Run Run Run

ran inside track at Dimple Dell while Alex practiced basketball

ran inside at Dimple Dell track while Alex practiced basketball

Ran in my neighborhood for 4 miles

Ran while Alexander had basketball practice in neighborhood by gym where he practiced

Yes Im back by popular demand. Thousands of fast running bloggers have requested my return (Ok the truth is Brent sent me a message last December when I took a break from blogging). I have decided to return to the blog for the good of the blog. The problem was getting serious (ha). Sasha had threatened to shut down the blog if I didnt return - he stated that without elite runners like Michael the blog will go nowhere (ha). Fastrunning Mommy had threatened to harass her beloved Sasha if I didnt return. Top runners like Paul, Chad, Cody and others had threatened to quit running entirely if I didnt return. Dozens of runners were lost without my great running expertise (ha). Brent had threatened to stop giving runners commando points if I didnt return. And the worst threat was that Lybi had threatened to stopped sending all her comments to congrat and tease other runners. So I have decided graciously to return to the blog. I must do it for the good of the blog.

The truth is Ive missed the blog, have started running more and have also missed running. Im still the slow Michael working on getting faster. Ive run a little off and on in the winter but not too much, because of needing time for some other personal challenges. Alexander (Falcon) has not yet returned to running although he has certainly ran alot with hours of basketball every week and besides we believe in cross-training and other fun for 10 year old boys

I ran again in my family neighborhood. I think my miles were in the 4 or 5 minute range give or take a 1/2 mile (ha). OK I was just running slow 10 minute miles, but I did get out 3 days in a row. It was abit challenging as I had to watch out for cars as I dont like cement sidewalks and prefer asphault over it. Had to watch out for snow drifts sticking out and ice patches. Was nice running again. A nice day with great views of snow covered mountains. Ran with Denali my Golden retriever who also seemed glad to be out. Still have hip pain so have to be careful with that.

So fast running bloggers watch out, Michael is back. Falcon will return after basketball. Hope to see you out running or on the blog.

90 minutes of basketball with son which tired me out as he ran circles around me with his speed and dribbling, so Ill count that as 2 miles (just to count something) It should count for something, I know I was tired

Cross-country ski 10+ miles in Big Cottonwood, again not sure what to count that as but I think it should be worth half that in slow running miles as there was also alot of uphill and my legs are tired

Just a couple miles. Decided to do some Wasatch upper body work (lots of snow shoveling). Painted the disaster room of our house (my sons room). Was flipping through TV channels - my cat was fascinated with the Muppets show, so I left it on, darn cat stood the remaining 20 minutes in front of TV and watched it (weird)

Todays Quote: Whatever your 100% looks like, give it.

Ran in my neighborhood again, ran a little faster but still slow for most. Still had to wtach out running on the asphault roads for traffic because of snow drifts and ice in places

Only time for short run

Neighborhood slow run in Sandy

Ran 1.5 miles on grass at Flat Iron park waiting for sons baseball game

Ran for 30 minutes on grass at Buttercup with son

Ran with son to Buttercup Park then to Willow Canyon, around the grass fields a few times, along Willow Canyon 5K route, then up 9800 south, through neighborhood then back home. Tough for me, but was OK, feet were OK, do better after first 1/2 mile

Ran at indoor track at Dimple Dell while son played basketball. Nice soft surface. Tried to do one mile fast - which was 8:32 for me, I realize extremely slow for most, but for me pushing myself

Havent been blogging. Have ran once in awhile. Too many critical personal issues to handle which have taken alot of time and energy. No need to discuss them. I know some would say you should and still keep up the regular running program, but only have so much time and Im a strong believer than tomorrow does happen.

Started running some in winter, only to be hit with a new problem, plantar fasciitus in right heel. Wow that has been painful difficult, it came on suddenly and at first I couldnt get out of bed in morning without wanting to collapse in pain. But have been doing a OK (not ideal) job taking care of myself with stretching, icing, ibuprofren and strassburg sock. Have tried to run on softer surfaces where possible. At least I can run now.

So will catchup and fill out some prior blogs and keep slowly working on things. Still have left hip pain but it is tolerable. I realize alot of my problem is need to loose weight, probably need to get closer to 180 lbs instead of the 200 lbs I stay closer too. Maybe Ill go back blogging to improve my motivation.

