Poppie

Poppie,

I did a version of running the straights and walking the curves this morning.  I ran the 1.75 miles from my house to the neighborhood .5 mile cinder track for a warmup, then did 4 laps of alternating walking and then running a length of the track for a 5.5 mile total.  It's virtually square so the running and walking were equal distances.  For the running I didn't push it too hard but did run them at a good pace.  It felt invigorating to run fast for a change.  I'll sacrifice some miles each week but if I can get in the habit of doing this workout I think it will pay big dividends in the future.

3

I had planned on 5 miles this morning but 3 will have to do.  Got out the door at home a few minutes late and then out the office door at 6:10.  My workday feels so rushed and harried I don't want to feel that on my runs.  My runs are supposed to relieve that stress......... so I took my time and didn't push it.

can't complain

11.5 hours of sleep Friday night......WOW!!  I really needed that.  Misty and I had a leisurely morning drinking coffee and enjoying a healthy shake.  Then we fed the feral cats at her work and did our grocery shopping before I went for my run.  It took me a couple of miles to get loosened up and I didn't ever feel particularly great but I did manage to get in 10 miles just under 2hrs.  I guess I can't complain anytime I can get in 10 miles under 2hrs and not have to push myself very hard especially the day after a 10 miler.

longhorn dam

Marc G and I got in a 10.5 mile run from my office down to LBL then looped around Longhorn Dam and back.  We finished in exactly 2hrs......pretty decent considering my low mileage recently and Marc's hip is out of whack.  The goal for the rest of the weekend is to get in 10 miles tomorrow morning .....to NOT drink too much beer Saturday evening and another 10 Sunday.  We'll see how that goes.....I'm gonna give it hell!!!!

dry phone

Got in an abbreviated 3 mile run this morning.  When I left the office it was not raining but it started within 10 minutes.  I had planned on running a different route so I took my phone with me so I'd no how far I'd gone.  Well, the rain was coming down hard and I began to get paranoid about my phone even though I had my Gore Tex rain jacket on.  I got to Whole Foods and ran under the awning, pulled my phone out......it was dry so I turned it off, took it apart and pulled the battery out.  The plan then became to return to the office, leave the phone and continue on but the rain was coming down too hard and I became really scared about my phone getting soaked and having to dry out for days.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!

squeezed it out

Alrighty!!!  I pulled my lazy fat head out of my ass and squeezed in 2 runs before our weekend trip to Houston where there will be no running and probably a lot of beer drinking!!!  I got in 6 miles at LBL yesterday after work and another 4 miles in this morning in our 'hood.   I'm really pumped about it because I nearly bailed yesterday evening but pulled the trigger at the last minute.  And this morning I had some fleeting thoughts of not heading out the door for the easy 4 but Misty was up and going to her bootcamp so that made it a bit easier.  I'm really happy about 17 miles during the work week too.  Hopefully that will give me some good momentum heading into what will hopefully be a 40 mile week.

Anybody that knows me at all knows this could change in the next few hours but I think I've decided on the Nueces 50k in early March and the Hells Hills 50 mile in early April.  The time is NOW to build up some mileage!!!

good run

Had a really good 7 run from the Dog Park to Forest Ridge and back yesterday evening.  My time was 1:28!!  It was one of those runs that was nearly effortless.....very little body issues and ran a fair amount of the uphills.  Also finished in near complete darkness which is cool to do once in a while.

misty killed

Misty killed it at Run Like the Wind!!  She did 11.2 miles in 3hrs!!  She couldn't help herself and did some unplanned running and is paying the price for it.  She should be okay in a couple of days except for her bootcamp starting tomorrow.  I'm really proud of her pushing her limits some!!

I was signed up for the 6hr but had a problem with my neuroma flaring up with my new Cascadia's.  It was burning like hell when I'd walk.  Very disappointing but I think I can fix it by building up the ball of my insert with tape.  That has worked in the past.  I did get in 14 miles in 3hrs Saturday but the bottom line is that I'm not in very good shape right now.  I'm determined to get it back though!!  I'LL BE BACK!!

Forest Ridge

Got in a 4.5 mile run at Forest Ridge yesterday after work.  It was nice getting in some hills too.  90 miles for the month.  3rd consecutive month of lower than ideal mileage but I'll keep on hitting it.  Misty and I have Sam's loop run this Saturday.  She's scheduled for the 3hr and I'm doing the 6hr.  I'm having 2nd thoughts though.  I'd REALLY like to see the Horns play Baylor Saturday at 2:30.  Last game of an exciting season.  But, it's a great  opportunity to get in another 50k to add to the list.  The weather is playing a part in my decision too.  I'd really rather not run in the rain too.  We'll see about it.

