It ain't Chinese algebra!

9 miles, up to the north freeway exit and back.  Pretty chilly this morning and there was ice on the roads.  Made for some slow miles.  My right hip locked up at the turn around and I had to walk for a bit.  Pain was bad enough that I thought about calling Andrea to come pick me up, but thankfully it went away after lots of walking and stretching.  All in all, a horrible start to 2013... Haha

10 miles around GP.  I ran west of town, looped around the series of neighborhoods and then headed home.

I got in time to run today! Success!  I ran over to Walmart and then back into downtown.  At the junction where the one-way streets intersect (right near Competitive Athletics) there was a serious accident.  Somehow, a driver managed to flip a car and it stopped upside down, in a ditch, almost crashed into Roe Motors.  3 Police officers and a tow truck were on the scene, trying to get everything back in order.  I'm curious how something like that happens at 6:00 in the morning.  Maybe this isn't such a sleepy town after-all.

20 mile long run this morning.  It was a bit chilly, but most of the week was colder so I'm not complaining.  I crossed the river and ran around the neighborhoods near all-sports park, then ran up to Anderson Dental for a 9 mile warm up.  As I dropped down near Club NW, I picked up the pace into downtown and then south to Fred Meyer and Walmart for a 4 mile tempo.  Came back around past the hotels and then up Beacon St for 2 miles, then started another 4 mile tempo section down 6th street towards home.  1 final mile easy and then done.  Felt pretty good but still want this sickness to leave me for good.  It's been 1 week and I'm ready to be healthy...

10 miles around GP

AM: 10 miles in Eugene.

PM: 7 miles on the hotel treadmill in Eugene after eating Olive Garden at the Cottage Grove dinner program.  Blah.

10 miles in Eugene.  7 miles around the mall and back to Coburg Rd but by then the snow was coming down (snow in Eugene?) so I went back to the hotel and ran the final 3 miles on the treadmill while I thawed out.  I wasn't dressed for a freezing cold run...

10 miles on the zig-zag streets west of town.

This week sucked.  But I broke in a pair of new shoes that I like.  So heading into the weekend on a upswing. 

I ran this week!  Yippee!  Less than ideal marathon training going on right now...

AM: 6 miles in GP

PM: 11 miles in Coos Bay

Coos Bay

20 miles around GP.

10 miles in GP. Cold.

AM: 11 miles around GP.

PM: 10 miles on Pre's Trail in Eugene.

7 miles in Eugene around the mall and along the river path.  It was warmer this morning than when I ran last night at 5.  Go figure.

AM: 6 miles in GP.

PM: 7 miles.

5 miles.

20 miles around GP.  Took the first 10 miles easy through Fruitdale and south on Cloverdawn to Murphy.  Used the bathroom, then started a 10 mile tempo portion back home via New Hope Rd.  Averaged 6:38/mile for the run, final 10 miles all under 6:00/mile, last 4 under 5:40.  Felt good.

Ran around the hospital, Albertsons, middle school, etc for 11 miles. Light drizzle the whole way and by the end I was pretty wet and cold.

AM: 3 miles.  Rough night with sick kids...

PM: 10 miles in Coos Bay. Ran across the bay to the southwest side of town. On my way back, there were lots of fire trucks and police sirens coming my direction. Turned out that there was a house on fire but with the clouds, I didn't see the smoke until I was right there. Watched the news and looks like the house was destroyed. Not cool.

Ran around Coos Bay for 11 miles. Found a new road to run on southwest of town for a few miles, then ran east across the bay and then back to the hotel.

Ran west of town.  First 5 miles easy, mile 6 in 6:07, mile 7 easy, then 8-9 in 5:34 & 5:26.  Felt like garbage.  Just slow and.....not fast.

Similar run to yesterday.  Ran west of town and zigzagged around random streets for 10 miles.

21 miles around GP.  Three good climbs throughout (Anderson Dental then into town, up to the freeway exit and down on Beacon, then up 10th and down Hawthorne).  I didn't have much of a gameplan and figured that a tempo portion would be worthless with the climbs so I just plugged along for 15 miles, then dropped the pace for 5 miles (5:35, 5:30, 5:30, 5:32, 5:25) before a slow final mile.

Felt really good, although tired by the end.  Averaged 6:38 for the entire run. Cold out again, but it's February so what do you expect... 

So tired. I just don't sleep well these days.

12 miles around GP.  I ran behind Walmart and then to the High School, then up 7th street to Carl's Jr, then back home via downtown.

10.5 miles in Eugene.  From the hotel and then around Costco into Springfield, then around the mall and back via Garden Way and Autzen Stadium.

AM: 9.5 miles around downtown and the HS, then home.

PM: 5 miles around the middle school and into Fruitdale.

21 miles around GP.  Only 2 big climbs/drops as opposed to the usual 3.  Did both of those (up 7th, down 6th, up 10th, down Beacon) and then hit a 10 mile tempo around Walmart and Fred Meyer's and then home after a long stretch on Redwood Highway to the Co-Op and back via Tanner Dental.  

10 mile warm up, 10 mile tempo, 1 mile easy.  Average pace was 6:34/mile for the entire run.  10th mile of the tempo was in 5:17 so finished strong. 

10 miles into Fruitdale and up Walker Lane, then home basically the same way. Still feeling tired from the weekend...

11 miles around GP, most of which was running to the north freeway exit and then back into downtown and then home via the hospital.

5 miles with my dad around GP

PM: 7 miles. I ran to Cathedral Hills and ran 1 mile on the trails, then returned home.

I ran to Walmart and then into downtown. My right shin is jacked. Bothered me slightly yesterday, but much worse today. Hope it's not serious.

PM: Coos Bay, then soaked my legs in the hot tub for 15 minutes. Felt good at the time, but not much better when I finished.

Over 1 hour on the elliptical at the hotel in Coos Bay. I'll count it as 7 miles. Leg feels better but not 100%. Hopefully tomorrow I'm back to normal.

My leg felt like junk last night.  I was depressed.  Ate all sorts of junk food (I can't believe I've turned into one of those people!).  When I woke up this morning, it hurt just to walk around the house....ever.single.step.  Blah.  Around 3 it felt better (a ton) so I thought I'd jog around the neighborhood and stop the instant it hurt.  Made it just under 5 miles and called it good.  2 more weeks before a marathon.  Not the ideal taper...

My leg felt MUCH better today. I slept in, played with the boys and didn't run until noon. Leg felt a bit off for the first mile, but after that I didn't notice it. Hopefully it was just a freaky thing and now it's gone with good stretching, icing, compression, yada yada.

I ran to All Sports Park and ran 7 laps on the wood chips to keep the footing soft. Saw lots of strange things; a dog photo shoot with props and everything, and then a couple (looked older than HS age) making out in the baseball dugout. It was fairly chilly out. Perhaps they were just trying to stay warm. I could think of better places to do this...

Leg feels better, dare I even say 100%? Knock on wood that its ok...