I imagine Im alot slower with the injury recovery and extra weight, just need to run more for fun and health as maybe Ive finally accepted Im not going to make the 2008 Bejing Olympics. Also no need to try to keep up with the Joneses on the blog (not sure if there is anyone named Jones on the blog anyway)

Today I ran while son was at baseball practice. Abit chilly but OK, found this undeveloped area between 9000 and 8600 in Sandy that I didnt know existed, ran through the trees and on gravel roads, then down to 700 East and then along a service road along golf course.

Ran at Wheeler Farm with son and dog (on leash). Nice area to run, good temp, overcast, trees. Ran the outer loop. Started with stretches. Then ran 5K at effort (for me) - around 33 minutes. I was at least consistent with 11 minute miles. Took 5 minute water break and ran 4 more miles at 13 minute pace. I realize these times are slow compared to most, but they were OK for me and that was long distance. I at least tried. Heel plantar problem was tolerable. I did get a bloody right little toe for some reason

Stopped at animal pens at end. the pigs were fascinated with my golden retriever. Two small donkeys also ran with us when we went by their enclosure. My golden sure wished he was free with all the ducks around

Ran at Flat iron Park a little in snow waiting to see if sons baseball game was a go

Ran a little at Buttercup Park

Ran a little at Flat Iron Park at sons baseball practice (yeah I could run more at his practices, but it is just as important to watch him - he is only a young boy for awhile (and Ill be an old man for a long time))

Well my first race of the year. Good to be back running again. I was slow, but did OK, actually I got 2nd in my age group which isnt bad as it was the larger age group 50 to 59, although my son pointed out not everyone has parents as old as me. The race was to earn money for his school so it didnt attract the big runners although they did have nice prizes and 195 runners. I did get a nice looking medal.

It was probably a tougher than average 5K. First it actually was 3.19 miles long according to my Garmin and I tried to cut the tangaents tight. Also there is a fairly steep hill for the middle segment. Weather was good for running but I dressed too warm with a long sleeve that I probably didnt need. I also didnt push as hard as I could fearing injury since Im trying to recover. I was 29 minutes something. My right heel with my plantar fasciitus hurt at the start and a little on the downhill part, but I was hobbling afterwards. After going home and icing it was better.

I felt OK running although my hip joints also bother me - again probably loosing some weight would help but its probably also aging (55 years). The race is similiar to the Sandy Blessed Sacrament 5K. Was typical scramble at start, but I just went my speed. Doing a better warmup of 1/2 mile seemed to help more plus doing more stretches than I usually do helped (still need to do more). First 1/3 is kind of level, 2nd 1/3 uphill and last 1/3 downhill. As expected my fastest mile was downhill (less than 9 minutes), then the flat, and then the uphill although Im not bad at keeping a somewhat consistent speed.

I got more roadkills than those that got me, I was also able to keep several from passing me. Some of son's classmates tried to race me, but I only he beat me. I was surprized that I got 47th of 195 runners which was good for me (even though yes several were non-runners).

Recovery was OK, am tired but not exhausted. Sore but not incapicatated. Son is insisent running 1/2 marathon next week. Not sure if that is good idea for me - I dont want to get injured worse when trying to recover as Im not sure if plantar on right heel can take 13 miles of asphault. But I dont want a 10 year old to run without me in same race. Any suggestions here? - Would running a slow 1/2 marathon be too much for my plantar fasciitus problem?

Son did well winning his age group and finishing 6th overall of 195 runners considering he has only ran a little for training (except for other sports)

I improved in my mileage this week which is good considering my schedule

Ran in Dimple Dell Park with my Golden retriever. Luckily no horses. The sand hill was slow to go up, almost walking. Nice views of mountains. Finished at sunset. Speed was so-so. Heel pain acceptable.

Lesson Learned: dont jump a creek when there is mud on the other side

Busy schedule, didnt run far. Still thinking of doing the 1/2 marathon to go with my son and get some miles, but would take it easy and walk if needed. Trying to do some stretching each day.

