Failure makes me work even harder.

Today we ran parkway.  It was a pretty good run.  I felt a little tight until we turned on to parkway, then I was feeling really good.  My breathing was controled and I felt confident.  I am really thinking that track helped me stay shape better for this xc season!  I don't have to make up as much as I usually had to.  Excited to watch the olympic trials today....the 1500m I believe....Watched Galen Rupp dominate the 10,000m.

4 today on the dirt mile (2 loops).  I felt a little tight at a couple points, but only for like a minute then  I went back to feeling relaxed and controled breathing.  I have been watching the olympic trials and some other older races and I use to dislike Galen Rupp, but that was because Tyson and Coach said they didn't like him, but I think he's one of my favorite now...I mean he had to put his shoe back on and still won an NCAA title...that's impressive!  Anyways,  I was watching his form, which is really strong and relaxed, and I have been trying to improve mine (not change, because that has jacked me up in the past).  I am going to do core and strength workout today and maybe some flexibility stuff.  Still really excited for xc to start!  Updated my goals on the block!

Today we ran out towards the desert past maverick, then up the hill into coral canyon and looped back down the hill to the elementary school.  It was a great run, I felt controled and smooth, except for a little cramping by the park and down the hill.  I felt really strong on the uphills.  My right toes hurt...but I think that was because I wasn't striking on my foot right.  Overall a great run and felt easy....which is weird usually my first 7 hurts a lot!  Shows how much better shape I'm in from track! :D

Today we ran 4 on the grass.  It was a pretty quiet run, but still fun just the same!  I was surprised this summer how big of a group we have that stick together the whole run!  They definitely are some who are ready and willing to put in the effort to improve!  I felt great this run, except when I had to run on the rocks!  We then did some striders and I was trying to be very mindful of my form while going a good pace.  I felt like I could go faster with ease!  Although, I couldn't breath that well, but I think that is, because I haven't done any hill or speed work.  I am getting more confident as the summer has progressed and I will do some core and strength work and maybe some plyo's.  

Well we ran in what I like to call a little piece of Africa (out in the desert past the greensprings park).  I usually love this run, but I was at my best feeling today.  I couldn't breath too well most of the run, but I managed to stick it out and conquer some killer hills!  It was nice to run with Josh and Wes and Josh even stuck it out on the big hills!  Way to be!  Makes me excited for this year!

Snow Canyon Gorge trail run.  It was an awesome trail and me, josh, and wes had a grand time running this trail!  We decide taht we should go on trails every saturday!  Anyway, at first I was really tight and sore from my dad messaging my leg, but after a mile I felt great and really got in a rythem.  I then went to play soccer afterwards and realized I really don't like soccer as much as I use to (playing it that is) and am glad I am running now instead. I noticed that no one came to soccer, which shows the difference for me...the environment.  All the XC kids are willing and want to work hard and show up to almost everything!  Glad to be a part of a great program and can't wait to give back to it!