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Hells Hills 25k Trail

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Location:

San Antonio,TX,

Member Since:

Dec 13, 2009

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

5K PR - 18:01 - Nov '14

10K PR - 38:37 (workout) - Oct '14

Half-marathon - 1:22:43 - Jan '14

Marathon - 2:58:43 in Boston! - Apr '13

50 mile - 7:49:30 (2nd) - Nov '15

Short-Term Running Goals:

- Balance

- Run more trails, volunteer, more social running, run with a team

- Race a lot more.  learn.

Race results / possible schedule:

Apr 2 - Hells Hills 25k trail - 4th

Apr 9 - Toughest 'n Texas 20-mile Trail - 2nd

May 7 - Paleface - Trail Marathon - 3rd

May 29 - American Hero road 25k - 2nd

Jun 25 - Pedernales Falls 30k nighttime Trail - 5th (sick)

Jul 16 - Muleshoe Bend 30k nighttime Trail - 3rd

Jul 23-24 - Fossil Valley 9-hour nighttime Trail - 2nd

Aug 6 - Colorado Bend 30k nighttime Trail - 4th

Aug 27 - Reveille Peak 30k nighttime Trail (entered)

Sep 10 - Franklin Mountains 50k (entered - not all-out effort...I hope)

Sep 17 - Lighthouse Hill 20-mile trail (entered)

Sep 24 - J&J 50 mile trail

Long-Term Running Goals:

Compete in a few more ultras without going off course (again)

Sub-18 in a 5k

One.  Good.  Marathon.

Personal:

I started running at age 30, in late 2009.  I have 2 daughters (10 and 8 yrs old).

  

 

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Saucony A5 Lifetime Miles: 1054.70
Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Lifetime Miles: 1551.08
Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Lifetime Miles: 1244.23
1160s Lifetime Miles: 888.70
Saucony A5 Red Lifetime Miles: 565.10
Saucony A6 - Yellow Lifetime Miles: 214.00
Saucony A6 - Red/blue Lifetime Miles: 61.50
NB MT101 Trail Lifetime Miles: 302.00
Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Lifetime Miles: 286.50
Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Lifetime Miles: 267.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1354.79261.851616.64
Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 146.00Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 217.50Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 12.001160s Miles: 41.50Saucony A6 - Yellow Miles: 111.00NB MT101 Trail Miles: 258.00Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 286.50Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 267.00Saucony A5 Red Miles: 75.00Saucony A6 - Red/blue Miles: 31.50Saucony A5 Miles: 10.00
Weight: 149.03
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

45F.  6 @ 8:08 AP.  Goal is to nap a lot today.  We hosted a party last night so I couldn't go to bed until waaaaaay after I usually do.  Our neighborhood goes absolutely bonkers with fireworks!

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Fri, Jan 01, 2016 at 19:24:44 from 71.72.159.140

We love fireworks. 4th of July is my 15yr old daughters favorite Holiday. Hope you napped well.

From SlowJoe on Sat, Jan 02, 2016 at 09:41:25 from 45.18.50.53

Same here, I think we had enough explosives at my house to take out Rhode Island!

From Dan on Sat, Jan 02, 2016 at 12:30:12 from 71.72.159.140

Did you see that guy bring in the new year with 10,000 sparklers in a pot?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W55b4BcCPM4

From SlowJoe on Sat, Jan 02, 2016 at 12:34:56 from 45.18.50.53

I hadn't, but that was pretty awesome! The translations at the bottom were kind of funny too.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

41F, raining.  6 @ 7:47 AP.  All I could think about was all the mud being generated at Bandera.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 6.00
Weight: 150.60
Comments
From DaleG on Sat, Jan 02, 2016 at 18:27:05 from 170.72.51.221

Are you a mudder?

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
12.000.0012.00

41F.  12 @ 7:25 AP.  Legs are still kinda mushy from overdoing Thursday's workout.  5 easy days ahead though...hopefully I'll get those springs in my legs to grow back in time for the race!

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 12.00
Weight: 151.80
Comments
From derhammer on Tue, Jan 05, 2016 at 13:37:27 from 64.245.52.2

You basically raced a 1/2 marathon - some easier running may do you good.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

38F.  6 @ 8:03 AP.  Barely made it through this run, had a sharp pain on the top of my right foot.  I started feeling it right at the end of yesterday's run and throughout the day Sunday...but didn't think much of it.  Then the first 3 miles today were ok, but it got sharper and sharper after that.  Last mile I walked and hobbled, and now have a nice limp.  Not good.

1160s Miles: 6.00
Weight: 152.40
Comments
From Dan on Mon, Jan 04, 2016 at 16:37:05 from 71.72.159.140

Ouch! Any thoughts on what is going on??

From Bob on Mon, Jan 04, 2016 at 18:52:02 from 98.222.16.15

That sucks. Could be anything. Try nice warm Epsom salt soak and some self message while being careful not to aggravate. That helps my feet issues anyway.

From Tom K on Mon, Jan 04, 2016 at 21:00:02 from 174.58.54.215

Man, that is some bad timing. I had a pain on the top of my right foot soon after getting some new shoes. I found that if I twisted the tongue of the shoe in a certain way, it would go away. It sounds really dumb, now that I have typed this, but that is what happened. Good luck.

From DaleG on Thu, Jan 07, 2016 at 16:29:10 from 66.87.126.22

That sucks! I have had simila pain on the top of my right foot. It will be really painful for a few days and then it goes away. Let's hope yours is nothing serious.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

X-ray was negative, MRI next week.  Feels absolutely terrible, already dropped from Bandera...

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Tue, Jan 05, 2016 at 18:00:39 from 174.58.54.215

Aw, man.

From derhammer on Wed, Jan 06, 2016 at 11:14:56 from 64.245.52.2

X-rays are definitely inconclusive with stress fractures. That's a long wait to get an MRI. I hope it's nothing major.

From Jake K on Wed, Jan 06, 2016 at 11:43:55 from 159.212.71.25

Bummer. Sorry Joe.

From Drew on Wed, Jan 06, 2016 at 13:39:30 from 24.73.66.122

I'm really sorry to hear that - your post last week after nailing that workout was inspiring.

From seeaprilrun on Wed, Jan 06, 2016 at 15:11:30 from 172.56.14.79

Crap. Still hurts today? On the bright side....stress fracturex heal faster than rendons to be quite honest and then the bone is bulletproof...

Hope it goes away quick. :(

From Dan on Wed, Jan 06, 2016 at 18:49:20 from 71.72.159.140

Sorry Joe. I hope after the MRI you get news that it will be a quick recovery.

From SlowJoe on Wed, Jan 06, 2016 at 18:52:43 from 107.77.80.64

dh - yeah, tell me about it. I had to take a 6:45pm appointment just to get in that early.

Drew, I really appreciate that. The timing seems extraordinary cruel. Why don't I ever get injured when I don't give a crap?!

April, yeah, so far every day is the same despite 2.4g/day of vitamin I... I guess that's how I know it's different - the old tricks are useless.

Tom/Jake/Dan - thanks guys.

From Jason D on Wed, Jan 06, 2016 at 19:30:28 from 68.80.27.222

Wishing you the best, Joe.

From Russ on Thu, Jan 07, 2016 at 16:00:51 from 74.114.3.253

Rats, just saw this. Can you pass the "hop test"? I had almost the exact same pain a few years ago and after a few week layoff it hasn't bugged me since. I'm hopeful you'll be back at it soon.

From Derunzo on Thu, Jan 07, 2016 at 19:10:41 from 98.229.177.205

The friggin' timing on this one is lame. Sorry Joe.

From SlowJoe on Fri, Jan 08, 2016 at 06:51:39 from 107.77.80.64

Russ - hop test is a big fail. The more weight on it, the worse it feels... My big hope at this point is that it is just a stress reaction and will repair itself quicker than an actual fracture.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

No change at all in the foot...MRI Tuesday night.  I offered to work an aid station at Bandera instead.  The weather looks absolutely freakin perfect.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Fri, Jan 08, 2016 at 18:03:56 from 174.58.54.215

The SlowJoe aid station serves chili and pineapple juice. Sorry you've got to miss this one, Joe.

From SlowJoe on Fri, Jan 08, 2016 at 18:17:38 from 107.77.80.64

Pretty sure I'll be the worst volunteer in the history of aid stations. "We only serve chili here. You want Gatorade, go run a rock n roll race."

From Tom K on Fri, Jan 08, 2016 at 18:30:34 from 174.58.54.215

Just you, with a ladle, an apron, and a big pot of chili. "Can i get this in a cup?" "No, just hold out your hands!"

From SlowJoe on Fri, Jan 08, 2016 at 18:55:13 from 107.77.80.64

Now, take a bite, so I can watch you enjoy!

From allie on Fri, Jan 08, 2016 at 19:21:49 from 24.99.46.55

this is a bummer. i'm sorry, joe.

have fun volunteering. i think staying involved even though you can't compete is a good move...and you'll be knocking out a ST goal. :)

good luck. i hope the MRI gives you a clear answer so you know what you need to do. bones can heal pretty quickly! and air casts are cool. i still have mine and i wear it to work every now and then to accessorize.

From Dan on Sat, Jan 09, 2016 at 07:26:45 from 71.72.159.140

Once again Joe I am sorry - but you have a great attitude about volunteering, although I am passing on your chili.

I also like Allie's idea about accessorizing what ever recovery aids you get.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

I actually had a pretty darn good time working at a couple aid stations at Bandera.  First with the Rockhoppers, then with Team RWB.  I probably would've stayed all night (even though I only committed to 6 hours) but there's no cell phone coverage through most of the park...I might've shown up on a milk carton.  Pretty cool to see things from that perspective, and I managed to keep my jealousy/bitterness of missing the race in check...

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From flatlander on Sun, Jan 10, 2016 at 19:32:38 from 76.31.29.220

Has to be one of the worst-timed injuries ever, given how ready you were for this one, really sorry about it. Actually, I have always wanted to volunteer, but vicariously is OK I guess.

From Jason D on Sun, Jan 10, 2016 at 20:01:39 from 70.192.162.145

You're a good guy, Joe. I got injured just before a race but still spectated. I watched Paul (from the blog) and Jake come in and then I went and drank whiskey. It was a hell of a bender and 15 lbs of lard in 8 weeks to follow. Not an example to follow by any means.

From Russ on Mon, Jan 11, 2016 at 09:26:33 from 74.114.3.253

Nicely done. So, does keeping the jealousy/bitterness in check mean you only put vinegar in 1/2 of the water you handed out? I'd call that a win... Very cool of you to help out at the race, it had to be hard to watch instead of race. How's the foot?

From Yasir on Mon, Jan 11, 2016 at 15:32:20 from 99.20.240.157

hey congratulations on your on crazy awesome run in nomvember I was A wall from the blog during that time you rock sir.

From Derunzo on Mon, Jan 11, 2016 at 19:07:06 from 98.229.177.205

Slow Joe rocks! Just an all around good egg.

I would have been with Jason though, my story would have included police and jail time. I have to stay away from brown liquor.

From Dan on Mon, Jan 11, 2016 at 19:33:41 from 71.72.159.140

Way to go Joe. Great way to spend your time and enjoy it.

From Matt Schreiber on Mon, Jan 11, 2016 at 21:26:39 from 66.17.104.128

Volunteering is good stuff. The perspective is different, and it's inspiring, too. Good to see you were able to get out and help despite not being able to run.

Jason, your comment made me laugh.

From SlowJoe on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 21:39:44 from 107.77.80.32

Thanks all. Had the MRI tonight, and should get some results tomorrow or the next day. Still feels pretty crappy but a negative result could always change my perspective...

Jason: +10 lbs here from the ol' racing weight as of this morning, and the self-pity is starting to kick in nicely...

I figured I'd give myself a pass until I get those results, then take some kind of action...whether it's swimming or whatever. This injury coincided nicely with another ridiculously busy period at work, so fortunately I haven't had much time to be depressed (and as a bonus, I learned that I'm pretty productive at 6am when no one else is around in the office to bug me).

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Had my MRI and the message on my phone said I pretty much had everything...stress fracture, edema, tendinitis, tendon tear, ligament damage...  Really?  Not a doctor reading the MRI, so we'll see.  I'm probably screwed though.

The foot specialist isn't available until Wednesday next week, so I'll see him then, but I'm starting to accept that ibuprofen isn't gonna get me through this one.  Cross-training regiment might be for real this time!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Russ on Thu, Jan 14, 2016 at 13:57:00 from 74.114.3.253

Dang...sounds like an encouraging voicemail. Did they say "Have a nice day!" at the end? Sorry to hear that, hopefully they're wrong or you'll heal quicker than (insert weird Texas phrase).

From Jake K on Thu, Jan 14, 2016 at 14:28:21 from 159.212.71.69

Ah that sucks... but at least they gave you enough red flags over the phone to keep you from doing anything stupid b/w now and when you see the specialist and making it any worse.

http://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/more-colorful-texas-sayings/

From Rob Murphy on Thu, Jan 14, 2016 at 15:04:41 from 163.248.33.220

Sorry about that Joe. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Have you read a book by Matt Fitzgerald called "Run: The Mind-Body Method of Running By Feel"? There's a chapter called "The Gift of Injury" that you might want to read.

From Tom Slick on Thu, Jan 14, 2016 at 15:37:38 from 107.34.242.196

say it ain't so Joe! Can you say "RICE", cause it sounds like your gunna need a lot of it along with some time in a swimming pool recovering from this one. Don't try to cut the process short or you'll pay for it with a relapse!

And with a schedule like you've posted you need to recover fully before you take a step on the field of battle in one of those mega mile meat grinders. So get after gettin' better.....

"PPPPPP"

From SlowJoe on Thu, Jan 14, 2016 at 18:28:55 from 107.77.72.128

I definitely have a hitch in my gitalong (that was the official Texan diagnosis, which implies all those other things).

Rob - thanks, sounds intriguing, especially the "gift" of injury... I haven't been granted that gift in 5+ years of running...at least not for the length of time this one is likely to take..

From Tom K on Thu, Jan 14, 2016 at 18:39:49 from 174.58.54.215

That is an impressive list of ailments. "tendon tear, ligament damage... halitosis, webbed feet, bacne, cankles, foamy discharge, Ridiculitis, cradle cap,..." It's amazing you can still get to work everyday.

The timing of this just stinks. Sorry, Joe.

From allie on Thu, Jan 14, 2016 at 19:33:24 from 24.99.46.55

booo. really sorry, joe.

From Jason D on Thu, Jan 14, 2016 at 20:15:55 from 68.80.27.222

Sorry, Joe. I think it's a good idea to cross train if you can and it is recommended. I usually drink my bitter tears until I heal up but I always kick myself for not cross training.

From Dan on Thu, Jan 14, 2016 at 20:20:01 from 71.72.159.140

Ah dang it Joe. You know they make ibuprofen in bigger pills right?

Seriously hope you get better news from the actual doc and recovery is quick.

From SlowJoe on Thu, Jan 14, 2016 at 21:09:29 from 107.77.72.128

Russ, I just listened to it again and she did say "have a good day" at the end!

I wish I could figure out how to post a voicemail on FRB bc it actually is kinda funny...in a sick way.

From derhammer on Sun, Jan 17, 2016 at 20:45:44 from 70.113.16.126

Dang Joe, Sorry to hear this. You'll get through it and come out stronger.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Getting injured opens your eyes to stuff.  I've talked about running being a bandaid and now that the bandaid has fallen off, I'm realizing there's a bloody mess underneath.

Never been a big believer in "things happen for a reason" but the timing of this injury coinciding with some other things in my life is almost unbelievable.  Some of me has been trying to piece this together and figure out why, and poor me, but that's useless.  The reality is I have some really hard work ahead, and this foot thing is going to make me do some work that's been needed for years.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From derhammer on Tue, Jan 19, 2016 at 15:02:42 from 64.245.52.2

Couldn't agree more.

From Jason D on Tue, Jan 19, 2016 at 15:17:35 from 139.84.48.251

Best to you, Joe. Oh, I found this poking around your old entries:

http://slowjoe.fastrunningblog.com/blog--Yet-another-milestone-my-first-run/01-09-2010.html

From Dan on Tue, Jan 19, 2016 at 18:09:35 from 71.72.159.140

Hard work is just that...hard. You'll come out stronger. Hoping for the best Joe.

From Matt Schreiber on Tue, Jan 19, 2016 at 21:21:16 from 66.17.104.128

Hopefully you get stuff figured out. Looking forward to you getting things healed up.

From Russ on Wed, Jan 20, 2016 at 15:50:45 from 24.72.196.205

I hear you loud and clear. You're clearly tough and you'll do whatever it takes to figure it out. Let me know if for some odd reason I coul help at all. I like helping other people, especially the weird ones like me (runners).

From SlowJoe on Wed, Jan 20, 2016 at 18:06:16 from 107.77.64.117

Thanks all. Jason, nice find!

Appreciate the opportunity to vent. I really suck at life lately...have known that for awhile. How I ever got this far (loving family, damn good paycheck, semi-obedient dog, etc) will always be a mystery to me. I definitely don't deserve any of it.

TMI, I know. Thanks for checking in guys.

From Drew on Wed, Jan 20, 2016 at 18:14:07 from 173.171.218.92

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear...maybe your family, employers and dog are onto something... ;)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Foot specialist said they didn't see an actual fracture, but definitely highlighted to me the "stress reaction" and warned of an impending fracture...I got to see the MRI and, yeah, 3rd metatarsal looks jacked up compared to the others.  All the other stuff mentioned to me on the phone was likely the normal wear and tear of being a runner.  I'd bet we all probably have jacked up tendons & ligaments if you look closely.