I read in Runners World that the world record for running backwards in a marathon is by a chinese runner in 2004 who ran it in 3:43:39. I doubt I could run a 1/4 mile backwards comfortably

slow mile at sons baseball

Genna Tufa won the marathon in 2:23:10. But the REAL truth is that I beat him. At the finish line, the marathon runners go left (half marathon go right). Watching the news on TV you see me finishing on the right at 2:22:57. I started the race and ended the race at the same location as Genna Tufa and my time beat him by 0.13 seconds - I clearly beat the top marathon runner.

Ok - you dont believe that, would you belive that I entered the 1/2 marathon, but I changed my mind and ran the marathon instead and won that way. Or how about I made a wrong turn and did the marathon. OK OK, you are talking about Michael. The truth is I did run the 1/2 and coincidentally finished at the same time as the winning marathoner.

Well at least I finally tried one and experienced it. It wasnt a great time or effort, but I did it and I did finish. For me it was more for training and experience, I cant say I was ready for the race as I had hardly run much because of personal issues and injury, had only run a couple times more than 5 miles since last fall. Got up at 4am, didnt sleep well, was wondering if it was something I should try, but my son wanted to do it. Got ready, went and found parking at Gateway, waited in car for 30 minutes, took train, waited in the long potty lines (a marathon in itself), listened to the gospel choir and star spangled banner and then reace starts at 7:00

Ran OK for first 4 miles - about 9 minute miles, then slowed to 10:30 miles for middle stretch and very slow for last 1/3 miles at 12 minutes plus per mile. Physically I wasnt ready for race, as energy drained as race progressed, I wanted to quit but kept going. Where my legs connect to hips ached. Last 1/3 of race I could feel my right plantar (heel) starting to act up and I knew if I ran too hard, Id be back an injury city so I didnt push it. Also by then I was really tired and the goal was just to finish.

Cant say I had a good competitive attitude, it was disappointing to see how many that passed me compared to who I passed; but that really wasnt part of my plan - I just wanted to experience it and finish it. I stopped at 3 of the water stops, but only walked enough to drink the water (not very good at drinking on the run) and stopped a couple other times briefly to stretch my plantar. I ran with John Cahill, the 83. year old wonder for a couple miles but couldnt even stay with him. At one point they had music playing, the "YMCA" song so I moved my arms in fun with the music doing the Y-M-C-A letters. Its kind of a boring race except for the excitement of running with 6000 runners (4000 1/2 marathon runners and 2000 marathon runners) - I just dont care for city street running that much. Yes it was windy, but didnt seem that bad as others mentioned but maybe I was going to slow to be effected. It was warmer than I expected. It was abit surprizingly and comical finishing my 1/2 as the same time as the winner of the marathon - was nice with all the cheers at the finish (although somehow I dont think they were for me!). Was even more surprizingly and amusing to see me on TV finishing at same time as marathon winner. Then went through the line to the food, where I wanted to fall asleep. I pigged out in food craving nutrition for my tired body

My son did fantastic, 1:37, winning his age group and around 150th overall, very good for someone who just turned 11 years old, farthest he has ever run, and hasnt trained either except for his other sports. Both of us got finisher medals. He got a different medal for winning - actually same medal but in gold color. Kind of a cheap award, I was told in past winners got some kind of embroidered jacket. Then we rushed to his flag football game, where he showed he still had alot of energy running for 1 touchdown and passing for two. Meanwhile Dad (I) laid down on the grass and tried to survive. Im sore this next morning, left hip hurts some, right heel seems fairly OK which is a big relief. Well on too the next running, I made it....

Thought Id sleep better after a 1/2 marathon, muscles are sore if I dont get up in move. Am excited from doing the 1/2 marathon

Ran at Flat Iron Park while waiting for sons baseball game. Managed to get 4.3 miles in about 45 minutes which is 11 minute miles which is OK for m. The park has a nice view of the mountains as it kind of sits on a small hill. It does have a big drop from the top level to the lower level - I know Alexanders soccer team used to hate to run that for their soccer team warmup. Had pain but this time it wasnt my feet, my teeth from abunch of dental work in the morning. I still ran on the grass as much as possible to treat my feet nicer. I detected a little spring in my step and a little boost in my ego running today - I think that came from doing the 1/2 marathon. Kind of weird - for half marathon, part of me wanted to quit and never do it again, another part wants to do it again and strive to do better. Part of me hated it, theother part of me loved it. Alexander sure got alot of positive feedback for his effort and attitude with the Salt Lake Tribune article

