought it back to school; ran home; took the dog around the block (measured it for the first time, actually .85 - always thought .75 - and the dog kept me well below 7:00 for the loop!).  (Landreth  558.1)

AM - 2.7 School.  I've decided most of the reason I hadn't been getting up before this week - since I have to right now - was simply lack of drive and laziness.  Can I overcome that and run a few each morning when I get the Jeep back - if I ever get it back?  (Stratus bee 417.25)

afternoon - 10.85 10x400hills.  Warmed up with the boys and dragged them over to some hills by the middle school that I will dub "Old Man" hills (because they were in a 55 and over community.  It was a nice little incline for 200 then a very gradual for the last 200.  It was a good hill for this type of workout.  I kind of tricked the boys and didn't tell them how many we were doing tell half way, but they did awesome.  Then ran it back to PVHS and to the shop to pick up the Jeep.  $700 later it is done.  Not too bad though in the grand scheme since I haven't had to make a payment on it in 7+ years.  (Stratus bee 428.1)

morning - 13.15 Painter's with the club - James, Austin, Nate and I running, Clyde and Logan biking.  Did a nice easy run on the 1/2 course.  Temps weren't too bad.  Glad we did it to remind me of how long the Bloomington loop section of the course is.  (Cumulus gold 143.45)

Week wasn't too bad.  Missed my 2000's because of the ear infection (which is still just hanging around), but miles were right where I wanted them and I even got up most of the week to run - since I wasn't getting to work any other way.

Goals for next week:  I am not really sure what to expect for the 1/2.  I am in pretty decent shape (maybe even better than I think), but after coming off last summer, anything else seems less than ideal for racing.  But I am going to push and make it a good start to the racing season.

afternoon - 9.1 GS/PL/Middleton reverse with the boys.  A pretty solid run.  I was impressed how well these 4 our doing (Danny, Austin, Corey, Decker) with the little higher mileage.  We picked it up to 6:00 on the few miles coming down out of Green Springs.  (Landreth black 333.65)

afternoon - 8 River Trail/DI w/ the boys.  A little tired in the legs today.  But worked out of it decently by the end.  Finished off with 5xbarefoot striders.  (Stratus bee 435.35)  

afternoon - 9.25 River Trail w/ the boys; then 3 big loops.  Got back home and took the dog for 1 mile.  Legs seem a little dead and I'm a little unenthusiastic.  (Cumulus white 461.50)

evening - 8.1 Club run on the Parkway.  At the top of the Parkway we went on the north road up to Green Springs and then back to the store - dodging cars and trying to cut it as close as possible to death (Steve really didn't like that part for some reason).  Nice little run with a fun group out.  (Stratus bee 443.45)

afternoon - 7 Washington Elem. w/ the boys and then DI for a few extra.  We'll see how the race goes tomorrow.  (Cumulus white 468.50)

Race was okay.  It really showed me what type of shape (or lack thereof) I am in.  A group of us just started off pretty easy and were going along decent.  And as Paul and JeffMc went at around mile 7 I just couldn't really get the legs going any more.  Same thing happened as Hayden pulled away just a mile later.  So I just kind of cruised it in knowing I wasn't in shape to catch Hayden and Sasha wasn't go to catch me, so why kill myself.  (Landreth 563.10)  (Ohana -13.5

Warmed up with a few guys, but Hayden and I pushed it a little further (4.5 total) and cut the start close, but no biggy.  [Splits are by Garmin which measure 13.27 (so they are off a bit)]

1-5:40, pretty chill start to race.  Group of 7 or so.

2-5:32, still no one pushing and I am fine with it.

3-5:11, make the turn onto River Road and then onto the trail and we begin to pick things up.  Group narrows to pretty much the top 5.

4-5:14, I am actually feeling very good and excited about it as we keep it moving.

5-5:28, we slow up the hill into Bloomington Hills, but still feeling good.  No one pulled away from me on the hill and I thought I might win.

6-5:10, moving strong back along the top of BH.

7-5:25, a little icey on the top section of trail and then Hayden went down on the bridge and I hurdled over him, slowing up to make sure he was okay.

8-5:43, wasn't it just like 1 mile ago I thought I was running strong enough to win?  Not any more.  Jeff and Paul kept going strong and Hayden regained me and just pulled away steadily.

9-5:45, I guess this is where my lack of any type of tempo work shows.  I could hold this 5:45 stuff all day.  I wasn't hurting.  Just couldn't go any faster.

10-5:37, The Bloomington loop is always a tough part in this race for me.  Today it is no different as I have no drive.

11-5:44, I pretty much resign myself to 4 (as stated above) and figure I'll just keep moving it along like this until the end.

12-5:44, more of the same up the trail.

13-5:53, Gave a few checks back to make sure Sasha wasn't coming and just chilled.

.1(.27 on Garmin)-6:05 pace, the little end section was stupid.  As I turned around I saw Sasha had gained a little on me the last few miles, but I was secure so I jogged it on in.  A little different finish than last year when I collapsed.  It is easier to finish this way!

No big deal today.  Even though I didn't run great, I hadn't the base or especially the tempo training to hit a great 1/2.  So I'll just start to get things rolling a little better now and improve.

morning - 11 Junction.  Felt pretty decent on this run out to the Junction.  Got home and took the dog around the neighborhood.  (Stratus black 150.35)

evening - 5 Treadmill.  Jumped on the treadmill for a little while.  Treated me just fine.  (Cumulus blue 500.65)

AM - 6 Washington Loop.  Got up and got a few in.  Then took the dog around the block.  (Landreth 569.10)

afternoon - 9.2 Parkway.  This afternoon I finally felt fatigued and worn from the 1/2.  Passed on running miles with Austing and Kimzey and just went on the Parkway.  Decided to run barefoot at the park for a little, but tumbleweeds had left stickers everywhere, so that didn't last long.  Dragged myself the rest of the way around.  (Landreth black 342.65)

AM - 6 Washington Loop.  Another solid morning run.  Finished with running the dog again.  (Stratus bee 449.45)

afternoon - 9 Ran Foremaster w/ the boys and then did 6 striders.  After, I went and did wieghts, just two sets since I haven't lifted for so long.  Then finished with DI loop.  Legs felt a little better after wieghts and on the DI loop than the last couple days.  Had to run in an old pair of Cumulus 9's (red) because I had a shoe mistake.  They actually felt okay and may have a little more in them, so I won't be too afraid to use them if I have to again.  (Cumulus red -8

evening - 9 Club run.  Started with a mile w/ the dog.  Py came on the last little with us.  She had a lot of fun outsprinting me.  Then went over to run w/ the club.  We went up Middleton/PL/GS.  A light little drizzle and good company made it nice.  (Cumulus white 477.50)

Didn't run this morning because I don't want the miles to go up too high too fast.

AM - 6 Washington Loop.  Nice drizzly morning.  Abs hurt just a little, so I need to be careful as I keep taking mileage up (they had been feeling great the past couple weeks).  Then took the dog out again.  She is getting a little better at pacing herself!  (Cumulus blue 506.65)

afternoon - 9.5 10xold man hills.  The hills took on the real meaning today as Austin laid it out that he is the master, not the old man.  Just not a lot in the legs today.  Chilly drizzly day and I just never really warmed up.  Hit a quick round of weights when we finished.  (Cumulus gold  152.95)

morning - 18 Club run.  Ran over to the store (2.25), then met up with everyone - good to have Greg down to hit the run with us.  We went out on the fields loop for 12 and then I ran home.  Of course the dog wanted to go when I got home, so I took her around the block.  Kind of fun in the rainy fog.  A little tired by the end, but to be expected with the increase mileage, weights, and hills.  (Landreth 587.1)

Enjoyable week.  It felt good to be doing morning runs again.  Waking up wasn't a big deal and I felt a lot better.  Glad I got into the weight room as well, even though I am not a big fan of it.

Goals for next week:  Mileage should be mid 90's; so pretty much the same as this week, w/ a run every mornign to catch the extra 6.  Keep the abs/hips feeling okay.

AM - 6 Washington Loop.  A little hard to get up this morning, and another drizzly day.  But made it through - slight pain in right achilles.  Then ran the dog around the block.  (Cumulus blue 512.65)

afternoon - 9 River Run.  Went with the team and got the started on Sunrise hills and I continued around onto the River Run.  Got back and lifted weights then went out and did 8xbarefoot striders in the chilly weather.  (Landreth black 350.65)

afternoon - 14.6 Green Springs and Hospital in reverse.  Went with the team up to Green Springs as they did 6.  Then I continued it on to Hospital with 2 sets of 2 miles at Tinman pace with a mile between.  The first mile was very easy with the downhill (so time was well below Tinman), second was a good fair mile with another solid time (had to keep it chill and not go to crazy).  Then recovered(?) up over Foremaster and started the second set up the long hill past Target and the Outlets.  First one was right on 6:00; second slipped a little, but not for lack of effort.  I really worked hard on it, so I felt good.  Then cooled down and went over by Old Man Hills to find an 800 hill nearby for our workouts, and brought it back to school.  Got home and took the dog around the neighborhood; she was anxious since we didn't run this morning.  (Stratus black 164.95)

AM - 6 Washington Loop.  Still a little chilly out in the mornings.  Slept good, too good.  I didn't want to get up.  But did and had a nice little run.  Then took the dog around as usual.  (Landreth 593.10 - these shoes are holding up very well.  I would imagine they will become the first shoe that goes 601+ miles)

afternoon - 11 River Trail.  Went down the trail 5 and back and had a decent run.  My legs are a little sore and tired (mostly from adding the weights, but hopefully the strength in my hips and legs will be worth it).  Got back and lifted  and then did my 8xbarefooters.  (Cumulus white 487.50)