Misty has also decided that she wants to do the 25k in Bandera.  That is going to be an awesome hike for the both of us to do.

sloth

First run in 10 days yesterday.  I couldn't believe how good I felt after such a slothful weekend.  That was very unexpected.  I did the easy 4.5 mile flat route from the Dog Park over near Spicewood Springs Rd.  I wanted to go farther but decided not to push it after such a long layoff.  I'll get another run in tomorrow and Thursday in lieu of the 6hr loop this coming  Saturday.

great efforts

Misty and I both busted great efforts today!!  I started the day off by getting up at 430 to plant water at the HOL for the old fashioned Rick Gastelum 15 mile out and back run I had planned.  Cris S. and Diana H. joined me on the run.  Cris headed off into the hills of Travis Country at the turn and Diana and I headed back down.  At the beginning of the descent our time was 1:50.  Diana commented that the first half didn't "feel" that slow.  I agreed.  We mixed in some great conversation along with running and walking and we finished in 3:25 thanks to Diana being a toughie and kicking in the last .25 mile.  I cursed and said, "that's the same shit Rick used to pull"!!!!

Misty ROCKED her 2nd Warrior Dash 5K later in the afternoon!!  The course and obstacles were much more difficult than the one in east Texas last March and her time was only 4 minutes slower.  She really feels like she's gotten stronger. I was able to see her a much more on this course vs. east Texas too.

She starts 20 days of bootcamp starting next Monday too!!  She's really excited about it!!

3 mornings in a row

Ran from my office down to LBL.....did the Mopac-Congress loop back to the office for a total of 8+ miles.  Knee still bugging me some but I'm happy with my mileage this week!!

the earlier the better!

When I'm feeling down or just downright lazy I need to remind myself how great it is too start the day with an early morning run.  Unless it's really cold AND raining there really is no excuse for me not to get in 2-3 early runs a week.  Yes, it takes a bit of planning and getting things together but it is so worth it when I'm done.  Not only do I have the satisfaction of my run being finished for the day, I'm relieved of the pressure of having to get in a run after a tough day at work.  The run after work plan has NOT been working at all and it shows with my mileage being really low.  And, it showed with my performance or lack of it at Rocky Raccoon 2 weeks ago.

Shan, Diana and I ran the 5 mile loop at LBL this morning.  We had a good run.  They continued on as I had to be to work early today.  Planning on an easy 7 miler tomorrow from the office to LBL around the 4 mile loop their for a total of 7.

As of now I'm not committed to any runs besides Run like the Wind 6hr and hiking the Bandera 25k with Misty.  I've definitely decided against anything at Huntsville in Feb.  Past that there are a bunch of choices thru March and April.  Part of me wants to get some of my pride back at the Hogs Hunt 50k on April 16th.  It's the same course as Rocky Raccoon 50k with a different name.  The bottom line is more consistent training miles!!!

darkness

Got up at 5am this morning and got in a 5 mile run in the 'hood.  I was worried I'd have to test my mettle against mother natures predicted rain but it was dry and stayed that way for the hour I was out.  I was a bit slow starting out but felt better as I warmed up.  It always nice to be out and about in the early morning darkness.

circle of life

I gave Marc G an 11 mile tour of Barton Creek this morning.  We started at the HOL and ran the main trail, cut off on the side trail to Rick's spot.  I hadn't told him about Rick before so I told him about how Rick died and about the running miles and events he and I ran together.  On the way back I thought about the circle of life and how I'm continuing it by showing Marc the trails I run.

down again

Less than a quarter mile into my run in Bull Creek yesterday afternoon I went down AGAIN!!!  Once again I don't know what I tripped on but this time the landing was on the huge rock plate that is the "trail"......no dirt this time.  Thankfully I'm wasn't too badly injured.  I continued on and did 4 miles.  My right knee is skinned up pretty bad and right hip is bruised too.  I iced my knee yesterday evening and loaded up on vitamin I.  It's all feeling better this morning and with a few days rest I should be good to go Saturday morning with my scheduled 10 miler at Barton Creek.

Tuesday evening I got in an easy 2 miles on Townlake or Butler Park or whatever we're calling it now.