Ran 4 miles at Falcon Park waiting for sons baseball game . About 45 minutes. Nothing exciting about this run

Only time to run 1 mile at sons football game at Dimple Dell rec center - cold and windy

Will run 4 miles at Flat Iron Park prior to sons baseball game

Busy schedule only short run

Just time for a slow neighborhood run - nothing exciting or interesting

Ran at Flat Iron Park waiting for sons baseball game. Tried to run a little faster. Was warmer though and that may have countered my effort. Watching the mountains I can see the snowline rising. Alexander pitched in his baseball game and got 2 doubles

Ran before sons baseball practice - about 3.5 miles around Falcon Park at 11 minute pace. Run was OK - stayed on grass where I could to soften impact. Minor allergy problem

Ran at sons baseball practice primarily on grass at Falcon park at 11 minute pace, feeling better running slowly

Ran waiting for sons football game to start, ran 3 miles at 10:30 pace on grass. Better than nothing

Good run today. Ran with son up Little Cottonwood Trail from mouth of canyon to end of trail. Saw some mountain goat, son saw deer, butterflies coming out, alot of birds singing and the sounds of water. Route has a couple of steep rocky sections and there were still quite a few snowbanks to run over, luckily they were still frozen and you could run their ridgeline. You cross 2 bridges over Little Cottonwood Creek. Good temps for running, on way back we felt good and ran shirtless and had a few father-son snowball battles - kind of a run and throw battle. Son didnt have alot of energy so surprizingly I outran him today.

Nothing special - just short jog around Buttercup Park

Wow. Probably shouldnt have done it, although I seem OK more or less today. Ran a long run for me. Maybe the longest Ive run. 16 miles. Ran my typical speed - slow. I seem to be able to run long distances OK, have good endurance, just dont have speed.

Anyway I ran from work to the end of City Creek road and even up the trail at end of road. My boss was gone so it was time to take a longer "lunch time". The weather for running was great - nice temperature and overcast - I do much better when good temps and not direct sun. I was determined to make it to the end of the road, as I had never made it that far on a run.

The leaves on most the trees were out and spring flowers coming out, birds singing in places and always the nice sound of the water. The last part at the end parking lot had snow. An interesting thing happened - I saw a raccoon. I slowed my running down and was right next to him. He looked at me in surprize, I said "its OK, how ya doing", he then seemed to accept me and continued looking under piles of leaves for some kind of food. I started running again and he picked up his pace scampering alongside me - weird. I asked him if he wanted to be my running partner, he then stood up on his hind legs and made that raccoon chattering noise - I guess my running speed didnt impress him much. At first I thought I better be careful as maybe he was rabid, but I think it was just a case of a critter in nature accepting me. Not sure what his name was - maybe Ricky or Rocky. Anyway that was cool.

At another location on the road, it was strange, there were dozens and dozens of sowbugs (pill bugs) crossing the road. Not sure why - maybe its their annual historic migration to the north side of the road. Hey - why does the sowbug cross the road? (like the chicken question). I definately outpaced those little bugs with my amazing speed.

I ran almost the entire way except for the raccoon, getting some sips of water, a minute at the end of the road and some stoplights near work. Faster downhill but my legs and knees were heavier so not that fast. Some of City Creek has a nice grade so I think a mile there is equivalent to a longer distance. Anyway a good accomplishment for me, felt good and had runners high for at least doing it.

5K at Thanksgiving Point. Starts out on roads and then runs through paths in the garden. It is scenic with flowers and water, but you dont have time to look. The path is often narrow and curvy, so it probably slows you down and is challenging to pass someone (not that I get to pass many). My foot got caught and I almost tripped where there were animal footprint casts made in the sidewalk.

Did OK, not as good as last year as Im still behind in getting in shape, but I improved 2 minutes from my earlier 5K this year. Got 2nd in my age group and 98th in race of 754. My GPS had it as 3.13 or 3.14 and my time as 20 seconds faster than the clock. I would say there were around 500 but dont know for sure and several of course were walkers. First mile was fastest and last mile slowest. Still bothered by hip pain although tolerable. Right plantar was OK. Had a little trouble breathing from allergies

They only gave medals to top 3 men and top 3 women. Age groups didnt get anything this year which was a little disappointing. They said they wanted to make race less competitive which sounds like a oxymoron to me. Arent races supposed to be competitive? They had oranges, rhoades rolls, ice cream and vitamin water for refreshments after the race. The race is not an expensive one to run.