Ran into Fruitdale and then into downtown, then home.

PM: 9.5 miles on Pre's Trail and then to grab some Thai food for dinner, then back to the hotel.

10 miles in Eugene. I ran around the mall, then behind Pf Changs and back to the hotel. Miles 8-9 were quicker than the rest (5:43, 5:25) before one final mile easy.

First run in ages that I didn't find $.

Slept in a bit. But it felt soooo good so I'm not complaining.  Ran west of town to the elementary school and fire station, then back to the hospital and Safeway, then home.

Ran into Fruitdale and back this morning. Found 30 cents which makes up for not finding anything two days ago.

4 miles around Allendale elementary and then to Safeway and back. Warmish today which was nice.

9 miles to the west of town. Felt good. A little chilly but not too bad.

5 miles around allencreek school, Albertsons and the hospital, then home.

Same run as yesterday, but even colder. Yikes. Ready for warmer weather.

3 miles around the neighborhood.

5th overall. Jake, Riley, and Dave are just too fast. ;-) I'll write more tonight. Pretty happy, all things considered...

Quick race report: I had zero expectations going into this race.  In fact, last night, sitting in the hotel room, I had very little interest in running.  I hadn't once thought about pacing, splits, goal times, etc until Thursday night when I landed in Vegas after flying down from Medford.  Life is busy (I realize I'm no different to anyone else) but as work, family, MBA, etc has increased, running is getting pushed to the side.  So it goes.  The ONE thing that is keeping me hanging on is the desire to run a sub-2:30 but who knows if that's going to happen.  Anyway, training hadn't been great (no races since last October, mileage less than the last few marathon training cycles, etc) but I'll take what I can get.

Anyway, on to the race...  I got up at 3:10 Pacific time--brutal.  No issues getting to the bus, and then to the starting line.  One portapotty stop and then to the starting line with just a couple minutes to spare.  Ran with a garmin for the first time since 2009 and my second marathon?  It's been a while. 

I usually do better when I start out conservatively so the first mile was 5:59 but I was soon realized I needed to pick it up or I'd have too big of a hole to dig out of.  Mile 2 in 5:44 and mile 3 in 5:38.  By mile 2 I was already in no-mans land.  Jake, Dave, Riley and a couple others were loooong gone and no one else wanted to run my pace so all alone I ran.  For the next 24 miles.  Alone.  The rest of the race....  Yuck.  I tried to catch Dave but didn't happen.  Mile 4 in 5:35.  Miles 5 and 6 were the only climbs in the entire race and I just kind of piddled along in 5:55 and 6:09.  I passed a guy here who was hardly moving and moved into 7th place.

Mile 7 in 5:50 and then the long straight-aways started (I loved them--easy to get in a groove).  I saw in the distance (nearly a mile ahead?) 2 guys, one wearing a red tank and black shorts.  I thought it was Dave and really wanted to catch him so for the next 10 miles (!!) that was my goal.  Took me ages to accomplish this goal ;-)

Miles 8-14 were uneventful.  Splits were 5:37, 5:42, 5:42, 5:45, 5:32, 5:45, 5:44.  At this point I'm STILL trying to catch Dave, and making progress, but it's taking a bit.  Feeling good, feeling strong, no wall in sight.  Half split was 1:16:26.

I was getting closer to Dave and by mile 16 I caught him....but turns out is wasn't him.  Bummer.  Miles 15-16 in 5:40 and 5:41.  The guy who wasn't Dave was running with another guy and when I caught them, I told them to stick with me but they ignored me or something cause they didn't come with me.  So I guess I ran with someone for 3 seconds, but that's it.

Miles 17-23 were still solid and I was feeling good.  Not great, but no "wall" and I was seriously thinking that despite my slow start and slow hills, I could make it up and go sub-2:30.  Splits were 5:39, 5:44, 5:38, 5:42, 5:41, 5:41, 5:41.  Pretty even and I felt solid.

But then I got tired...  My stomach was feeling full and I stopped drinking Powerade at mile 19.  That seemed to take its toll the last few miles.  Mile 24 in 5:56 and mile 25 in 5:56 as well.  Nearly got hit by a car--as I was approaching an intersection and trying to determine if we were turning or going straight, I noticed that there were 10-15 half marathoners who were stopped and stretching.  Strange.  About 10 feet away a guy looked back and, seeing me approaching, stated "that guy's gonna be PISSED."  I quickly realized he meant  me and the fact that the cop was making runners stop for cars!  Forget that--I dodged the first car and the second car slammed on its brakes as it skidded towards me.  Missed my left knee by a couple feet.  I didn't say nice things to the cop.  Then I proceeded straight through the intersection before being redirected to change direction and go left (all the stretching runners had blocked the turn sign so I missed it).  I didn't say nice things to then either.  The sudden turn shredded a blood blister in my right foot and I ran jacked up the final couple miles.  So...that's clearly the reason why I slowed down.  Haha.  Kidding of course.  It wasn't a big deal, but definitely added some "excitement" to the race.

Mile 26 in 5:56 (consistent the last 3, eh?) and then who knows the split for the last .2.  Garmin's are kinda lame... ;-) Oh yeah, and I've been accumulating $ that I find on runs in 2013.  So far I'm around $8.00.  Anyway, between 26 and the finish line, I passed a $5 bill and was VERY tempted to stop and pick it up.  I probably should have since my goal time was shot.  Haha.

So I kinda hit the wall, but I didn't walk for the first marathon in FOREVER and held it together somewhat successfully.  Was able to run a negative split which is saying something based on my blow ups in the past and the course profile (steeper first half, flat the second half). I loved the course, thought everything was top-notch and had a blast.  And coming from Oregon, it was HOT.  But the race took place in Phoenix so....it's to be expected.

Wish I would have caught Dave (or ran with him from the start) but he's too speedy for me.  Maybe next time.  Newport in June.  2:30 or bust.

The thought of running makes my legs hurt. Yeah, pretty sore...

Still sore, but getting better. Probably run tomorrow.

5 miles at the Marriott in Eugene. Legs feel better, but nowhere close to 100%.

Same as last night...hotel in Eugene. Even lifted a few weights for good measure.

Uh....seemed to have taken a step backwards.  My legs felt shot just .5 miles into this run.  Felt like mile 25-26 of the marathon.  So, thinking I'll see how I feel Saturday and I may rest through the weekend, then start again on Monday.  I have no idea how people bounce back so quick.

7 miles by pushing the boys around the neighborhoods.  Ran 4 with Ryan, 3 with Miles, and 1 by myself.  Feeling good after a long break.  Ready to get back to it.

AM: 6 miles in GP before work.  Ran around the hospital and into Fruitdale, then home.

PM: 7 miles in Coos Bay.  I ran 6, then ordered dinner.  Ran around while it was being made, then picked it up and ran to the hotel.  Can't beat City Subs for dinner.

8 miles around Coos Bay. Best I've felt since the marathon.