AM - 6 Washington Loop.  Good to get a little stretch out this morning.  Got home and took the dog around as usual.  (Stratus bee 455.45)

evening - 8.15 Club Run.  Went out on the Parkway with a pretty big group.  Legs still a little stiff, but improving.  (Landreth black 358.8)

AM - 6 Washington Loop.  Hit the standard again.  Almost everyday I think about going some other direction, but it is a little easier to just hit the same and it doesn't matter when it is dark anyway.  Then took the dot around.  (Landreth 599.10)

afternoon - 12 6x1000's.  Started off with 3.5 barefoot to get warmed as I waited for the team.  Then we did a DI warm up and got into the 1000's.  The goal pace for Corey and Austin was 3:21; mine was a few seconds quicker; with 200 jog recovery.  Hit them all decent, between 3:15 and 3:18.  The boys (and girls) hit their's solid as well.  Ended with DI loop cool down.  A solid workout.  (Landreth black 367.3

AM - 19.5 Quail Creek.  Had to get up at the early hour to get the run in before Ry's swim meet (she swam very well) making it very dark and lonesome out on the road.  I didn't wear a watch, but I felt pretty solid throughout and the ave. was probably a solid long run.  Took the lake loop backward, which makes for 2 hard climbs right near the end.  Got home and took the dog around to end it all.  (Cumulus gold 172.45)

Had another solid week.  Mileage is progressing very well.  Legs were a little flat throughout the week, but I attribute that to lifting more than anything else; nonetheless, I will keep doing it to strengthen up some of my weaknesses.

Goals for next week: Keep the mileage right in the same area (right around 100).  Enjoy the morning temps, because they won't be here for much longer (it will be the middle of summer before we know it).

AM - 6 ACx2.  Time to start up the morning practices and get my overdose of Arctic Circle run.  Ran with Chandis on the first one and Kimz and Aust on the second.  (Cumulus blue 518.65)

I realized I have parent teachers this week.  So running is going to be severly adversely affected.  I hate PT Confs.

afternoon - 15.3 Mall/Trail to No Where and Hospital.  Ran with a good group of boys on the Trail to No Where.  Then I extended down around Hospital.  Felt very flat and tired, so I didn't try to hit any Tinman.  Then I had to hurry home to watch Laney as Ry and Py went swimming; so no striders or lifting.  When I got home, I took Lanes in the stroller and the dog on a run over to the ball fields and we ran 8xbarefoot striders and a barefoot mile, then home.  (Cumulus white 500.8))

mid-morning - 9 barefoot.  Went out on the balls fields and ran 8 miles barefoot before PT's and then did 8xbarefoot striders.  Felt okay but did get a blister on my left big toe.

Only run for today as I won't want to run when I get home and slept in not feeling too great this morning.  I have a little cold and don't want it to go full blown by wearing myelf out.

AM - 6.75 2xAC w/ some laps.  Nice little run.  Blisters didn't bug.  I drained them last night and put mole skin on them, so no problem.  (Landreth 605.75)

evening - 10 Middleton.  Took the dog around the neighborhood; then ran out to Middleton and up to the top of the Heights.  Felt pretty good and racey.  It was probably a good thing I didn't have a watch on or I would have sprinted my way home.  (Stratus black 174.95)

noon - 7.2 Up Shinob Kibe.  Aust, Kimz and I weren't sure where to go today, so I suggested UP Shinob Kibe.  Despite the grueling run/hike, it was fun.  Got home and took the dog around.  (Cumulus white 508)

evening - 8.85 Club run.  We went up into Green Springs and took some trails to connect over to Millcreek and down through Washington.  Good run; felt pretty decent.  (Stratus bee 464.3)

AM - 7 2xAC and some laps.  A little sore this morning.  But it sure was nice out; temps over 50 at 6AM.  (Cumulus blue 525.65)

afternoon - 7.5 Dog pound AT.  Warmed up with Corey, Josh, and Austin around DI and then got into AT.  I didn't feel loose or great, but once we got moving it went well.  AT section was 3.25 miles and we did it in just over 17:00 - pretty solid; considering the last mile is all uphill and we held it at 6:00.  Then cooled down with DI again.  (Landreth black 374.8)

morning - 22 Icehouse.  Took the trail up Icehouse and then to the trailhead at Broken Mesa with a large group of us.  A pretty solid run.  Even with all the climbing (app. 2300 ft in 9 miles) I felt good.  It was like Wild Kingdom as we raced a small herd of 7 deer up the Icehouse climb; then when we got on top we saw a large herd of probably 100 deer moving across the mesa.  We chased them for a few miles and saw a few nice bucks.  Then we heard a few coyotes out howling.  And it was nice, as I timed my fall much better than last time (on the lava) and fell on some nice soft dirt and only knocked my breath out. (Cumulus gold 194.45)

Good week.  Kind of a pain with PT's and that crazy schedule.  But mileage was good (I should have taken the dog out today and hit 100+, but I needed to work in the yard and I was tired). 

Goals for next week:  Get back into the weight room (missed both times last week because of PT schedule), and be right up near the century mark if I am feeling good - really it is just about mileage and time on the feet all spring.

AM - 10 DI/2xAC and some laps.  Hit a few more this morning, as I have a meeting this afternoon that will limit my run a little.  Back is still a bit sore and tight after sleeping on it wrong Saturday night and pinching a nerve, but it is improving.  (Landreth black 384.8)

afternoon - 8 Treadmill.  Had a meeting after school, then I went a lifted.  After lifting headed home to watch the girls.  Took the dog around the block and then ran on the treadmill for 7 more at 7:30 as I watched Boston Indoor Games.  (Landreth  613.85)

AM - 6 Washington Loop.  Tried to make an excuse - any excuse - to sleep in today, but nothing worked.  So I dragged out of bed and ran the usual and took the dog around.  Kind of chilly out again.  (Stratus bee 470.3)

afternoon - 9 Green Springs/DI.  Nice and easy to the top of Green Springs, and then I added DI.  Finished with 8xbarefoot striders.  A little tired today. (Stratus black 182.95)

AM - 11 3xAC and some laps.  Would have slept in if it wasn't for those meddling kids waiting for me at practice.  (cumulus white 519)

afternoon - 11.55 River Trail.  Ran DI as a warmup w/ the team.  Then went down to the River Trail to get in a little Tinman work.  I really wasn't feeling it at all and wanted to just drag the run, but I need to pick up the pace every now-and-then; so I went for 2x2 miles at 6:00 pace w/ 1 mile recovery between.  Once I got going it actually was pretty easy and I didn't have to work to hit the pace it just came.  Got back and lifted and then ran a grass loop to stretch out the legs after.  (Cumulus gold 206)

AM - 6 Washington Loop.  Just the regular morning business.  Wanted to stay in bed of course, but something Al said when the alarm went off got me out and moving.  Thanks for the push even though you didn't realize it.  Then took the dog around the block (forgot to yesterday, after practice, so she need to go out today).  (Cumulus blue 531.65)

evening - 8.1 Club run.  Went out and hit the Parkway.  I was pretty tired and so I just chilled it and chatted it up with everyone; it was pretty nice.  (Stratus bee  478.4)

AM - 11 Green Springs and 2xAC with some laps.  Still a little fatigue in the legs this morning.  Did my core stuff like I have been doing most every day.  (Landreth black 395.8)

afternoon - 11.5 6x1000.  Went out early to practice with the intent of getting in 3 extra miles before the team, but there was a baseball tournament taking up my barefooting grass, so I had to get the mileage with big loops.  The team got out and we warmed up with DI.  Then got into our 1000's.  Most everybody did 2, but Kimz, Austin and I hit 6.  I wasn't too excited to do these, but knew that once we got started it would be fine.  First two were 3:17, then two at 3:16, then the fifth at 3:15.  On the last one, I was on 3:15 pace for 600, then decided to see if the old legs could give a little more and hit a solid last lap for a 3:07.  Finished with a slow, tired DI cool.  Got home and took the dog around.  (Stratus black 195.45)

morning - 18.5 Little Black Mt.  Headed out on the AZ Strip again for a little run.  At first I was thinking 15, but ended up with a little more.  I wanted to find the old Jeep road that goes up the mountain, but I could find where it started, so I continued onward.  Instead of head to the petroglyphs, I went out to the power lines.  Looping around, I tried an off-beat trail that took me up to the face of some cliffs.  I was about to do a 15 ft. free climb to the top but didn't feel so great about it, so I worked my way off the steep hillside and tide up with another road.  I soon realized why I shouldn't have gone up the cliff - coming around a hill, a deep dry wash canyon made the cliff I was about to climb a huge finger; if I would have gone up, it would have added probably another 10 miles to the run to get around the canyon, or I would have had to rock climb back down the cliff face (either would have sucked - and I was happy I heeded the feeling).  Got back to the car and came home to take the dog around the block and work on sprinklers all day.  (Landreth 632.35)

Week went pretty good.  That lower ab pain has been coming back here and there for a couple weeks and yesterday set it off pretty strong, but today felt okay.