Anyway, their guesstimate was 4 more weeks and they put me in a boot.  It could definitely be worse.  Cleared me to elliptical, bike, swim etc.  Whether I get off my lazy ass and make myself do something is another story...

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Russ on Thu, Jan 21, 2016 at 15:58:57 from 74.114.3.253

A boot? Eegads, man, that sounds worse than prison. But a 4 week sentence sounds pretty light. Get off your tail or you'll regret it. Elliptihell away! Or swim, or both. Glad you learned the actual story and not some tech's guess of what the results are. Too funny about normal wear and tear. I bet you're exactly right. And I think your 50 miler jacked your feet up even more than normal and they still haven't recovered. But I'm no doctor.

From Dan on Thu, Jan 21, 2016 at 18:04:16 from 71.72.159.140

Does sound like a sentencing. 4 weeks and the boot! Hey not having a fracture is very positive. Joe- Thanks for reminding me how jacked up I am. Perhaps you should take advantage of the rest and forget the elliptical for another week. 2 cents.

From Tom K on Fri, Jan 22, 2016 at 07:30:27 from 66.87.122.134

Dude. Bad news, but could've been much worse. Have you come up with some good responses to the question you are about to get all the time - "Hey, why are you wearing a boot?"

Um, yeah, it's a court ordered boot. Apparently, I kick too much ---.

You know that thing at the bowling alley, where the balls come back? Well, never put your foot in there.

I am going bionic, one limb at a time.

From Jason D on Mon, Jan 25, 2016 at 19:18:39 from 68.80.27.222

A stress reaction is definitely better than a fracture, which could be twice as long. Glad you got some answers. Rest easy, Joe.

From Jake K on Tue, Jan 26, 2016 at 13:20:20 from 159.212.71.173

If you lived in the mountains, you could just put on your ski boots for 4 weeks and call it "recovery".

I think you are right about the wear and tear. I imagine a MRI of any part of my lower body would have looked pretty bad a year ago. Hope you heal up quick. Look on the bright side - you'll be back at full strength for the heat of summer!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

I'm still alive.  No cross training whatsoever, but foot is definitely improving.  I still favor the inside of my foot while walking, but no longer limp.  Never once wore the stupid boot.  Feels like maybe 2 weeks away from a short test run, at least.

Lots of life changes in the works, but this is a running blog, dammit.  I feel happy and hopeful though.  2016 started out like a big fat pile of crap, but I still think it could be a great year.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From derhammer on Sat, Jan 30, 2016 at 12:59:52 from 70.113.16.126

Hang in there man. In the grand scheme of things it is but a small blip in your running career.

From allie on Sat, Jan 30, 2016 at 13:02:34 from 24.99.46.55

i've used this blog for non-running 'life & stuff' essays several times. it's all connected.

i'm glad your foot is improving and i hope the healing continues along swiftly. it can definitely still be a great year. i completely erased jan/feb 2015 from my memory and that elevated my year from a 2 to a 7. :)

From Dan on Sat, Jan 30, 2016 at 20:00:17 from 173.163.220.25

Since DH and Allie took the best lines I will just say... I look forward to seeing you make your boot look like the shoes in your profile pic.

Glad you have some progress!

From Jason D on Sat, Jan 30, 2016 at 21:11:58 from 68.80.27.222

I was in fact JUST thinking, "Is Joe still alive?" My blog time has been far too short the last few weeks even though I've trimmed my social media time significantly.

My blog is my diary both running and otherwise. Mostly uncensored aside from the keeping with family friendly language, which I abide by even if it's sometimes a little painful. But the internet really is forever. Unless the zombie occurs and the grid goes down maybe or Trump becomes president.

Nice to see you in good spirits.

From Jake K on Sat, Jan 30, 2016 at 21:52:01 from 67.166.113.191

Don't forget that you get an extra day in February. Plenty of time to make 2016 EPIC!

From SlowJoe on Sun, Jan 31, 2016 at 07:42:41 from 107.77.105.77

Thanks all. A few hours after I wrote this I actually did get out on a road bike my dad brought to me last week. It wasn't a bad workout with the hills around here. I'll do it again today.

On the personal side, some of it is a bit much for the internet, but I don't mind sharing most of it with y'all & my FRB friends through PM/email. I've tiptoed around my problems here and there on the blog, but like Jason said...way too permanent (can't count on zombies, apocalypse, Trump, etc).

But I do feel like I'm turning a corner, both with the foot, and my own insanity!

From Tom K on Sun, Jan 31, 2016 at 15:16:01 from 66.87.122.29

I am glad you're not dead.

From seeaprilrun on Wed, Feb 03, 2016 at 13:24:49 from 99.23.40.74

Hang in there. Life is hard. It will get better. And you will run again.:). Lemme know if you need anything!! Once this colicky baby of mine settles down and spring stroller season is here I might run again too! I'm stuck looking out the window and stalking blogs right now.

From Derunzo on Fri, Feb 05, 2016 at 04:52:01 from 70.192.25.228

Hope you're doing as well as you can. Definitely miss the Comedic stylings of Fast Joe.

From Bob on Fri, Feb 05, 2016 at 08:17:37 from 163.191.36.14

Hang in there. Enjoy the rest the best you can.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.000.001.00

1 mile in ~9 minutes on the treadmill.  Boom.

I could still feel the spot on my foot and it did seem to slightly increase its presence as I ran.  It's one of those things that if I didn't know what it was, I might lace em up and run 6 miles on concrete tomorrow.  Walking around now, there don't seem to be any ill effects and there were no NSAIDs in my system, so those are positives, but I think I might give it another week.  I really, really, really can't have this happen again.

I felt bad for the rest of my legs...It was almost like my puny little muscles were ready to jump out of my skin, they wanted to run so bad.  I did crank it down to 8:00 pace for the last quarter mile, but still, sooooo unsatisfying!

1160s Miles: 1.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Jason D on Sat, Feb 06, 2016 at 11:26:59 from 68.80.27.222

Did the doctors have any suggestions for suggested wait time?

Take a look at Ryan Vail's blog if you get a chance/are interested. He had a reaction or fraction, came back, got another one, but managed to get into a pretty interesting 10ish week block of training before the Olympic Trials. He did some fairly consistent and aggressive cross training.

From SlowJoe on Sat, Feb 06, 2016 at 11:35:21 from 45.18.50.53

Doctors said 4 weeks, about 2.5 weeks ago. They probably nailed it (was a sports medicine clinic) but I always figured they pad those timelines a bit...maybe not.

Do you know if he re-injured the same spot, or got a different one? I guess I can stop being lazy and go look myself. Thanks for the suggestion.

From SlowJoe on Sat, Feb 06, 2016 at 11:37:39 from 45.18.50.53

Different spots. Good.

From Jake K on Sat, Feb 06, 2016 at 17:57:31 from 67.166.113.191

Nice work on that 2 minute quarter :-)

Glad you are feeling better. Be smart. But don't listen to EVERYTHING doctors say. A few of my peers from college are doctors now, and it wasn't that long ago that they were sticking knives into a toaster to see what would happen.

From Jason D on Sat, Feb 06, 2016 at 18:12:29 from 68.80.27.222

Haha. Good point. My students always say they trust doctors. I mean I don't want anyone else operating on my brain (maybe not Ben Carson) but with running injuries you realize that science is a bit weak theoretically. Argument with trainer at Purdue:

"I don't remember when I injured my knee."

"Then it's not an injury."

"Alright, suckah, it hurts and I need to run."

This guy had absolutely no theory of overuse injury or that cause is never singular.

From Dan on Sat, Feb 06, 2016 at 18:34:01 from 71.72.159.140

Good to see you posting a run. It is a tough thing when your mind and body want to do one thing and yet part of your body says NO. It is a good sign that you did not have ill effects walking.

From SlowJoe on Sat, Feb 06, 2016 at 22:17:49 from 45.18.50.53

Yeah, I've never listened much to doctors either...usually just go by feel, but they probably guessed this one correctly.

At first, during that visit I just saw the resident, not the guy I signed up for and who came recommended. Naturally I was a little agitated because I had a lot of varying questions, and the answers were really wishy-washy, and felt like guesses or snippets from Web MD or something.

Fortunately, afterward, the old experienced doc came in (after the resident got some practice, I guess) and he exuded confidence with his guesses. I suppose that's the part they don't teach in med school.

From allie on Sun, Feb 07, 2016 at 10:34:03 from 24.99.46.55

exuding confidence with our guesses -- that's the secret to life, right?!

nice snack mile. just make sure to R.I.C.E. -WebMD

From flatlander on Thu, Feb 11, 2016 at 06:36:16 from 76.31.29.220

I've pretty much ignored my ortho surgeon friend who tells me not to run, though he is a good sport about it because I represent potential income to him. But I admit I rewound the TV at the start of the Super Bowl to re-watch all the previous MVPs limping out there. It was unbelievable, almost all of them except for the last 4 or 5 were barely ambulatory. I don't think football is analogous to running, but it does show that we are perfectly capable of ruining our joints and tendons. So at least I say thank you when I get unsolicited advice from MDs.

From I Just Run on Thu, Feb 11, 2016 at 09:26:54 from 108.178.73.170

I feel your pain!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.000.003.00

3 treadmill miles in 26 minutes.  I barely felt the spot on the 3rd metatarsal, but it was still slightly present.  For all I know it could take a month or two until I feel nothing down there, and it's probably unnecessary to wait until that happens, so I'm comfortable taking it easy for now.  Sadly, this was actually a pretty decent aerobic workout for me anyway.  Fitness will come back, just might take a couple months...

1160s Miles: 3.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Jason D on Sat, Feb 13, 2016 at 10:12:12 from 68.80.27.222

Not to toot my own horn (toot, toot, beep, beep) but I was surprised how quickly my fitness came back after injury October 2013. I basically had no mileage in November and little in December. I ran a fat sub-18 5k and I ran a much slimmer half PR in mid-March.

This is no consolation right now I realize. Being patient helps. Ryan Vail (I sent you his blog) reinjured himself. His training was fairly conservative at first but he did get a bit aggressive but it seemed like he was going to pull it off.

From Tom K on Sat, Feb 13, 2016 at 14:25:44 from 66.87.149.215

Yes! The come back had to start somewhere. 3 treadmill miles is as good a place as any other.

From SlowJoe on Sun, Feb 14, 2016 at 12:54:36 from 107.77.100.119

Thanks guys. Jason, appreciate the timeline.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.500.003.50

3.5 on the TM, ~29:40.  Foot actually felt better today but had some asymmetrical soreness from those 3 miles yesterday (left quad, ham).  Sigh.  Day off tomorrow anyway.  It doesn't feel like I'm favoring my left leg at all, but after weeks of not putting weight on my right foot, who knows.  I think it'll even out eventually.

1160s Miles: 3.50
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Bec on Sun, Feb 14, 2016 at 13:56:55 from 70.115.197.197

This isn't sounding well, I'm sorry. :(

From Elle on Sun, Feb 14, 2016 at 14:25:59 from 45.18.50.53

Yay!!! You can finally run with me again! soon... and yes I am finally back

From Yasir on Mon, Feb 15, 2016 at 17:41:22 from 99.20.240.157

I hope you feel better soon I just keep looking back to that 50 miler wow

From Dan on Mon, Feb 15, 2016 at 19:15:27 from 71.72.159.140

Nice Joe- I think it will feel weird. Nature of not using something. Or its a Valentine Day pain or something.

From Russ on Tue, Feb 16, 2016 at 09:47:09 from 74.114.3.253

7.5 miles in two days is practically an ultra based on your previous symptoms. Nicely done.

From derhammer on Tue, Feb 16, 2016 at 10:35:40 from 64.245.52.2

Continue to take it slowly and be smart about it.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.000.003.00

3 TM miles in 25 minutes.  Late run.  Spent an extra 5 or 6 hours at the office so I was completely spent before I started, but got it done.  Starting the morning run routine up again....NOW.  Just too hard to make it happen otherwise.

1160s Miles: 3.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Russ on Thu, Feb 18, 2016 at 16:24:13 from 74.114.3.253

Good call on morning runs. Nice TM run all things considered. How was the foot during and after?

From SlowJoe on Thu, Feb 18, 2016 at 18:08:32 from 107.77.100.28

Thanks Russ, foot has been feeling pretty good! I think I'm healed, so long as I ramp up nice and slow...

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

4 early morning miles outside!  My first outside run in 6+ weeks.  It felt almost euphoric...for the first quarter mile.  The other 3.75 was pretty tiring.  I didn't have my watch (dead, of course) but I'm pretty sure it was slow.  I reckon it'll take a good 2 months to get into halfway decent shape, thanks to the complete lack of cross training.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 4.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From allie on Thu, Feb 18, 2016 at 18:39:51 from 24.99.46.55

thumbs up

From Dan on Thu, Feb 18, 2016 at 20:22:05 from 71.72.159.140

Congrats Joe! Leave the watch dead for a few.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.000.005.00

62F, 90%.  Guessing around 8:20s.  My watch took 3 miles to lock on, because Garmins are vengeful when you don't use them for long periods of time.

1160s Miles: 5.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Sat, Feb 20, 2016 at 16:43:24 from 71.72.159.140

Soak it in water, don't let it be the boss of you. Nice job Joe, way to be back at it.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.000.005.00

Evening TM run, 5 miles in ~41 minutes.  Best-feeling run so far (i.e. not sucking wind the whole time).

Obviously I had a lot of time to think about my injury - I think I need new shoes.  I'm no kinesiologist, but maybe, just maybe, that 3rd metatarsal received a little extra "stress" from running on a shoe collection that averages a thousand miles apiece.

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 5.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Jake K on Sat, Feb 20, 2016 at 22:23:59 from 67.166.113.191

That's probably a valid analysis.

Glad you are feeling better.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.500.004.50

66F, 90%.  4.5 @ 7:51 AP.  In Castroville while the kids were in Sunday school.  My legs really wanted to open it up a little, but when I did so...ever so slightly....the little spot on my foot was there to remind me what I did to it.  Doesn't even hurt, and it's probably fine, but I go from not being aware of it, to being very aware of it.

Need to take a day off (never meant to do 4 in a row anyway), order some shoes, and jog slowly in the bigfattrainers until they get here.  Still pretty happy with how the week went through.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 4.50
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Sun, Feb 21, 2016 at 13:28:25 from 99.20.240.157

Smart man

From Derunzo on Sun, Feb 21, 2016 at 13:50:08 from 98.229.177.205

Glad to see you back at it!

From Dan on Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 15:32:31 from 96.31.52.216

Good deal... hows it going this week? and who is this big fat trainer you have been seeing....

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.001.006.00

6 on the TM in 45-something.  Last one @ 9+ mph.

Saucony A6 - Yellow Miles: 6.00
Weight: 144.40
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

45F.  6 @ 7:59 AP.

NB MT101 Trail Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.001.007.00

36F.  7 @ 7:16 AP.  last mile 6:32...felt the foot a little on the last mile but it's fine now.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 7.00
Weight: 148.80
Comments
From Tom K on Thu, Feb 25, 2016 at 20:03:58 from 174.58.54.215

6:32!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

42F.  8 miles, no Garmin.  Seemed like a brisk pace (relatively speaking).

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 8.00
Weight: 148.00
Comments
From Jake K on Fri, Feb 26, 2016 at 13:59:38 from 159.212.71.25

6:14 avg, nice job

http://goo.gl/Xlzjrj

From Derunzo on Fri, Feb 26, 2016 at 14:04:59 from 4.31.155.157

Beef Pace!

From Yasir on Fri, Feb 26, 2016 at 15:22:35 from 99.20.240.157

Is the cowtown go or no go?

From Dan on Fri, Feb 26, 2016 at 18:51:02 from 71.72.159.140

Nice Joe. Glad too see it.

From SlowJoe on Fri, Feb 26, 2016 at 19:29:40 from 107.77.105.94

That beef pace thread should be one of the main links at the top of every page. My vote is to replace "Top Ten Training Mistakes" with it.

Yasir - no go...for the second year in a row, my entry fee was wasted helping school children or something.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.001.006.00

6 on the home treadmill, last mile low 6's.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From DaleG on Sat, Feb 27, 2016 at 21:17:59 from 170.72.51.221

Looks like you're getting your speed back. Nice job.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

64F, 75%.  7 @ 8:01 AP.  Castroville again, but I found a couple of really nice county roads with almost no traffic, along the Medina river.  More options presented themselves as I went along, but I'll probably never be able to do more than 8 or 9 miles while the kids are in Sunday school.  Still a nice discovery.

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 7.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Sun, Feb 28, 2016 at 15:52:51 from 99.20.240.157

oh yes the new route is like finding a new nice restaurant you start going there every day until you get sick of it lol enjoy.

From Dan on Mon, Feb 29, 2016 at 19:55:17 from 71.72.159.140

love new routes. But you should go to Sunday School too. I've done many a post church run ha! Of course I am lucky to have trails a half mile from the church

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

62F, 90%.  7 @ 8:07 AP.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 7.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Russ on Mon, Feb 29, 2016 at 14:37:43 from 74.114.3.253

Nice, glad to see you running steady again.

From JG on Tue, Mar 01, 2016 at 18:15:55 from 174.60.252.61

Yeah Joe, great to see the foot is allowing consistent running, stay patient & smart with it.