9 miles at Lake of the Woods. Winter camping with the youth and I got 4 hours of sleep. At best. It was a rough night. I ran to the marina and borrowed a pan so we could cook breakfast which required me running 4.5 miles back to camp with a pan, lid, and spatula. Awkward.

5 miles with Merrill around the hospital and into Fruitdale, then home. Just like old times. Very enjoyable.

10 miles on the hotel treadmill in Eugene. I forgot my watch so I stayed inside and ran while watching college basketball. Good to see Kentucky lose...

I ran around Springfield in the pouring rain. Very wet, but not too cold so it wasn't bad.

I crossed over the river and ran around all sports park, then up highland to north middle school and then home.

10 miles around Costco in Eugene and then to the mall in Springfield. Feeling blah...not sure if its allergies or sickness but either way, I'm not 100%.

6 miles to Anderson Dental, cleaning, then 7 miles back home. Sick but feeling ok.

14 miles around Coos Bay. I ran south through downtown, then Pre's course into Charelston. Looped back to the hotel past NB High School and then to Sharkbites for dinner.

10 miles. Ran past the hospital and up to the north freeway exit, then home. Slight drizzle the whole way but it was 46 degrees so not too bad.

10 miles to the west of town.  Felt great.  Best I've felt in a couple months.

18 miles behind Walmart and then back the same way.  Garmin died after 10 miles, right after I had started a tempo portion.  That...pretty much ruined my plans.  Lame.  Just did some pick ups here and there with the pace on my return home.

On the California coast, in the Redwoods.

10 miles in GP, easy.

10 miles in GP. Ran 6 miles easy, 3 miles quickish, and then 1 mile easy.

PM: 8 miles in Springfield, most of which was just meandering through new neighborhoods. Upper right hamstring not happy.

In Eugene. Ran around the mall, around Autzen Stadium, then back into Springfield. Right hamstring not loving life...

10.5 miles around Springfield and into Eugene. Legs feel jacked up. Right hamstring and left calf.

Take the good with the bad, I suppose.  The plan was, after a 8-9 mile warm up, to run a 5 mile tempo, 800 meter jog, 3 mile tempo, 800 meter jog, and 2 mile tempo to get 20 miles total.  My left calf has been bothering me the past 3 days, as well is my right hamstring.  With some more diligent stretching, my hamstring feels better, but my calf pain still lingers.

I ran 9 miles easy and my leg felt great...no issues.  I started my tempo and felt fantastic through 4.75 miles.  I turned at Walmart and went uphill by Best Western and Holiday Inn and my leg flared up.  I hit my 5 mile mark and slowly jogged and right as I started the 3 mile section I could tell I was in trouble.  Lungs felt fine, leg not so much.  Once again, the turn did me in when I turned from A Street to 7th St.  Another turn and another uphill and after 1 mile, I was walking.  I stopped and stretched for a bit and my leg killed.  Hurt just to walk.  I contemplated calling Andrea for a ride home but after walking nearly 1 mile down 6th St, my leg felt ok.  Just ok.  I managed to run home (slowly) to make it 20 miles for the day.  First 14 miles were awesome but the last 6 were a hot mess.

Hopefully I didn't do any permanent damage.  Leg still hurts tonight, despite RICE.  Blah. 

Long travel day to San Diego. Missed my flight from LA so had to rent a car and drive the two hours south. After meetings, couldn't run because I had to return the rental car. That's life...

AM: 10 miles around sunny San Diego, although it wasn't all that sunny at 5:30 when I started. You get the idea...more sun here than in Oregon. Ran past Petco Park and zigzagged around downtown before running into Balboa Park. Very fun. I love running in new cities.

PM: 7 miles tonight after a LONG day of meetings. Ran with Jared for the first 3, then solo after that. Ran along the pier and saw the naval carriers which was cool. Again, fantastic weather. I understand why everyone wants to live here.

15 miles around San Diego. I ran 11 miles around Balboa Park (awesome) before returning to the hotel. I tried to link up with a group of other runners at 7 but barely missed them, so I grabbed a banana and then ran 4 more miles around the marina and boardwalk area. Great weather, just like yesterday.

10 miles around Balboa Park. Kind of a mix of runs from yesterday and Tuesday. I ran up 6th street to Balboa Park, then continued north and eventually east across the freeway. Then reached Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo before crossing the freeway again and returning to the hotel. My left leg was worse today than its been all week. I need more sleep, something I'll get once I make it home tonight.

Just wrote an entry and somehow deleted it.  So this one is short and sweet.  Leg hurt after 1 mile and all the recovery from last week seems to have been washed down the drain.  Hopefully I didn't do too much damage and I can recover quickly.  Winner was the 5A state champion in XC from Bend--ran a 15:17 so he smoked me.

Feels like a calf strain but I'm not certain.  Easy running all next week, if I run at all. 

1 mile around the neighborhood.  Thought my leg was better but it's not.  Disappointing...

What a worthless week.  Leg doesn't seem to be any better.  Tight throughout my calf, tender to touch in certain places, and all the stretching in the world doesn't seem to help.

Leg felt better. But after a week of basically no running, I felt WAY out of shape.

PM: 3 slow miles. Really slow. It was super windy and my body is jacked. Really jacked. Going to the chiro tomorrow so hopefully that cures everything....

12.5 miles in Eugene this morning. I forgot my gloves so my hands were pretty chilly for the first 7 miles, but I survived. Legs felt better than they have in 2 weeks. Chiro appointment got pushed back to Thursday due to work, but I'll survive until then.

Ran into Fruitdale and then into downtown before returning home. Was up and running at 5 so I could get to Coos Bay at a decent time. Did a turn and burn after lunch and returned to GP for a dinner program at Taprock. Not home until 8:30 at night. Long day.

I ran to Carherdal Hills to get some trail miles before this weekend. It was rough... Just different running style and I felt slow and out of shape. This weekend might be rough. I had planned on running 3-4 times last week on the trails but my leg wouldn't allow it. So it goes...

4.5 miles into Fruitdale and back.  Leg feels better after a trip to the chiro and a massage.

Fun morning.  Family drove to Lost Creek last night for our first ever camping trip.  Kids had fun (as did I), but burnt tinfoil dinners and sleeping on a bumpy slope isn't the best pre-race routine.  Haha.  But good memories anyway...

Ran 1 mile warm up, then ran/raced 18 miles on glorious single-track around the lake.  Loved it.  Only my second trail race--last July I ran a 50K just to cross it off my bucket list so it wasn't a race, just a run and accomplishment.  Today was similar (I know my weakness and place in the running hierarchy at these events) as I had no expectations of winning or placing all that high.  Although it would have been nice to place in the top three and get some $.  But Max King showing up pretty much counts out any-and-all other human beings on the planet b/c the guy is a machine and wins everything he enters.  Anyway, I knew the distance wasn't an issue, unlike last time, so I started a little faster and even ran with the top 4 for the first 5 miles, but then more technical single-track started and I was soon left in the dust.