It seems there's been lots of "firsts" lately.   This would mark my first event not having my Mom to call afterwards.  She was always eager to hear what were almost always positive and sometimes jubilant reports on my runs.  When I first started doing the "longer" runs I think she thought I was a bit off, but as time went by I think she got it.  Over the past 4 years I've had Rick to think about and call on for strength during runs.  Now I'll have Mom and Dad as well.  While I'm on the subject of drawing strength I cannot discount the huge hug that Misty gave me on my way out the door Saturday morning.  Just the thought of her disappointment for me if I were to DNF is enough to keep me chugging along during a race!!

My days of being able to gut out a decent 50k on minmal training are over. Gone are the days of having an "automatic" top 3rd finish.  Due to way too much going on on Saturdays lately and too much emotional eating and beer drinking I ran the Rocky Raccoon 50k yesterday in 6:51 and finishing 76th of 87 finishers.  Time wise, this was my 3rd slowest 50k yet.  I'm going to count it as my slowest one though in regards to finish time/ effort.  I've run the Bandera 50k twice, my slowest being 6:53.  Almost anyone reading this blog will know that those nearly identical times don't come close to comparing when taking into account the difficulty of the Bandera course.  In Dec '04 I ran 6:55 on this course but that was truly a training run in lieu of the RR 100 mile that Feb.  On this run I gave it everything I had, I had nothing left at the end.

On the glass half full side, at the age of 51 I can go out and run 31 miles in under 7hrs on only 147 miles of running over a 2 month period.  Another positive is that I ran almost even spilts.  At the turn I came in around 3:15 and  left at the 3:24 mark.  I had been eating gels regularly, taking my electrolytes and eating at least a little bit at every aid station so I shouldn't have been out of gas but I was!

When I headed out for the 2nd 15.5 mile loop I surely thought I'd be finishing in 7:30.  I plugged and plugged on the 2nd loop and then with about 5 miles left I realized I had a good shot at breaking 7hrs and continued pushing.

For the near future Saturday mornings are going to be spent regaining my endurance.  I've got Sam's Run like the Wind 6hr coming in 4 weeks and the Rocky Raccoon 50 mile in 3 months and hopefully at least 2 other early spring events as well.

Oh, and I had Misty to call as soon as the race was over and reported to her that although I was slow I had the time of my life out on the trail again!!

do I or don't I?

Do I still have it?  I suppose I'll see tomorrow and in the upcoming months.  With only 147 running miles the last two months due to depression, being super busy at work, weekends being filled with too much social time, I can't help but wonder about my commitment to continuing as an endurance athlete.  Also, the continuing tingling in my left knee has me feeling very mortal as well.

One of the voices in my head the last few days has me considering stepping down to the 25k at Rocky Raccoon this Saturday, not having run a step since last Thursday makes me question whether I should do the 50k.  That voice justifies the drop down in distance by saying that with being off work tomorrow I can get in a 10 miler in Austin before we head to Cissy and Gene's house in Coldspring.  That would still give me 25 miles for the weekend AND I'd be back to C and G's in time to see the entire UT Tex Tech football game.

The other voice says, stop being a wimp, do the run, get the finishers award and another notch on my Ultra gunbelt.  You're really in pretty good shape.  You did have some really good miles in June, July and Aug and don't forget last Tuesday's run was a 10 miler in 1:44!!........and Sam did a very difficult 50 mile in Bandera last Saturday too on fairly minimal training miles, in other words on GUTS!!!!  Your psyche needs the ultra finish too.....no matter if it's slow.  You need to get it done.

great 10

Shan and I had a great 10 miler this morning!!  We had a nice slow start....warmed up after a mile or so, didn't push the pace too much and had a very satisfying finishing time of 1:44.

I really needed that run.  It was great to catch up with Shan and I needed a good run to help pull me out of my doldrums some.  2 good ten mile runs the last 3 days are gonna help with that I think.

Even though my mileage has been shit the last few months I still can't get Rocky Raccoon 100 mile out of my head.  I'm feeling like I need something big lately.  I'm already signed up for the Rocky Raccoon 50k.....am planning on the 6hr at Run Like the Wind and then Bandera 25k with Misty.  If I can squeeze in one more good 30 miler on January 21st I might just have a 28-29hr RR 100 in me yet!!

overdue sweat

Got in a good 10 miler this morning from the main trailhead at Zilker......just a simple out and back.  I'm really happy with my 1:57 too!!  I've been hitting some low spots lately, I'll pull thru though.