Goals for next week: Practice is starting up for real next week, so goal is to try to find the balance of time for my running and time for the team.

morning - 10 Treadmill.  Al is still pretty sick, so I just slept in and ran on the treadmill while trying to control the girls.  Ran at 7:30, then 6:58, then 6:40 for the last 5.  Finished by taking Laney and the dog around the block.  Maybe I'll be able to get out somewhere this afternoon.  (Cumulus blue  541.65)

afternoon - 10.5 Treadmill.  Well didn't make it out like I had planned, but I needed to run when I could and Laney was sleeping and Rylee with friends (so only 1 to fight while on the treadmill).  Warmed up for 1.5 at 7:30, then took the rest at 6:58, and added .5 at 6:00 as a good song came on just as I was about to finish.  Ran in the same shoes again - I don't know why.  (Cumulus blue  552.15)

AM - 6 Washington Loop.  Dragged myself out of the sick home and ran - also took the dog around.  I may be on the treadmill, with practice and the whole family sick.  (Landreth black 401.8)

afternoon - 9.75 Old Man Hills.  Took the kids that are in shape enough out to Old Man's.  Hit 4 sets of 2x200 hills 1x800 hill.  200 hills were hard for me as I wan't very explosive.  Felt pretty solid on the 800's, until the last one when my legs turned to jello.  (Cumulus white  528.75)

AM - 12 2450/2xAC with some laps.  Early morning running.  Woo hoo!  (Stratus bee 490.4)

afternoon - 13 River Trail.  40 mins. of Tempo pace w/ Kimz and Austin.  Set the team off as we all had varying paces for our 30-40 mins of tempo; we were shooting for 5:40 range.  Warmed up down to trail.  Then got 7.32 miles in at 5:40-5:45 pace throughout.  Very solid workout.  Cooled down back to school.  Then I ended with barefoot striders.  Got home and took Laney and the dog around the neighborhood.  Long day of running.  (Cumulus gold 219)

AM - 6 Washington Loop.  Grateful for an easy run.  Took the dog around.  (Landreth 638.35)

afternoon - 8 Dog pound/PVMS.  Took it out very easy with the team today.  Ran Dog pound then added PVMS+.  Came back and lifted since I hadn't been able to get it in this week.  Then ended with 8xbarefoot striders.  Legs a bit on the tired side throughout the day.  (Stratus black 202.45)

AM - 12 2450/2xAC and some laps.  Legs felt a little better today.  But glad nothing hard is planned for this afternoon.  (Cumulus white 540.75)

afternoon - 10 Green Springs/Millcreek.  Took most of the boys out on an 8 miler and then finished with 2 barefoot.  (Landreth black 409.8)

morning - 24 Mustang Pass x 2.  James, Nate, Steve, and I ran Mustang Pass from my house (just under 11 miles).  Came back and grabbed a drink and hit it again.  I added a little extra and took the dog around the neighborhood to round off the run.  (Landreth 662.35)

Felt pretty good throughout the week.  A bit sore from the 7+ tempo on Weds. but legs eventually came back.  120 during these temps is significantly easier than 120 in the summer (of course not nearly the crazy workouts either).  

Goals for next week:  I think I'll be 110+ again.  I would like to make that pretty regular - as much as possible - through track season.  Need to lift two times this week (the last two weeks have only been once each).

AM - 12 2450/2xAC and some laps.  Regular stuff.  Very nice out with a little drizzle here and there.  (Stratus bee 502.4)

afternoon - 10 Hospital/DI.  Pretty tired for only a Monday.  Added DI to get in a couple extra.  Then lifted and hit 8xbarefoot striders.  (Cumulus gold  228)

AM - 7 Buena Vista (I decided I should call this morning loop BV instead of Washington Loop since it has a very different middle/end section).  Added an extra mile by going up near Warm Springs.  Ended by taking the dog around.  (Cumulus white 547.75)

afternoon - 8.5 Lava Point.  Very nice day out - temps near 70.  (Landreth  670.85)

AM  - 12 Mall/2xAC and some laps.  Felt a little better this morning, as far as having some juice in the legs.  One of those mornings where it was nice and easy to get up (if only that was every morning).  (Landreth black 421.8)

afternoon - 10 River Trail.  4 sets of 2 min hard, 1 min easy; 1 min hard, 30 sec easy; 30 sec hard, 30 sec easy.  A pretty solid workout.  Added a couple grass loops, lifted and then hti 8xbarefoot striders.  Leg was giving me some pretty serious issues.  (Stratus black  211.45)

Nothing this morning.  The past couple days, I have been experiencing some tendonitus in my right lower leg across the front.  It came up a week ago, but went away.  Then this week it has come back and gotten progressively worse.  Pretty intense yesterday.  I had been hoping to finish out the week strong and give it some time next week as my schedule will be very off (with Al going to SLC for most of the week to be with her mom).  But the pain woke me up many times last night, so I figured I should heal it up now if it is hurting that bad.  Have been icing and wintercresting for days.  Usually this type of pain is easily treated, but this time it is giving me fits.

The ol' goose egg.  I had thought about going out this afternoon, but a call to move a neighbor set that aside and I guess I'll just use the time to get the leg better.

AM - 6.65 2xAC w/ some laps.  Leg feeling quite a bit better, but still a twinge in there.  So I decided to cut back this morning and just run with the team and cut out the early stuff.  Still working hard to take care of it.  I would like to still be able to get my long run in tomorrow.  (Cumulus gold 234.65)

afternoon - 7 DIx2.  Decided it would be best to keep it easy again this afternoon and passed on the 1000's with the team.  Hit the DI warmup with them; timed them; ran DI cool with them; finished with 2 miles barefoot on the grass; and finally came home and took the dog around.  It had been a few days since I took her out - she was a little ansy.  Pain was very limited, however; nonetheless, it did seem to move around to the back and into the achilles a little.  (Stratus black  216.45)

AM - 28.15 Utah Hill/Bear Claw Poppy Trail.  Started off making a 14 mile loop in the desert up onto Utah Hill - it was too dark for us to try and tackle the trail.  That run was nice and fun as a group.  Then Steve and I continued onto Bear Claw.  Here I felt even stronger.  Although not my longest run in distance (2nd), it was the longest in time at just under 3 and 3/4 hours - a long time on the feet.  But I felt very good.  Not really even tired as we finished.  Today was one of those days that had I been racing (and of course, actually been in race shape) I would have been able to do very well. (Landreth black 449.95)

Had a solid week despite missing Thursday and cutting back big time Friday to get the leg healed up.  It was worth it in that today there was zero pain in the front tendonitis that was giving problems and very very minimal in the achilles of that right leg.  Also did core stuff each day and hit the weights twice.

Goals for next week:  With Al gone most of the week, just do what I can and have fun with my girls.

AM - 12.5 Mall Run/2xAC w/ some laps.  No pain at all this morning.  Good start to the week.  (Stratus bee 514.9)

afternoon - 13.8 1000,1200,1600,1000 at 4:55'ish pace.  Warmed up with 4 barefoot and 2 more on DI w/ team.  Got the separate groups started on the workout and jumped in with Austin and Corey on this beast.  Hit them all but was a little spent.  We cut the workout a bit short skipping the second 1200 and 1600 - I may have finished them, but would have been hammered, no point in that.  Kimz and I finished with PVMS cool down of 2.7 miles.  Finished by taking the dog around and pushing Py and Laney in the stroller! (Cumulus white 557.55)

AM - 12 Target Loop.  Waking up a little sore, I thought this morning may be a struggle.  But after getting going, it wasn't any big deal.  Temps. out are amazing. (Landreth 682.85)

afternoon - 12 Mall/Dogpound.  A bit of a tired run.  Legs and mind a little tired, but got going a little better as the run went on.  Two long up-hill pulls during the run.  Finished with lifting, 8xbarefoot striders and then took the dog around. (Cumulus gold 245.65)

afternoon - 15 Washington/AC.  Started off with 4 barefoot before practice.  Then we ran and out and back into Washington.  I finished off with AC and 8xbarefoot striders.  Legs still a little tired from the high mileage the past two days (had to do it with Al gone), but they are coming back.  Ran in a new pair of Stratus 2.1 (Stratus grey 10)

afternoon - 10.  A mix of whatever runs.  Hit the cool down after practice and then went home to get the girls and took the dog and Laney around.  Then ran 7 more on the treadmill.  It was pretty uninspiring.  I wanted to stop long before I got 10, but decided I needed to get there.  Ran in new Landreth 5's.  They are a lot like the 4's, in that I am not loving them at first step - but hoping they will age like a fine wine!  (Landreth orange 10)

afternoon - 10.5.  Started off w/ 4.5 barefoot and then the boys and I ran down on Mosquito and Staheli Hill, then around the desert at Sandberg's.  Finished the day off with lifting and then took Molly around the block.  (Cumulus blue 558.15) - retired these shoes today.  They are totally gone.

morning - 10 Treadmill.  Well this was pretty much just a run to run.  I didn't want to run.  I was ready for this week to be over and Al to be home.  But I got on the treadmill and started up and just tole myself to get to 5.  Then I bumped it to 7; finally up to 10.  I thought about going more once I got there, but decided just to call it a week and end my misery.  (Stratus bee 524.9)

Week was okay.  Legs got tired after the first two day, but was able to get them back near the end of the week with lesser mileage and easy workouts.

Goals for next week: get rolling again.  Try to get a little longer run in, but there is a meet this weekend that may make that difficult.