From I Just Run on Wed, Mar 02, 2016 at 08:57:56 from 108.178.73.170

Glad to see you making good improvement! You'll be back strong soon.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

66F, 95%.  6 @ 8:31 AP.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.004.0012.00

50F.  12 @ 7:12 AP.  Last 4 in the 6:40s and 6:50s.

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 12.00
Weight: 151.40
Comments
From Derunzo on Wed, Mar 02, 2016 at 09:18:20 from 70.192.22.177

Slow Joes back and he's better than before.... Hey now, hey now, Slow Joes back!

From Yasir on Wed, Mar 02, 2016 at 10:37:37 from 99.20.240.157

why 12 at 7:00 wow slow down slowjoe lol nice run

From Jason D on Wed, Mar 02, 2016 at 10:48:47 from 68.80.27.222

Things are coming back. It takes a little time, but you'll surprise yourself if you haven't already.

From SlowJoe on Wed, Mar 02, 2016 at 21:41:11 from 107.77.105.20

Thanks dudes. Not an easy effort yet but night and day difference from a couple weeks ago.

From Matt Schreiber on Wed, Mar 02, 2016 at 22:04:59 from 66.17.104.128

12 miles on a Wednesday!? Lookin good Joe.

From Russ on Thu, Mar 03, 2016 at 14:06:02 from 74.114.3.253

Nice run not-so-slow-Joe. Love them free drugs from the runners high.

From Dan on Thu, Mar 03, 2016 at 14:34:25 from 71.72.159.140

Sweet!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

66F, 95%.  6 recovery miles, no gps.

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

47F.  6 recovery miles, no gps.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Fri, Mar 04, 2016 at 19:39:57 from 71.72.159.140

The no gps is probably a benefit at this time. Nice consistency. Love the temps!

From Yasir on Sat, Mar 05, 2016 at 06:57:58 from 99.20.240.157

Run free Joe run free. Isn't crazy and fun what you get to think about when you run without music or a watch.

From Russ on Sat, Mar 05, 2016 at 19:46:42 from 199.167.208.164

47F? I hope you had wool tights and a down jacket with heated mittens...

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.501.506.00

6 on the home TM in ~46 min.  Last 3 was alternating quarters @ 10mph / 1-4% and 7mph / flat.

Saucony A5 Red Miles: 6.00
Weight: 149.20
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

63F, 90%.  7 @ 7:43 AP.  Sunday School Castroville run.

I signed up for Hells Hills (25k trail race) on April 2nd.  Won't be in shape for it in time, but if I wait until I'm in shape to race again, it'll be summer time.  And, I'm anxious to try and have a life again!

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 7.00
Weight: 148.60
Comments
From allie on Sun, Mar 06, 2016 at 09:39:39 from 24.99.46.55

yaaay!

From seeaprilrun on Sun, Mar 06, 2016 at 11:23:45 from 72.205.254.62

Awesome!

From Rob Murphy on Sun, Mar 06, 2016 at 17:11:22 from 24.10.247.181

Nothing wrong with racing yourself into shape!

From Russ on Mon, Mar 07, 2016 at 15:38:59 from 74.114.3.253

Right on, great idea. "It's better to aim for the stars and miss than to shoot for a cow pie and hit it."

From Dan on Mon, Mar 07, 2016 at 16:44:00 from 71.72.159.140

Good choice!

From I Just Run on Thu, Mar 10, 2016 at 17:20:54 from 166.170.14.76

I know your anxiousness!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

TM fail.  Got on to do 8, left with 4.  Just tired...

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Wed, Mar 09, 2016 at 12:39:13 from 4.31.155.157

I hate the effin' treadmill. Eff that effin' thing.

From I Just Run on Thu, Mar 10, 2016 at 17:22:08 from 166.170.14.76

Darn...tired, an excuse, I missed that rule in my running handbook. :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
12.000.0012.00

69F, 90%.  12 @ 8:04 AP.  Sticky / moisty / nasty/ foggy run.  Sill fatiguey too...y

Saucony A6 - Yellow Miles: 12.00
Weight: 147.40
Comments
From Dan on Wed, Mar 09, 2016 at 18:29:18 from 71.72.159.140

That does not look enjoyable. Way to tough out 12

From Yasir on Thu, Mar 10, 2016 at 09:55:29 from 99.20.240.157

ouch its over with now

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.000.005.00

5 @ 7:50 AP.  Heavy downpour, thunderstorms.  Stayed close to the car and turned back once the lightning and thunder were less than 10 potatoes apart.  Got down to 6 potatoes on the way back!

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 5.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Russ on Fri, Mar 11, 2016 at 21:10:32 from 199.167.208.164

I hope you washed your shorts after...

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

58F, drizzly.  8 @ 7:39 AP.  Had to do the 3:30am Tom Slick special today...sleep debt growing...

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 8.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Fri, Mar 11, 2016 at 16:04:56 from 71.72.159.140

I figure your sleep debt is about 19 trillion.

From Derunzo on Fri, Mar 11, 2016 at 18:25:54 from 98.229.177.205

Slow Joe... are you still in the military?

Totally random question, I know, but I'm a random kind of guy.

From SlowJoe on Sat, Mar 12, 2016 at 20:06:41 from 107.77.100.63

Dan - that's crazy...seems like my sleep debt has doubled just in the last 8 years!

Derunzo - Nope, escaped about 4 years ago. And yet I still wake up stupid early...

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

8 TM miles at home in 1:06.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 8.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
18.000.0018.00

52F, foggy.  18 @ 7:48 AP.  Danielle was able to stay with the kids, so I finally got in a long run this morning.  I think my longest since the injury had been 12 miles, so this was a little aggressive, but I needed it.  Got kinda ugly by the end, but I figured it would.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 18.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Sun, Mar 13, 2016 at 10:16:47 from 98.229.177.205

Go long Joe.... Hail Mary!

From Tom K on Sun, Mar 13, 2016 at 18:53:31 from 174.58.54.215

Great job, Joe. 18 miles. Nice.

From Dan on Sun, Mar 13, 2016 at 20:11:31 from 71.72.159.140

Sweet 18, had to feel pretty good mentally.

From Yasir on Sun, Mar 13, 2016 at 20:32:25 from 99.20.240.157

Why aggressive Joe its not like you are slow or anything like that lol. Make sure you thanks your support team those who make it happen. 18 miles? i dont remmber how that fells.

From seeaprilrun on Sun, Mar 13, 2016 at 21:01:18 from 99.23.40.74

Yay for a long one!! I might venture one of those in a few months!

From I Just Run on Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 10:42:59 from 108.178.73.170

Nice going Joe. I'll be glad when I get back there.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

52F.  6 @ 8:45 AP.

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

61F, 100%.  6 @ 8:14 AP.  Thick, chewy fog.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Tue, Mar 15, 2016 at 15:51:15 from 99.20.240.157

it looks like we are running the same schedule lol no fog here though.

From Dan on Tue, Mar 15, 2016 at 19:22:09 from 71.72.159.140

Flavor? Wrigley?

From SlowJoe on Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 06:54:15 from 107.77.100.63

Dan - mildew flavor

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.004.0014.00

64F, 50%.  14 miles this morning, including my first workout of 2016.  I warmed up for a little over an hour at a moderate clip, then 8 x 800m, 200m active recoveries (60-70 sec).  Averaged 2:58.4 (3:00, 3:01, 3:00, 3:00, 3:01, 2:57, 2:56, 2:51).

Pretty decent first workout, definitely did not expect any better.  Just hoped that it wouldn't be awful, and that box was checked.  Maybe another month of consistency to go before I'm the old slowjoe again (just in time for summer) but this was a good first step.

Saucony A6 - Yellow Miles: 14.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From allie on Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 07:25:21 from 24.99.46.55

not awful at all! nice finish with the 2:51. back in action.

also, i like the mileage + workout. warm up an hour... :)

From Tom K on Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 07:32:21 from 66.87.123.245

You have bounced back so quickly. Are tou SURE you didn't do anything, cross training wise, in your time off? Great run, Joe.

From Dan on Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 08:38:25 from 71.72.159.140

Very nice - and I agree, quick bounce back! We both did the classic warm up.

From Jake K on Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 09:30:15 from 67.128.146.22

The old rule of thumb is that if you get in your first workout of the year before St Patrick's Day, you are guaranteed a PR in the Fall.

From SlowJoe on Thu, Mar 17, 2016 at 07:23:52 from 107.77.100.63

Thanks all - was off 6 weeks and this is my 5th week back running, so the ol' 1:1 time off rule of thumb may not be too far off. Thank god I got it in before st paddys though, didn't know how critical that was.

From Jake K on Thu, Mar 17, 2016 at 11:09:43 from 159.212.71.25

I missed it, and with Easter being early, there's no way I'll get one in before that deadline either. Guess I'll have to shoot for my birthday and hope I can buck the trend.

From Jason D on Fri, Mar 18, 2016 at 12:02:30 from 68.80.27.222

Good workout, Joe. Like the progression.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

68F, 95%.  6 @ 8:26 AP.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 6.00
Weight: 149.80
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

69F, 95%.  7 @ 8:12 AP.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 7.00
Weight: 150.60
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
17.003.0020.00

52F, N 19 mph.  20 @ 7:11 AP.  Slugging through that painful 18-miler last weekend seems to have paid dividends.  Once my legs recovered from that, they've seemed ready to run normally again.  Finished up this one with a couple 6:40s, and then a 5:51 for mile 20 (downhill).  Basically ran for about the same time and effort as last week but got an extra couple miles out of it.  Do I dare to think I might be in shape in time for Hells Hills in 2 weeks?

PM: Went to Thin Air with the kids and had way more fun than I thought I would.  I'll be a lot more sore from all the climbing, jumping, swinging, etc than I will be from the 20 miler.

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 20.00
Weight: 151.40
Comments
From Dan on Sat, Mar 19, 2016 at 11:30:09 from 71.72.159.140

well done Joe- your come back is impressive! I have little doubt you could race. Just eat some burgers will ya.

From Derunzo on Sat, Mar 19, 2016 at 12:48:30 from 98.229.177.205

Christ on a bike! Super impressive dude.

From Jake K on Sat, Mar 19, 2016 at 19:04:18 from 67.166.113.191

Good run Joe. And GREAT exclamatory remark, Derunzo. Sounds like something that should have been a quote on Seinfeld.

From seeaprilrun on Sat, Mar 19, 2016 at 19:57:53 from 99.23.40.74

Wow!! That's all I got.

From SlowJoe on Sat, Mar 19, 2016 at 20:08:15 from 107.77.100.63

http://goo.gl/GX41Ql

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

45F.  6 @ 8:14 AP.  Weather will be incredible all day today - 365 days of this, please.

1160s Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Sun, Mar 20, 2016 at 20:08:28 from 99.20.240.157

you got it Joe, every day around 40-45. world record setting kind of weather.

From I Just Run on Mon, Mar 21, 2016 at 08:04:01 from 108.178.73.170

Yes...what a nice day!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
11.000.0011.00

AM:  36F.  7 @ 7:50 AP.

PM:  62F.  4 @ 7:55 AP.  This was at lunch, another absolutely perfect weather day, solid blue sky and light breeze.  Did a few strides.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 11.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

46F.  8 @ 7:54 AP.

Workout #2 of 2016 happens tomorrow.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 8.00
Weight: 149.20
Comments
From Derunzo on Tue, Mar 22, 2016 at 15:53:32 from 98.229.177.205

Joe what's your racing weight? Are you a tad husky right now?

From SlowJoe on Tue, Mar 22, 2016 at 17:24:55 from 107.77.64.123

144 is what I've used in the past, so I am ~5 lbs on the husky side, but lately I've been wondering if 150 is a "stronger" weight. I've had some really good workouts over the past couple years @ 150. Anyway, I'm not going to do anything about it either way, so que sera sera.

From Dan on Tue, Mar 22, 2016 at 18:06:23 from 71.72.159.140

Thats because you ignored me when I told you to eat some burgers man!

From SlowJoe on Tue, Mar 22, 2016 at 18:06:58 from 107.77.64.123

You were right all along!

From Dan on Tue, Mar 22, 2016 at 18:35:09 from 71.72.159.140

Hey Joe, how tall are you? 150 does not mean much without height. I am 6' exactly. So when I am 150 I am very light. My PR was when I was 143, but I was pretty gaunt and no way I can maintain that level.

From SlowJoe on Tue, Mar 22, 2016 at 18:53:05 from 107.77.64.123

I must be right in between 5'10" and 5'11" because I get each one about half the time I am measured for stuff...

From Derunzo on Tue, Mar 22, 2016 at 19:07:33 from 98.229.177.205

Joe, while we're at it, what's your sign?

If there is a full moon covering Uranus, I'm pretty sure that means sub 3.

From SlowJoe on Tue, Mar 22, 2016 at 20:18:45 from 107.77.64.123

I'm a Sagittarius, ISTJ Meyer-Briggs type, enneagram type 3, waist size varies between 30-31" based on whether I've just hit a Chinese buffet or not, compulsive personality workaholic, size 9.5 shoes, can't grow a full beard like a real man, worlds worst singer and/or dancer, have an overactive thyroid, bad cholesterol numbers, have holes in all my socks, moderate ADD, and I lose my phone and/or keys a lot.

From Dan on Wed, Mar 23, 2016 at 08:46:49 from 71.72.159.140

But do you like pina coladas?

From Tom Slick on Wed, Mar 23, 2016 at 12:24:55 from 168.179.158.193

I haven't seen 144lbs since I was in the 7th grade. I'm surprised that I can even remember that factoid.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.005.0014.00

64F, 85%.  14 @ 7:17 AP.  Aborted 4 x 1.5.  Ran a 9:28, 9:37, quit less than a tenth of a mile into the 3rd repeat, there was just no go left in the legs.  I was fatiguey and weather was kinda stuffy.  After pulling the plug I collected myself with 5-6 minutes of slogging and decided I should at least try and get in a couple MP miles while my body was under duress...then it wouldn't be a total waste.  I started but had to pull up again just before the end of the first mile with a pretty severe side cramp.  The joys of getting back in shape.  After another 9-10 minutes of slogging, trying to work it out, I ran the last mile in a painful ~6:45.

I'm strangely ok with it on the whole.  If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that running awesome workout times isn't what makes you faster; awesome workout times are best as "indicators."  Suffering is what makes you faster (and lets you run awesome workout times and races later).  Today was sufficiently painful to do some good.

Saucony A5 Red Miles: 14.00
Weight: 148.40
Comments
From allie on Wed, Mar 23, 2016 at 08:03:07 from 24.99.46.55

"suffering is what makes you faster" -- absolutely agree.

From Dan on Wed, Mar 23, 2016 at 08:45:04 from 71.72.159.140

agreed x2. And you should feel pretty good about. A little over a month ago you were at 0.

From seeaprilrun on Wed, Mar 23, 2016 at 13:51:53 from 99.23.40.74

You said it! Getting back into shape is a bear!! My 8 months of zero exercise really took a toll. You said it though--it hurts so good!

From seeaprilrun on Wed, Mar 23, 2016 at 13:52:33 from 99.23.40.74

Although you're aborted modified workout was nothing to sniff at!

From Jason D on Wed, Mar 23, 2016 at 22:53:55 from 68.80.27.222

Well said, Joe. The distinction between being faster and indicators is a good one. Sometimes when you pull a workout, just getting in miles is something to see as a good thing. I've walked a few home, swearing like a moron at the air!

From I Just Run on Thu, Mar 24, 2016 at 10:10:31 from 108.178.73.170

You're so true about the suffering!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.000.0010.00

AM:  52F.  6 @ 8:29 AP.  Big bright moon this morning.

PM:  71F.  4 @ 8:03 AP.  Finished up some stuff at work and got in a 4pm run.  I love 70 degree afternoons almost as much as I hate 70 degree mornings.

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 10.00
Weight: 146.20
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Mar 24, 2016 at 10:09:08 from 108.178.73.170

Wasn't it nice!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.253.7512.00

AM:  45F.  8 @ 6:55 AP.  Did 5 moderate miles, then 3 miles of fierce fartleking.  Distance-wise, something like 1/3 mile fast, 1/6 mile slow on average, but still kind of a mix.  Last quarter-mile in ~70.

PM: 4 TM miles in 31 minutes at home.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 4.00Saucony A6 - Yellow Miles: 8.00
Weight: 149.20
Comments
From allie on Fri, Mar 25, 2016 at 08:02:38 from 24.99.46.55

fierce fartleking friday, classic.

From Yasir on Fri, Mar 25, 2016 at 14:40:19 from 99.20.240.157

I hope you enjoyed the their taste.

From Tom K on Fri, Mar 25, 2016 at 19:05:12 from 66.87.148.45

Bonus alliteration points! Fast fierce fartleking friday!

From seeaprilrun on Fri, Mar 25, 2016 at 19:14:32 from 99.23.40.74

Nice sorta- workout!!!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.001.003.00

3 on the TM in ~21 minutes.  Yard work took too long and I shorted myself on time before our afternoon activities.

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 3.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
15.000.0015.00

64F, 95%, mist or fog or light rain.  15 @ 8:05 AP.  Gooey morning.  Next weekend looks better though, fortunately.

