So, second week in a row that I've only done weekly updates. I gotta get better than weekly. I don't write things down at home so if I have anything specific from a run to discuss, I end up losing it over that week.
Last Monday, 5 miles @ EA. Nothing spectacular about this run. We've had incredibly decent weather up here for this time of year. All I can really remember from this run was that it was really relaxing!!
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Tuesday, 3 miles w/ Donna. Went a different route today. Trying to mix things up a little. Another great night for a run!
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Wednesday, 3 M Tempo intervals. 7 Miles total. Another uneventful run. I like doing the M tempo runs. I don't recall anything specific. No problems that I can remember.
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Thursday, Donna, 6 - 5min intervals. Again, she did great on this! So much fun watching her progress! She was a little fast on her last interval, but it was mostly downhill and she was enjoying it!
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Saturday, 5 miles with Donna. This was another amazing day for running! Sunny, and 50ish. Left the house just before sunset. Ran an old route that gives a great view to the west and watched the sun go down! Great day.
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Whew, and that brings us to Sunday. I'm gonna put Donna's 5 miles first. We waited till dark to run, so we could enjoy the Christmas lights. I really find this relaxing. Even though by the 4th mile, I was really feeling the earlier run!
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Now for the big run of the week. I felt better on the mountain this week. Did a little warm up jog on the level ish part of the trail before heading up. My niece tagged along this week. I'm pretty sure I almost killed her. I think she totally underestimated the effort of running continuously uphill. About half a mile in, I was feeling pretty good. I was still trotting along, but she had stopped to walk. Since she's never been on the trail, I figured it was best to not lose sight of her. So, I walked. Hopefully in two weeks she won't be quite so winded and we can run a little more.
Tried to get her to have some fuel before we left, but I don't think she believed the old man when I said it was necessary. Anyway, maybe she'll listen next time. She was definitely struggling. She never gave up, but I'm sure she was thinking about it.
First 3 miles is basically uphill. Roughly 1700ft of elevation gain. This is no $hit.... There are a few level/downhills along the way, but for the most part it's a grind!
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Then it was downhill for a bit, then turn around and go back up the hill you just ran down! That portion of the trail is clearly favored by the bike riders. Trail is banked on several of the corners with deep grooves. I'll have to be really aware of the bikes that might be on there. Fortunately, I got there early enough that we saw a few heading up to the top as we were coming down. Not an issue, at least today.
Then for the good part, roughly 3 miles back down! No real problems here, ran at a comfortable pace. Somewhere around mile 7, my quads were feeling it. Going to be interesting when that mile 7 today turns into mile 25 on race day. Also, lost focus momentarily and stubbed the crap out of my toe. Dang that hurt. I didn't go down but I did stumble a bit. You really can't let your mind wonder while running on the trail. Too much stuff to ruin your day.
Overall, I'd give this run a C+. I think I could have run a little faster on the way up and hopefully in two weeks the niece will be ready to do so!
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I had a little fuel before we took off, granola bar and water. Then a GU every 30 min + water. This seemed to work out for fuel and water. No problems with running out of energy or feeling dehydrated. I may start on the Muarten before these longer/harder runs. Haven't made this decision yet. Not sure if that's over doing it or not.
Got a new running vest. Sunday was the first day out with it and I have to say it worked out pretty well! I have two 17oz bottles in pouches on the chest and several small pockets that work well for the GU packs. As well as some larger pockets on the back for hats/gloves etc. It was comfortable and I didn't have any issues with it chafing or anything. Only complaint is that the big pocket in back requires me to take off the vest to get into it. Not a big deal really.
Overall a really successful week of running! Hope everyone is staying healthy!!