Relentless

morning - 15.75 Fields.  Great long run with the team today.  Dropped off kids along the way as they hit their distances and Tyson and Devin and I continued on for 14.  We hit a good solid pace throughout and had a good 2.5 mile controlled tempo section.  Added Molly's Mile at the end.  Best news of the day: JP focusing just on XC (this is going to have amazing effects on our girls program!).  (Barefoot '11 123)(Oregon 69)

lap swim: 10 mins.  Hadn't swam for over a week, so I didn't take it too crazy.  Felt good to get in the water.

evening - 9 Bloomington Hills North Park.  Went over to this park to see if maybe it would be a better fit for our region XC course.  Ran a few laps first to get a feel for the layout and then designed out a course and ran it twice.  I actually really like it - but I like running on any grass, so I should get some more opinions; but I think a definite possibility (with less conflicts than any other park around also).  (Barefoot '11 132)

AM - 11.25 Lower Grapevine.  Went out for 3 before practice and then we went out to Lower Grapevine.  Finished up with striders and the run home.  Pretty tired from yesterday's mileage.  Bummer news of the day: JP is back to soccer.  (Altra 214)(Barefoot '11 133.5)

weights/plyos

lap swim: 20 mins.  Got in a good groove and would have gone a lot more had I not been worried about wearing myself out more than I already am.

AM - 13 Hell's Hole Hills.  Ran around a bit before practice and then we headed to Hell's Hole where the boys proceeded to remind me that I am getting older over and over again - 6x1 mins. and 8x30 secs.  It took a few minuters to get the legs rolling, then I was doing alright, but the 30 seconders about brought me to puking each time.  (Barefoot '11 134)(Ohana racers 565.25) 

afternoon - 6 Upper Grapevine.  Was planning on running Dino Tracks, but I just felt like junk (even walked up a couple hills), so I just kind of grinded it out and got done.  Ice bath wasn't great, as I was low on ice (but yesterday's was a good one - even though it felt like it did little this morning - and I got more ice for another one tomorrow).  Have been loading up on drinks and everything today to try and get hydrated again.  Legs have just been cramping like crazy and this afternoon's run was hideous for my hip - never warmed up at all, hurt pretty much the whole time (it is not a pain that is fun to deal with at all - in fact almost excruciating today); I think it has been set off more by my tight and dehydrated muscles.  (NB 101 210.5)

morning - 4 Grass.  Wasn't even sure if I would run at all this morning after the struggles from yesterday.  But decided that an easy 4 on the grass might help me loosen up a bit - plus I always enjoy running barefoot on the grass, so maybe that would help me get in a positive mood.  Ended with 8xbarefoot striders.  It was nice and I felt much better than yesterday; and it was also nice to get Summer Club over with.  I need to make sure I don't burn myself out and also give my body time to recover.  I really enjoy running, but after yesterday I was just really bummed about how I felt and I questioned a lot of my running.  (Barefoot '11 138)

evening - 10 Club.  Felt much better tonight.  Ran watchless so I wouldn't get hooked into any sort of pace and just had a nice enjoyable run with Clyde and Aaron.  And I guess I was the hero of the night as I saved Julio from the dark streets of SG!  (Boston 693.5)

morning - 10.5 Turkey Farm.  Just when things are looking bleakest, they start to turn around.  Today's run was also very nice, and after earlier in the week wondering what in the world I was doing even running, I am just enjoying it and feeling good.  Hit 4 sets of 2min, 1min, 30sec fartleks with the team.  Had a great run and just enjoyed the progress of both the girls and boys teams throughout this summer.  Ended with a mile with the dog.  Positive stuff.  (Barefoot '11 139.5)(Rocket 45)

AM - 15.5 Bloomington Loop.  Ran with Clyde from his house down around Bloomington and back up the DC and around to River Road and his house.  Good run.  We just chatted throughout and had a good 6:50 pace/ave.  Good end to an up and down week - and wanted to end with more up, so I didn't push beyond the 15.  No pain in hip or left hammy.  (Kinvara 454.65)

Week was all over.  I got greedy and didn't keep my eyes on the bigger picture.  But got feeling better with a lot of icing (four baths) and major rolling - including foam roller, and smarter running at the end of the week.

Goals for next week:  I would like to really hit a solid half up at Beaver, so get myself geared up for that.  And first XC race this Weds.  We are using it as a workout and team grouping practice, so get the kids ready for that.