Today the ol' legs were pretty unwilling to stray from 8-minute pace and I wasn't about to make them.  This wrapped up my first 70+ mile week all year, and I've been feeling the buildup lately...although my legs did have some surprising springiness on Friday.  Guess I used it all up fiercely fartleking.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 15.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Sun, Mar 27, 2016 at 13:55:37 from 71.72.159.140

Nice week Joe- impressed with your recovery. Wise choice on the taking what they ol legs will give ya, although those running conditions look rough for March!

From allie on Sun, Mar 27, 2016 at 18:40:53 from 24.99.46.55

nice week. gooey is a good description. it's gooey here, too...warmmoistgoo

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.001.0010.00

AM:  51F.  6 @ 8:37 AP.

PM:  4 TM miles in ~31 minutes.  Included 6 x 1 min @ 5k.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 10.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
11.003.0014.00

AM:  60F, 100%.  10 @ 7:40 AP.  Felt tired and weak again, but begrudgingly did a little 2 x 1 tuneup, low 6's, on the way back...with a ridiculously long recovery in between.  I'm going to shave some miles off the rest of the week in an attempt to not totally embarrass myself on Saturday.

PM:  70F, 85%.  4 @ 7:45 AP.  Recovery except one mile was faster... I actually got passed by another runner in my own neighborhood for the first time ever, so had to remedy that obviously.

1160s Miles: 4.00Saucony A5 Red Miles: 10.00
Weight: 149.80
Comments
From seeaprilrun on Tue, Mar 29, 2016 at 14:36:36 from 99.23.40.74

I bet you win Saturday!!

From Russ on Tue, Mar 29, 2016 at 14:48:57 from 74.114.3.253

I bet April's right. Nicely done Joe. Wait - am I reading that right? 256 miles this month? Yeah, you'll be fine... Get some rest.

From allie on Tue, Mar 29, 2016 at 16:18:33 from 24.99.46.55

agree with the above. no pressure.

From Dan on Tue, Mar 29, 2016 at 17:09:00 from 173.167.166.97

Unless you'd like some pressure. Just let me know. Good running Joe.

From Tom K on Tue, Mar 29, 2016 at 18:13:37 from 174.58.54.215

Bah, you'll be fine. Fast begrudging miles.

From Derunzo on Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 06:20:22 from 173.9.52.242

Do tell how you remedied getting past in your house.

Good luck Saturday.

From SlowJoe on Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 07:09:14 from 107.77.100.126

Thanks all.

D - I did the usual - let him pass, give him some space, then hang there watching him frantically increase the pace and look back at me several times. Once I had my fun, then I hit the gas and zoom past, doing my best to make it look effortless. When we hit an intersection, he quit following.

From Tom K on Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 08:29:36 from 66.87.123.114

SBVD?

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

69F, 95%.  6 @ 8:40 AP.  Wet.  Buttsweat towel season is just about here.

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 6.00
Weight: 149.40
Comments
From allie on Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 07:06:34 from 24.99.46.55

95%! swassy

From seeaprilrun on Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 19:18:11 from 99.23.40.74

Yep. Getting swampy in my neck of the woods too.

From Dan on Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 19:26:56 from 173.167.166.97

48 here Joe. Just wanted you to visualize. Nice running.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

68F, 95%.  7 @ 8:14 AP.  Did a few wussy strides.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 7.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Thu, Mar 31, 2016 at 18:09:55 from 98.229.177.205

You're the man Joe. Go kick some A$$ in your race!

From Bob on Fri, Apr 01, 2016 at 08:39:26 from 163.191.36.14

I love wussy strides.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

61F, NE 18 mph.  6 @ 7:45 AP.  Cold front blowing in now, perfect timing.  Legs are starting to get a little life back as well.  Just gotta remember I don't have my distance legs back yet, and it'll probably be a ~2 hour race tomorrow so better not get too carried away early on.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 6.00
Weight: 147.80
Comments
From Dan on Fri, Apr 01, 2016 at 15:04:19 from 71.72.159.140

Have a great race Joe!

From Tom K on Sat, Apr 02, 2016 at 07:10:35 from 50.153.11.73

Go, dude!

Race: Hells Hills 25k Trail (15.534 Miles) 01:50:10, Place overall: 4, Place in age division: 4
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.5015.5017.00

45F.  Great conditions today for my first race of 2016.  I got my $&@! handed to me by a few 20-somethings but still had a lot of fun.

Course - it was in good shape, not too wet or muddy other than a few creek crossings (water can be pretty wet).  I realized about halfway through the race that these were my first trail miles all year.  The course, true to its name, basically takes you up and down switchbacks the whole time except for a few nice stretches of sandy jeep trail.  My fastest Garmin mile was ~6:30 and the slowest was ~8:30...actually, those 2 were back-to-back, not that I ever bothered to look at my watch.  Anyway, some of my climbs were pitiful "power" hikes, especially towards the end.  More trail running needed.

Race - start was fast, but worked my way into 3rd once we hit the singletrack.  I stayed there, sandwiched between Short Shorts and Yellow Soler's for the first couple miles and it hit me that I was basically sprinting with 13+ miles still to go.  So I pulled over, let Yellow Soler's pass, pulled my head out my @$$ and started running my own pace in 4th place.  3 miles later, I passed Yellow Soler's, and was then by myself in 3rd until maybe mile 12-13.  Blue Shirt caught up and absolutely blew past me...he ended up putting almost 2 minutes on me over the last 2-3 miles.  Not sure what he was doing behind me for so long, but in Tejas Trails races you only need 5th to get the crazy trophies, so whatever!

Somewhere in the last half mile, during a pointless push to the finish line, I tweaked my calf a little.  I thought it was about to ball up and cramp but now it just feels kinda strain-y.  I think it'll be ok by next weekend.

NB MT101 Trail Miles: 17.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Sat, Apr 02, 2016 at 12:49:14 from 66.87.122.117

Ha! Great race! Great trophy! You earned that dude!

From allie on Sat, Apr 02, 2016 at 12:53:35 from 24.99.46.55

that is the coolest tetanus dog/cat trophy i've ever seen.

your power hikes must have been pretty powerful to never go slower than 8:30. nicely done!

From SlowJoe on Sat, Apr 02, 2016 at 13:05:32 from 107.77.100.48

Thanks Tom & Allie. Allie, the good thing about racing in central Texas is that you know the hills, while fairly constant, aren't going to last too long (I think my longest hike was maybe 20-30 seconds) so you get back to careening-downhill-out-of-control pace in no time.

From flatlander on Sat, Apr 02, 2016 at 13:29:54 from 208.87.232.180

Nicely done Joe, very fast pace for a trail race. I have to wonder what the third-place trophy in my age group would look like. Probably a single rusty nail.

From seeaprilrun on Sat, Apr 02, 2016 at 13:36:00 from 99.23.40.74

Congrats!! Now I have ideas for what to do with old mattress springs. Sounds like it was fun. Trail running is such a different animal than the roads!

From Jason D on Sat, Apr 02, 2016 at 14:13:21 from 68.80.27.222

Nice effort, Joe! I have to agree. 8:30s are pretty solid with power hiking. In trail racing, as you have found, you tend to destroy the idea of consistent splits. Good stuff. Take care of your leg.

From Jake K on Sat, Apr 02, 2016 at 17:07:56 from 67.166.113.191

Excellent running Joe!

That's a heck of a trophy... and fairly creepy.

From Derunzo on Sat, Apr 02, 2016 at 17:45:47 from 98.229.177.205

Way to go Joe! Great race & awesome trophy!

From Dan on Sat, Apr 02, 2016 at 17:46:57 from 71.72.159.140

The amount of... fun... you could have with that trophy is pretty epic. Your kids come to mind :) Nice racing Joe!

From Matt Schreiber on Sun, Apr 03, 2016 at 11:21:29 from 66.17.104.128

Awesome Joe! I love the trophy, too. Good to see the calf isntune too bad today.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

54F.  6 @ 9:15 AP.  nnnnnnghghhhhahahhhhowowowaahhhaaaachhh

Calf's fine.

1160s Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Sun, Apr 03, 2016 at 13:55:57 from 99.20.240.157

Translation please my English is very poooor. Glad about the calf

From SlowJoe on Mon, Apr 04, 2016 at 07:27:11 from 107.77.100.83

Hah! Can't help you, it means the same thing in every language!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

49F.  7 @ 8:31 AP.  Still got the cool weather...40s in April is pretty rare down here.  Helps me so much, even during recoveries like this, as it just makes running so much less work.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 7.00
Weight: 148.80
Comments
From Russ on Mon, Apr 04, 2016 at 14:59:37 from 74.114.3.253

Wow, fantastic temps. And I'm way jealous of your un-fatness. I've got 30 lbs on you. #winning!

From Dan on Mon, Apr 04, 2016 at 19:41:07 from 71.72.159.140

Must be the global warming. We got some flurries.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.001.0011.00

AM:  49F.  7 @ 8:01 AP.

PM:  4 TM miles in 30+ min.  Included Begrudging Strides.

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 11.00
Weight: 149.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

61F, 90%.  8 @ 7:56 AP.  Tired this morning.  I was going to try a little tuneup but legs still have a lot of race stink on them, so i ran easy instead.  Last week was relaxed and I got a lot of sleep, but this week is frantic with minimal sleep...not good for recovering from a 2-hour race.  Next couple days need to be super easy.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 8.00
Weight: 145.80
Comments
From seeaprilrun on Wed, Apr 06, 2016 at 19:16:34 from 99.23.40.74

No need for tune ups in recovery week! Especially if you're low on sleep. Oh sleep. Dear sleep. I don't get any of that either so I feel your pain!

From Derunzo on Thu, Apr 07, 2016 at 21:17:49 from 98.229.177.205

Less husky this morning.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

85F.  7 @ 8:04 AP.  Had to get to work too early for a run so I went out in the afternoon instead, to soak up a little heat.  My race will be a little warm this weekend but not too bad...mid-60s by the end maybe.

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 7.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Fri, Apr 08, 2016 at 18:02:33 from 71.72.159.140

While not perfect, sounds like a manageable temp. Feeling good about it?

From SlowJoe on Fri, Apr 08, 2016 at 18:04:41 from 107.77.100.36

It could go well, but it could definitely be bad - this week wore me out, but a good nights sleep might fix that.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.000.005.00

55F.  5 @ 7:50 AP.  Legs are starting to feel better now, at least they aren't gummy worms anymore.  I'm definitely not recovered 100% though - this week was way too tough.  Probably averaged 4 hours of sleep per night, and not restful sleep at that.  Last chance to get some zzzzz is here at the hotel tonight.  I'm in Waco - home of the Dr. Pepper museum, the Baylor Bears and the once mighty Branch Davidians.  It's another destination race, obviously.

Saucony A5 Red Miles: 5.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Fri, Apr 08, 2016 at 19:07:51 from 66.87.149.55

How expensive is the Dr. Pepper museum? Sounds pricey!

From seeaprilrun on Fri, Apr 08, 2016 at 19:11:05 from 99.23.40.74

Yikes! Hard races one week apart! Hope you get some rest and feel semi-decent tomorrow!

From Jason D on Fri, Apr 08, 2016 at 20:01:11 from 68.80.27.222

Good luck, Joe. Looks like 20-mile trail races are a thing in Texas. I see you are also looking at one May 14.

From SlowJoe on Sat, Apr 09, 2016 at 04:02:46 from 107.77.100.36

Tom - I assume it's on par with the Smithsonian and the Louvre, but I haven't checked.

April - 7 hours, not bad... I feel better.

Jason - I guess so - a Texas-sized Half Marathon.

Race: Toughest n Texas 20-mile Trail race (20 Miles) 03:22:55, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 2
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
11.0010.0021.00

55-65F.  A bit humbled up in Waco today.  A smaller turnout for this race compared to last weekend, and I didn't know anyone there, but still super challenging and fun.

Course:  Yeah.  I wasn't really ready for something like that.  Someone told me last weekend it would be tough, but I still underestimated it.  They set it up to be 10-mile laps.  There was some bushwhacking, crawling, and finally some hellacious stairs around the 9.5 mile point (and unfortunately the 19.5 mile point).  Not like stairs in your house, like Mayan temple stairs...

However the main problem was navigation.  It was marked ok but there were many, many intersections, and a few you just had to guess.  There were dozens of easy ways to cut the course, even if you weren't trying to.  I was looking for old race results last night and I saw one year where the RD wrote, "so-and-so is declared the winner of the 20-miler because he was the only one to run the full course."  That probably should have been my first clue.

Race - I started out in the lead and gapped everyone fairly quickly.  Then after 2 miles I got to a T in the trail and it was unmarked.  I went maybe 100m in each direction, hoping to see some markings then decided I'd missed something and better re-trace my steps.  Fortunately, from a distance I saw the new 1st and 2nd place dudes and caught up to them.  One said, "hey, aren't you that guy that took off in the beginning?"  Uh huh...

We dropped 1 guy and I was left following the older dude (55!).  After a couple miles it was clear we had a pretty big lead and we agreed there was no reason to run too hard.  After getting lost once already, almost twice, I was in no rush to pass him despite the easier pace (he'd run it last year and said they had the same problems).

We stuck together for most of the race.  There were a couple open sections and there was no one to be seen behind us.  I was feeling a little guilty because he'd kept us on course this whole time and I knew I'd just blast by him once I was ready.  But with 3 miles to go a totally different guy we'd never seen before pops up behind us.  We let him pass and it didn't look like my buddy was going to be able to keep up so I let him know I wanted to go after the new guy and he stepped aside and wished me luck.

But this new guy was flying.  Within a few minutes he completely disappeared.  It was weird because there was a long straightaway climb right after I lost him - I completely expected to see him up there, but no.  According to the RD after the race he was ~5 minutes ahead.  I was pushing pretty hard too, and had reserved a decent bit of gas in the tank.  Could not for the life of me figure out how a guy with wheels like that wouldn't have caught us much earlier, or why he wouldn't have tried to go out with our relatively slow-moving lead pack.

I talked to the older guy after the race who finished a couple minutes after me and you could tell he was quite suspicious.  But that might just be the nature of the beast in trail running...I mean I had to do quite a lot of hiking vs running, and the stairs at the end took me forever compared to the 1st loop - it's definitely possible that he legitimately just stomped us at the end.

Anyway, gonna skip this one next year.  The Tejas Trails races (the last 2 I did) make it nearly impossible to go the wrong way...just a lot cleaner competition, I think.  But it was mostly enjoyable, and a really neat park to run in.  Every time I do a trail race I learn things that I can improve on, so hopefully I'll get better as I go.

NB MT101 Trail Miles: 21.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Sat, Apr 09, 2016 at 15:39:16 from 66.87.149.156

The stairs look horrible! I'm glad you had fun and learned some stuff at your race. Good job Joe!

From seeaprilrun on Sat, Apr 09, 2016 at 16:39:03 from 205.172.12.210

I have a hard enough time managing well-marked trails! Definitely not a fan of poor course marking, especially when trying to be competitive, and especially in a race where you can easily cut the course! Anyways, great job! Trail running is so fun. They're all different, and lots of new challenges to be had! Kickass race! Betcha you would have won on a marked course.

From SlowJoe on Sat, Apr 09, 2016 at 16:52:45 from 107.77.100.36

Tom, I barely made it up that 2nd time

April - definitely fun...but I need to start training on them more, or at least hop on a stairmaster or something. I have toothpick road-running legs that need more muscle!

From Jason D on Sat, Apr 09, 2016 at 17:47:25 from 68.80.27.222

You're rolling! A good, "old-fashion," Texas-sized half marathon.

I can't imagine trying to navigate trails. My pre-race nightmares are bad enough as it is. I usually have a dream that the course goes through a house and has like a 180-degree turn in a living room and I am wondering how I will ever maintain pace.

Those stairs look pretty but also very slippery.

From Dan on Sat, Apr 09, 2016 at 19:40:30 from 71.72.159.140

Now that is a trail race.... that I would probably die on. Those stairs look intense. I worry about turning the wrong way on a road race let alone that. Glad you enjoyed it and great effort Joe- I assume you put that much effort in a post race meal!

From Jake K on Mon, Apr 11, 2016 at 13:09:05 from 159.212.71.77

Those stairs! Its the Dipsea race of Texas.

[And I did notice the 9 hour night race on the schedule. Pretty standard event.]

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

71F, 80%.  6 @ 8:47 AP.  Legs were a little tired and sore, but felt like I just did a regular long run yesterday, not a race.  Man, I thought I was running tactically smart for the win, but I could've easily taken it if I'd just kept racing the whole thing.  Which leads me to this list...  I'm going to try and add to this as I go for my own reference and hopefully make better decisions.  Obviously a few common themes I can draw...

Wild Hare 50

  • Buy and use a handheld water bottle.  No one is going to hand you drinks here.  Wasted 5-10 minutes and ended up dehydrated.
  • Don't be afraid to go out with the leader.  You can always decide later to let him go if it gets unmanageable.
  • Don't stop racing.  Guy almost took 2nd away from you.

Hells Hills 25k

  • You suck at hills.  Fix that.

TnT 20-miler

  • You suck at hills.  Fix that.
  • Pay better attention to where you're going.  No harm in laying back initially, especially if you don't know where you're going.
  • Don't stop racing.  Guy took first that shouldn't have.  When people catch you near the end of the race, it gives them the mental advantage and drive to put you away.
  • Plan for the race to be much longer than you think.  This is the only race I've run during which I actually got hungry while running.  Poor hydration again, should've stopped for another refill.

Paleface Marathon

  • Underhydrated and underfueled again.  Eat and drink more than you think is necessary 
  • Hot races = don't be the rabbit; pack it up with the guys you know are your competition.

