Running in the Rockies

AM: 3 miles on trails with pups + 9 on roads alone. In summary: 12.13 miles in 10:48 avg pace. Avg heart rate: 159, Max heart rate: 180. Min elevation: 8,250'; Max elevation: 8,703'; 1,129' gain/loss.

B& N pup on leash, L& Q pup off leash. B&N did pretty well, they only really pulled (nice upper body workout) for the first 10 minutes and then we settled into a fairly good/slow pace. L is still being kind of stubborn about coming back when called, don't know what his deal is lately. We turned around near a trail entrance with a small (like 2 cars) turn out where people sometimes park. Well, this guy was flying down the road coming towards us (thank goodness we were not on the road), sees us and then swerves over into the little parking area to allow his fairly large, mean looking dogs bark like mad at us. I know this sounds insane, but he was smiling at me while his dogs were going crazy trying to launch themselves out of the back of his truck- so it is the only logical thing that I can think of.. nice huh?! Some people.. I just don't know. Anyways, Loki acted like he was going to have a go at the dogs (unwise- there were 4 of them and like I said.. not exactly friendly looking)- so I had to scream at him to come back to me.. he's such an idiot sometimes. I'm SO glad that I had the little ones on leash- I am sure if given the chance they would have taken off to case them. Just as we crested the hill heading back the way we came, the guy peeled out of the parking area and took off down the road. Awesome.

Dropped the pups off, changed out of the trail shoes, grabbed a water bottle and went back out for 9 on the roads. The pups were not pleased to be left behind. This was suppose to be an easy run (heart rate ~145ish), but I knew right away that goal was going to be out the door. My heart rate was super high this morning (likely the two large cups of coffee I had with breakfast). I felt like I was barely moving and my heart rate varied between 165-170 on the way out and 160-165 on the way back, with the final uphill 170-180. And my pace was painfully slow. Additionally, I noticed some tightness/soreness in my lower right calf. It only got worse and by the time I got home- it was pretty painful. So, I tried to do something that I have not done since college soccer days- ice bath. I only managed 15 secs x2... I remember why I have not done these since college- so painful! So I foam rolled it for a good while, put the compression sleeve on, and will be icing later. I may try to stand in a bucket of cold water later as well. I may have to work up the ice bath again. I really hope I didn't do any serious damage. That would be such a bummer.