I'm retired from racing. Really.

I ran 29 miles last Sat while setting a PR, and ran 32 miles this Saturday while being on my feet for 10 hours.  All in all, that adds up to 100k of running the past two Saturdays.  If you think I'm even considering running today, you're crazy.

Got a big shipment from St. George Running Center- 2 shoes, 2 shorts, and a visor.  Thanks, Steve.  I'm excited to wear my new shoes... once I start running again, that is.  Maybe tomorrow.  Minimal soreness today, but I'm enjoying being lazy.

PM- I wasn't planning to run today, but Cody moved up our Bear 100 flagging removal due to pending snow.  So, we left right after work and got dropped off in Providence canyon.  After 1.5 miles hiking up the steep trail, we were off and running.  We had to stop occasionally to remove the flags (and to pick up the flags that fell out of Cody's bag when it came open) but generally moved well.  Unfortunately, we were out well past sundown and I had neglected to bring a light. Cody had his and let me hold it for the both of us, but he kept running ahead.  Surprising we didn't trip more, since it was pitch black when we finished.  My legs didn't feel sore but were very fatigued, and I really ran out of juice the last mile.  I'm pooped- definitely not recovered from all my runs.  12 miles in 2:15 or so (umm, yeah, that's why trail runners track time running, not miles).  The run included about 2600 ft climbing and 3600 ft descending, so a nice day's work.

I just got a letter from the committee in charge of the 4th of July race I did in Idaho Falls.  It contained a nice certificate and ribbon congratulating me on placing 2nd in my age group (I was 6th overall).  Of course, I don't know what the age categories were and I still never saw official results or my time.  It was a nice certificate, though. 

PM- Cody had the brilliant idea of running Green Canyon.  8 wonderful miles on the trail with only a bunch of mountain bikers and a few deer for company.  Getting chilly in the evenings.  Wore my NB800 and they worked fine for the rocks.  Easy pace- 8:30-ish avg, I think.

AM- trail run with Paul and Cody. We met at Paul's house and drove the Smithfield Dry canyon. We ran (hiked) up over 3000 ft in 4.3 miles and about 77 minutes to the saddle. It was a rather steep, very overgrown, and sometimes snowy trail with great views. It was surprising how much snow there was on the north-facing slopes.  Our legs got very torn up by all the undergrowth.  After enjoying the views at 9000 ft, we decended into the head of Birch canyon.  It was a gorgeous area.  The trail was again rough, steep, and snowy, with multiple creek crossings.  Finally we reached an old jeep trail and ran down that to a car.  12 miles in about 2.5 hours.

 In the past 9 days, I have done 4 runs.  99% of it was on dirt, most on trails.  The runs totaled 64 miles in about 16 hours (15 min/mile pace) and included over 15000 ft climbing and 15000 ft descending.  All of it was in beautiful fall colors.  Wonderful.