Pedernales Falls

  • Need more heat training but probably just had stomach virus.

To be continued 

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From seeaprilrun on Mon, Apr 11, 2016 at 18:10:50 from 99.23.40.74

Great list. I'd love to see what you do if you just go for it from the gun!!

From Dan on Tue, Apr 12, 2016 at 18:37:06 from 71.72.159.140

Great self analysis. Those who don't learn from history....

From Russ on Thu, Apr 14, 2016 at 14:05:54 from 74.114.3.253

Nice race Joe! You forgot a few bullet points.

Stress Fractures

•Don't get them

•Fix them when you have them

•If they come back, demolish them

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

8 @ 8:23

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

8 @ 8:00

Weight: 147.20
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
11.000.0011.00

11 @ 7:30 AP.  

On Monday, despite not having felt anything at all around my stress fracture area for weeks, I was WALKING to a meeting and all of a sudden felt something go bad down there in the same spot.  It stopped me in my tracks, but I walked around a bit and it seemed ok.  Ran Tuesday after doing lots of hop tests, and it started feeling a little sore after the run.  I cut this Wednesday run short because the sensation was still increasing, even though it still felt pretty minor.  But 30 minutes later it was not good at all and I was back to favoring the inside of my foot while just walking.

A much much slower onset than the first time...not sure what to think.  No running on Thursday for sure, and we'll see what happens.

Saucony A6 - Yellow Miles: 11.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From seeaprilrun on Thu, Apr 14, 2016 at 06:26:37 from 205.172.12.210

oh crap! :(

From Derunzo on Thu, Apr 14, 2016 at 12:59:49 from 4.31.155.157

AHHH CRAPSKI.

From Russ on Thu, Apr 14, 2016 at 13:42:08 from 74.114.3.253

Dude. Not cool. Wishing, hoping, praying for good answers.

From SlowJoe on Thu, Apr 14, 2016 at 17:38:55 from 107.77.105.92

It's definitely not as bad as when initially hurt it at first. I can barely feel it with ibuprofen. But because of where it is, I'm worried. How could I not feel it for weeks and then hurt it by walking? Weird one.

From Tom K on Thu, Apr 14, 2016 at 18:13:58 from 174.58.54.215

Never walk to a meeting again. I hope that all is okay and you're not reinjured. Is it too late to add an "ah, crap!" to this?

From Dan on Thu, Apr 14, 2016 at 19:59:15 from 71.72.159.140

Clearly work is the cause. Avoid that.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

4 easy miles in the bigfattrainers on the TM.  I took 2.4g/day of vitamin I starting Wednesday, and it seems to have basically taken care of it.  I popped the last 800mg before bed last night (none since then) and it felt pretty good this morning - before, during and after this run.  I don't know, my guess is I haven't seen the last of this foot thing, but I'm hopeful; there really is nothing right there that can get injured other than the metatarsals and some tendons your toes use.  Weird.

1160s Miles: 4.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

73F, 95%.  7 @ 8:02 AP.  Buttsweat towel season has begun.  Outside run, foot was fine during the run but slightly twingey afterward.  Wearing shoes around the house seems to make it happier.  Going to keep up the 800mg before bed for now, I think.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 7.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Sun, Apr 17, 2016 at 19:09:13 from 71.72.159.140

You have any follow up appointments or just running through it all? House shoes plushy or wearing just normal ones?

From allie on Mon, Apr 18, 2016 at 08:00:48 from 24.99.46.55

*buttsweat towel©

From SlowJoe on Mon, Apr 18, 2016 at 13:13:02 from 107.77.66.60

No appointment this time, unless I feel like I want an MRI. I think I must've just landed funny, and it'll go away. Although I might keep doing it for all I know...

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.503.008.50

Flooding and thunderstorms so I hit the TM at work.  Legs felt really good - I finally got some rest this weekend and the downtime last week helped my legs.  Kept increasing the speed and averaged 10.5 mph or so for the last mile.  Foot seemed ok.  Still wondering if I'm 1 weird landing away from disaster, but I'm not just going to sit around when it feels fine to run on.

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 8.50
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From seeaprilrun on Mon, Apr 18, 2016 at 10:08:09 from 172.56.31.238

That's a killer last mile. I wouldn't lay around and not run either!

From I Just Run on Mon, Apr 18, 2016 at 21:02:05 from 38.103.208.34

You know my motto, ...push it til it breaks. Not too smart but that's what I do.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.002.0010.00

AM:  62F, 95%.  6.5 @ 8:19 AP.

PM:  3.5 on the TM.  2 x 1 uphill miles: 1 @ 10%, 6.0mph and 1 @ 11%, 6.2 mph.  About 1100' total climbing for those 2 miles.  By the end of the second one, my lower back was hurting a little.  Good to know my uphill leg muscles are so weak that my lower back has to be recruited to chip in.  I was actually hoping to use the stair machine instead of this but it was broken.  But I'll be doing some hill stuff like this at least once a week, as long as my brittle foot holds up.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 10.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From seeaprilrun on Wed, Apr 20, 2016 at 08:53:36 from 99.23.40.74

Those hill workouts will make you a beast. Downhill work is a must too with trails. Downhills reduce your quads to worthless hamburger if you don't train for them.

From Jake K on Wed, Apr 20, 2016 at 21:01:29 from 67.166.113.191

That's some major climbing.

Hope the brittle foot starts getting less brittle.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.501.0011.50

AM:  68F, 95%.  7 @ 8:10 AP.

PM:  4.5 on the TM with 6 x 1 min @ 5k, incline 0-3%.

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 7.00Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 4.50
Weight: 150.60
Comments
From Dan on Thu, Apr 21, 2016 at 09:28:20 from 71.72.159.140

Able to get back outside it seems. Good luck with the hill work, recruit every muscle group it takes.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.002.009.00

69F, 95%.  I met a couple guys from the trail running club at 5am for some hills.  Most Thursdays they meet to run up one of the longer hills in SA - about a 200' gain over a half mile - and there is a nice beat up trail alongside the road.  About halfway through, I started charging hard on the downhill part, and then just doubled back to recover with them.  The last 2, I charged the uphill part (which is what I needed the most).  Good stuff - around 1700' of climbing overall, and met a couple good dudes.  It was actually worth it waking up at 3:45 and driving across town!

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 9.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Thu, Apr 21, 2016 at 18:54:07 from 98.229.177.205

Nice running brotein!

From Dan on Thu, Apr 21, 2016 at 19:45:50 from 71.72.159.140

Dude... you win. And if we ever race together you are getting up and making breakfast.

From seeaprilrun on Fri, Apr 22, 2016 at 06:57:32 from 205.172.12.210

sounds like an awesome workout!

From Bob on Fri, Apr 22, 2016 at 13:02:09 from 163.191.36.14

Dedication right there!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

4 easy TM miles in the evening in the gym at my new apartment complex.  This is my first night here at the bachelor pad...definitely sad, weird, maybe a little exciting, but yeah mostly weird for now.  The last time I lived on my own (other than deployments) I was 20 years old.  But I'll adjust, as all humans eventually do.  The girls will be spending the night here tomorrow too - they just couldn't wait to sleep in the new bunk beds.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 4.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From seeaprilrun on Fri, Apr 22, 2016 at 21:05:22 from 99.23.40.74

I know the feeling well. You'll adjust, I promise

From Dan on Fri, Apr 22, 2016 at 21:46:45 from 71.72.159.140

I'd say sad, weird and exciting is exactly where you should be. Bunk beds are cool BTW. You might want to get you some too. That or a hammock bed. Hey don't laugh until you try it!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.005.0021.00

AM:  56-70F.  20 miles.  Met up with a guy from the trail running club and had a good run at Freidrich park.  After awhile it got a little crowded and he took me up a nearby road that goes to these ridiculously big houses with some really cool views - about 350' climb which is basically a mountain when you live in San Antonio.  Man, I never knew these places existed.  After that we did another trail loop at Freidrich and he had to get going.  Didn't have my watch running but it was ~2.5 hours total at that point.  When he left, I changed into the fastwitch and went back up the "mountain" road and back down, running pretty hard the whole time.  I had my gps on for that and it was 4 miles in ~27 minutes (6:42, 7:45, 5:58, 6:32).  The 7:45 was probably the hardest mile I've run all year; the 5:58 was recovery compared to that.  I can tell my fitness might be starting to approach that crazy New Year's Eve workout breakthrough I had right before getting hurt.

It seemed like my foot was getting better the last couple days so I didn't do the ibuprofen last night which was maybe a mistake, as it's a bit tender right now - definitely got a good pounding today.  I'm pretty sure it's not the bone anymore though.  No way would I be able to get away with some of the stuff I've done this week if it was; back in January I couldn't even walk on it without hurting it worse.  Probably it's just some collateral damage from before - I know the tendons right there are part of it if not all of it.  I pushed my toes down the other day, stretching the extensor tendons right there for a few seconds and that made em hurt for an hour.  So I think I'll be ok, just need to be more careful than I was today.

PM:  rockhopper party - they had the spring social, headlined by the beer mile...on trail of course.  I've always wanted to do a beer mile but have been booze-free for 3 months now and definitely not worth it to break my streak.  They did, however, have a donut mile undercard (eat a donut before every quarter).  So I ran that (no idea what my time was) and won a fork.  Spectating the beer mile was probably more fun anyway!

NB MT101 Trail Miles: 17.00Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 4.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Sat, Apr 23, 2016 at 12:10:38 from 98.229.177.205

Strong run Joe!

From Bob on Sat, Apr 23, 2016 at 13:38:27 from 98.222.16.15

Yeah, 20s are hard no matter what the pace. Solid run!

From seeaprilrun on Sun, Apr 24, 2016 at 07:43:29 from 172.56.6.251

You are in mad shape right now! I bet you could kill a road marathon!

From Dan on Mon, Apr 25, 2016 at 18:06:15 from 71.72.159.140

EXCELLENT! And way to opt for donuts!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

69F, 80%.  6 @ 8:41 AP.  Ran in some old bigfattrainers that were retired a long time ago.  Must've been before I figured out that bigfattrainers last forever.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Mon, Apr 25, 2016 at 18:09:45 from 71.72.159.140

I am going to pretend you are referring to shoes :)

From Derunzo on Mon, Apr 25, 2016 at 19:34:02 from 98.229.177.205

Ha ha ha..... good one Dan! I hope he wasn't referring to Big Fat Hairy trainers!

From SlowJoe on Sat, Apr 30, 2016 at 19:02:08 from 70.117.3.0

They are also dirty.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

AM:  71F, 95%.  8 @ 7:44 AP.

PM:  0.  ran out of time...going to happen a lot more (doubles will become rare) so need to increase morning mileage probably.  And not pass up any opportunity for a double...like I did on Sunday!

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 8.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Tue, Apr 26, 2016 at 11:01:52 from 99.20.240.16

Oh time. If we just stop working and forget about our families that might fix it lol. Do you train differently when it comes to half instead of full? I see you got one coming

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.756.2512.00

AM:  12 @ 6:53 AP on the TM.  Included 6 x 1 mile repeats (1/4 mile recoveries at 7mph).  Speeds for the 6 miles were 9.4, 9.6, 9.8, 10.1, 10.3, 10.8.  No incline.  Last one was 1/2 mile at 10.5 and 1/2 mile at 11.1.  Clearly started out too slow but I suppose easy does it is ok for now...  After the last recovery, I finished with a 1/4 mile @ 12mph.

Saucony A6 - Yellow Miles: 12.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Tue, Apr 26, 2016 at 18:13:50 from 71.72.159.140

Good TM run, I find it hard to motivate on those.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.501.5012.00

AM:  61F, 95%.  8 @ 8:11 AP

PM:  4 tired miles on the TM at the gym at work after a 12-hour day.  Made myself do 15 minutes of hill work at 5%, 10% and 15%.  I think I need to do more at the highest inclines at power-hike speeds.

In other news, the K3s are on their deathbed.  I wonder if I can find some black market K2s...they are still showing no signs of quitting on me.

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 12.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Jake K on Wed, Apr 27, 2016 at 20:14:19 from 67.166.113.191

K2 > K3,4

K5,6,7 are your next best bets. As good or better than the 2s.

If you find 2s, that will be impressive!

From Jake K on Wed, Apr 27, 2016 at 20:15:50 from 67.166.113.191

You'd probably have to go to Africa and find special edition "2012 OKC Thunder NBA Champs" Kinvara 2s.

From Dan on Thu, Apr 28, 2016 at 11:18:32 from 24.123.195.132

I had to surrender and get 6's. They are not too bad. A little tighter, but I feel you on the 2's.

From SlowJoe on Thu, Apr 28, 2016 at 19:24:20 from 107.77.64.46

Good to know. But will 5/6/7 last 1500 miles?

I did see some new 2's on eBay. But maybe it's just time to let go...

From Jake K on Sat, Apr 30, 2016 at 13:06:43 from 70.214.73.207

You'll easily get over a K out of them. Go w/ the 5s

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

66F, 95%.  7 @ 8:33 AP.  Kinda worn out...legs were not in the mood to run this morning, so I cut it a little short.  I need to get in a long run tomorrow morning, since I'll have the kids this weekend and there is a lot planned (as I try to overcompensate for not living there anymore).  Anyway, stupid legs better get in the running mood overnight.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 7.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
18.004.0022.00

75F, 90%.  22 @ 7:23 AP.  Really solid run with a dew point of 72 this morning.  These days I don't have the privilege of a weather-based running schedule...more of a schedule-based schedule.  That's right.  Anyway I was annoyed it was so hot but it was good for me, especially as I'm planning on racing long distances this whole summer.  Gotta adapt sometime.

Able to knock out the last 4 around MP (6:40s).  I actually just emailed the Paleface RD, trying to move up to the full marathon next race (8 days from now) as I was wait listed for the following race.  Feeling like my aerobic endurance has finally improved enough since the injury, although I probably don't have enough of a base built yet.  Meh.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 22.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Fri, Apr 29, 2016 at 18:01:59 from 50.153.9.6

Really good running, Broseph!

From Dan on Fri, Apr 29, 2016 at 19:21:13 from 71.72.159.140

Excellent hot weather running. You should put your blog title on a towel. Have it custom made. Would be a hit at any race.

From Derunzo on Sat, Apr 30, 2016 at 11:38:05 from 98.229.177.205

Awesome run dude!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.000.005.00

5 easy on the TM, 42 min.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 5.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From seeaprilrun on Sun, May 01, 2016 at 04:01:42 from 99.23.40.74

Glad the girls let you run!

From SlowJoe on Sun, May 01, 2016 at 14:55:49 from 70.117.3.0

They had no choice - muahahah!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.751.256.00

6 on the TM in ~48 minutes, which included some 1/4-mile hilly stridey thingys.

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Russ on Sun, May 01, 2016 at 22:55:25 from 199.167.208.164

I need a new treadmill with one of those buttons. So jealous.

From SlowJoe on Fri, May 06, 2016 at 18:55:11 from 107.77.64.15

Hilly stridey thingys is a button any decent TM will have.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.003.008.00

TM run in the laaate evening.  8 @ 7:15 (last 3 @ 9 mph).

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 8.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.006.0012.00

55F.  12 @ 6:53 AP.  Nice cold front came in, though maybe a day too early for race purposes this weekend.

Didn't look at my watch for this one, just going for a progression toward the fast end of my aerobic range.  Last 6 were 6:30 AP, so that was a pleasant surprise.  I'm in pretty good shape right now - that did not feel like a workout.  Maybe back to pre-injury levels...only took 11-12 weeks!

Sleep and recovery is the name of the game until Saturday.

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 12.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Tue, May 03, 2016 at 18:29:46 from 50.153.10.124

I think you're faster than pre-injury you. This is really good stuff. You should go into that race with a lot of confidence.

From Dan on Wed, May 04, 2016 at 19:20:29 from 71.72.159.140

Agreed with Tom... and Sleep is great!

From Jason D on Wed, May 04, 2016 at 19:48:23 from 68.80.27.222

I love a watch full of 6:30s or faster Easter eggs!

From SlowJoe on Fri, May 06, 2016 at 18:53:45 from 107.77.64.15

Thanks all. Need to do the Easter egg thing more often.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

53F.  6 @ 8:35 AP.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

56F.  7 @ 8:00 AP.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 7.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From DaleG on Thu, May 05, 2016 at 17:56:13 from 66.87.127.105

Nice job.

Congrats on 3 months.

From SlowJoe on Fri, May 06, 2016 at 18:52:52 from 107.77.64.15

Thanks Dale

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.000.003.00

86F.  3 @ 7:17 AP.  Thought I had a gap in the schedule at lunch but it closed up so I didn't get a chance to run until after work, around 6.  So I only did 3 miles instead of the planned 5, but, I did 1 stride!

Pretty pumped about the race - it will be more competitive than I thought, and I am really excited just to compete.  Even though it's warm (duh, San Antonio in May), I'm really feeling fit and ready.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 3.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Jason D on Fri, May 06, 2016 at 18:54:19 from 68.80.27.222

Have a good race, Joe. I'm thinking I need to get out on the trails myself.

From allie on Fri, May 06, 2016 at 18:59:28 from 24.99.46.55

time to get your paleface on. good luck and have fun.

From Dan on Fri, May 06, 2016 at 19:10:12 from 71.72.159.140

You are ready! Warpaint.

From seeaprilrun on Fri, May 06, 2016 at 20:04:44 from 99.23.40.74

Kill it!!