AM - 12 Mall/2450/AC and some laps.  Back to the morning grind.  Felt decent this morning, but I could tell that I hadn't ran a lot of mileage in the last week because my legs were kind of herky-jerky.  (Cumulus white 569.55)

afternoon - 10 1000,1200,1600,1200,1000 @ 5:00+ pace.  Wasn't able to get a great warmup in, just 2 with the team before the workout.  Jumped in with Kimzey as he was alone at his pace.  We were just a little slower this week than last (4:57-5:03 pace), but we got the whole workout in, even with the beastly wind.   Cooled down with DI and took the dog around when I got home.  (Stratus grey 20)

AM - 7 Buena Vista loop.  Took Molly around first and then went out on BV w/ Warm Springs extension.  Abs started giving me problems again at the end of last week.  Kind of weird since I wasn't running hard or very much at that time - must have just tweaked them wrong.  (Landreth 689.85)

afternoon - 10 Mosquito/Staheli then Dog Pound.  Went out on an easy 5 with the boys, then added dog pound.  Finished up with a good solid set of lifting and then 8xbarefoot striders.  (Stratus black  225.45)

AM - 12 Mall/2xAC.  Ruth came over and she had a little workout to do, so as we ran Mall we did her 3x10 min steady pace runs at her 10K effort.  Then finished up the run with regular AC's.  Just a little tendinitis pain coming back into the right leg - better get on that before it gets bad again.  (Landreth orange 22)

afternoon - 7 DI and treadmill.  Caught the DI cool down with the team and headed home and ran 4 more on the treadmill and then took the dog around.  That tendinitis is flairing up a bit more again.  (Landreth orange 29)

afternoon - 13.25 Dog Pound/River Trail.  Took on the Dog Pound with the team and then I extended it down on to the River Trail.  The push back up to the school on 2450 was pretty solid- best and fastest part of the run.  Finished by taking Molly and Laney around the neighborhood.  (Cumulus gold 258.9)

AM - 12.35 Mall/2xAC and some laps.  Thought about getting up very early to get in a long run - as I know I won't want to do it tomorrow w/ the track meet ending late tonight and starting up tomorrow morning.  But I decided that with next week being free, I'll just use the rest of this week to get my leg feeling all the way better.  Leg is feeling mostly better (or at least better than before).  (Landreth black 462.30)

noon - 8 River Trail reverse. Went out and grabbed a few more miles at lunch and on prep before the track meet. (Cumulus gold 266.9)

AM - 12 Junction to Coral Canyon. Went out early to get done before day two of the track meet.  Run was pretty good,  took the Everest Trail over the bluff to get in some beastly hill work.  Probably should have gotten up earlier and done more - but next week I am planning on hitting some masterful miles, so no big deal. (Landreth grey 32)

morning - 11.25 Parkway.  Ran over to school for practice, then we hit the Parkway - had to jump out a little early to get back home.  Then finished up with the dog and Laney around the block.  (Stratus bee 536.15)

afternoon - 11.75 Dino Tracks/Sand Hill.  Very nice run up in the desert today.  Had a long day working in the yard, but I still felt pretty good.  Ran Dino, then up to Sand Hill and climbed that beast and brought it home.  (Cumulus white 581.3) 

morning - 14.1 River Trail.  Ran over to PVHS again for practice and then went down onto the trail for fartlek work.  5 sets of the same workout from a few weeks ago - 2min hard/1min easy-1min hard/30sec easy-30sec hard/30sec easy.  It is a strong little workout.  Brought it on home after practice and then took Molly around.  (Stratus grey 46.1)

afternoon - 8.3 Grapevine to Coral Canyon.  Headed out onto one of my fav. runs, out into Grapevine and took it over the hill and out into Coral Canyon as long as I could before needing to bring it back for dinner.  Have been trying to stretch, roll, and ice legs good to keep feeling good.  (Landreth black  470.6)

morning - 14.65 Green Springs/Shoe. Took Green Springs route to practice and then we ran Shoe (new name for Mosquito/Staheli/Sandberg) and then brought it home and took dog around. (Stratus black 240.1)

afternoon - 10.9 Bracken's Loop.  One of my all-time favorite runs - but also one of the hardest runs.  A lot of sand (pretty much the whole thing) and a ton of climbs.  But away from everyone and everything with a lot of amazing rock formations.  In one of the dry stream-beds, some water surfaced for about twenty feet and was running and starting to pool in places.  It was nice and refreshing.  (Landreth  700.75 - first pair of shoes ever over 700)

morning - 12.  Ran over to school for practice and caught the DI warm up with the team.  Then I ran around barefoot on the turf for about 1.25 as they did their 400's.  Finished off with DI cool and then home.  Grabbed Laney and the dog and went 1.25.  (Cumulus gold 277.65)

evening - 8.75 Club run.  Steve, James, Clyde and I went down to Mosquito, up Dog Pound, across the bridge in Green Springs and then back to the store.  Just a nice chill run and enjoyed the company.  (Landreth orange  37.75)

morning - 11 Fire Station desert.  Ran to practice then Austin and Lara and I ran out in to the desert above the Fire Station.  Ran home and added a mile with the dog and Pyper and Laney in the stroller!  (Stratus bee 547.15)

afternoon - 8.3 Grapevine to Coral Canyon.  Same run as last Tuesday afternoon.  Started pretty chill w/ no watch so I didn't worry about pace.  Trying to have some sort of legs for tomorrow's run.  But ended up starting to flow a little better toward the end as I thought about some of my goals.  (Cumulus white  589.6)

AM - 42 Utah Hill x 3.  I really don't have a lot of weekends where I can prepare for the 50 - even though it is still a few months away - so I decided to get something big in today.  Picked up Steve very early and we started the first loop.  The dark kept it a little slower and actually hid the hills a little.  Finishing up the first lap, James and the others went by - we started a little slow and the slower pace made us late.  Moved into the 2nd lap and it went pretty good.  Then moved into the 3rd lap and switched directions and it went pretty solid as well.  Total time from the first step to the last was 6:18 including refueling/drink stops/bathrooms- for an average of 9:00.  Nothing crazy, but this type of running, I found out, is much different than anything else I've done.  It's not about pace, it's about getting it done.  It was kind of surreal running that long.  I thought about EVERYTHING one could think of.  Named every stinking climb (and there were a ton).  Cheered myself at notable milestones - 22, most miles for a week; 28, longest timed run; 31, longest mileage run; 40, 2 miles left; 41, 1 mile left; 42, done!  Legs and mind were the big concerns, but I am actually pleased about how I held up all around. Hydration and fueling were solid.  Ate bread and honey each time back at the Jeep and had plenty of Gu's and Shot blocks.  Could have used just a little more gato and water on the last loop.  (Landreth black 512.6)

This was the end to a monster week for me - 150+ total (previous high was 133), today's crazy run - and I feel pretty solid, a little tired but I think I could easily stick another 8 onto it and have a solid 50 miler (especially on fresher legs and a more racy atmosphere).

Goals for next week: Chill out a little (our meet this coming weekend will slow me down), and start off the last quarter of the school year well.

AM - 12 Target Loop.  Back at it this morning.  Run took a little longer than expected.  Didn't feel bad, just kind of in recovery mode.  (Landreth orange 49.75)

afternoon - 10 GS/PL/Midd.  A little bit tired for this run.  Obviously tired from last week, but I am also coming down with a cold.  Took Laney and Molly around the block when I got home.  (Stratus black  250.1)

afternoon - 10.  Went out and got 5 in barefoot; then did DI warm and cool with team and took the dog and Laney around the block when I got home.  Feeling a little better than this morning when I was just sick (cold that is just draining my energy).  (Landreth 705.75)

AM - 8 ACx2 and some laps.  Slept in a little this morning and didn't catch the usual 12 before school.  But I am feeling a little better again today - a little more energy.  No need to drain myself to catch a few miles.  (Cumulus gold 285.65)

afternoon - 8.5. Did the workout with the girls today which was 3x800 at their Tempo pace, with DI warm and cool (didn't hit the 200's with them).  Then did 4xbarefoot striders.  Got home and took Molly for a run and then ran around the block as Ry rode her bike.  (Stratus grey  54.1)

afternoon - 10 Shoe Run and Mall Run. Ran with the boys out on the shoe run; then added the Mall run and ran with the dog around the block.

evening - 5 Treadmill. Hit the treadmill for 5 more as I watched a little college b-ball. (Stratus bee 562.15)

AM - 17. Ran to practice then hit 2xAC with a few laps; then back home via Green Springs and a mile with Molly.  (Landreth orange 66.75)

AM - 10 Middleton. Decent run out into Middleton and back for 9 and then took Molly around for a mile. Legs felt decent and should be ready for a solid week next week. (Cumulus white 599.6)

Goals for next week: get my brain back into it. I knew this was a recovery week and I knew I had a lot on my plate with our track meet, so I kind of let thing slip (even thought the mileage was still where I wanted it). So next week, refocus.