Got in 7 miles at LBL after work last Tuesday.

dark 4

Got in an easy 4 this morning in the dark at LBL.

Forest Ridge

Marc G and I did the 7.5 mile Forest Ridge run yesterday evening in 1:43!!  Before we got started I told him that I usually run this route in 1:30-1:45 so he'd have a basic idea how long it would take us.  With a mile or so left to go it occurred to me that the time range I gave him is more typically a Saturday morning run time not a middle of the week after work time!!  So, that being said I'm really happy with the run.  My shoulder held up real well up too, considering I carried a hand bottle the entire way.

Scene of the crime

Yesterday I went back to the scene of the crime and showed that trail who is BOSS!!!

I started at Auditorium Shores and ran to the Barton Creek trailhead in Zilker and then 1 mile out and back......5 miles in all.  On Thursday I fell somewhere around the .5 mile mark but yesterday could not tell exactly where.  To me that reinforces how bad it was if I can't even remember where I went down.

Good news; the shoulder did not hamper my running motion and did not hurt when I ran.
Bad news; my shoulder is really injured and is going to be a while healing.

After the run went well yesterday evening I decided to go ahead and sign up for the Rocky Raccoon 50k on Nov. 5th in Huntsville S.P.  Now the challenge becomes getting in some decent miles during our busiest month of the year.

I don't think I've commented yet on how nice it is to be running in this early fall/ late summer weather.  This is without a doubt my favorite time of year.  The heat is gone and the cold isn't here yet!!

Crash and burn

Thursday morning I crashed and burned on the trail in Barton Creek with only a half mile left on a 7 mile run.  I started at 6am at the main trailhead at the pool parking lot and ran the first 6 miles by flashlight in the dark.  I went down in typical fashion, wide open trail, nothing too technical just wide open enough to let my guard down. I stubbed my foot on something (on what, I have no idea) and found myself crashing to the ground.  It wasn't even a typical, trip and then a couple of awkward long bounds of struggling trying to right yourself.  It was down immediately in the dirt.  The few marks on the outside rear of my left shoulder confirm that I actually pitched forward in the fall.  I think my shoulder hit first then my head hit the ground (I have scratches on the left side of my head).  I don't have any marks on my hands, knees or elbows......nothing!!!!

And, my shoulder is fucking injured!!  Thankfully it's not as injured as I thought it was initially.  When I first talked to Misty I told her I thought I may need to go to the ER!!  It hurt like hell!!  I couldn't steer my car with my left hand at all!!  I even felt a bit like I was in shock.  Or, maybe it was the emotion of it all.  My mind was racing with all sorts of crazy thoughts.....2 days before my 51st birthday....is this the injury that ends my running?.....how are we going to afford shoulder surgery?......the continuing emotion of my first birthday without my Mother.

430

Got an early start and got in 7 miles at LBL this morning.  Mon, Wed, Fri I have to be a t work at 730 and 830 Tue, Thur.  On the early days I have time for the 4 or 5 mile loop if I start at 6am.  So, I got up at 430 to start at 530ish so I'd have time to get in the 7 mile without busting my ass.  I'm aiming for 7 miles the rest of the week thru Saturday.  One day at a time!!

Coldspring Hills

Misty, Vincent and I enjoyed a 7.5 mile adventure mostly walking but mixing in some running from Cissy and Gene's house in Camilla to Uncle Buddy's house in Coldspring Saturday morning.

It can be a bit tricky staying safe out on the road when you're on hilly country roads that have no shoulder whatsoever.  On the way up a hill we'd stay with the traffic and as soon as we topped the hill we'd cross to the oncoming side in case a car came up behind us.  When you have quick successive hills you really have to stay aware of any traffic and the best thing to do is just get off the road and down in the ditch and give the oncoming  vehicle plenty of space. Although Mrs. Farrell didn't obey the road Captain's rules to the "T" everything worked out okay and there were no mishaps!!

Wed

Ran 4.5 miles with Marc G yesterday after work.  That was my 2nd time running there (just realized my other time running there was with another Mark.....Richards.  It's a pretty good place to run but seems like an easy place to get lost.  I suppose that's the case for all trail until you become familiar with them.

This morning I ran the 4 mile loop at LBL.  Shan was supposed to meet me but got her days mixed up.  We'll run tomorrow morning.