Son finished 11th overall in around 21:30. When I asked, doesnt the fastest kid get something, they gave him a giant bag of gummy bears which he loves. I think the winner was a BYU track woman in a little less than 19 minutes.

Well first the excuses. I havent run all week which is dumb, but just too conflicts. Both Alex (Falcon) and I had upset stomachs (but we kept running) and both had allergy problems (couldnt breathe through my nose). At 3rd mile my hip/upper IT band hurt alot, that I had to reduce my stride to minimize the pain. I could have toughed it out more I suppose, but Im not good with that pain and I didnt want to make it worse. At least my plantar fascitus didnt both me - maybe that problem is over at least. Also my negative attitude controlled me too much with the trouble breathing from allergy and hip pain - even just the tired part, it controls me to much - I need to work on that. Most of all I still need to get on a regular running program/time - I cant expect to do much if I dont train and work at it - need to get off my lazy rearend and get going.

Still I was glad to get out and glad to run, thats better than staying on that rearend. Its interesting watching all the elite runners - thin and lean machines with no extra fat. I really need to loose weight so I can improve. I could run I suppose in clydesdales but I always considered that (FOR ME) not a fair option (like when I was in college intramural basketball and they formed a under 6 foot league of players to not compete with us tall guys.

Anyway on the race, this is a very fast 5K with many of the top runners in Utah participating in it. The first half is downhill along a highway in Magna and then runs through town slight uphill and ends at a city park. Alot of runners got their PR here. They give great awards (my son won one of the best prizes - a new $60 running shirt), and provide watermelons and pancakes for your recovery. Well I had really hoped for a PR (abit ridiculous again with so little running), I finished 25:21, at first I was disappointed but I just realized I was 25:34 last year and am a year older - so that is at least a positive. I did get a big ribbon for my 3rd place in my age group and won a pair of running shorts (I got a size for my sons future use). Now I started very fast for me - first mile was 7:11, second mile not bad 8:02, third mile 8:57 (where fatigued, pain and attitude got to me). One day at a time, one race at a time, one mile at a time ... until next time

At sons track practice - Hillcrest High - ran 2 miles on track

At sons track practice - 2 miles Hillcrest High Track

Finally running again, didnt run much last week, after Magna race I was really congested and coughing alot. Some kind of bad summer cold I guess, not sure. So am slowly getting that resolved and getting energy to run. Ran again at sons track practice at Hillcrest Track. Was nice running temp and running in light showers reminded me of Washington. Hope to slowly start improving. Still battling left hip pain, more at night, need to get doing foam roller and other exercises

Ran with son in Dimple Dell Park. Was nicer than other times - sand was firmer because of recent rain and there were no horses. Had to jump alot of mud puddles though. I was still slow on the big sand hill. Alex had trouble with bellyache. I dressed to warm wearing long sleeve. Alot of birds - mag pie, bluejay, quails, doves and assorted ostrich, penquins and what was thought extinct dodos and passenger pidgeons. Ran OK time. This is more than a 4.2 workout with the trail terrain, probably more like 5 to 5.5 miles

Ran at sons track practice at Hillcrest High on the track again. Tried to run some 400s - most were 1:57 to 2:00 minute, ran 1 at 1:48, which I know is slow for most but I consider that fast for me

Ran up Provo River by Bridal Veil Falls on paved trail between sons track meet and baseball. Felt good on downhill part. Also climbed up trail to bottom of falls. Improvement for me this week, at least I ran 6 of 7 days

Ran at Hillcrest track again. This is a excuse week. Right plantar starting to bother me. Left hip problem still there. Allergy sinus infection bad. And Crazy work schedule. Not sure if I will run Saturday or not. I need to start working in more time for stretching and healing exercises. Should have more time starting August 1 with a job change. Will keep running as I can and accept my schedule and limitations until I can improve them. Main concern is that I may not be in top condition for the Bejing Olympics this summer. I found out I could become a citizen of a remote South Pacific island country and will run the marathon for them. Im not too crazy about wearing their grass skirt costume when I carry their flag in the opening ceremony though. I need to get in better shape so I run for the good ole USA in 2012.