AM - 12 Mall/2xAC and some laps.  Back to the usual M/W/F routine.  Felt pretty good this morning, just a bit chilly.  (Landreth 717.75)

afternoon - 14.5.  7x1000's.  Warmed up with 2450 and then with the team.  Jumped in with the 2nd group of boys on their 1000's.  Goal time 3:20, with 2 minute jog recovery, and we hit everyone (those that stayed with me).  Then helped Ashley on the last of her 8's; and blasted a 3:03 with Kimzey on his last 1000.  Finally cooled down and headed home, running Molly around while Ry rode her bike.  (Stratus black  264.6)

AM - 8 Green Springs.  Bit of a recovery day this morning.  GS and then took the dog around.  (Landreth orange 74.75)

afternoon - 10 2x1600 Tempo.  Warmed up DI (not enough) and did 2x1600 at 5:20 with Kimz and Austin.  Then cooled down DI and 2450.  That was enough.  (Landreth black 522.6)

AM  - 12 Mall/2xAC/laps.  Pretty dang hard to get up this morning.  Add to that nothing in the legs and it made for some fatigued running.  (Cumulus gold 297.65)

afternoon - 12.5 2450/Fire Station/DI.  Got in a tired run, then lifted for the first time in a while.  Ended by going out and doing 8xbarefoot striders - very slowly.  (Stratus grey 65.6)

AM - 12 Middleton/Warm Springs.  Felt a little better this morning, other than being a little sore from lifting (but I never lift enough to be really sore).  Got back and took Molly around.  Only run today as we have a track meet today.  (Cumulus white 611.6)

PM - 2.75 PVHS to home.  Wasn't planning on running home (but maybe I was, since I brought stuff just in case), but Jeep is doing its things again and won't start; so I got a nice late-night run home after the meet.  (Landreth black 525.35)

AM - 10 PVHS/2xAC/some laps.  Morning came much too quick and I pushed back my alarm as much as possible and still run to practice in time.  Legs felt fine, I was just too tired.  (Landreth black 535.35)

afternoon - 8.5 Shinob Kibe.  Real easy run out with the boys.  Planned on running a few more home from practice, but the Jeep actually started!  So I ran with Molly and my girls for a bit and then Molly around the block.  (Landreth orange  83.25)

noon - 28.5 Mustang Pass/Icehouse/Broken Mesa.  Snow derailed our plans for Pine Valley (at least that's what I thought - sorry Steve), so I slept in and then went out on the trails.  Conditions were great with the rains and the weather.  Ran Mustang Pass and connected it to Icehouse.  At the top of the climb I left my long-sleeve and water, only to come back and find it taken by some hippies from NAU who were out doing a study.  Luckily I caught them at the bottom of the climb and got my shirt back and my drink (good - since I hadn't drank since 7 and I was now on 20).  Finished back around Mustang and home.  Run was solid; hit a few solid toe-grabbers that about made me go down and strained my stomach a little; but I survived. (Stratus bee 590.65)

Had a strong week.  Got a little burned from the back-to-back track workouts with the kids, but hit solid mileage and good long-run with some climbing.

Goals for next week: This will be more of a mileage week focus.

AM - 11.5 Mall/2xAC/laps.  Didn't get quite as much in as usual as I had to get ready for the day at school.  Felt solid and woke up okay, even after having trouble sleeping all night.  Could order up those morning temps for the rest of the year!  (Stratus black 276.1)

afternoon - 13 River Trail.  Not a bad little run, a little fatigued toward the mid-end.  Took Molly around block while Ry rode her bike.  (Cumulus gold 310.65)

afternoon - 10 Foremaster/2450.  Pretty warm out today.  Easy run again with boys.  Took dog around while Ry rode.  (Landreth black 545.85)

PM - 6 Treadmill.  Got 6 more in at an easy pace as I watched a video on Vietnam.  (Landreth 723.75) 

AM - 10.5 GS/ACx2/laps.  Didn't get as much as I should have this morning as I slept in a few minutes.  Won't be able to get another run in with meet tonight - but maybe that will freshen up the legs (not that they have been bad, but I do worry a bit with this high mileage that I have been hitting that I'll get hurt - so I'll take the rest this afternoon).  (Stratus grey 76.1)

AM - 10 Middleton.  Not a bad little morning - things felt solid, life is good.  Took dog around.  (Cumulus white 621.6)

afternoon - 10.5 barefoot/shoe run.  Started off with 3.5 barefoot; it felt good to get out there again, but there were so many stickers I just couldn't take anymore of it.  So I put shoes back on and finished with a couple big loops.  Then the team went out on the Shoe Run, but didn't find any shoes today.  Finished off the day by lifting.  (Stratus bee 597.65)

AM - 8 2xAC and some laps.  Slept in a little.  Long run this afternoon, so we'll see how that goes.  (Landreth orange 91.25)

afternoon-PM - 50 Strip.  Went up to out to the AZ Strip for a 50 miler this afternoon.  Parked at the top of Quai Hill and used that for the base for three legs out in different directions.  Leg 1 Mokiac-18 miles: This was a lot of fun.  More climbing that I thought, and I made this the 9 miler out and back which dropped me off the pass further than expected so I ended up climbing app. 2600 ft. during this section.  But I was moving really well and enjoying being out in a new place.  Leg 2 Quail Hill-16 miles: Got a drink and food and called Al to tell her I was alive and headed back down the main dirt road onto the Stipoff Quail Hill.  Right away I wasn't having too much fun.  The pace was easy because of the huge drop, but I wasn't looking forward to coming back up; however, I was happy that I had chosen to run this 2nd and not last, as the 8 back up were looking brutal.  Sure enough 2000+ feet of climbing back up for a constant 8 mile was hienous.  I did not enjoy it at all.  The toughtest part of the run was the mental aspect - as my body felt fine, but my mind was all over the place.  I kept thinking how hard it was and my mind just kept going back to it over and over.  Then I just got mad at myself over my pity party - Losing muscle control in your face mid-sentence and having your wife look at you with tears in her eyes wondering if you are going to die and not being able to answer - that's hard; trying to consol your wife while you stare at an ultrasound machine with a picture of your dead baby - that's hard; this was not hard - just a challenge.  So I sucked it up and kept going.  Leg 3 Seegmiller Mt- 16 miles: I thought that when I finally made the ascent and started on the last section of the run I would be feeling better.  My goal was to make it up the last climb, a 1000 footer in 1.5 miles and just enjoy the 8 on top.  But the sun went down and it got very dark and my mind was just all over the place.  I finally hit the 8 mile turnaround and headed back.  The only thing I could do to try and take my mind off the unending run was sing hymns, so I sang/hummed loudly for the next hour or so, until I finally got back to the Jeep.  I was never so happy to see that thing, and even happier when it started!  50 miles - I'll take my hat off to anyone that can finish that after having gone through that.  But my legs felt great and the run was solid - 6:59:37 and 6000 ft of climbing.  I may never do that again.  (Landreth 773.75)

morning - 6 Parkway.  Dog was antsy, so I took her around the block and then ran Parkway.  It was nice with a little drizzle throughout.  Felt pretty good, just not a lot in the legs obviously.  (Landreth black 551.85)

A decent week; missed a few miles here and there that I need to get out of bed for, but okay.

Goals for next week:  the next two weeks will be filled with track meets so the mileage will be way down - maybe around 90, but I am hesitant to even put a number on that.  Keep in the weight room and keep working on core muscles as lower/deep abs are a just a little sore today and need further strengthening.

AM - 10 DI/2xAC and some laps.  A little fatigued still.  (Stratus black 286.1)

afternoon - 10 Green Springs/2450.  Nice day out, but I can tell it is going to take a little time to get any strong runs back in me.  Got home and took dog around.  Wasn't able to get weights in today (sometimes life happens),  but it shouldn't be a problem later in the week, so at least I'll get one day in - maybe I can sneak it in another time as well.  (Cumulus white  631.85)

AM - 10 Middleton.  Nice morning run.  Again, not a lot in the legs.  But the runs aren't bad, just slow and easy.  Ended by taking Molly around.  (Stratus grey 86.1)

afternoon - 6 Mall Run.  Very windy run - we even cancelled the track meet because it was so windy.  8xbarefoot striders and weights.  (Landreth  778.75)

AM - 12 Mall/2xAC/laps.  Windy, windy, windy this morning.  Started off feeling pretty strong, but by the end I was a bit wiped.  Still a few days out; but the singles I'll have on Friday and Saturday will get the legs back - not that I am in any major rush.  (Landreth orange 103.25)

evening - 6 Treadmill.  Took the dog out for a mile with both Py and Laney in the jogger - that was a chore.  Then got on the treadmill and did 5 more easy miles.  (Stratus bee  603.65)

AM - 9.5 Green Spring and Warm Springs.  Okay little run this morning.  Ended by taking the dog around.  (Landreth black 561.35)

afternoon - 8.5 Washington.  Got a couple on the track, then headed for an out and back into Washington.  Finished with lifting and 8xbarefoot striders.  (Cumulus gold  318.15)

AM -12 Mall/2xAC/laps.  Same as usual this morning.  Earlier in the week I had though briefly about going more this morning, as it will be my only run today.  But decided against it as I don't want/need to push it too much - let the legs heal up.  A bit chilly this morning.  (Stratus black 298.1) 

AM - 11 Junction.  Went out to the junction this morning then took the dog around.  A good run; felt good and ran solid.  Good end to a recovery week. (stratus grey 97.1)

Goals for next week: it will pobably look a lot like this week.  Two meet this week with an invite Fri/Sat, so that cuts into a lot of time; and Ry's b-day on Monday, so I just get in what I can and be feeling light and fresh come the next week and get back into some good mileage again.