This morning it was nice and cool and a hopefully a preview of some permanently cooler weather very soon.  Everyone is so tired of the heat.  It looks as if we'll hit 90 days of 100 degree weather which seems sort of surreal to me.  Tony M posted yesterday that San Antonio had their 52nd day of 100 degrees.  That number seems so low in comparison but is still ridiculous.

Changes

Got in 8 miles at Barton Creek from the Spyglass entrance in about 2hrs.  I took my time getting going again this morning and didn't get started till 10ish and finished around noon.  It was starting to warm up towards the 100 degrees they predicted today.

During my run today I finalized my decision to deactivate my Facebook account.  Last Friday Misty and I had a very nasty incident with my co-worker.  She took a picture of the cat bowls on the floor in our house when she was there retrieving my laptop I had forgotten that morning.  She happened to have an appointment to have her car serviced at Misty's shop that morning and offered to get it on her way back to the office.  She has a bad habit, almost a strange compulsion, to take secretive pics of people in public places that she thinks are dressed funny or someone she just wants to make fun of or put down.

When she returned to the office she showed Jon and I the picture she had taken and I immediately told her, "don't post that on FB".  She asked why and I said, "Misty would get very angry".  She asked why and I said, " she is very private about her personal space.  That was Tuesday, week before last and that Friday Misty found that Janice had posted the picture on FB.  Needless to say, the shit hit the fan and Misty really gave it to her on FB AND the phone.  It got pretty ugly just as I predicted and ended up being a VERY bad day.

This past Thursday I posted something on FB that pitted 2 of my best friends against each other. They've actually partied together at our house and they were throwing F bombs at each other.....ugly again.  After several apologies on my part disaster seems to have been averted.

Lessons continue to be learned.

New Nathan

Got in 6.5 miles this morning in Bull Creek.  I had an easy time of it testing out the new Nathan bladder pack.  100oz of water is HEAVY.  I did some exploring looking for a trail from the Randalls at Mesa and Spicewood Springs Rd.  This is the 2nd time I've done this unsuccessfully.  Oh well, it was a good time on the trail.  I did have a mishap though.  Coming down a steep trail I slipped on the some loose dirt and my feet came out from under me.  My knee that was already a bit bummed got strained again.  I took some vitamin I and am icing it.  I had to bail on my run with Marc G and Sam that we had planned tomorrow morning.  I may still go run if it feels better in the morning.

LBL

Ran 7 miles at LBL yesterday evening after work in 1:16.  I'm pretty darn happy with that time considering it's nearing the end of the week and I had a terrible nights sleep the night before.

I'm meeting a high school friend Lee Perovich and his family this evening to watch a high school football game.  We haven't seen each other since high school (32 years) but have had some positive contact thru FB.  His son plays on the varsity for Cibolo Steele HS.

I'm gonna shoot for getting in 7 miles after work, shower at our office and then walk over to the stadium.  We'll see....

Misty

Got in a pretty good 7 mile run this morning at LBL.  My time was 1:16.  Not to shabby for sort of taking it easy.  My knee is still acting weird.  I wouldn't say it actually hurts.  It's feels sensitive.  I'm gonna go ahead with my plan for a high mileage week with lots of easy running and plenty of walking and see how it goes.  I do have to be more consistent with my strengthening exercises too.

Misty and I had a really good walk in Barton Creek Greenbelt Saturday morning.  We did 5.5 miles doing part of the old loop that Sam, Mark, Doug and Shan used to do.  Misty really seemed to enjoy it......especially finishing with the HOL......HA!!!!  She's tough though......didn't stop once!!!

lazy

Got in a lazy 7 miler this morning in 1:26.  I'm not wanting to rush back in too soon after the 10 day layoff so I had another easy day.  I'm happy that I had to hold myself back when I got to I35 this morning.....I was tempted to do the whole 10 mile loop.  I started at 5:45 this morning so I had time if I pushed it just a bit but decided against it.  10 miles somewhere Saturday morning for an easy 22 mile week.  I'm definitely gonna cranking it up next week!!!

back in it

Got in an easy 5 miles at LBL yesterday afternoon.  It's always a bit strange getting back into it after a little lay off.  On another note I'm happy with the core stuff I've been doing the last few days.......I NEED to be more consistent with it though.  Maybe actually posting it will be a conscience for me.