From DaleG on Fri, May 06, 2016 at 20:53:21 from 66.87.127.200

Have fun. Kick some buttocks

From Derunzo on Sat, May 07, 2016 at 04:17:52 from 98.229.177.205

Go get it Joe!

From Tom K on Sat, May 07, 2016 at 07:28:35 from 174.58.54.215

Try to run faster than everyone else.

Race: Paleface Trail marathon (26.219 Miles) 03:31:41, Place overall: 3, Place in age division: 3
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.0023.0027.00

63F -> 76F.  Let me start out by saying I still had fun.  I did.  This was maybe the worst decision-making I've ever had in a race.  Worst bonk of my life!  1:33 / 1:58

So, my going-in strategy was to run in the lead pack, no matter what.  At the start line, my RH buddy Matt pointed out Paul Terranova, adding that he was the fastest trail runner in Texas.  I think he has won a couple national championships so it was good to know but, well, I already had my strategy.

Started out in a pack of 4, with Paul in front, and I was the caboose.  As the middle 2 guys appeared to lose contact, I'd pass them.  So about 3 miles in, I'm in 2nd.  Ran behind Paul for a mile or so when he turned back to me and said, I should probably let you know I'm only doing 1 loop, then dropping."  He had to be somewhere else.  I thanked him for letting me know and he said something to the effect that he didn't think he'd be able to maintain this pace for 2 loops.  Hint dropped.  Hint ignored.  I did let him go a little, but caught glimpses of him until mile 10 or so.  I felt really, really good.  Hit the half in 1:33 which I knew was downright irresponsible.  Hot trail race, and a 1:33?  I knew there were 2-3 really good runners behind me somewhere though.

I continued feeling pretty good.  There is a little out and back for the middle aid station on the loop, maybe mile 20 for the 2nd loop, so I knew I'd get some info about my lead.  Josh was in 2nd, and I had about the same lead on him as I did on the first loop.  But Jason had dropped back and I was pretty sure he was no longer a factor.  However, somewhere around mile 22 my world came crashing down.  The bonk escalated really, really quickly.  I knew by 22.5 that I would get passed, even though I couldn't see anyone yet.  Mile 23 or so I did indeed get passed by Josh.  It was shortly after that I started walking.  Just couldn't run.  I did the gallo walking a little, maybe 50/50 walk/run, and just waited for Jason to pass me.  I could barely keep up with the half marathoners I had lapped.  There were some 13 and 14 minute miles at the end.  Jason finally came by with maybe 1-1.5 miles to go.  "Good job" he said.  Every time I started walking I got really dizzy.  I was really thirsty and really hungry.  I almost felt like I could sleep when I closed my eyes (I stopped closing my eyes when I got more worried about passing out).  The sun beating down felt like a hundred degrees even though I knew it was probably only in the mid-70s.

I managed to run the last 200-300m and had to sit down right away.  Another teammate kept bringing me water, coke, and all kinds of food and I would guzzle/eat everything immediately.  Finally able to get up and talk to people after about 10 minutes of that.  Yikes.

One day I'll find a happy medium with my race strategy.  That day was not today.  The winner ran 1:36, 1:41.  I'm almost certain I was fit enough to win, had my execution not been so incredibly bad.  I talked to  everyone for awhile and had a good time, but I definitely threw this one away.  Skipping the final aid station was one of the dumber decisions (I was out of water!).  One day...

NB MT101 Trail Miles: 27.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Sat, May 07, 2016 at 18:17:02 from 174.58.54.215

Crazy. What a story! Man, I'm glad you're allright. I respect you for sticking to your guns with the pre-race plan, and hanging on to that plan longer than was perhaps wise. I might be a minority in that opinion, but you were fit enough to race, and had the guts to do it!

From Derunzo on Sat, May 07, 2016 at 19:16:42 from 98.229.177.205

You're a tough mofo Joe. I admire your grit.

From Dan on Sat, May 07, 2016 at 19:18:19 from 71.72.159.140

Totally in shape to race and and despite the Gallow-walking, you took the Bronze!

Paleface, perhaps they named it after guys like you who finished liked that

From SlowJoe on Sat, May 07, 2016 at 21:19:44 from 107.77.64.58

Thanks guys. I learn something every time, even if it's just that I'm too dumb for this sport.

Dan, I was a little pale before the race but 3.5 hours of shirtless running in the sun turned me nice and red.

From Jake K on Sun, May 08, 2016 at 11:35:51 from 67.166.113.191

Great run and recap. You really gave it good shot. This is definitely one of those "had I gone out 1 minute slower I probably would have run 15 minutes faster" races. That stupid guy who dragged you out too fast is to blame!!

From Yasir on Sun, May 08, 2016 at 11:56:01 from 99.20.240.16

Great run Joe despite the ending. You give one heck of a description for your experience I felt like I was there. Sorry about the sun burn I'm sure you will recover and lead the pack a gain

From SlowJoe on Sun, May 08, 2016 at 20:12:23 from 107.77.64.58

Jake - I agree! I actually knew about the other two, thanks to some team intel, so my pre-race plan was just to stick to those 2 for the whole first half - in hindsight, that was an awesome plan that probably would have worked out beautifully. That other guy was not supposed to be there!

Yasir - thanks - almost falling asleep while walking was a first for me.

From Russ on Mon, May 09, 2016 at 10:22:35 from 74.114.3.253

Joe, you are a crazy man getting mad respect from the rest of us. Re-reading my race reports I get dizzy often towards the end of hot races, and I'm sure it's a dehydration/overheating thing. I also think going shirtless probably hurt you as you couldn't cool down by wearing a wet top. Same as others, though, good on you for going all out. Walking during a bonk is always a good reminder of our mortality. :)

From Bob on Tue, May 10, 2016 at 09:35:47 from 163.191.36.14

Great report. Look at it this way, you had a pacer for the race, just the wrong pace so it's not your fault. ;)

From Jason D on Sat, May 14, 2016 at 20:08:53 from 68.80.27.222

Before I read your report, which was the night of the race, I thought 8-minute pace over trails sounded pretty good. Add it to your arsenal of trail knowledge you've been doing well to stack up.

I think the problem with trail races, which is to say probably the beauty, is that racing plans are much more localized given the changing conditions and how much this can make a difference.

I took your advice and hit the trails this week. They are good for the soul. So many rocks where I run though.

From I Just Run on Tue, Jun 14, 2016 at 08:13:25 from 108.178.73.170

Oh wow...that made me hurt just reading it! But I'm sure a great learning experience. Knowing you, you will take this experience and crush your next trail race. Bet you can't wait to run that Paul guy again!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

68F, 90%.  4 @ 9:17 AP.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

73F, 90%.  7 @ 8:41 AP.  Obviously a way faster recovery than a road race, as I've noted in the past.  Course it also helps that I didn't actually RUN an entire marathon.  

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 7.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Russ on Thu, May 12, 2016 at 09:17:28 from 74.114.3.253

Wow, that is a quick recovery! There is a definite correlation between you high mileage runners and your quick return after a race. Nicely done.

From Yasir on Thu, May 12, 2016 at 21:21:31 from 99.20.240.16

I knew you will be leading the pack again. I'm glad no injuries after a tough hot race.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

My youngest slept over so I couldn't knock out a run this morning...which these days means no run at all.  But we always have fun and now somehow there's an ongoing ritual of eating ice cream after bedtime.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

8 miles, no gps.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 8.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Yesterday I was at the office for >15 hours.  So I didn't even bother to set the alarm last night, even though I knew early morning would be my only shot...needed sleep more than a run.  Really glad to have this week behind me.  

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From DaleG on Fri, May 13, 2016 at 21:56:30 from 66.87.127.193

You must have been in the wrong office.

From Dan on Sat, May 14, 2016 at 12:18:56 from 71.72.159.140

Always nice to get tough weeks over. Nice recovery though. And ice cream routines should be mandatory.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.001.008.00

8 on the TM in 1:04 (TM since I have the kids this weekend).  Included 1 @ MP.  Hopefully an evening run outside on Sunday, though it looks like crummy weather.

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 8.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Russ on Mon, May 16, 2016 at 10:18:34 from 74.114.3.253

Impressive mileage for a crazy week, let alone a crazy week after 2nd place in a trail marathon. Hope you got some good rest over the weekend.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

4 @ 8:13 AP.  it was after 8pm or so before I got a chance for a run, so 4 was about all I felt like doing.  I'm basically useless physically and mentally once the sun goes down.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 4.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
13.003.0016.00

16 TM miles at some decent aerobic paces.  I need to find an alternate place to run when it's raining and flooded on my trail.  Almost 2 hours on the TM is inhuman.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 16.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From seeaprilrun on Mon, May 16, 2016 at 12:28:06 from 205.172.12.210

Yes. Dreadmill for two hours is obscene

From Russ on Mon, May 16, 2016 at 12:48:23 from 70.212.38.56

Impressive. Watch an action movie, it helps tremendously.

From Derunzo on Tue, May 17, 2016 at 10:43:56 from 4.31.155.157

Agreed. Luckily you are not human. You are a running machine that can rip off sub 3 and 3 hour marathons with incredible consistency. Damn robot.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

69F, 95%.  6 @ 8:43 AP.

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Tue, May 17, 2016 at 21:44:44 from 99.20.240.16

Balance I love that.

From SlowJoe on Wed, May 18, 2016 at 14:07:31 from 107.77.80.90

One of the biggest challenges/struggles I have!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.004.0010.00

65F, 95%.  T-storm blew through a couple hours before I woke up so we got a nicer, cooler morning.  I did 8 x (3 min on / 1 min off) on the creek trail...had to do a little back and forth as the flooding cut me off in a couple spots, but I got in a decent effort.  Legs were still a little gloopy from Monday's run but all the reps were still ~1/2 mile (~6-min pace) give or take.  Finished with a decent amount of gas in the tank.

I'm not even going to plan out my training at this point.  Doubles are probably out for the foreseeable future, work is too much of a variable, I plan on racing quite a bit, and the other weekends will be booked by the kids, so just need to take it week by week from here on out.  For example, looks like I need to cram in a long run on Friday this week.  I think overall it'll still work though, and hopefully I can still knock out 60-70 mile weeks on singles.

Saucony A5 Red Miles: 10.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Wed, May 18, 2016 at 19:50:15 from 68.15.196.133

Keep cramming my friend.

From seeaprilrun on Thu, May 19, 2016 at 14:44:21 from 99.23.40.74

You can train for anything on 60-70 miles a week. That's solid mileage

From Jake K on Thu, May 19, 2016 at 20:52:03 from 67.166.113.191

Agree on what April said and I'll add that the long trail races sort of double as hard long runs so you can race yourself into pretty good shape and the "go with the flow" approach doesn't put you on the edge of burnout that more structured training sometimes does.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

62F, 100%.  8 @ 8:31 AP.  Rained the last couple miles.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 8.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Thu, May 19, 2016 at 10:19:21 from 99.20.240.16

No need for showering after your run.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
17.003.0020.00

62F, 100%.  20 @ 7:22 AP.  Picked it up for the last 3: 6:34, 6:37, 6:22.  Felt decent.

Puts me @ 60 miles for the week, so if I can't squeeze in a run this weekend as Single Dad, it's already been a productive enough week.

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 20.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Fri, May 20, 2016 at 18:36:30 from 98.229.177.205

Go Single Dad go!

From Yasir on Sat, May 21, 2016 at 07:39:02 from 99.20.240.16

wow is what they call a big workout. You are ready already.

From Tom K on Sat, May 21, 2016 at 18:21:04 from 174.58.54.215

Great run, and great week, Joe!

From JG on Mon, May 23, 2016 at 12:10:50 from 70.215.84.198

Great run Joe!

From seeaprilrun on Mon, May 23, 2016 at 14:01:35 from 99.23.40.74

Good work this week!!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

TM at the apartment gym while the kids swam in the pool.  The gym treadmills look out toward the pool so at least that's convenient.

Was going to do 6 or 7 but had to hop off at 4 and barely made it to the bathroom before disaster struck.  It's been awhile since one of those days (but I remember one pretty well).  Anyway I didn't feel like finishing the run after that.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 4.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Sun, May 22, 2016 at 19:13:49 from 71.72.159.140

Must be the season for stomach issues... Don't blame you for not getting back on.

From Yasir on Mon, May 23, 2016 at 11:12:15 from 99.20.240.16

I know the the feeling all gas stations clerks know me. I hope you and the kids are ok.

From Russ on Wed, May 25, 2016 at 09:16:34 from 74.114.3.253

HAHAHAHAHA! Running = the great laxative. Glad you made it.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.0010.0016.00

16 @ 6:51 AP on the TM - rained last night and I wasn't in the mood for unpredictable trail flooding cut-offs.

6 easy, then a continuous 10-mile progressive tempo at the following speeds by mile: 9.0, 9.0, 9.0, 9.0, 9.1, 9.3, 9.5, 9.7, 9.9, ~10.3.  Not even going to try to figure the AP out for the tempo part.  Seems pretty good but who knows with treadmills.  I do it on the same TM for every workout and this felt better at the same speeds, at least.  Progress.  Maybe.

Saucony A6 - Yellow Miles: 16.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Tue, May 24, 2016 at 13:22:36 from 65.26.157.212

You are a treadmill warrior. Anytime I do more than 10 on a mill.... my body wants to do what yours did on Sunday.

From Russ on Wed, May 25, 2016 at 09:17:41 from 74.114.3.253

Wowzers, nice progression dreadmill run. Did you watch movies or what? That's a long time in one place.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

75F, 90%.  7 @ 8:49 AP.

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 7.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

76F, 95%.  8 @ 8:02 AP.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 8.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Thu, May 26, 2016 at 10:53:50 from 99.20.240.16

I see your racing schedule wow you are booked. Good on Sunday.

From allie on Fri, May 27, 2016 at 07:43:20 from 24.99.46.55

getting soupy[ier], i see.

thumbs up on the schedule. at first i read "nighttime trail" as "nightmare trail" -- either way, cool.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.002.0010.00

10 on the TM, with 10 x 1 min on/off.  On's were 10.5 mph progressing to 11.4.

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 10.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Fri, May 27, 2016 at 07:31:36 from 71.72.159.140

You probably could enter one of those treadmill marathons... and win!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

78F.  6 @ 8:17 AP.  Late evening run.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.000.005.00

76F, 85%.  5 @ 8:17 AP.  Other than Monday, I've felt sluggish all week - not sure the race tomorrow could possibly be a decent performance, especially with a dew point of 73 but I'm going to take it easy and try to progress through each 5k.  It's a 5 x 5k loop race - one of those races that most people just do as a relay, because why would you run 15.5 miles solo at this time of year kind of race.

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 5.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Sat, May 28, 2016 at 13:44:33 from 50.153.9.67

Good luck tomorrow. About the relay thing- Misery loves company?

From Russ on Sat, May 28, 2016 at 14:35:10 from 199.167.208.164

Wear an ice vest and you'll be fine.

Race: American Hero 25k (15.534 Miles) 01:39:37, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 2
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.5015.5018.00

70F/85% -> 75F/80%.  Some ridiculous thunderstorms last night came through and hung around until right before the race started.  We got off to a bit of a late start, but the storms made things cooler than they would have been otherwise - looks the dew point stayed below 70, although it was increasing throughout the race.  Leftover t-storm wind was an issue on one of the legs (3/4-mile homestretch) but not too terrible, maybe 10-15 mph.

I really liked the format - it's mostly a relay race, so there are teams of 5, the course is 5 x 5k laps, and each lap has 2 different out-and-backs so you're never more than a mile from the starting line.  Only about 60 of us bozos did it as a solo 25k.  I definitely didn't mind the monotony of the loops and kind of enjoyed keeping tabs on each 5k time and getting encouragement from the crowds near the start.

The race plan actually went just like I'd envisioned for once, with progressively faster 5k's, and overall faster than I thought would be possible given the temperature.  The guy that won already had an insurmountable lead after the first lap, and there was no one close behind me, so I was able to relax and go by feel.  Splits:

20:18, 20:00, 20:02, 19:57, 19:20.

Laps 3 and 4 both had a 10-15 second stop to re-fill my bottle, so it was probably a near-perfect progression, even though the sun came out in full force for the last 4-5 miles.  Last thing to note is mile 15 was my fastest full mile (6:06) and the last ~1/2 mile+ was at 5:50 pace, so a really strong finish.  Pretty solid result in my first road race of the year. 

Saucony A6 - Yellow Miles: 18.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Sun, May 29, 2016 at 13:43:27 from 207.174.149.254

Excellent race Joe! Those last miles are impressive and even more so with the conditions. Bozo.

From Tom K on Sun, May 29, 2016 at 19:14:14 from 174.58.54.215

Those 5k times are very consistent. Great, smart race, Joe.

From Derunzo on Sun, May 29, 2016 at 20:23:58 from 98.229.177.205

Strong race Joe!

From SlowJoe on Sun, May 29, 2016 at 20:25:27 from 107.77.66.111

Thanks gentlemen

From Yasir on Mon, May 30, 2016 at 10:21:38 from 99.20.240.16

Now I see why you were running on TM all the time lol this race is like running on a TM great job. Last 5k 19:20? wow

From SlowJoe on Mon, May 30, 2016 at 17:37:00 from 107.77.66.111

Thanks Yasir - yeah, maybe TM actually was good for practicing that faster turnover... One day maybe everything won't be so flooded everywhere down here!