Beautiful course, fantastic scenery, slightly hot (much warmer than expected/usual), and VERY enjoyable.  I would run this one again in a heartbeat.  Very well organized and once again, I can completely understand why people fall in love with trail running.

.7 mile cool down.  Hips a little tight, but otherwise, feel great.  Thankfully, no calf pain from the previous 2 weeks. 

3 miles with Ryan, then 2 more with Miles.

All over GP. Lots of zigzagging behind Walmart, Albertsons, Safeway and everywhere in between.  Found 49 cents so it was a productive morning...

PM: 5 miles around the hospital, into Fruitdale, and home past the middle school. New shoes (Kinvara) that feel great.

Ran around the hospital, then into downtown and around the HS track, then home. Productive morning for money the last two days.

10 miles in Coos Bay.  I ran across the bay north, then south, then back into town and around the high school.  Highlight of the morning was getting chased by a weiner dog for 2 city blocks.  After a while I expected the small dog's heart to explode, but eventually he/she/it gave up and returned home.

9 miles in GP. I ran past the hospital and into All Sports Park. Every time I go there, I wonder why I don't run here more. Such nice, smooth, soft running surface that is easy on the legs. Ran 5 loops, then returned home.

21 miles this morning.  The first 9 were easy around the neighborhoods west of town and out to Jerome Prairie School.  I used the bathroom at the convenience store and then started a 10 mile tempo section on Applegate Rd.  Just wanted to to keep everything below 6:00 and I was able to do so (except for the first one where I wasn't sharp mentally).  Splits were 6:13, 5:47, 5:54, 5:54, 5:54. 5:52, 5:49, 5:55. 5:50, 5:38.  Pretty tired by the time I returned back on Dowell Rd. after passing the elementary school and Redwood Rd.  Ran slow the final 2 miles and made it home before hitting the wall.  Took some sport beans at mile 7 and no water throughout.  Getting hot here in Southern Oregon...

I wore my heart rate monitor for the first time in while.  First 9 miles, averaged around 120, from mile 9 to 10.5 it slowly climbed from 120 to 150, then it stayed between 150-156 for the next 9 miles.  The last 800 meters of the tempo I tried to push it a little (but there wasn't much there...) and it climbed to 164.  Quickly dropped to 135-140 range on cool down.

AM: 11 miles around GP. Ran up the the north freeway exit, around Club NW, then back to the HS and home. Too much ice cream last night... More in Eugene tonight.

PM: 8 miles in Eugene. Allergies are going skitz. Coming to Eugene the next month is torture...

10 miles in Eugene. Ran from the hotel to the Coburg Safeway, then to PF Changs and back. Tired. Hit the wall, so to speak, the last couple miles.

I ran to the HS and ran barefoot for 2.5 miles. Felt very nice....I need to do better at running there, all sports park, and Carherdal hills for the soft footing.

Ran into downtown, around the HS and then home. Picked up the pace the final mile and ran a 5:24.

10 miles around the hotel in Springfield.  I ran around the cruise ship call center, then around Costco and the nice neighborhood off of Coburg Rd, then back to the hotel.  I had a dream last night that I got lost during the upcoming marathon.  Strange dream...

I ran 10 miles for a warm up, out to the fields to the west and then home.  Used the bathroom, dropped my shirt, drenched my hair with water, then started out on a tempo portion of the run.  The original plan was to run 3x3 mile with the first set at 6:00, second set at 5:45 and third set at 5:30.  My legs have felt jacked from all the driving lately, so just the thought of these times intimidated me a bit.

Anyway, after starting the first set, I felt good and decided to extend it to 4 miles and hit 5:57, 5:56, 5:54, and 5:53, running through Fruitdale and down Rogue River Highway towards the town of Rogue River.  Heart rate went from 130 to 150 during that stretch.  Jogged for 800 meters in just under 4 minutes, then started a 3 mile tempo back into town.  Next three miles in 5:41, 5:35, and 5:34.  Heart rate steady at 150-160.  Another 800 meter jog in 4:30, then 2 final miles in 5:18 and 5:19 with heart rate going from 160 to 170 by the end.  One slow mile home from Walgreens and my heart rate was down to 125 by the time I finished.

Felt good, and like I said, my legs have felt like junk this week, so this was a confidence builder for sure.  The first two tempo sections felt easy.  Last section was tougher, but not unbearable. 

AM: 11 miles around Fruitdale, to the HS, and back home.  Had to stop twice for a bathroom.  Shouldn't have had seconds on ice cream last night.  Lots of bottles this morning.

PM: 5 miles pushing Miles in the stroller.  Hot out this evening.  I was drained... 

9 miles this morning.  Ran from the house to the north freeway exit, then home.  A little chilly this morning.

AM: 9 miles into downtown, then to Walmart and back home.  Off to Coos Bay...

PM: 9 miles in Coos Bay.  From the hotel into North Bend, to Walmart and the Community College, then past Bay Clinic to City Subs.  Grabbed some dinner and then ran to the hotel.  Tired. 

Coos Bay. Right hip was back to being way too tight and I was stuck in a rut of slow all morning. Just couldn't get out of the funk.

20 mile run around GP.  Ran into Fruitdale, then over to Walmart, past the HS and up to Club NW.  Still needed 6 miles so instead of a straight shot home, I had to zig-zag a bit on Hillcrest, Savage, Midland, A Street and M Street on my way home.  18.5 mile warm up and then a 1 mile tempo (5:08) and 800 meter jog back to the house.  Perhaps my longest warm-up ever.  Haha...

Camping this weekend withthe family at Applegate Lake. I didn't run until just before lunch as I didn't want to bail on the family first thing in the morning when they needed a fire, breakfast, etc. Anyway, ran one mile north, then returned south for 3 miles, the whole time on the trail that skirts along the lake. Had some memories of when my dad and I ran the 18 miles around the lake back in 2009. Good times! Anyway, I returned back via the highway to speed things up.

I ran into downtown (pretty much the usual these days) to Safeway, then to All Sports Park to run laps around the wood chipped trail.  However, the bridge in the SW corner is closed off--it finally fell through, probably from someone trying to drive a car over it.  I didn't trust it just running on it, so I can't imagine driving over it.

Ran east into Fruitland and then back home. Very windy out this morning...pretty unusual for this town.

AM; just over 7 miles around GP. Had to bust out the long sleeve shirt this morning due to the cold snap we have going on. Strange weather at the moment. Some are expecting snow in the passes tonight.

PM: Just 3 miles in Eugene. It was cold, rainy, and late, plus I have lots of work to do tonight. Better than nothing...

6 miles in Eugene.  First run in a LONG time I haven't came home with much money.

PM: 6 miles past the mall to Coburg Rd, then up around Costco and back to the hotel. I was just going to run on the treadmill, but my hotel key wouldn't unlock the gym for some reason. Glad that it worked out that way and I got some fresh air tonight. Home tomorrow!