Rest

Gonna get started back up running tomorrow after a 10 day layoff/ rest.  I was really down last week about the fires and we were out of town Thursday and Friday so I decided that with the good miles I've had the last 3 months that I'd just get in a good rest.

So much for the rest.  My knee hasn't improved at all.  I'm gonna get back to it tomorrow anyway.

Another out and back

Did another out and back at Barton Creek this morning.  I wish I knew how many times I've done this run.  100?, 200?  I'm not sure how many but it's a bunch.  It was like old home week this morning down there.  Barry Beckman joined me and at the start Mark (Crash Triprock) Johnson was there a with a gal named Lindsey?  We got going and came upon David Jacobson, Joe Prusaitis and 3rd person.  We also saw John Kuss at around the 6 mile mark and stopped to talk to him for a few minutes.  We leapfrogged Crash and his friend a couple times and they were at the HOL when we got there and he and I chatted.

On the way down the hill I asked Barry if he wanted to walk and he declined. When we got to the flat he ran a few times but was pretty much done with running with 6.5 to go.  He told me to go ahead and I thought about for a little and decided to go.  I needed to get done and get home and help Misty clean house, and I didn't want to string it out either.  I also saw Ryan Beard along the way and we talked about his awesome WS100 finish and his pacing a couple of the top dogs at the RR100 in Feb.  He is considering running it and I encouraged him.

I'm pretty happy with my time of 3:42 considering all the visiting I did.

Outstanding day on the trails......AGAIN!!!!

Review

Just finished looking at my running log and mileage for late summer into fall of 2008 during my training for Rocky Raccoon 2009.  My mileage is looking really good so far this year considering several low mileage months due to injury.  If I can maintain the mileage I've been doing the last several months and add a bit to it I should be good for RR100.  I always recommend starting a running log to people who are beginning a running program.  I've referred to old logs many times to see what I've done in regards to training for specific runs!!

Push

My 8 mile time this morning was the same as my 7 mile time Tuesday morning so I suppose I pushed a bit harder this morning.  I did get in a really good first 5 for sure.....my watch at 4 miles said 40 min and change and I gave it another good mile.  Trying to decide what my mileage goal should be for September.  I'm thinking 135-140.

Nice n easy

Got in a nice and easy 7 miles at LBL this morning in 1:26.  With 5 more tomorrow morning that'll give me 130 miles for the month.  I'm gonna get some decent miles this week so I decided that with the slight increase in my monthly mileage I'll just take it easy and get in some "junk" miles.  Speaking of mileage I'm really happy with my overall total for the last 4 months.  It's going to be an excellent base heading into the fall and cooler weather.

Sunday

Barry Beckman and I walked 10.66 miles in Barton Creek this morning in 3:25.  Barry is planning on doing the 50K at the Wild Hare on Nov 19th and hasn't done any running at all, only walking.  So, we mixed a few easy running parts today and it seemed to go well.  We went all the way down to Rick's Spot and he was very impressed with the cross and seems to enjoy hearing about Rick.

Solitude

I needed to get in some good miles today and had planned on running at Barton Creek.  The more I thought about all I could do was picture seeing a bunch of other people on the trail so I changed things up and ran at Bull Creek.  We are so fortunate to have such a wide variety of trails that are so close to home (Bull Creek is easily half the distance from our house as Barton Creek).

A long time ago I joined Henry and some others on a run that included most of the trails in Bull Creek but I don't believe I ever tied them all together in the same day.  I've always heard the mileage is around 14 and sure enough it was 14.2.  I planted 2 coolers, 1 near the creek and road at St Ed's and one up the trail a bit from the trailhead at the gravel parking lot and I started at the Dog Park.  As it turns out, the cooler near the trailhead was overkill but better safe than sorry.  I thought I might do the 4 mile flat section again but decided against it when I got to the car.  Next time the cooler at St Ed's and a cooler in my car will do just fine.  I just realized that a cooler at my turnaround point would be perfect.  It's 7.5 miles and hardly anyone ventures down that far so I wouldn't have to worry about my cooler at all!!

I didn't see another human being for the first 90 minutes.  It was solitude I was seeking and I found it!!

Chillin

Got in an easy chillin' 5 miles this morning at LBL.  I did some running and lots of walking, mostly getting my head right for a long run Saturday morning.  Right now the plan is to do a double out and back from the Spyglass entrance to Barton Creek to the HOL......should be approximately 26 miles.  I'm really in need of some solitude...