AM - 10 2xAC/2xHarts/some laps.  Slept in a bit this morning as last night was not a great sleeper.  Al was gone much of the night watching neighbor kids for what was supposed to be a few minutes but turned into a many hours as a baby was born - so I kept waking up knowing where she was at, but wondering.  And the girls were up and down all night.  Anyway... so I was a little behind this morning.  Run was pretty junky too.  Very flat and blah.  Ran into the twins (James and Nate were dressed head-to-toe twinners) for a little on the last little addition I did to make it 10.  (Landreth black 571.35)

Ry's birthday today!

afternoon - 11 barefoot/2xDI.  Went out and got 5.5 in barefoot on the grass.  Then warmed up with the team and hit the cooldown with them.  Finished with a mile at home with Laney in the stroller, Ry on her bike, and Molly on the leash.  Still felt pretty tired and crappy.  Some of that may be due to the 90 heat.  (Landreth 784.25)

AM - 10 Middleton.  Happy that I got up this morning!  Hit Middleton and then took Molly around.  Maybe felt a little better than yesterday, but still some stiffness and fatigue - maybe I am just a little worn down and stressed out from all the work I need to do.  (Cumulus gold 328.15)

no run this afternoon - track meet

AM - 12 Mall/2xAC/laps.  Got up on time again this morning!  Run was okay; I could tell I had only run once yesterday - legs a little flat and junky at first.  The moon was awesome this morning as it was a perfect crescent right next to the morning star(planet - is it Venus?  I'll have to look it up).  But it was so close, like millimeters away; at one point even touching.  As I watched it most of the run I caught a lash out of the top of my eye and looked up and saw a huge shooting star.  Cool stuff.  (Landreth orange 115.25)

afternoon - 11 River Trail.  took the team down for runs of 6,8,10 on the River Trail.  It was a hot bugger and really put a strain on the system.  Ran with Molly when I got home; then jumped in the pool - it was nice and cool.  (Stratus black  309.1)

afternoon - 13 Shoe/Grass.  Went out on an adventurous Shoe Run, as we had to blaze our own trail down by the river due to construction.  Then I went to the ball field and ran 5 barefoot around the soccer field and 8xbarefoot striders.  Finished off the run by taking Molly around as Rylee rode her bike.  (landreth 791.25)

AM - 12 Mall/2xAC/laps.  Usual morning practice routine.  I am kind of in a lull right now.  Hopefully next week I'll be ready to get back a little more, as I would like to move the mileage up a little from the last two weeks.  (stratus grey 109.1)

AM - 11 Junction.  Up early to get a few in before the trip up to Cedar for a track meet.  A nice little run, despite being so tired.  Got home and took the dog around.  (Landreth orange 126.25)

Interesting couple weeks.  Cut the mileage back significantly do to track with an eye on recovery, but I don't know if I really feel all that recovered - and recovered from what?  Just high mileage I guess.  But I am ready to get back some good mileage and tie in a few long runs - it has been awhile since I have gone anytihng over 13-15 or so.

Goals for next week: bring the mileage back up and get in a solid long run.  A busy week as Ry is getting baptised Saturday, so I won't be going up to BYU with the team.

AM - 13.5 Foremaster/2xAC/laps.  Up just a little earlier this morning so I could get a little extra in.  Still felt a little off - a 13 miler shouldn't really be a tough thing, but I just didn't feel like I think I should.  I wonder if my body was kind of in a taper phase after I cut mileage the last two weeks?  (Landreth black 584.85)

afternoon - 12 Green Springs/DI/2450.  Ran 5 with the boys that are racing tomorrow, then caught the BYU bound boys and ran their cool down, and finally finished with 2450 and a run with Molly when I got home - even a little bit with Pyper!  (Stratus bee 615.65)

AM - 10 Middleton.  Out to Middleton this morning.  Then took the dog around.  Runs are okay lately, but just kind of flat.  (Landreth orange 136.25)

afternoon - 8.5 River Trail.  Headed down onto the trail before the races today.  Still sluggish.  (Cumulus white 640.35)

AM - 13 Foremaster/2xAC/laps.  Felt a little better today as far as having something in my running.  Hope that I can keep that turning around.  (Stratus black 322.10)

afternoon - 12 Washington/laps/DI.  Ran out to Washington for an easy 5 with the non-BYU boys and then hit a bunch of laps as I waited for the BYU boys to finish their track work; then hit 8xbarefoot striders and ended the run with DI cool down.  (Cumulus gold  339.15)

AM - 10.5 Wendy's. Went out on the Wendy's loop and then took Molly around the block.  Temps out are perfect, just a little chill to keep it fresh.  (Stratus grey 119.60)

afternoon - 13.5.  Started with 5 barefoot on the grass.  Then had about a 25 minute break for a swine flu meeting at school.  Then hit up 5 more with Kimz and Aust out in the firestation desert.  Finished with 2450.  Getting back, I was able to get a chiro adjustment from one of the kid's dads.  It was the first time I have ever had one, I was cracking all over - kind of scary in a way.  (Landreth 799.75)

Hit 500 for the first time ever in a calendar month!

AM - 8.25 Green Springs.  Took advantage of the smaller miles and slept in a few minutes.  Nice little run around Green Springs loop.  Pushed the pace coming down Quail Ridge - haven't done that often lately - will get into some Tinman stuff and Tempo stuff in the next couple weeks and that will be nice.  (Stratus bee 623.90)

afternoon - 13 Mall Trail to Nowhere/Webb Hill.  Ran the Trail to Nowhere with the JV boys today with a nice pickup in the middle to their Temp pace (5:50) for a mile.  Then went over to Webb and ran 2 sets of Meatgrinders/Fire Sides - up Meatgrinder and down Fire Side, then up Fire Side and down Meatgrinder.  On the second time down Fire Side I saw something flash out of the corner of my eye, so I stopped.  It was a beautifuly colored fox - every color from red to rusty orange, to brown - he just stopped and stared at me from about 5 feet away for 1-2 minutes until he decided to move on!  It was very cool.  Oh and the hills were tough.  (Cumulus gold  352.15)

AM - 33 Wendy's/Quail.  Got up and ran Wendy's then went down and ran Quail with James.  On the way out we took the Lava Point trail to add a few miles - down by the river I noticed some blue string up in the cliffs, so I was staring at it - then I noticed two great horned owls sitting up in the cliffs, one in the nest must have been an adolescent - it looked just like an Ewok.  Then just a few feet away on a crag was the adult.  Two straight days of awesome animal sightings!  Got fairly tired as we finished up the run into the wind.  (Landreth orange 169.25)

Week was solid, got in another set of good miles and and decent long run.

Goals for next week:  It will be another busy one with region track on two days, so that will cut into the mileage a bit.  So I will use it as a recovery.  Then over the weekend we are up to SLC, so I think I may head up into the mountains for a hard mountain trail run - but we'll see.

AM - 12 Middleton/Warm Springs.  I must congratulate myself for getting up today - because it just about didn't happen.  Run was slow at first, solid at the end.  Took Molly around for a mile as usual at the end.  (Landreth black 596.85)

afternoon - 16.  About as uneventful as a run can get.  DI with Austin and then ran laps while he did his workout; finished with DI for his cool.  Then repeated the exact same thing with the rest of the team.  Got home and Ry wanted to ride around the block, so I took the dog around again.  (Cumulus white 656.35)

AM - 10.15 Green Springs/Warm Springs.  Another hand for waking up - it really just about didn't happen.  Took Molly around the block.  (Landreth orange 179.4)

afternoon - 10.25 Chuck-a-rama/Dog Pound/2450.  Ran the easy run with the boys, then with the girls and finished by breaking off and doing 2450.  (Stratus grey  129.85)

AM - 13 Target Loop.  Decent run this morning.  Some sections felt strong others a little slow.  I have been throwing in a mile each morning this week at Tinman - or perceived pace, with no watch - to try and get a little speed and Tempo work going.  Today I did 3.  I felt good for the most part, but still have plenty of work to do before I am ready to run fast at anything.  Ended taking Molly around the block.  (Stratus black 335.1)

afternoon - 7 barefoot/grass.  Went out on my prep and got 7 in on the grass barefooting before heading off to region.  Run felt fine - grass is good.  

AM - 13 Fields.  Looped into the fields for 12 this morning.  I once again had a hard time getting up and almost used an achy left lower/outside leg as an excuse not to run.  Very happy I went though as the leg didn't give me any problems and I did 3 at attempted Tinman pace.  Was able to get to 6:00 without any real issues, but when I lost focus it was easy to slow down as well which led to the averages on the three to be at 6:teens; it is just a matter of not doing Tempo for awhile and just getting back at it.  Finished by taking the dog around where I ran into Mom out for a little run of her own!  (Stratus bee 636.9)

noon - 7 barefoot/grass.  Sneaked out during lunch and the first part of my prep for another 7 barefoot.  With region it is impossible to run after.  The pain in my leg is there a little still, but I think it is from all the laps yesterday.  So today I switched up the direction every mile and it seemed to take the pressure off that spot.  Will keep an eye on it for a few days to make sure it is no big deal.

evening - 10.5 Sego Lily. Body and mind were both hammered this morning and I couldn't even function let alone get up to run, so I am glad I got this in once we got to SLC. Instead of the usual Sego Lily loop, I ran down and looped around the library and came back the same way; then went over the top (with a .5 detour do to a wrong turn) and dropped down Sego Lily and looped around the library and came back up. Definitely a hill workout every time I run up here. (Cumulus white 666.85)

Started off the morning running the Race for a Cure with Ally's family. We all ran in memory of Al's Aunt Kitty who just passed away around Thanksgiving and in celebration of Al's mom who has just ended her treatments and looks to be getting over this beast. Ry said she wanted to actually run so I ran with her. Taking away the time it took to walk to the start, her bathroom break, and the walk to the finish because of the back up of thousands or runners, she did it in right around 30 minutes! I was so impressed. She held my hand for most of the run - since she is a little timid around crowds - and told me her legs hurt a bit; but whenever I asked her if she wanted to walk she said no. Two times she did walk, but it was for about 1 1/2 steps and suddenly she was pulling my hand again to get going! It was a lot of fun to run with her and a neat event. Not bad for an 8 year old; she runs at school a mile once a week in PE and quite often the same during lunch and recess, and of course she is in great shape from her swimming where she places against 12 year olds. But I have been very careful not to be pushy - I don't want to be one of THOSE parents.

noon - 30.25 Bell Canyon/Little Cottonwood. After eating I headed up Bell Canyon Trail. I thought I would be able to get more miles here than I did, but I quickly ran into the snow at about mile 5 (2.5 miles of trail) so I headed down - but it still gave me a great climb, up to over 6700 ft. - 1700 climb; and was able to go on Maggie and my favorite trail when we lived up here (so that was fun to think about). Then I dinked around trying to find another trail in the area, but nothing - so I got kind of frustrated and just decided to run up Little Cottonwood. And UP it was - took me to 8900 ft in the 10 miles to the very top of the road - a 3700 ft. climb. Brought it back down very easy as to avoid thrashing the legs as much as possible. Very pretty up there with a lot of cool waterfalls and snow drifts in the cliffs. (Stratus bee 670.35)

Held the week together pretty good - it was tough some times.