Wish I could say I ran as fast as most of the FRB runners at Holladay. All I can say was at least I ran and was glad I did. Wasnt sure if I was going too, still have my sinus infection problem - and it was hard breathing when you can only breathe through mouth. My plantar didnt bother me, but my hip was sore afterwards. The race seemed hot, my head was dripping when I finished - maybe it seemed hot because of all the cool spring weather we had.

I did Ok, not a great time but OK. I was 183 of 424 runners so thats OK too. I started OK with first 2 miles at 8:20, then did my typical slow last mile. I was probably 50%/50% in runners that passed me and that I passed and that was OK too.

Alot of top runners there. They give you good treats, a good shirts and have alot of good door prizes. I won a $5 Subway coupon and $25 at a catering store where I picked up abunch of delicious babyback ribs.

Alexander (Falcon) won his divison. Talked to the KoolAid Kid (Brent) and Slyvie and the Pachev running family. Brent gave me an idea on stretching my hip. So it was a fun morning - hopefully next time Ill run better - I hear you run better when you get oxygen

Just a slow neighborhood run

Not going to be fun next 2 weeks to run - supposed to be red air alert next 2 weeks plus 90 to 95 each day. Always nice to run in Salt Lakes poisonous air. I wonder you stay healthier from running but the polluted air shortens your life, so maybe its a trade-off, you stay even on these polluted days. The bad news is we have some of the most polluted air in the country and it isnt going to get better. Dont do well it heat either, I dont think Ive adjusted from the change of cool spring to hot summer. Now I could get off my butt and get up earlier, air is cooler but unfortunately still polluted. May be time to go to the mountains (but then it costs more and the extra driving contributes) to the air pollution, but I find those runs more enjoyable. May try the inside track on some bad air days

Ran in the forested Robin Hill Park, was nice as it was a warm day and the Forest cools things down and provides shade. So many trail loops here and limited signing, but am starting to figure them out. Just know you go "up" to get to upper loops and "down" to get back to car and that the big meadow is in the "middle" of the park and generally the foot trails have some gravel while horse trails are dirt but generally longer on the outside of the park. Nice park except heard the gunfire for first few minutes of a nearby shooting arena I believe.

Not exactly sure how far I ran, ran for about 65 minutes. Need to unbox my Garmin and start using it. Was tired in beginning from hill climb and at end from workout, but was fairly pleasant between that.

Again so nice running in the lower 70's

Big changes. On Aug 2, we left the great state of Utah and now live in Washington State near the town of Sequim on the Olympic Peninsula across from Victoria Canada. Have a house that overlooks some ponds with lots of ducks, geese, bald eagles and deer and a view of the Olympic Mountains.

Today was our first run up here, was so nice to be out of the Utah heat and Salt Lake Valley polluted air and also to be running in the country and not in the city. We (my son Alex and Denali the Golden Retriever) ran on the county road from my house through a forested neighborhood, took some other roads, then a trail to the beginning of Dungeness Park and then on another county road back to our house. Saw several deer some only a few feet away and lots of hawks as well as gorgeous views of Sequim valley, the Olympic Mountains, near full moon coming up.

And so begins another journey, back at home where I grew up and my roots are. Hope to get back on a more regular running schedule. So long Utah and thanks for some nice runs and races, we may be back at times and hope to run there

Ran (well behind) the Sequim High school team from Railroad trestle Park to crossing of Kitchen-Dick Road on the Discovery Trail. Nice pleasant run, fairly level, started out at Dungeness River over the big ex railroad trestle bridge, in a semi rural area with adequate shade, saw some hawks. First big run for awhile so was tired

Nice run in Dungeness Park, started out with views of the Strait of Juan de Fucs, part of trail collapsed because of sand cave-in on cliff so I detored through campground and then back via numerous hiking and riding trails. Another nice day of running. Hip and leg still bothering me but is better, I think the running actually helps, need to get back to PT for it. Talked to a guy who belongs to a national group called Marathon Maniacs. This park is only a 2 mile drive from house which is nice. Saw deer and hawks

Another run today, 3 in a row which is an improvement for me. This time at Robin Hill County Park, also just a 2 mile drive away. A nice forested area with alot of trail loops and variety of flats and hills. There is a nice grass meadow in the park center. Its abit confusing running these trails as they look alike and not all loops are signed well, but we figured them out and got back to car. Another pleasant day to run, not hot, some clouds, forest, trail instead of asphault. Alex got stung by a bee on his ankle though, but is OK