Deceiving

Had a deceivingly good run this morning at LBL with Shan.  I wasn't feeling it and Shan had less than 4 hours sleep but we still ran the 7 mile in 1:09:27.  It's very encouraging when you're not feeling it and still bang out a good time relative to past runs!!

Easy, sweaty 4

Got in 4 easy miles this morning at LBL.   Today I was early guy at work because Jon and I switched early days so Shan and I could run tomorrow morning.  Instead of getting up at 430 so I could get in my normal 7 I decided to get up at 500 and get in 4 miles or even 5 if I'm feeling good.  The plan worked out great.  The 4 mile took my about 50 min, I got to work in plenty of time to shower and be ready to answer phones at 730.

So, no more worrying about getting up at 430 to get in extra miles....

Knee feels pretty good today.  I had some brain cells fire off while was tossing and turning last night and remembered some exercises Richard McCormick showed me years ago to strengthen the muscles around the knee.  I'm gonna start those ASAP.  Gotta get ready for the 100!!!!

Bulverede

Got in 9 miles from my sisters house in Bulverde.  Good run, mostly on roads.  It felt so good to get out and do some sweating this morning!!!

Old Chums

Got in a super good 10 miles this morning with most of the old Thursday morning running friends....Diana H, Shan R and Steve F.  The only person missing from the old crew was Mark L.

I started out up front with Steve and as we pulled away a couple of times I was thankful that Diana and Shan held back.  Steve is a lot faster than me and probably them too.  My shoe came untied in the first mile and then we stopped at the water table at 1st street and that was our only stops the entire first 7 miles......huge for me!!!!!

We stopped and I checked the time....1:08:55!!!  I was so happy.  Then, Shan said that she was going to get another 3 miles.  My first thought was, "that's cool, but I'm done".  But, after thinking about it a few more seconds I said, "Hey, I'm game for 3 more"!!!  Diana shrugged and said, " Well, I guess I'm in too.  On mornings like this Steve parks at the YMCA and runs to meet us at 6am and then runs back so he gets in around 9 miles every time he joins us.  So, we all 4 headed back the opposite direction.  What a great morning with good friends!!!

3 miles at Lady Bird Lake after work yesterday!!

Bull Creek

5.5 miles mostly on the flat at Bull Creek this evening.  I started at the Dog Park and ran to Spicewood Springs Rd, crossed the road and doubled back.  When I got to the gravel parking lot I went toward Forest Ridge and did the .8 mile lower loop and then continued on to the finish.  It was hot but I'm definitely acclimated!!!

St Ed's

Got in 2 miles at St Ed's this afternoon.  I just didn't feel like continuing in the heat today.  I'll get up early tomorrow and hit it.   Today is the first day of my new streak.......weeks of 5 days of activity.  Much more reasonable than the 100 day challenge.  I'm going to continue with the minimum of a 2 mile walk.  My knee will still need some rest too.

Streak finito

The streak is over at 31 days.  I've been having some minor knee irritation that I'm fairly sure is not anything major but I decided to go ahead and take a couple of rest days.  My running has been going to good NOT to stop and give it a rest.  Our wonderful neighbor who also happens to be a masseuse came over this morning and focused on my legs exclusively.  She was really gentle and mostly worked some knots in my calves, achilles, thighs and IT band, some other pressure points and worked all around my knee.  Several hours later I have no pain AT ALL!!!

After another rest day tomorrow Monday will start a much more reasonable and doable streak.  The streak will be weeks of 5 days activity, 2 days rest.

Almost forgot to add that I did do a 2 mile walk yesterday evening!!

Hot and slow

Got in 5 miles at LBL yesterday after work in just over an hour.  Not too shabby considering my massive intake of celebratory beer Wed evening/ night!!!!

Alive

Kept the streak alive at 29 days with a 1 mile walk on the cinder .5 mile loop in Sam's neighborhood!!

Hot and humid

Yesterday I did a hot afternoon 5 mile run on my secret trails in 1 hr and this morning my boss and I got in an easy 5 miles at LBL in the humidity.

Sunday hike

Barry Beckman and I did a 7.5 mile hike this morning at Forest Ridge in Bull Creek.  He walked a lot faster than I like to but it was a lot of fun.  You can definitely tell he has been doing some serious walking.  He's in great shape.

Wells Branch

Misty and I walked 3 miles on the trails in Wells Branch today.