Goals for next week: Busy week with the end of school nearing and state track, so it will be a recovery week.  Mileage may be around 90.  Work on some more tempo stuff. 

AM - 10 Middleton.  Just plodded along and took Molly out.  (Stratus grey 139.85)  Interesting side note, I just realized I spell grey with an ey and it was coming up wrong, so I looked it up and the ey is the British ending ay is the American ending.  But when I spell it gray it looks and feels wrong.  Hum... whatever.

afternoon - 10 DI and laps.  Warmed up with the boys and then ran laps while they did their workout.  Then finished with DI cool and a couple 800 loops.  Still a bit tired in the legs.  Hot out.  (Landreth black 606.85)

I now know why Ry was able to do so well in the 5K; she has lungs like a whale!  Today was her swim-a-thon and she swam 100 laps (200 lengths of the pool) - that is nearly 3 miles, in just over an hour.  She swam the whole time, no stopping.  I jumped in and did a few laps and 4 about killed me.

AM - 10 Green Springs/Warm Springs.  It has been nice to catch an extra few minutes of sleep this week.  Run was a bit better today.  Tried to hit 3 Tinman, but wasn't totally on.  Took the dog around.  Wore a new pair of Saucony Triumphs (I know... Saucony - but they felt good).  (Triumph 10)

Hit 2000 for the year this morning - I wonder how long it took me last year? June 27th.

afternoon - 10.  Same exact thing as yesterday afternoon.  (Cumulus gold 362.15)

noon - 11.75 River Trail.  Got out for a run during lunch and prep.  Hit 4 Tinman miles in the middle at 5:50-6:00 (right on).  Effort at times was still a little harder than necessary, but at other times it felt smooth.  So hopefully that is a good sign.  (Landreth orange191.15)

afternoon - 7 Shoe Run.  A short turn around, the heat, and the harder run earlier made me spent.  It was a good thing it was easy, because I had nothing.  Got home and took Molly around.  (Landreth orange 198.15)

AM - 10.5 Wendy's.  Man this was pretty crappy to start.  The legs felt worse than yesterday; however, they did slowly get into it.  Ended by taking Molly around.  Now it is off to state.  (Triumph 20.5)

evening - 4 Lehi.  Just went with the distance runners on little 4 around Lehi, getting yelled at by the local yocals, to stretch the legs out.  (Triumph 24.5)

evening - 10 Lehi.  Thought about getting up early and running before the meet, but I slept so crappy last night that I just decided to run in the evening (that's kind of my tradition anyway).  So ran from hotel up into the new section of Lehi uptoward Timpanogos.  I really felt good and had to kind of hold myself back from just letting it loose.  The point of this week was to let myself feel this way for a day or two. (Triumph 34.5)

noon - 10.7 Y.  After the 3200's ran with Austin and Trevor up to the Y from the track.  That was a pretty beastly experience as I almost lost my banana nut muffin.  After coming down, we went along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for a few and then ice bathed in a stream right off the snow pack (nothing colder, ever).  Then we worked our way back to the track.  Run felt great except for the climb up to the Y.  (Triumph 45.1)

Goals for next week:  Get back on some bigger miles and start some workouts if I am going to do SanFran.

AM - Big Workout #17 - 16 Fields.  4 warm/4 cool with 7 Tinman in between.  Tinman went very well for the most part.  I felt very good, just like I think this pace should be - controlled, relaxed, and quick.  But during the 6th and 7th miles I had to work a lot harder as I felt myself starting to lose juice in the legs - even felt like I needed to throw up again around the halfway mark of mile 6, but it went away after a couple minutes.  Kept pace within a fwe seconds each way with 6 and 7 dropping to 6:07's each.  Finished and took Molly around for a mile.  (Stratus grey 155.85)

afternoon - 9 GS/PL/Midd.  Summer has arrived - 106 degrees on this run!  Soaked my shirt at the upper Green Springs park and tied it around my head as I ran through the desert and the heat didn't seem as bad.  (Landreth  808.75)

AM - 13 Target.  A very tired run this morning.  I think the heat took a lot out of me yesterday, as well as the Tinman yesterday.  It will be interesting to see if I can hold this crap for long.  The summer is so different than the spring.  Finished by taking Molly around.  (Landreth orange 211.15)

Counted up my barefoot mileage for the year so far and added it as a shoe.

afternoon - 9 barefoot/grass.  Went out and hit some grass hoping that it would take pressure off the top of my left foot which has been giving me pain the last two days.  It felt good.  The wind picked up a bit and helped it feel a little cooler.  (barefoot 77.75)

AM - 12.5 Junction/CC.  Ran out through Coral Canyon.  Foot felt the best it has in days; still a little pain, but not much.  Took the dog around.  (Landreth black 619.35)

noon - 9.5 River Trail.  Hot down on that blasted trail; I don't know why I go on that heat infested oven.  Even with the temps not at 100, it just sucks you dry down there.  Went home and slept for 1 1/2 hours.  (Stratus black 344.6)

Foot has been feeling much better; only just a little pain.

AM - Big Workout #16 - 6x1000.  Warmed up to the school and did the DI at Tinman.  Then started into the 1000's.  It had been a couple months since I had tried anything like this, so I was a little concerned.  Times were at the upper end of the range (3:19-3:23) 1-3:23, 2-3:22, 3-3:24, 4-3:23, 5-3:22, 6-3:21 with a 200 jog at 1:15 between.  I didn't feel great, but not bad either; it is just hard to do this type of workout when you haven't for awhile.  I also decided that high mileage is going to make times on these workouts in the high range, but as long as I can keep it at least in the range of where it is supposed to be I will take the trade off - I mean, I am already in both feet on this high mileage stuff; I am not a burner anyway, so let's see where this takes me.  Cooled off back home by way of DI and Fire Station and a mile with Molly.  (Triumph 60.2)

noon - 8 Grapevine/Coral Canyon.  I ran again today.  The foot felt really good, but the heat is getting me so I took another nap after I got home from graduation.  (Cumulus gold 370.15)

AM - 8 Green Springs.  Slept in a little!  Nice overcast morning, so I hope that holds on to this afternoon.  Ran Green Springs very easy and took Molly around.  Legs are a little sore from yesterday I guess.  (Stratus bee 678.25)

noon - 21.5 Pine Valley.  There are 20 mile runs and then there are 20 mile experiences - this was an experience.  Started at Silver Reef with the intent of running up to Oak Grove and up the Summit Trail to the top of Pine Valley, then around on the trail up there and back.  I hadn't ever done this before, but have heard that the trail is just as steep as possible.  Started off at 3700 ft. at Silver Reef and started up to Oak Grove - this 7+ mile section is in of itself a climber, up to 6800 ft.  Saw a very cool Red Tail Hawk flying with a snake in its claws.  Got to Oak Grove and started up the trail; basically it is 3+ miles and nearly 3500 ft elevation gain.  There was a lot of hiking and wishing that I hadn't done this, but at the same time it was remarkable.  The views were undescribable and the challenge was amazing.  I finally got to the top of the trail and told myself that there was no way I was getting up here without summitting, which was another few hundred feet up and about 1/2, but the trail was covered with snow and unfollowable.  So I just started working my way up crashing through the drifts and occasionally folling through only stopping at my hips and getting cut up by the hidden rocks and trees.  I finally reached the pinnacle and stopped to eat and just chill at 10261 ft!  I just relaxed and took it all in.  Got kind of lost on my way back to the main trail, but finally found it.  Had to carefully work my way back down the mountain as to not fall (which would have dropped me straight off the cliffs) - only had a few slips and was able to grab some bushes and rocks as to prevent a serious problem.  Eventually got back to Oak Grove and strated back on the dirt road back to the Jeep.  Finally after 4:45 minutes and 21.5 miles (including a seven mile progression down Oak Grove 7:00 - 6:00) I was finished.  Got into the stream and drank a lot of water and gatorade and kind of releved in what I had just done.  Didn't quite the mileage I wanted, but there was no way to run on top with the snow and my legs were way too beat up to add anything on at the end; no big deal though.  (Landreth  830.25)

morning - 10 Washington Loop/Parkway.  Legs were spent today, barely made it through the run.  Took Molly around when I finished.  (Cumulus white 676.85)

Week went well getting into marathon training.  Legs are a bit shot now, hopefully they will bounce back a little more this weekend.