From Jason D on Mon, May 30, 2016 at 17:37:16 from 45.46.20.59

Really good stuff, Joe. This might be your longest run sub-6:30. Really not so far off you half PR pace.

From Jake K on Tue, May 31, 2016 at 09:34:48 from 199.190.170.75

I like the 5x5K format! You nailed it, nice job.

From I Just Run on Fri, Jun 03, 2016 at 13:37:45 from 108.178.73.170

Wow...Nice Race! Looks like your race plan went perfect. Sounds like you are back in full force!!!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

6 @ 8:40 AP.  Pouring rain the whole time!  Felt really regenerative though, even if it's just my imagination.

I finally have time for a double today...on probably the one day I shouldn't do one, trying to recover from a long road race (can already tell it'll be a rougher recovery than my trail races).  I'll just do some push-ups instead, I guess, since Allie could probably beat me up right now.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Tue, May 31, 2016 at 15:14:38 from 99.20.240.16

back at it the following day!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

75F, 95%.  7 @ 8:45 AP.  Legs still really mushy...what I get for running a race on 100% concrete.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 7.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

68F, 95%.  8 @ 8:04 AP.  Nice and cool, looks like more of the same for the rest of the week.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 8.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Thu, Jun 02, 2016 at 06:24:30 from 173.9.52.242

Bitchin weather!

From Dan on Thu, Jun 02, 2016 at 18:43:48 from 71.72.159.140

Still wet. Nice running after the race Joe!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.004.0010.00

tstorms/flooding again, so 10 @ 7:12 AP on the TM.  Last 4 @ 9+ mph.  Still really tired but forced it a little as I won't be running much the next few days.

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 10.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.001.009.00

TM with some hills between laundry...1:13

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 9.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

no opportunity but maybe tomorrow night 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

78F.  6 @ 8:13 AP.  Managed a few miles in the evening to avoid the double goose egg weekend.  Due for an early wake-up long run now!

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
18.005.0023.00

65F, 80%.  23 @ 7:06 AP.  Combination of unseasonably cool weather and rested legs from not really running much this weekend meant the legs were due for some good abuse.

Didn't look at my watch much, just tried to keep up an good effort.  Last mile in 6:17 was the only one I really pushed it.  Aerobic engine is really strong lately.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 23.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Mon, Jun 06, 2016 at 13:18:22 from 99.20.240.16

Engine is the right word 6:17 to finish the 23 miler wow.

From Tom K on Tue, Jun 07, 2016 at 10:57:17 from 66.87.122.152

Just a typical monday 23 miler, racing the 7 minute man. No big whoop.

Dude, nice run!

From Russ on Tue, Jun 07, 2016 at 15:54:36 from 74.114.3.253

Dude, great run! Your last paragraph reminds me of Violet in "It's a Wonderful Life". 23 miles? Well, I only run that far when I don't care how I look. https://youtu.be/QPxkX6pPBr8

You are in fantastic shape right now, nice job.

From Dan on Tue, Jun 07, 2016 at 20:51:56 from 71.72.159.140

REALLY strong run. What did you do with that big fat hairy trainer?

From Jason D on Wed, Jun 08, 2016 at 14:18:34 from 68.80.27.222

The aerobic engine is definitely burning! That's a great run.

From seeaprilrun on Wed, Jun 08, 2016 at 16:37:24 from 205.172.12.210

I'd love to see that aerobic engine at work in a road marathon.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

Got home from work around 11pm, and finished this little run just before midnight.  Surprisingly good pace, took around 29 min...while I did feel the fatigue from Monday's run, I think I mentally needed the release of a good effort.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 4.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Slept in.  I got home at ~9:30pm but just couldn't make myself go run.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

70F, 95%.  8 @ 7:40 AP.  Brutal work week...I'm in the midst of hiring a couple new analysts, but things are just going to be rough until they are onboarded and off and running.  So for M-F, just trying to pick 2 nights a week to get a good night's sleep (defined as 6 hours), and kids/work/running consume the rest.  Long tunnel, but there is a little bit of light at the end of it!

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 8.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Thu, Jun 09, 2016 at 19:24:08 from 71.72.159.140

Its a tough road there- been there, but I am glad you are focused and have the right mindset. Nice run, looks like a sticky morning.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Had the kids overnight and then worked late.  I had time to run in the evening around 8:30, but couldn't will myself out the door.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
30.000.0030.00

AM:  76F/91% -> 80F, 80%.  Met a couple guys from the club and did a big loop at government canyon - 12-13 miles I think, in 2 hours - pretty good effort.  Summer got a late start in Texas but it's definitely here now.  One of the guys went out for more after our loop, which was also my original plan, but I was suffering more than I expected and decided I was done after 1 loop.  I definitely need to be running more in the heat, just hard to find the time.  More fun on tap for this evening, headed to Bandera!

PM:  18 miles.  I had a really fun evening and night at HCSNA in Bandera with a couple other Rockhoppers.  With the recent rain/floods, there were all these active springs and streams that are normally dry, so we did some exploring.  We totaled 18 miles - mostly running, some hiking and some swimming!

NB MT101 Trail Miles: 30.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Sat, Jun 11, 2016 at 13:39:53 from 71.72.159.140

EAT WELL! And I am with you, I need more hot weather running. I just hate it.

From Russ on Mon, Jun 13, 2016 at 21:42:51 from 199.167.208.164

Fun day! Love the springs, great way to end the day.

From Jason D on Mon, Jun 20, 2016 at 20:57:34 from 68.80.27.222

Big day! Man, that looks fun too.

From I Just Run on Tue, Jun 28, 2016 at 08:13:21 from 108.178.73.170

This looks too cool...!!!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

77F, 90%.  7 @ 8:28 AP.  Still not moving too well from Saturday's activities...definitely worth it though!

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 7.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Tue, Jun 14, 2016 at 07:22:17 from 99.20.240.16

alot of water

From Dan on Tue, Jun 14, 2016 at 14:01:07 from 99.19.81.89

I am not sure I would be walking if I did what you did Saturday.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.001.005.00

83F.  5 @ 7:13 AP.  First chance for a run came at 9pm, so I took it.  Surprising bit of pep initially, this is the second time I've seen that with these late night runs.  I started out with some fartleking, but soon got hot and tired and cruised in at a medium pace.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 5.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.000.0010.00

78F, 90%.  10 @ 7:48 AP.  Back out a few hours later after a crummy night's sleep.  Tryin...

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 10.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Thu, Jun 16, 2016 at 11:31:05 from 99.20.240.16

Keep on trying lol. 10 miles with no sleep is not fun. Great Work Joe.

From Russ on Thu, Jun 16, 2016 at 14:21:10 from 74.114.3.253

Perfect training for an ultra runner. Bring on a 100 miler!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.006.0014.00

Treadmill.  14 @ 6:53 AP.  Did a 6 x 1 with 1/4-mile recovery jogs, and managed to get to the pain zone a little sooner than I did last time, which was way too conservative.  Speeds for the 6 reps were 9.8, 10.0, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.8.

Saucony A6 - Red/blue Miles: 14.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

76F, 90%.  4 @ 8:35 AP

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 4.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Fri, Jun 17, 2016 at 08:27:37 from 99.20.240.16

That was a solid workout yesterday I heard about the pain zone I just never tried to go there lol nice work sir

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
20.000.0020.00

AM: going to hold off on running this morning.  This afternoon/evening, the heat index will be in the 100-105F range, triggering hazardous weather warnings, so we're meeting up at Bandera later to spend several hours running in it.

PM:  20 evening/night miles on the trails in Bandera with a good group.  Fun night!

NB MT101 Trail Miles: 20.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Sun, Jun 19, 2016 at 18:32:29 from 71.72.159.140

Sweet night run! I could get into that.

From Yasir on Mon, Jun 20, 2016 at 11:03:55 from 99.20.240.16

I'm jealous you have a group of runners for a 20 miler at night love it.

From Russ on Tue, Jun 21, 2016 at 09:18:05 from 74.114.3.253

Nice! Did you have clear skies? So fun to run with a full moon.

From Rob Murphy on Tue, Jun 21, 2016 at 10:59:55 from 24.10.247.181

That's pretty cool. Nice run.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.000.005.00

5 on the TM during lunch.

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 5.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Tue, Jun 21, 2016 at 12:05:15 from 99.20.240.16

I hope you were not eating

From Russ on Tue, Jun 21, 2016 at 14:58:03 from 74.114.3.253

I thought the same thing Yasir! We're obviously both very funny. Too bad everyone in my life doesn't realize what a great sense of humor I have! :)

Nice TM run Joe, much smarter than running outside during lunch.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.501.5010.00

72F, 95%.  10 @ 7:38 AP.  Was a lazy run until people tried to race me toward the end.  I won.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 10.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.000.0010.00

AM:  73F, 95%.  6 @ 8:24 AP.

PM:  92F.  4 @ 8:08 AP.  Got out for a few more after 6pm and still had a nice 98-degree heat index.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 6.00Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 4.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Wed, Jun 22, 2016 at 19:39:31 from 71.72.159.140

That's hot bro... no one tried to race you in that index.

From SlowJoe on Thu, Jun 23, 2016 at 06:59:20 from 107.77.64.48

No racing, thankfully. A skateboarder gave me a little fist pump and a point from the other side of the road though!

From allie on Thu, Jun 23, 2016 at 08:23:13 from 24.99.46.55

i hope you gave him a rock on sign and said later skater

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.500.507.00

74F, 90%.  7 @ 8:04 AP.  Did 5 or 6 30-second sprints over the last couple miles.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 7.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.001.006.00

76F, 85%.  6 @ 7:36 AP.  1 mile @ 30k effort, plus 1 stride.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Race: Pedernales Falls 30k (night trail) (18.641 Miles) 02:38:37, Place overall: 5, Place in age division: 5
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.4018.6019.00

AM:  Just resting up before the race tonight.  Looks like the heat index will start above 90 but might get decent cloud cover, which will help with the 7:15pm start.  Temps will stay above 80 for the duration.  There will be some good competition there as well - at least 3 guys that have run times well faster than anything I've done.  Really need to make sure I don't get pulled out too fast, but overall I'm really excited for the competition...even though I think I might be a bit unprepared for the heat.

PM:  Got my butt kicked, felt bad from the very beginning.  I puked a lot after the race and now @ ~11am Sunday I still haven't been able to eat anything...stomach is one big knot.  Guessing it's a gift from my daughter who stayed home with me on Wednesday after she was puking at summer camp.  Painful...

NB MT101 Trail Miles: 19.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Sun, Jun 26, 2016 at 11:29:21 from 66.87.122.173

Bummer about the stomach pain. 5th place with puking and heat is really impressive. That's some good fight through the pain stuff right there. But you always seem to do that! Congrats, Joe.

From Dan on Sun, Jun 26, 2016 at 19:34:35 from 71.72.159.140

Stomach pain is no joke. Heck of an effort Joe. Tom is right, you fighting through these things is something you excel at. Stubborn runner :) Impressive.

From I Just Run on Tue, Jun 28, 2016 at 08:17:39 from 108.178.73.170

Ouch...No Fun...!!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

sick, no run

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

sick, no run

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

in Houston - finally felt up to plodding through 4+ miles in the evening.  Stomach still ain't right...It's gone from looking distended, down to emaciated, and then back - now appears I'm about 5 months pregnant (if I'm carrying low is it going to be a girl?).  Anyway it held up ok but still did not like to be jostled around too much.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 4.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.000.0010.00

AM:  76F, 90%.  6 @ 8:08 AP.  This week I'm just keeping it to 4-7 mile slow runs so I don't get a repeat of the plague hole I've fallen into in the past.  I'm staying with my parents in Houston this week with the kids...no responsibilities!  So probably can get away with easy doubles every day.

PM:  89F, 65%.  4 @ 7:45 AP.  Heat index juuuuust under a hundred.  Good thing I waited until after 7pm.  Only 4 months pregnant this evening.  Hopefully soon, I'll barely be showing.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 4.00Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Wed, Jun 29, 2016 at 20:22:48 from 66.17.104.128

Sick.... No good. Good to see you can plod around again.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
12.000.0012.00

AM:  80F, 85%.  7 @ 7:52 AP.  

PM:  94F.  5 @ 8:07 AP.  If anything exists that's more relaxing than running in central Houston at rush hour in a 103-degree heat index, I'd like to hear it...

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 5.00Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 7.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Fri, Jul 01, 2016 at 06:39:47 from 71.72.159.140

How you feeling? any better? 103 in Houston IS quite relaxing. I really do not have anything to challenge that. Except maybe the yogurt someone left in one of the work refrigerators... from 2015.

From SlowJoe on Fri, Jul 01, 2016 at 21:01:45 from 107.77.105.52

Good Dan. I've successfully passed my disease on to my kids, only hanging on to a few remnants myself. DONT EAT THE YOGURT.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.000.0016.00

AM:  80F, 80%.  12 @ 7:47 AP.  Ran from my parents' to Memorial Park to do a loop there, but was feeling like I'd finally overcome the plague so I decided to add another 3-mile loop at the park.  Got a nasty stomach cramp after the 2nd loop, so I took a good 3-4 minute break at a water fountain to stretch it out and rehydrate; that was pretty much successful.  Then I started melting a little on the way back home and was generally happy the run was over with.  Alright, that's about all I have to say about that.

PM:  85F, 70%.  4 @ 8:22 AP.  Great steak dinner tonight, had to wait a couple hours after that, then got out @ ~9pm after watching Rupp win the 10k in the trials.  I finished my first 5k faster than all those so-called professionals finished their 10k.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 4.00Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 12.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Fri, Jul 01, 2016 at 08:14:34 from 66.87.123.80

Are you SURE you didn't leave something out?

From SlowJoe on Fri, Jul 01, 2016 at 09:05:43 from 107.77.105.52

I flipped off a guy in a car who almost hit me speeding out of a parking lot, and had to stop and honk at me for getting in his way.

Houston has always been the one city in this state that is immune from Texas friendliness.

From Tom K on Fri, Jul 01, 2016 at 10:04:08 from 66.87.123.80

Houston has a problem. Oh yeah, I said it.

From SlowJoe on Fri, Jul 01, 2016 at 10:20:47 from 107.77.105.52

That just happened.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.000.0010.00

AM:  81F, 82%.  6 @ 8:01 AP.

PM:  85F, 72%.  4 @ 8:28 AP.  Another 9pm food coma plod.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 10.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.250.755.00

79F, 90%.  5 @ 8:02 AP.  Did a pitiful little pickup on the way back.  That was my last run in Houston, but it's not any less miserable back here in SA.  Arrived at lunch to a 104 heat index which I assume will keep going up.

Tomorrow, headed to Bandera for several hours of sufferplodding.  Must adapt.  Must adapt.  Must adapt.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 5.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Sun, Jul 03, 2016 at 21:41:18 from 71.72.159.140

#sufferplodding

From Yasir on Mon, Jul 04, 2016 at 09:46:30 from 173.197.95.3

you will adapt lol happy 4th of july sorry if im late my hours are a mess

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
21.002.0023.00

AM:  76F/90% -> 83F/77%.  ~18 miles.  Good run in Bandera, some solid suffering took place.  Cool-ish start with overcast skies turned into full bore sun and heat the last couple hours.

Good company as well - anytime you can find a bunch of people willing to wake up early on a holiday just to spend hours running/sweating through rugged terrain/hills, getting leg-whipped by sotol cacti, tripping on rocks, and still smiling the whole time, you know you've found a good group.

PM:  93F.  5 @ 8:27 AP.  Decided to double up, simply because I had the time to do so.

NB MT101 Trail Miles: 18.00Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 5.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Wed, Jul 06, 2016 at 08:40:26 from 173.26.67.187

Nice!

From Russ on Wed, Jul 06, 2016 at 09:04:26 from 74.114.3.253

I'm not sure which is more impressive, 18 in Bandura, or 5 more in 93 degree temps. Nice 4th!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

77F, 90%.  6 @ 8:34 AP.

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

Untimed...don't even remember what shoes I had on.  Usually I can narrow it down to a couple pairs, but I got nothing.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.005.0010.00

TM.  10 @ 6:54 AP.  Progressive fun with lots of button pushing.

This week was pretty much a blur of work/life chaos, and running suffered, so I made sure I got in this ridiculously early run despite no sleep.  Although I must say it was pretty nice being the first (and only) person in the fitness center at work -- pristine toilet seats with no distractions before the run, good solitary exercise at a gym of all places, and then first one to christen the shower after its nightly cleaning.

Saucony A5 Miles: 10.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Sat, Jul 09, 2016 at 15:15:32 from 71.72.159.140

Im hearing you on the blur, good job getting the runs in and I once christened... wait... no I didn't.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

90F.  6 miles, no Garmin.  

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Jul 11, 2016 at 08:47:38 from 108.178.73.170

HOT...and I bet really...HUMID!

From Russ on Mon, Jul 11, 2016 at 11:25:12 from 74.114.3.253

Nice naked run. Hopefully you were clothed, albeit dripping in sweat from the heat index.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

79F, 85%.  8 @ 7:50 AP.

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 8.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.0012.0016.00

TM.  16 @ 6:38 AP.  Long progressive tempo, each mile a little faster than the one before it.  After a warmup, spent most of this run between 9-10 mph.

Saucony A5 Red Miles: 16.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Jason D on Wed, Jul 13, 2016 at 13:08:50 from 68.80.27.222

You're getting fit!