Just 4 miles.  Two late nights for work have left me dead tired.  I took the sleep this morning over a couple extra miles.

Ok run this morning. Just ok. This week was ROUGH for sleep and I felt dead to the world this morning. My body just didn't want to be running and my mind wasn't in to it either. Another late night with homework, then kids in my bed in the middle of the night due to nightmares. Anyway, back to the run; I ran to the north freeway exit and then back into downtown. I was planning on running 15 but again, just not into it and didn't see the point. Marathon in a week...

Drizzly morning as I ran from the downtown, to the HS, to Walmart, and then home. Felt ok. Better than last Memorial Day when I was sick. This year I'm healthy so that's a plus going in to Saturday.

9 miles around the HS and then back home. Feeling blah. Typical taper issues I hope.

Ran along Redwood highway to Willow, then looped around towards the Phillips house and then home. A little rain here and there, but pleasant morning altogether. Chiro this afternoon for a final tune-up.

Instead of running, I spent my normal running time doing homework. Statistics isn't nearly as fun...

in Coos Bay. 1 mile to Starbucks, 1 mile back to the hotel. Found 22 cents and realized that if tomorrow morning is just as cold, I'm going to wish I had packed gloves.

Freak Yeah! I'll write more after swimming with the kids, going to the beach, and eating some food. SO HAPPY!!! Lifetime goal ACHIEVED!!!

I'll try and keep this brief, but you all know how it is... 

Background: Running is great because it's so personal.  We can set goals that are pertinent to us individually and then pursue them with as much fervor as possible, regardless of what every other runner is doing.  Before I ran my first marathon, my goal was to simply run well.  I ran a 2:44 (2006) and immediately set my sights on a sub-6:00 average marathon which I was able to do in my third attempt (2:35:47) in 2008.  Naturally, my next goal was a sub 2:30.  Maybe I was naive, but I figured I had just knocked off 9 minutes off my PR and the next 6 minutes would be just as 'easy.'  Nine marathons later, I can say it wasn't easy.  I came close a few times; 2:31:29 @ Portland in 2009, 2:30:54 @ Logan in 2011 and Newport last year in 2:32:56.  No offense to anyone reading this, but I wanted to accomplish this on a flat course.  The 2:30:54 at Logan was close to my goal, but honestly I never considered it a PR because of the downhill.  To each their own, but for me it just doesn't "count."  Last year I came to Newport because of the mostly flat, sea-level course, but also because it allowed my wife and kids to share in the experience with me.  My wife is amazing and has sacrificed so much for this hobby, so when I do well, WE DO WELL.  Unfortunately, last year I got a bit antsy in my training and decided to run the Provo marathon 4 weeks prior to Newport which come to find out, isn't all that conducive to running a PR.  Haha.

Anyway, on to this year; it's pretty comical because the buildup was exactly the same as last year.  We tied it into a work trip to Coos Bay on Thursday, then on to Newport on Friday.  Stayed at the same hotel, ate at the same restaurant, same morning race day prep, etc.  My wife asked me as we drove to Newport on Friday what my expectations were.  I had no idea and told her "I haven't even thought about it."  And it's the truth.  I've been running okay mileage, but noticeably less this year than the past two.  I'd love to run more, but at this stage in life, I'm just happy with what I can do.  Work is as busy as ever, we had our third child last August, for the past year I've been serving as the Young Men's President, I started an MBA program in January, etc.  Life is busy and running has (rightfully) been pushed to the backburner at times.  Each week feels like a victory if I can just make it through and still have my head above water.  I the running/mileage has been decent that week, that's just icing on the cake.  Anyway, I wanted to do well today but just didn't give it much thought before toeing the line.

Race:

Perfect race day conditions; temps were in the high 40's, semi-sunny, and little to no wind.  The gun went off and soon found myself in 6-7^th place for the first mile.  I didn't recognize anyone in front of me but was content to ease into the race.  Mile 1 in 5:50.  Moved up slightly to 3-4^th during mile 2 (5:50).  I didn't feel great, but didn't feel bad either.  Picked up the pace slightly to catch up to the first 3 guys in mile 3 (5:42) before dropping downtown and running along the boardwalk for mile 4 (5:36).  I was running 20-30 meters behind the leader throughout mile 4, but he was moving pretty good and I couldn't get any closer.  Still didn't know who he was, but he looked relaxed and pretty legit at this point, so I knew I would have to gain on him at some point.  Mile 5 was my slowest of the day (5:52) because of the steep uphill.  It isn't all that long, but it is steep enough to slow your pace considerably.  It was mile 6 (5:36) that I finally pulled up to the lead runner.  He was from Bend and coached by the legendary Max King.  That right there let me know I had a legit competitor, which I was ecstatic about.  Running solo last year wasn't all that fun and I knew that he and I together could put down a solid time.  Mile 7 (5:45) and mile 8 (5:48) were casual as we talked throughout, making the time go quickly.  Took my first sip of water at mile 7 and Gu at mile 8.  Mile 9 (5:45) and mile 10 (5:51) were more of the same.

Right at mile 10, Jordan said he needed to stop for a porta-potty.  For the last few miles I felt the need to use the bathroom as well, but my right leg was feeling very tight and I was afraid of it stiffening up if I were to stop even for just a few seconds.  I told him to be quick and that he'd catch up soon enough.  Honestly, I thought he would as he had been running great thus far, but unfortunately, that was the last I saw of him.  Mile 11 (5:42), 12 (5:37), 13 (5:45), and 14 (5:42) passed quickly and I saw my family for the first time and got my first sip of Gatorade.  I ran mile 15 in 5:48 before turning around and heading back into town.  The next four miles are my favorite of the race as the other runners are approaching my from the front and they are all so supportive in wishing me good luck and handing out high-fives.  The running community is so supportive of each other; there's truly nothing else like it.  Mile 16 (5:41), 17 (5:38) and 18 (5:44) and I saw my family once again.  Took my second sip of Gatorade, which also turned out to be my last drink of the day.  Now that I look back, I'm shocked I didn't hit the wall.  I had a sip of water at 7, Gu at 8, and Gatorade at 13 and 18.  That's it.  I just didn't feel like I needed it and anything more felt like I would have an upset stomach.

I still needed to use the bathroom, but my right leg was still tight and so I continued to run without stopping.  Other than the slight strain in my leg, I felt fantastic.  Mile 19 (5:45), mile 20 (5:41) and mile 21 (5:43) hummed right along.  My wife offered a drink around mile 21-22 but I didn't take it.  The plan was to see her at one more spot (mile 23) but I told her to go to the finish.  I wasn't sure, because there was plenty of time to blow up like all the other times in the past, but I was feeling good and for the first time, thought that today might be the day for a sub-2:30.  Honestly, my Garmin had been wacky all morning long and after mile 4 or 5, I stopped looking at it.  The watch was jumping from 5:30 to 6:30 pace every time I looked at it and so I had no idea where I was at.  However, the mile splits were going off basically right on at each mile marker, so I figured it was somewhat accurate.   Regardless, I was gathering splits but not trusting them one bit and I had my watch set up to tell me miles, pace, and heart rate, so I didn't know my overall time. 

