Wheeler Farm Loops

AM - 20 mile long run. Easy pace (~7:10) then finished the last mile quicker (5:19). I almost bagged it after ten minutes again, but Andrea encouraged me to go a little further and the longer I ran, the better my hamstring felt. Go figure. Even though a mile at 5:19 felt faster than it should, it was good to know I could (structurally) handle it. Immediately hit the ice bath afterwards and have felt pretty good the rest of the day.

Obviously missing a few workouts isn't ideal, and my right hamstring isn't 100%, but now I'm cautiously optimistic that I can toe the line next weekend. I might have to adjust my goals a little, but I really want to race as long as I don't feel like I'm risking longer-term damage.

We spent the afternoon in Big Cottonwood Canyon doing some nature walking...

More photos of golden leaves.

AM - 10 miles.

PM - 6 miles.

Since I didn't run last Thursday afternoon or the following morning, I figured Friday was a good time to get my bloodwork done again (no dehydration to potentially inflate the results).

That's a nice reminder that when approached the right way, high volume can build you up, not break you down. Another way I like to interpret this is: eight minute miles on grass are definitely worth something!

AM - 10 miles.

PM - 6 miles.

More evidence supporting lifetime bans. Some more. And some more.

AM - 5 miles.

PM - 6 miles w/ 3 mile MP tempo in 15:54 (5:16, 5:23, 5:15). Tempo loop. Felt a little choppy, but the hamstring didn't hurt as long as I really focused on quick turnover and not overstriding. A fresh pair of shoes is always nice.

AM - 6 miles

PM - 5 miles.

Taper week / fun with Excel / Chicago training summary...

Longer summary on Wasatch and Beyond.

AM - 5 miles.

AM - 5 miles w/ Chris Sloane along the waterfront in Chicago. Beautiful day - weather is perfect for racing. Hamstring hasn't really improved the past few days, but I can take as much time off as I need after tomorrow.