From Tom K on Wed, Jul 13, 2016 at 14:39:52 from 66.87.148.222

DAAAANG!

From allie on Wed, Jul 13, 2016 at 17:59:36 from 24.99.46.55

zow!

From Russ on Thu, Jul 14, 2016 at 09:23:22 from 199.167.208.164

Sonuva... Wowzers! Nice run Joe.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

79F, 85%.  7 @ 8:42 AP.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 7.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

76F, 90%.  6 @ 8:12 AP.

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, Jul 15, 2016 at 13:03:24 from 108.178.73.170

Why are you getting the cooler weather?

From Yasir on Sat, Jul 16, 2016 at 20:25:32 from 99.20.240.16

Slow joe you are being modest its 91 in kc I know its not 76 in texes.I'm not saying 76 is good weather for running still hot.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.000.005.00

78F, 85%.  5 @ 7:50 AP

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 5.00
Weight: 0.00
Race: Muleshoe Bend 30k trail (18.641 Miles) 02:37:48, Place overall: 3, Place in age division: 3
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.0018.0019.00

93F -> 86F.  Better race today, almost even splits.  These night races almost get easier as it gets cooler in the second half.  But not quite.  Really competitive field so a pretty good result, with 2nd place just a minute ahead (same guy that beat me in Waco).  These night races are crazy, always lots of carnage.  But super fun.

NB MT101 Trail Miles: 19.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Sun, Jul 17, 2016 at 18:13:20 from 174.58.54.215

3rd place - excellent!

Tell me more about the carnage!

From Dan on Sun, Jul 17, 2016 at 21:02:47 from 71.72.159.140

Great racing Joe! Glad to see it. Yes, do not spare the carnage details!

From I Just Run on Mon, Jul 18, 2016 at 09:21:10 from 108.178.73.170

Do they ever run these races in the fall and winter when the temps are lower? ...not that I'm at all interested, just curious. Nice placing, as usual! How may people run these type races?

From Jake K on Mon, Jul 18, 2016 at 11:45:16 from 199.190.170.31

I like that the temperature does negative splits. That surely helps with running even splits!

From derhammer on Mon, Jul 18, 2016 at 15:17:10 from 64.245.52.2

Looks like you are still kicking butt - congrats!

From SlowJoe on Tue, Jul 19, 2016 at 18:52:30 from 107.77.72.45

Thanks guys. The carnage - really a miserably hot race so lots of DNFs. I ended up passing the guy who won the last couple trail races I ran in the last couple miles as he blew up and was walking. There was also some physical carnage - bloody limbs and such - this weird side hill section on boulders that was crazy to try and navigate at night. I stayed upright the whole night somehow, just ran into a tree once.

IJR - they go all year, yeah. Never a big field, usually tops out around 100 people per distance, depending on the race. You should join us for one! http://texastrailchampionship.com/2016-series-calendar/

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Got back from the race around 6am, hung out most of the night at our group's tent.  Great bunch of people.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.000.005.00

78F, 85%.  5 @ 9:13 AP.  This hurt a lot.  Finally a well-paced summer trail race!

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

76F, 90%.  6 @ 9:02 AP.  Still not moving too well, but it felt a lot better.

9-hour race on Saturday night in Dallas.  I'm sure it'll go well...

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Tue, Jul 19, 2016 at 19:02:04 from 99.20.240.16

9 hours? and what is up with 70 deg in Texas in kansas city is 90 almost all day!

From SlowJoe on Tue, Jul 19, 2016 at 19:14:23 from 107.77.72.45

It's 100 degrees here every afternoon but they have this nice little part of the day called "morning" that's cooler!

From Dan on Tue, Jul 19, 2016 at 19:37:17 from 173.90.237.170

Your body always rises to the occasion for races, you have abused it to do so :)

From Yasir on Thu, Jul 21, 2016 at 04:46:31 from 99.20.240.16

oh morning I dont know what that is I sleep until noon lol.

From I Just Run on Thu, Jul 21, 2016 at 07:47:27 from 108.178.73.170

You've got to be kidding me...another 9 hour race THIS Saturday...!!!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

93F.  4 @ 8:23 AP.  Couldn't get out until after dinner.  I think I'm almost getting used to the heat...it still sucks, but I think I'm doing better than in previous years thanks to this trail running business.

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 4.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

77F, 85%.  6 @ 8:11 AP.  Fairly low DP today, only 71.  Haven't seen it that low in awhile and could tell a difference.  Might be even lower up in Dallas in the Saturday night / Sunday morning period of darkness when the race takes place.

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Thu, Jul 21, 2016 at 15:06:05 from 99.20.240.16

You guys are crazy trail night run wow good luck I know they have to chase you for 9 hours

From Dan on Thu, Jul 21, 2016 at 18:28:57 from 71.72.159.140

I see you are preparing for beast mode. Take it to 'em Joe.

From I Just Run on Fri, Jul 22, 2016 at 10:25:44 from 108.178.73.170

Wow...71..! Did you have to wear gloves? :-)

Race: Fossil Valley 9-hour Trail Race (45.73 Miles) 08:49:39, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 2
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
46.000.0046.00

90F -> 80F (10pm - 7am).  Tough, tough race!  Hot, no breeze, and the climbs were steep - even included 30-40 tall stairs per lap.  Lots of hiking/walking.  By the end I was barely making it up.  I ended up doing 17 laps (~2.7 miles per lap).  But I had the option to do another since the clock hadn't hit 9 hours yet - was leading the race and I just thought there was no way I could physically make it around again.  So I lost because the guy a few minutes behind me did go out for #18.  Felt really dumb/wimpy after that one.

NB MT101 Trail Miles: 46.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Sun, Jul 24, 2016 at 18:03:06 from 99.20.240.16

Wow your are the winner in my book. Sorry to bring this again but you guys are crazy. Please eat rest eat rest...

From I Just Run on Mon, Jul 25, 2016 at 07:34:28 from 108.178.73.170

I'm calling you the winner too ... because I know you could have done it! These races seem more like torture than racing. :-)

From Russ on Mon, Jul 25, 2016 at 15:51:13 from 74.114.3.253

Nice racing. I hate those second-guessing moments. Your body was screaming and you listened, so you can't beat yourself up over that. Easier to stay healthy when you're not exhausted. Great effort not-so-slow Joe.

From Tom K on Tue, Jul 26, 2016 at 10:30:18 from 66.87.148.15

Beast mode! Beating my average weekly miles in one race, PLUS STAIRS!? Dude, you are a wild man! Great run, Joe.

From Jason D on Tue, Jul 26, 2016 at 16:43:05 from 68.80.27.222

Nice work, Joe. That's a long way to run and it's a really long way to run in that heat when you are typically sleeping!

From SlowJoe on Tue, Jul 26, 2016 at 18:30:27 from 70.117.3.0

Thanks all. I knew the rules going in, so the guy that won deserves it. One of those things where in hindsight it seems like you could've done it, but yeah - in the moment...no way. I'm glad the memory is a bit painful, maybe I'll remember this next time I'm faced with a similar decision.

Found out it was 315 ft gain per loop, which equates to 5355 ft over the whole race - just over a vertical mile. Probably more "vert" than I usually get in a year!

From Bob on Wed, Jul 27, 2016 at 13:55:24 from 163.191.36.14

Great job Joe. You did as much as you could and that's all you can ask of yourself.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

PM:  6 @ 8:15 AP.  First run since the 9-hr race.  All things considered, I felt ok.

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

8 @ 8:09 AP

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 8.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

6 @ 8:19 AP

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

6 @ 8:16 AP.  Still trying to recover...almost there I think 

Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
12.002.0014.00

75F, DP = 71.  14 @ 7:21 AP.  10 moderate, 2 mile burst (6:21, 5:57), 2 c/d.  A little prevent-going-stale run.

Saucony A6 - Yellow Miles: 14.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Mon, Aug 01, 2016 at 19:39:58 from 71.72.159.140

I know this stale feeling you speak of. Good running.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

75F, 90%.  7 @ 8:47 AP.

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 7.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

75F, 90%.  8 @ 7:48 AP.  Included 7 x 30-sec strides in the last couple miles.

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 8.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Russ on Thu, Aug 04, 2016 at 16:57:15 from 74.114.3.253

Nice miles since the race. You are in prime position for some great races in the near future.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

90F.  6 @ 8:28 AP.  Vitamin D run at lunch.

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 6.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

82F, 85%.  4 @ 8:27 AP.  Houston today, headed to Colorado Bend state park for a race tomorrow night.

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 4.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From allie on Fri, Aug 05, 2016 at 12:09:46 from 24.99.46.55

i have a network in houston. if you see a supershuttle driver, tell himher i said hi.

good luck with your race.

From Jason D on Fri, Aug 05, 2016 at 16:40:49 from 70.192.137.243

Have a good race, Joe.

From Dan on Sat, Aug 06, 2016 at 06:51:54 from 50.192.116.209

Hope the nighttime weather gives you a late race burst. Go get 'em.

Race: Colorado Bend 30k trail (night) (18.641 Miles) 02:48:20, Place overall: 4, Place in age division: 4
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
18.640.0018.64

97F -> 88F.  Whew, these things are getting harder...both the courses and the temperatures.  Pretty well-paced again, moved up 3 spots in the second half of the race.  This was the most technical so far - feet feel bruised up a little thanks to all the jagged rocks.  My shoes have a rock plate but not a very substantial one I guess!  ow

NB MT101 Trail Miles: 18.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Mon, Aug 08, 2016 at 10:20:36 from 99.20.240.16

wow I need race more you rock man. Rock plate?

From Russ on Mon, Aug 08, 2016 at 14:23:57 from 74.114.3.253

Nicely done! That's some crazy heat, hopefully it was a beautiful night. Have you tried Salomon's trail shoes? I tried one, the Wing XT maybe(?) that was really stiff and excellent for rocks. Gave me a blister on the side of my foot so I took them back, but I wish my Brooks Cascadias were a bit more stiff.

From Dan on Mon, Aug 08, 2016 at 16:47:16 from 71.72.159.140

I am not sure I could have even finished let one raced in those temps. You are one tough runner brah. Vibrams for rocks.

From Yasir on Fri, Aug 12, 2016 at 07:05:36 from 99.20.240.16

How are the feet? just checking on you

From I Just Run on Wed, Aug 17, 2016 at 13:04:18 from 199.38.187.9

You're obviously in the toughest age group! These runs seem hard to me and all I have to do is read the race reports!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.000.005.00

5 @ 8:30 AP

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

8 @ 8:05 AP

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

8 @ 7:56 AP

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

4 @ 8:14 AP.  Set out to do 10 and pulled the plug.  Really long work week, probably ~14 hours/day at work but only 3-4 hours/night of sleep.  bad combo...2 non-running days next.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
12.000.0012.00

12 solo trail miles in Bandera before volunteering for some trail work.  I ended up wheeling (measuring) 9 miles of the Bandera 50k/100k course with another guy.  That was a decent effort unto itself!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Russ on Fri, Aug 19, 2016 at 13:39:02 from 74.114.3.253

Nice wheeling! Sounds long but interesting.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.000.005.00

5 @ 7:57 AP

Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 5.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
11.256.2517.50

75F, 98%.  17 @ 7:13 AP.  10+ on the warmup, then 2 x 5k at the track, 800m recovery in between.  Reps were 20:12, 20:13.  My light broke on my Garmin so these were paced blindly.  In hindsight I took it pretty easy on myself, but we'll call it 30k race-specific effort, in prep for my last 30k series race (even though a 30k on those trails takes 3 hours, not 2).

This weekend it looks like I'll do some pacing work at the Habanero 100...a hundred mile trail race that starts at high noon in mid August in SE Texas.  I don't get it either.

Saucony A6 - Red/blue Miles: 17.50
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Fri, Aug 19, 2016 at 06:47:11 from 99.20.240.16

wow you are a busy man thank you for volunteering no race will ever happen without you guys.

From Jason D on Sat, Aug 20, 2016 at 11:26:08 from 24.127.111.174

That race sounds like a recipe for carnage.

Nice workout. I see you have a few more races lined up this fall. I'm thinking about mixing in some longer trail races as I think my ability to do well on long tempos and long runs makes them more suited to me. However, this fall it's looking like 5ks . . .

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 7.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.500.008.50

8.5 @ ~8 min pace.  Pumped to do some pacing tomorrow.  Last year the 100 miler had a 97% DNF rate (I'm running with the one person that actually finished).  This year it should be a little cooler with the rain so maybe they'll get some more finishers.

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 8.50
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Yasir on Sun, Aug 21, 2016 at 09:19:38 from 99.20.240.16

I cant wait for updates

From Dan on Sun, Aug 21, 2016 at 18:29:34 from 71.72.159.140

Insanity. Count Joe in :)

From Dan on Sat, Aug 27, 2016 at 11:02:46 from 71.72.159.140

Dude...

http://slowjoe.fastrunningblog.com/blog-AM-nbsp-76F-89-nbsp-9-8-08-AP-/06-12-2015.html

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
25.000.0025.00

Did the last 25 miles of Habanero 100 with Julie (who won again!).

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 25.00
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

no watch, Garmin is done.  RIP

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Russ on Thu, Sep 01, 2016 at 18:03:02 from 74.114.3.253

Sad day. :(

Amazon normally has last year's Garmins for cheap, that's where I've gotten my last two and looking for my third.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

8 miles in 1 hour on gym treadmill 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
11.001.0012.00

12 @ 7:23.  Included 1 @ 5:44.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

6 @ 8:53

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

6 @ 8:20

Weight: 0.00
Race: Reveille Ranch 30k Trail (18.641 Miles) 02:45:31, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 2
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.0018.0018.00

Last night time 30k trail series race!  Best finish, tough course, and I wound up 1st overall in the series of 4.  I think maybe only a dozen or so people actually ran all 4, but whatever!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Wed, Aug 31, 2016 at 19:39:02 from 71.72.159.140

Sweet Joe! You are killing it on these trail runs, I bet your road times are even faster now.

From Burt on Tue, Oct 04, 2016 at 13:14:14 from 68.98.72.149

Great job!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

6 @ 8:43

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.001.0010.00

10 @ 7:34.  Fast recovery from the race...makes me happy!

Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 10.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom Slick on Wed, Mar 21, 2018 at 07:53:23 from 173.117.200.133

Hey Slow Joe, are you running the Boston this year? (April 16, 2018)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.005.0014.00

73F, 92%.  14 @ 7:02 AP.  Last 4 @ 6:08 AP - kind of a progressive LT effort (6:24, 6:15, 6:03, 5:49).

Saucony A5 Red Miles: 14.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Dan on Wed, Aug 31, 2016 at 19:40:43 from 71.72.159.140

Woah that is quite fast after a race. Like I said your trails are making you faster than ever.

From Yasir on Fri, Sep 09, 2016 at 06:40:56 from 99.20.240.16

Fast fast Joe.

From Dan on Wed, Sep 14, 2016 at 18:15:04 from 71.72.159.140

You're killing me Joe

From Yasir on Mon, Sep 19, 2016 at 06:58:59 from 99.20.240.16

just checking

From I Just Run on Tue, Sep 20, 2016 at 12:25:30 from 199.38.187.9

I think he's moved on to the professional runners blog!

From Matt Schreiber on Sun, Oct 02, 2016 at 19:42:59 from 66.17.104.128

You're killin' it!

From Yasir on Wed, Oct 19, 2016 at 07:11:17 from 99.20.240.16

what's up slow

From DaleG on Fri, Oct 21, 2016 at 18:29:39 from 152.216.15.5

Yeah, where on earth is Joe? I keep checking every day and though I better say something.

From Yasir on Thu, Oct 27, 2016 at 11:39:04 from 99.20.240.16

same here. Joe we need you back its not as funny around here :(

From DaleG on Thu, Oct 27, 2016 at 12:28:55 from 50.255.205.153

I wonder if Joe is on any other social media. Kinda strange that he jus stopped without a word since.

From Dan on Thu, Oct 27, 2016 at 18:38:10 from 71.72.159.140

Joe is using Strava... I, like you guys, tried to keep him double posting/logging.

From DaleG on Thu, Oct 27, 2016 at 19:30:36 from 66.87.126.254

Oh dang. Well, tell him we miss him over here. Thanks for the update.

From SlowJoe on Sun, Nov 06, 2016 at 12:49:18 from 107.77.105.79

Sorry all. Combination of no spare time anymore, injured foot for the last several weeks, and use of Strava (I feel really guilty but it's so friggin fast and easy - my phone immediately uploads my run when my watch gets within Bluetooth range of it...cmon!)

Thanks for checking in, not sure if I'll pick FRB up again...maybe when life slows down a hair. Feel free to find me on strava if you're on it. My last name is spelled Sierra-Charlie-hotel-mike-alpha-lima (sorry for the phonetics, I'm still scared of the internet!).

From Tom Slick on Wed, Jan 10, 2018 at 16:07:48 from 174.148.141.166

What are you up to SJ?

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1354.79261.851616.64
Kinvara 3 - Gray/red Miles: 146.00Kinvara 2 - Gray/red Miles: 217.50Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 12.001160s Miles: 41.50Saucony A6 - Yellow Miles: 111.00NB MT101 Trail Miles: 258.00Fastwitch 6 Red #1 Miles: 286.50Fastwitch 6 Red #2 Miles: 267.00Saucony A5 Red Miles: 75.00Saucony A6 - Red/blue Miles: 31.50Saucony A5 Miles: 10.00
Weight: 149.03
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