Mile 22 in 5:35.  Solid.  Still feeling good.  Mile 23 in 5:36.  I'm getting goose bumps as I switch my watch over to overall time.  I begin to do the math and realize it's going to be close.  I can't blow up and need to make up some ground in case the gradual uphill throughout mile 26 slowed me down.  Mile 24 in 5:36.  Another solid mile.  I couldn't believe how good I felt.  Every other marathon the wheels have come off long before this point.  Even at Top of Utah when I ran a high 2:30, I had to walk for a bit at mile 24 because of a stomach cramp.  Today was such a joy because my body felt phenomenal.  One more great mile for good measure when I hit a 5:31 for mile 25.  Those might have been my best four miles of the race, which I'm proud of because I was alone, tired, and I've given up mentally here in the past.

The gradual uphill that lasts the entire mile began at the start of mile 26.  I tried to get ticked and run with some anger because I knew that although I should be well under 2:30, I didn't want to slip and mess up at this point.  I managed a 5:40 for mile 26 (I'll take it!) and then ran 1:00 for the final .2.  I started clapping and cheering as I approached the line and celebrated with my wife and kids after crossing the finish line.  I was euphoric.  I've been on cloud nine all day and relishing the goal achievement that took place today.

Post-race: I was able to get my splits for each mile, but not my total time.  I'm excited to get home Sunday night and look at the numbers a little deeper.  It looks like it was a negative split, but not sure by how much, although I could be wrong.  The awards ceremony was fun like last year.  I got another unique trophy and was able to chat with some friends I'd made last year.  This race is quickly turning into one of my favorites.

I've been viewing this race as my last race before taking some time off from running for a while.  I'll still run of course, but not with the same "run-10-miles-per-day-and-20-on-the-weekend-no-matter-what" attitude.  I'd still like to run a sub 1:10 in the half, so I'll try and accomplish that at some point.

------------------------------

Some of the stats from the race:

First 10 miles in 57:40 (5:46 average)

First 13 miles in 1:14:46 (5:46 average) 

Second 10 miles in 57:10 (5:43 average)

Second 13 miles in 1:13:47 (5:41 average)

Final 10 miles in 56:33 (5:40 average)

First 20 miles in 1:54:50 (5:45 average)

Final 6.2 miles in 34:42 (5:36 average)

Roughly a 1 minute negative split based upon the first 13 and second 13 miles.

An improvement by 3:21 from last year.  A PR by 1:19.

Took 10 days off.  For some reason, despite running a PR, my body was 100% by Wednesday of last week and I could have ran with zero issues.  Figured I was due for some days off as it's been a solid 3-4 years of pretty consistent running.

It felt good to get back outside and to go for an easy jog.  I was out the door at 5:15 as i had to make it quick and get back in time to leave for Roseburg the the Evergreen breakfast w/ work. 

Just over 6 miles as I ran west along Redwood Avenue.  Right hamstring a little tight, pretty much the entire run.

Ran to the HS, then looped to Fred Meyers and then home. There were a bunch of guys sleeping on the football field. Weird...

I ran to the church and to Safeway, back to the church and then home. Needed some more so I ran around the Lonnon Loop to Redwood Highway and then home. Right hamstring felt better, but still not even 80%.

Ran to Walmart and then back home. Right hamstring still tight. This is getting frustrating...

Ran around Springfield for a bit. Same old story...right hamstring tight and left foot hurt. My body didn't like the rest after the marathon.

5 miles in Eugene. Left foot isn't getting any better.

Foot pain isn't going away.

Pretty frustrated with my left foot. It really bothered me last week so I didn't run Thursday through Saturday and by Sunday it felt pretty good. It felt fine this morning when I woke upi and throughout my run, but now a few hours later, the paints back just as strong as last week. Plantar Fasciitis I'm guessing, but 95% of the time it's on the outside of the bottom of the foot, not in the arch. Frustrating...

PM: didn't want to sit in the hotel all night and my foot was feeling better so I gave it try. Pain went on and off throughout the run. BUT, I actually feel better about things because for the first time, the pain was in the arch. While that isn't a good thing, per se, I'd rather have pain there so I can at least have an idea of what I'm dealing with.

In Cood Bay this morning. Foot pain off and on throughout the run. I'll take 5 miles over zero I guess...

Ran around Fruitdale and then to All-sports park, then home. Best my foot has felt this month. Not 100% but better for sure.

6.5 miles with my dad in Sunriver, OR. This place is incredible...pretty much heaven on earth. Only wish I was feeling better and could run more miles on the trails here, but a run with my dad is just as good. Came back to the house and then ran 2 miles with my wife! First time that's ever happened and it was awesome. Good for her!

5 miles with my Dad again in Sunriver. Feeling ok with my foot, but still not feeling like it should.

6.7 miles around Sunriver.  I ran past the village and saw the crowds of people getting ready for the full and half marathon.  I had no desire to join them.  Foot feels ok.

5.5 miles to All Sports Park and then home. Foot felt great. Hope that I've turned the corner...

Ran into Fruitdale and past the middle school, then home. Left foot felt worse at the beginning and then so-so the rest of the way. Even if I wanted to run 10 miles a day, it's just not happening...

Foot is really frustrating...

6.4 miles this morning.  Wanted to run 17.76 with it being Independence Day, but my foot wasn't going to let me get anywhere near that number.  Trying to be happy with what I can do.  Could be worse...

Best run in a month. Zero foot pain when I woke up, zero pain in the hip, foot, or groin while I ran and still feel good an hour later. Progress!

Ran just over 6 miles by myself, then 1 with my wife at the elementary school by our house, then I ran 1 mile to try out my new pair of Newton running shoes. Foot felt just as good as yesterday, which is a very VERY good thing.

Felty great this morning. Dare I say that my foot is back to normal? Now I've just got to get used to getting up in time to put in a few more miles.

Ran into downtown and the HS before returning home the same route.  Foot felt good once again.  4 runs in a row with no pain.

Ran into town and past the HS, then looped around and came home. Longest run in over a month and my foot feels fine. I'm back to normal!

Foot hurt. So much for what I said yesterday...

PM: Just a hair over 4 miles in Coos Bay. Foot felt much better than this morning.

Ran around the bay to the East in Coos Bay. Foot felt fantastic. On again, off again it seems.

Ran west towards the college and kept it flat. Foot felt so-so but I managed. Found $1.66 and then karma got me another $8.05 from a nice guy at Safeway. I ran just over 11 miles before returning home and changing into my Newtons and running a couple in them.

Looped around Fruitdale for just over 9 miles.

Ran into downtown and around the HS.

Ran from Springfield to Eugene, past Autzen Stadium and then back to the hotel.