Goals for next week: Make it about the same as this week - mileage, big workouts, survive the summer heat.

AM - Big Workout #15 8 Tinman (17).  Warmed up plenty easy and slow; still stiff from Friday and wasn't sure how this would go.  Got into the Tinman and it started to roll decent, but quickly went away.  So I just tried to hold it solid.  All the miles were around the 6:05 mark except mile 4 where I just seemed to fall apart.  I decided to either cut the workout or stop for just a second and regroup - so I stopped to regroup and kind of pulled it back together and hit a 6:20 and the next 4 weren't too bad.  Got back and took Molly around.  (Stratus grey 172.85)

evening - 9 Middleton.  Went out into Middleton and the legs were pretty shot.  (Landreth black  628.35)

AM - 13 Target.  Really was spent this morning.  Took a lot longer than it should have.  Finished by taking Molly around.  (Landreth orange 224.15)

afternoon - 9 Barefoot/grass.  Ran over to the city fields (just .5 away) and ran 7 barefoot miles and then ended with 8xbarefoot striders.  Temps have been very pleasant for summer the last two afternoons; clouds and breezy, but no rain.  (Cumulus white 677.85)  (Barefoot '09  85.75)

AM - 13 Coral Canyon.  Ran out on the CC trails out past the Gilbert building.  Had a bit more in my legs than the last few days.  Took Molly around. (Stratus black 357.6)

Pool Running - 5 min.  Did a little pool running for the first time this year.

afternoon - 9 Mill Creek.  Went up Mill Creek to the top pump.  A bit hotter today, but the breeze helped keep it bearable.  (Cumulus white 686.85)

AM - Big Workout #14 3xmile.  I am kind of down on myself for this workout.  It was supposed to be 7 miles at LT (5:30), but I could barely get the three in at 5:41,40, and 39.  So I just called her quits for today and came home.  Since Ally and I have decided not to go to San Fran, my workout schedule has become much more open, so I will come back and try this one again a couple times to work up to the 7 and bring the times down with a little fresher legs.  Did the workout on the Lava Point section of the River Trail - went out toward Coral Canyon and started my 2 mile Tinman, which were hideous and a warning of things to come, then down past the dump onto the trail.  Good place for repeats, but the body just couldn't give it today.  Came home and took Molly around.  (Triumph 72.85)

evening - 8.25 Club Run.  Went out into the fields.  I worked to keep everyone pretty slow and easy with my yelling and complaining - worked on everyone but the high schoolers!  (Stratus bee 686.5)

AM - 10 Green Springs.  Nice morning for a run, and I had a positive attitude since today is shorter on mileage!  As usual, took Molly around.  (Cumulus gold 380.15)

afternoon - 6 Sienna Hills.  Ran over to the park with Ry and pushing Laney.  Then they played on the playground while I ran 3 miles barefoot.  Ry was a bit tired on the way back, but she did a great job.  (Cumulus white 689.85) (Barefoot '09 88.75)

AM - 26.2 Green Valley.  Set out to run 25-30 this morning and it ended up landing right at a marathon.  Ran out through Green Valley and up the trail we used to run for Club Runs out of the old store and over the top of tortoise road, back into Washington and out to the Parkway and home through the desert - ended by taking Molly around.  Had a tough point at around 18 or so that I really just wanted to be done, seems that is always a difficult point in runs.  (Landreth orange 250.35)

Week was okay, but ended pretty tired.  Ready to get this stupid race done with.

Goals for the week:  taper a little.  Survive!

AM - Big Workout #13 9 Tinman (17.65).  Did my usual Tempo route out into the Fields.  Was a little nervous after struggling a bit last week on 8 and now moving to 9, but it turned out very good.  First mile was 6:05 then everything else was better - from 5:51-6:01.  This workout went how a Tinman should, difficult but not killer.  Felt smooth and relaxed for most of it.  Maybe that was because I saw Clyde out running and it sent memories of The Circle back to me subconsciously and the body responded!  Finished by taking dog around.  Anyway, I have reworked my workouts for the rest of the summer w/o SanFran and I will be doing this workout a few more times (mostly on the weeks before races: Squaw this week, Bryce, and Provo).  Now to enjoy a little taper, glycogen replenish starts tomorrow night, and easy jog this afternoon.  (Triumph 90.5)

afternoon - 8 City Wells.  Used to call this Grapevine - but I do a lot of runs that stay on the south part of the freeway at Grapevine and some on the north/desert part of Grapevine, so James calls this one City Wells (North/desert) so I'll start using that.  Legs were tired just like they should be.  (Landreth  838.25)

AM - 11 Parkway x 2.  Went out on the Parkway on my own, then went on it for the first day of practice.  Finished by taking Molly around.  (Landreth orange 261.35)

afternoon - 5 barefoot grass.  Ran over to the ball fields and ran 4 miles easy on the grass including 8xstriders.  A five miler seems to short for my body to really warm up and get the kinks out.  But on the positive side, got home and was able to start carbo loading after the glycogen dump yesterday.  This is good, because it is very hard to avoid carbs in my eating; and I think it makes me pretty pissy.  (cumulus white 690.85) (barefoot '09 92.75)

AM - 9 Lava Point.  Went down to the River Trail and ran very easy.  Came home and took the dog for a mile.  (Cumulus gold 389.15)

afternoon - 5 Grapevine.  More slow easy miles.  Maybe the legs will start to respond to the rest in the next couple days, but for now I am not worried about it.  (Cumulus white 695.85)

AM - 6 Washington Loop.  Legs felt significantly stronger this morning.  Molly's Mile.  (Stratus bee 692.5)

evening - 8 Club Run/Parkway.  Not a big turnout tonight, but had a good run w/ James and a few of my boys.  Legs still feeling good and enjoying the fewer miles.  (Landreth black  636.35)

morning - 8 Grapevine.  Did Molly's Mile first; then ran to practice and we ran Grapevine.  Off to Squaw - yikes!  (Stratus grey 180.85)

Squaw Peak 50 Mile Trail Run (I've posted my Garmin total for the race - since I am sure the race isn't a perfect 50 and I missed 2 turns and ran extra - dang rookie).

Well the best summary is that my endurance, strength, and overall speed (or the marathoning type) was overcome by my inexperience today! The top three (us who eventually became the top 3) moved easy away from everyone after the first aide station and we went to the dirt. I stayed back in third to get a feel for it all. Then the 2nd guy moved over and let me through, and I slowly worked my way toward the leader (he was an absolute mt. goat - he could hike faster than I could run). On the long climb (climb #2) I stayed just behind him and he finally joked to "quit stalking me and get up here." So took the lead and ran very strong up the climb building a couple minute lead; only to miss a turn and lose it all. Then I got it back and lost it again because my fingers were frozen and I couldn't work the zipper on my shorts or the baggy to get my sandwich out. But then I got it back and nailed the drop back into Hobble with some sick 6 minutes (maybe even a couple high 5'ers), building a 6+ minute lead. I really didn't care to win, but it was kind of fun thinking I might - but also very stressful since I had already screwed up. Anyway, Scott, the eventual winner, caught back up to me around mile 34, as I missed another dang set of flagging and ran up the wrong trail for another couple hundred yards, and chased me up climb #4 and took the lead just before the windy pass beast. Climbing Windy Pass was the most hideous thing that I have ever done in running; it was straight up the monstrous mountain with no trail, no switchbacks, no hope of it ever ending! Here he put first three minutes on me; then another; and yet more when I started falling all over in the snow (I about fell off the flipping mountain numerous times - except I wasn't calling it flipping). At the top, the aide station told me he was six minutes up; I lost hope of catching him, and the third guy got me, said an encouraging word and went on by. The struggles only began - I started falling numerous times (I truthfully fell at least 10 times coming down the mountain). I was so tired I couldn't get my legs up at all and hit every rock, root, and toe grabber there was. Finally I got done with that thing and finished the last few down the canyon back to the park. The whole time hoping no one was near, since I couldn't hold them off. Turns out the fourth guy came in nearly 30 minutes back so no worries. And the first two who I thought were LONG gone were only 10 and 8'ish minutes up; not as bad as I thought. (Landreth 889.65)

My thoughts: well that is done with and I don't ever have to do it again. Now to rest; for who knows how long!

Coming back to add a little more:  I think that I could probably cut at least the 17 minutes to go break into the 7's pretty easily if I ever did this again (if the weather/conditions was as perfect as it was this time).  Things I would work on: first, keep with the use it while you got it idea.  Some might not think this is good, but I guarantee you are going to be hammered on the last 1/5 of this run, so might as well go decent while you can.  So for me that would mean daring to go out a little more.  I was very timid at the first.  Not that I would want to run 5:00's down the trail, but I could have put myself in a better position and gone a little better on climb #1.  Secondly, it would be good to have my support meet me at the bottom of Hobble and just give a bottle on the go and meet at the top with replenished full bottles instead of nothing clear up to aide 6 and stopping there for a few minutes.  Of course a pacer would always be good and from the bottom of Hobble up to maybe aide 7 or 8 would be a good help.  Third, on the big hill don't get so down and just know that it too will pass and try to run a couple more of the less steep sections as you top out.  Finally, I think the general experience would lead to a lot and keep the confidence up. 

Anyway a good experience, especially the training for it aspect; I saw and did a lot of neat stuff that I probably would have never have done without this race.  I will probably be back some day.