Terminator

My joining this blog has been a long time coming. I finally joined (and it will surprise many of you that I actually did). This is quite the step forward for me.  I have never joined any online social anything.  I don't even have a facebook page (I know... totally old-fashioned).  My profile has some details from my past.

For my first post, I want to express appreciation to all of you who have helped me in the still-building process of dragging my rear end back in shape. I cannot thank you enough!  I have learned a great deal from many of you.  I owe a special thanks to my Utah County training crew who put up with my need to do 5am runs. Also, for some reason, certain fellow runners have been calling me "puma." Maybe it's because I remind them of the first 2 letters spelled a different way. At any rate, I've decided to embrace the nickname and roll with it (hence the title of my blog).

Had a great run with a great crew at Jordan River Parkway in Riverton this past Saturday.  Some did 20 miles.  I cut it short at 15 miles to play it safe because of some hamstring irritation.  I felt great and strong.  Could definitely have kept going.  What an honor to be part of such a talented group!  Really enjoyed our conversations and the miles flew by because of them.

This morning I did an easy 10-mile loop from Scott's house in Highland with Scott, Reed, Mike, and Toni.  This evening I did hamstring and upper-body weights.

Easy 10 mile loop from my home in Lehi with Scott, Reed, Toni, and Mike. Relaxed run and great crisp weather.  Reed didn't even have to stop for a #2 for the first time in weeks.

I admit I'm insane. But so are the guys who met me at Lone Peak High School at 4:30 am for a track workout.  I had to go that early because of my work schedule, and I'm very grateful for the guys keeping me company.

Had a great workout.  Was my first real track workout since college.  I'm rusty, but it went well.  6 x 800m repeats (2:35, 2:28, 2:26, 2:22, 2:28).  Felt great and relaxed.  Never felt labored.  Felt a head cold coming on yesterday, so I wasn't up to par physically, but I'm still pleased.  Was chasing Scott the whole time -- sure is fun to train day in and day out with him (and the others in our group).  Scott said he felt fatigued -- I'm sure it was because he had a great speed session 2 days ago (my legs were fresh).

Had a migraine that began on the way to work today (I'm sure it had something to do with the fact that I just did my first real track workout in over 10 years).  I don't get migraines often (about once every few months), but they're sure not fun.  I first noticed spots in my vision while looking at traffic signs while driving.  Not good.  How would you have liked to be my first surgery patient this morning  -- pretty hard doing surgery when you can't see :-)  JUST KIDDING! (It had all resolved by the time I started surgery).  I have learned that when I first have symptoms of a migraine, I take naproxen and tylenol immediately and that helps quickly and effectively.

It's amazing to me how there can be significant discrepancies between certain parts of training. Cardio-wise my workout yesterday felt like a walk in the park. But my legs are thrashed! I decided to take the day off today because I crossed the line a bit with my hamstring yesterday. I know I'll get more used to speed the more I do it. And how can I be surprised that my legs are thrashed -- yesterday was my first track workout in over 10 years.

Easy 10 miles from my home (out and back on Murdock trail) with Scott, Mike, Toni, and Brandon.  My legs are still sore from Wednesday.  Hopefully they feel improved tomorrow. 

Great run this morning. Met a large group of talented runners in Orem for a 20-mile run.  Did two 10-mile out-and-backs (Murdock canal trail first, then Provo canyon next). This may have been the largest, most talented group of runners in the western United States today. Funnest time I've had in a long time.  Pace was in the low 6's toward the end of the first out-and-back (Murdock Trail). We then stopped for a quick re-fueling break and then ran up Provo Canyon. Hit a couple 6:10 miles near our turn around point at Bridal Veil Falls. Toni was kind enough to leave some water and Powerade there for us. Then we started some tempo on the way down. Felt great. I ran two 5:17 miles then slowed to 5:30's for another couple. Jake and Fritz looked great. They are animals and are so talented. I don't yet have the extra gear they have. Was fun to keep them in sight though. It's coming. My legs are now officially thrashed. The guys looked great. Scott had a great week and his legs were hammered -- he wisely didn't do tempo on the way down (although I'm sure he easily could have -- he is such a class act and has phenomenal talent). Brandon had an especially good day. (Great job Brandon)! I ran right behind Justin Park for a few miles up Provo Canyon -- he was so smooth and I think he breathed a total of 3 times for the entire 5 miles up the canyon. He looked so relaxed. Fun to get to know him better -- what a top-notch guy.