I ran across the river, around All Sports Park and then back home. Hopefully more miles tonight in Eugene.

PM: 5.5 miles in Eugene. Very hot and staying at the new hotel south of town isn't runner friendly.

Ran from the hotel to Pre's Trail.  Haven't done that in a looooong time.  Looped around a couple times and then ran past the Residence Inn and Hayward Field.  It was locked up--can't remember the last time it was open to the public.  When I first started traveling to Eugene it was open all the time.  Not so much these past couple years...

I left the house about 6 and ran the 11 miles to where the ward was camping last night.  The young men were in charge of breakfast so I got there in time to help cook a feast of pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, and orange juice.  Not a bad breakfast after a Saturday run.  Not healthy in the least, but what are you gonna do?  My wife brought a change of clothes and we spent the rest of the morning playing games and having a good time.

Ran to the west of town. Had to run early before the Evergreen breakfast.

Just over 8 miles in GP this morning.

Just under 7 miles in Coos Bay, then Thai for dinner.

Ran up to the North freeway exit and back via Hawthorne.

8 miles around GP this morning.  I ran through Fruitdale, then south for a bit before returning home via Redwood Highway.

Ran to the north freeway exit, the to Walmart and home. Felt good for the first 14.5 but the last half mile my right hip/hamstring tightened up pretty good. I'm getting old...

I was hoping for more on a Monday morning.  Bummer.  Ran out of time before teleconferences and what not.

PM: 7.3 miles in Eugene.

Around Costco and Coburg Rd in Eugene.

I ran from the hotel to Pre's Rock, then around some neighborhoods I've never been in.  Thought I was lost and was going to eventually come out near LCC but eventually I made it back to the hotel.  Even had time to run around Hayward Field before returning to the hotel.

The air was so horrible in GP that I took my clothes to Roseburg and after a day of work, I ran around the half marathon loop before returning to the smoked-out city of GP for the night.  Blah.

I made the mistake of running this morning.  The air quality index wasn't above 300 hundred this morning like the past couple days, but it was pretty bad.  My throat wasn't too happy with my decision to run...

I ran along Rogue River Highway for 5 miles, then returned home and then ran on Redwood Highwy or a couple miles before returning home. Left foot hurt pretty bad the last mile... Frustrating.  The one good thing about today was the lack of smoke in the air.  Not ideal by any means, but nowhere near as bad as Tues, Wed, or Thursday.

Coos Bay.  The smoke is getting worse in GP so I skipped my AM run and ran in Coos Bay tonight after a day of work.

Coos Bay again this morning.  I slept like a rock last night, something that usually doesn't happen in at the hotel.  Foot felt better the past couple days, probably due to frequent stretching I did over the weekend.

Air quality in GP right now is a joke. It was just under 200 when I woke up, 300 range by 9am and by 1:00 pm it was 406. It's like standing inside a campfire at the moment. No relief in sight... Going to go to Portland this weekend to escape.

Air quality index was just under 200 today and I had too much to do before leaving for the weekend. No run again. Not cool...

8 miles around Fishers Landing in Vancouver WA. Late night, early morning, so I ran around noon.

14 miles in Vancouver. I ran the loop to Costco, the. Back down 192nd to the Wells, the. One more mini-loop. I was hoping for 18 but my right hip and bith hamstrings just weren't loving life this morning. Dang... Need to stretch more.

6 miles to Anderson Dental for a cleaning before starting work for the day/week.

Late night made for many snooze buttons this morning. Ugh! This isn't a good week for running so far...

Tried to run tonight in Eugene and my right hamstring wasn't happy. At all. Blah!!!

Hamstring felt nearly 100% this morning. Strange, after it bothering me so bad last night. Maybe it was the sushi I had for dinner? Then again, maybe not...

8.3 miles this morning. Dropped my car off to get an oil change, then ran around GP for just over 1 hour.  Hit the $100 mark this morning.  When I started tracking this in January, I thought I'd be lucky to hit $30 for the year.  Needless to say, I've exceeded my expectations.  Secondly, people of Oregon litter like nobody's business...

8.7 miles tonight in Portland.  I ran from the hotel by the airport to the freeway, then ran on the "sidewalk" between 8 lanes of traffic on I-205 that connects Portland, OR to Vancouver, WA.  The noise was deafening.  I honestly couldn't hear myself talk.  But yet I see people running/biking on it all the time.  It was on my bucket list to cross the Columbia River to the other state & then return, so if nothing else, I can cross it off my list.  Never again...

10 miles on the roads around the Portland airport.  Humid.

Quick run at 5 this morning.  Had to get home early so my wife could go to Medford for some early shopping.  I'd like to get more tonight, but that usually doesn't work out.  We'll see.  Not the end of the world if I don't.

In GP, from the fairgrounds to Safeway and back a few times. County fair last weekend=lots if bottles on the road.

AM: 8.3 miles in GP, mostly in Fruitdale and then home.

PM: another 8.3 mile run. Not sure how that happened to be the same as this morning. Super windy in Coos Bay tonight.

10 miles in Coos Bay.  No wind this morning, which was very nice after the battle last night.  I picked up the pace for the last 2-3 miles which felt really good.  It's been a few days since my left foot and right hamstring was tight, so running has actually been fun for a change.  The last month has been tough...

Awake just after 5, out for a quick run, then home to shower and eat before leaving for Roseburg and an early start to work.

11.3 miles around GP.  Ran up 6th street to Highland and then down Beacon.  Haven't run this once since training for Top of Utah the last two years.  Anyway, ran back down to the HS and then Walmart and home.

Ran around Vancouver, WA this morning. Over past 164th and then north to Mill Plain, looped around near the Stake Center and then home via 192nd. Picked up the pace the last 4 miles.

Ran to Anderson Dental for a cleaning this morning. More tonight in Eugene.

Ran to the west of town. So tired. 6 hours of sleep just doesn't cut it for me...

I ran a new route today--first time that's happened in forever.  I ran the across the river and out along Upper River Road (basically the reverse direction of the GP Half) for 5 miles, then returned home the same route.

Ran to the north freeway and back home.

I ran out to New Hope Road for 3.5 miles, then back home via Allen Creek Rd. Feel good after a chiro visit yesterday.

3 mile warm up, half marathon, 2 mile cool down.

10 miles around Fruitdale, then a few more with the wife and kids around the park at Allendale.

Ran west on Redwood Highway past the college for nearly 5 miles, then returned home the same route.

Noon: Ran 3.5 miles to Enterprise to pick up a rental vehicle.

Ran to the HS, did a mile on the track, then back home.

Lots of work.

Ran to Walmart, then to the HS, and home.

I ran to the west of town for 5 miles, made a stop at McDonalds on Allen Creek for a bathroom, then went south on New Hope Road.  Eventually looped across Williams Highway and came back into town on the steep downhill on Cloverdawn into Fruitdale.  Trashed the quads a bit, but that was the goal.  No fluids, no gu, nothing, so I was a little depleted by the time I finished.  Good run.  Averaged 6:53.