A long hike along Dungeness Spit out to a 1857 lighthouse, not a run but a 11 mile round trip hike which is probably more like 14 miles equivalent becaus eof the sand, rocks and logs. We are really tired after this and legs are tired, am couning this based on that as 7 mile today

Ran at Dungeness Park, while son ran with older kids. Nice views of the Strait today with several ships and not much wind. Took trail above sand cliffs on the strait and then campground trails and then the steeper trail on asphault through the Forest to the beach. Ran down to the sand spit, they let runners go the first 1/2 mile on the beach, then it is protected for wildlife after that and only hiking with a permit is allowed. A wave nailed me so I got my running shoes wet when not paying attention. Its abit of a juggling act dodging the ways and being careful of rocks and driftwood. Then return down the beach, back up Forest trail and then on horse trail, where I ran into Alex and we did some other trail loops

Ran in the forested Robin Hill Park, was nice as it was a warm day and the Forest cools things down and provides shade. So many trail loops here and limited signing, but am starting to figure them out. Just know you go "up" to get to upper loops and "down" to get back to car and that the big meadow is in the "middle" of the park and generally the foot trails have some gravel while horse trails are dirt but generally longer on the outside of the park. Nice park except heard the gunfire for first few minutes of a nearby shooting arena I believe.

Not exactly sure how far I ran, ran for about 65 minutes. Need to unbox my Garmin and start using it. Was tired in beginning from hill climb and at end from workout, but was fairly pleasant between that.

Again so nice running in the lower 70's

On Klaloch Beach

At Robin Hill Park - warm day but still nice here with shade, Im starting to get to know the trails

At Dungeness, ran to the spit and down to turn-around towards lighthouse. It was really neat, saw a gray whale spouting as I ran along (of course I had to stop and watch) - so cool, dont see that in Utah

My boy got stopped and had to turn around with other runners at another trail by the border patrol - weird, I guess xc runners are a risk to our national security

Havent run much last 2 weeks as have been busy with the house and have had plantar fasitus problem on right foot. I wont do the last 2 weeks of blogs

Found new way to tape it which seems to help.

Ran at Robin Hill Park - more nice forest. Heard some frogs. I thought they were going "croak croak". I now realize they were saying "slow slow". I still think I can out run (or out hop them) though

Ran at Dungeness. Went along the cliffs then went west on beach for change. Still had to dodge the waves and juggle my feet through the soft sand and rocks. It was interesting there was a flock of sandpipers about 50 of them that ran with their tiny feet along the water with me for about a 1/2 mile until a big wave made them change direction. Saw some seal heads. On way back going through the Forest I swallowed a big moth while gulping for air - yuck

Foot with plantar problem felt better. I did more stretches and taping helped

Ran the high school cross country race course from yesterday. It was a real killer. There is one hill called death hill and it certainly was, so steep I was trying to run but felt like it was more like walking. Saw a owl in a tree watching me

Havent had time to blog. Finally got new orthotics for my right plantar. Seem to help alot.

Ran hill repeats with Alex in the forest at Robin Hill Park

Ran with son at Dungeness. A nice day to run on the beach, no wind. Cliffs where there are overlooks are collapsing from rain.

In the Forest at Robin Hill Park with son. Still some flowers left and frogs croaking

Very slow running at Robin Hill - hip is a little sore

Ran at Dungeness. Saw alot of shorebirds and ducks. Alot of big waves that me and my son had to dodge and race. Was surprized ran into my cousin which I hadnt seen in years who was looking at the beach

Robin Hill Park in Sequim

On the logging roads by Moms in Montesano Washington - nice weather

In Utah - ran at Liberty Park on nice soft wood chip trail, then on Pipeline Trail in Mill Creek - amazingly warm and snowfree in Utah

Back in Washington at Robin Hill Park in the Forest. Trails were a little slippery today and some mud, but still a nice day to run. I ran faster today (for me). Plantar problem in right foot seems to have gone away with new orthothotics. Hip problem on left wasnt bad today

Neighborhood run with son

Robin Hill Park

Robin Hill Park, long run for me, better speed