Ran to the west of town, looped around and came home past Rays and he middle school.

Sick

Still sick...

It felt like I hadn't ran in 4 days.... I ran to Walmart and the south freeway, then past the HS to the north freeway, then home. Felt pretty good.

Just over 8 miles in Princeton, NJ. I didn't get lost, so the morning was a success.

PM: 4.2 miles around Novo and the hotel.

Canal Trail near Princeton University. Pretty cool.

Ran from the hotel to some neighborhoods behind the office buildings. The moon was amazing this morning.

Around the hotel in Princeton

9 miles tonight after work. Ran into town and looped around. Not sure what else to say. Princeton for one more week.

AM: 5.4 miles around training, BMS, and back to the hotel.

PM: 5.1 miles tonight. Almost the same course as this morning, but in reverse. Saw all sorts of deer tonight across from the training building.

AM: 6.8 miles into Plainsboro and looped around before coming back to the hotel. There wasn't much of a shoulder to run on for much of the course. Yikes. 

AM: ran around the neighborhoods near the hotel, same as last week. Crazy cool sunrise. Last full day in New Jersey.

PM: 9.4 miles. I finally made it across the river into Princeton. I ran around their track, onto the football field, around campus and then back to the hotel. Perfect night. Lots of activity in campus; football practice, lacrosse, cross country were all going on while I was there. Fun stuff.

8.2 miles around the neighborhood behind the hotel. Going home today! It's been a long two weeks.

Back in GP. Ran around Walmart, past the HS, to the north freeway exit and home. Come to find out, I'm going to miss running here.

Ran west of town, past the Anderson's new home, then returned. Chilly out...

2 miles on the hotel treadmill.  Back in Princeton for another 10 days.

4 miles on the hotel treadmill, plus one on the eliptical.  Weights after.

5 miles around the hotel loop, to the training center, and back.  2 miles on the eliptical and then weights.

I drove (!) to run this morning.  Cardinal sin for me, but I didn't think I could make it to the campus and back without trouble.  Goes to show that it's not worth getting out of shape...

Anyway, I drove and parked near Princeton University campus and then ran 7.5 miles all around campus, taking photos on my phone whenever I felt the urge.  The campus is amazing.  Weights at the hotel afterwards.

Around the training center and hotel in Princeton, NJ.

Just under 8 miles around the neighborhoods to the south of the east of the hotel.

AM: 5.2 miles around the novo headquarters. 

PM: 3 miles on the treadmill. 

AM: Just over 5 miles in around the hotel and training.

PM: Just over 4 miles around the Forrestal gravel path.  Tons of geese and deer out tonight.

Last run in Princeton! Going home today. Feels like I've been gone for a month...

Ran to Fred Meyer, to Target, to Walmart and then home. Pretty much hit up all the stores in the new neighborhood, minus costco.

Ran past the Wells, along 34th street past the old HP, north to Fred Meyer and back home via 20th.

Ran east towards Ryan's school, then up and around on 34th to 192nd and then home. Had to add a little bit on 20th to get to 6 miles. Sure is dark in the mornings...

Looped around 15th and 164th, then back on Mill Plain and home. Nearly witnessed a head on collision on Mill Plain & 192nd when a car traveling south on 192nd ran a red light going at least 40 mph. Would have been nasty...

I ran up to Costco, east for a mile, then south to Karcher and down to QFC before returning home via 20th st.  A big square, basically

Ran west past 164th and then looped back and ran around Fishers Landing off of 34th. 

I ran to 164th, then south to the last intersection before highway 14. Took a right and ran along the highway before the road hits I-205 and bends north. Took that to Mill Plain before returning home past Costco.

Ran to 164th, then north to Mill Plain, and home.  Early before meetings in Salem all day.

Similar route to yesterday, with most of it ran through Fisher's Landing.  Another early morning and long day of meetings in Salem.

My running had been horrible for two months now. Hoping a new month helps me get back on track. 

Ran a big loop around the Wells, the south elementary, Grass Valley elementary, then around some million dollar homes on Lacamas Lake. Finally home around Union HS and Costco. Finally put 1.000 miles on a single pair of shoes.

Ran through Fishers Landing and discovered a new road to get me to 164th along highway 14. Good discovery and a route I'll most likely run often. Ran north to 15th and then home. Lots of rain and I was unprepared so I'll have to find my rain gear before tomorrow. 

Costco and Grass Valley Elementary loop. 

I ran to Union HS and ran two miles around the track, then came home.  50 degrees and no rain this morning which was pretty nice for a change.

Ran through Fishers Landing and then to Mt a View HS, then home past Big Als.

Ran past the Wells, then looped through Fishers Landing and then home. 

Ran around Costco to the stake center, then home via 156th and then Mill Plain. Then did a 2 mile tempo on 20th and 15th. Good morning.

Ran along McGilvery to the Safeway on Mill Plain, then home.

Ran to 164th, then to Union HS and a few around the track before returning home. Lots of rain and I was underdressed...it wasn't pretty.

Around Target to the cop station on Mill Plain, then down 164th to the highway and then secret street through Fishers Landing and home.

Ran to the million dollar homes on Lacamas Rd, then home via Costco. 

Ran over I-205 and then nearly to TVC. Looped back across Mill Plain by Walmart and then home. 

I ate too many cookies last night. Ugh...

Got lost. Next thing I knew I was on top of the highest hill in Camas. The view would have been nice if it wasn't for the buckets of rain falling out of the thick rain clouds. 

Ran with my dad this morning. Very cold.

Freezing cold. I'm becoming a wuss or this winter is hitting me like a ton of bricks. 

With my dad again. Cold again.

Ran to Union HS and then a few miles around the track, then home.

Nothing.  Well, I actually ran down the street but my right achilles was feeling "off."  It wasn't horrible, but I figured if it was bothering me this quickly, it wasn't worth going longer distances and making it worse.  I think I jacked it on Saturday in Pullman wearing low cut socks with running shoes.  Try again tomorrow.  

Ran around the Wells loop.  Not a fun route in the early morning darkness.  No shoulder and nowhere to go when cars go zooming past.  I survived though.

Ran along Mill Plain to Cinetopia and then home. 

I ran to the Timbers training facility in Vancouver, looped around for a bit, then behind Costco and home.

Ran through Fishers Landing to the secret street, then along the frontage road to Mountain View HS.  Returned to 164th and then around the stake center and Timbers soccer center, Costco, and home.  Felt good.  Possibly my last dry and warm run of the year.  Weather next week looks nasty...

Fishers Landing to McGilvary and the church, then home via Mill Plain.

I ran around Costco, Grass Valley, and the Wells before returning home.  Right hip was bothersome...

Ran to Union HS and then did 5 miles around the track. It was bitter cold today (for me anyway). 19 degrees and it felt colder around the grass infield/outfield around the track. Picked up the pace the last couple miles which was nice for a change.