Quiet

Misty and I walked 2 miles starting around 5:10 this morning.  It is so quiet and still in the neighborhood early in the morning!!  We just love it!!

Rolling along

Got in a 3 mile run/ walk in the neighborhood yesterday evening and a 7 mile run/ walk this morning at LBL.

Tuesday heat

Gordon Montgomery and I got in almost 6 miles yesterday evening in Barton Creek.  We started at the pool parking trailhead and ran and walked to Rick's Spot.  Gordon had asked me to show him where Rick's Spot was and I needed to get in some shaded miles so hit him up early in the day and he was able to make it.

As it turns out Rick is the reason for Gordon doing ultras.  Gordon and his good friend Carl were members of an Austin Rugby club and when Carl saw the news reports of Rick's death he posted a message on the club email challenging everyone to run a 100k.  Gordon was the only taker.

What a moving story and a living testament to Rick's memory.

not so bad

Got in a 3 mile walk in the neighborhood yesterday at 5:15pm.  It was really hot but I wore a hat and had a long sleeve white shirt on and it really wasn't too bad.  We picked a helluva time to do the 100 day challenge!!!

Yesterday was day 20 by the way!!

Good Month

Got in a great 20 miles Saturday morning.  Sam V, Jim B and I started at 530 at the Hill of Life.  Jim was leading and banging down the hill hard right out of the gate.  I couldn't keep up and they had to wait for me twice at intersections in the first mile.  I warm up pretty slowly and today was no exception.  I knew I'd be good later and sure enough I was.  The start of the route we took was very familiar but then we diverted off on some side trails that I've been on before but get lost on if I'm by myself.  I told Jim the next time we do this route I want to lead so I can see it from up front.

Sam fell back a bit at times during the hilly first 6.5 miles and at the mini aid station Jim had set up he told us he wasn't feeling it and said he was gonna bail out on us.  That really sucked but there are some days you're just not feeling it.

Jim and I continued on thru the Grotto, up Shan's (we walked it Shan) and back down to the main trail.  I led from there and was feeling really good.  I kept thinking about the Tarahumara indians in the book I'm reading (Born to Run) and about their style of running.  I tried to focus on using the weight of my upper body to propel me forward and land as flat footed as possible instead of the typical pushing off.

I had had a goal of 5hrs in the back of my head the entire run and after Jim and I replenished at Spyglass our elapsed time was 3:41.  I told Jim that had a goal of 5hrs and he immediately said, "no way".  I told him that I was gonna go for it and took off.

Mixing in running and walking, and for non- Austinites, the 350ft climb up the Hill of Life, I finished in 5:00:18.  Lately, the last miles of a longer run like this I'm limping in the last few miles but I stayed fueled up and continued to feel energized and was able to push it.  This was the best run I've had since at least the Bandera 100k in January.  I think the difference lately has been the everyday activity of the 100 day challenge.  I'm planning on continuing this indefinitely.

Yesterday Misty and I did a 3 mile walk in the neighborhood.

Evening

2 mile walk in the neighborhood this evening.

Improvement

Even though I wasn't feeling it this morning, and Shan and I took at least 4 walk breaks, we still knocked a minute off our 7 mile time from the last 2 weeks.  I just smiled when I looked at my watch and showed Shan.  1:11:49.  What a satisfying fist bump that was!!

Today's run proved a point I've been trying to make to another running friend, NOT to be named, that a few short walk breaks, combined with a decent running pace, will still get a good finishing time vs some slow shuffling for the sake of NOT WALKING.

Feeling really good about the 100 day challenge.  Today was day 16 and besides a little left knee irritation I fell like the everyday activity, whether it be walking or running is really making a difference in fitness.  I'm laying down a good foundation for some excellent fall training.

Early 10

Alarm went off at 430, was at LBL at 500 for 10 miles.  I mixed in quite a bit of walking and was pleasantly surprised to finish in 2:02.  Boy was it muggy.  My shorts and shirt were totally drenched when I finished.  For a little change up I did the Mopac to 1st St and then Mopac around Lamar twice.  I'd really like to make an early 10 miles on Tuesday a regular thing.

Downtown

Got in a 4 mile run/ walk downtown from my office this morning.

Hungover and Hot!!

2 mile walk in the neighborhood with Misty.  HOT HOT HOT!!!

Friday and Saturday

Yesterday afternoon after work I ran and walked 8 miles in Barton Creek in just over 2hrs.

This morning Misty and I slept in a bit and got in a 3 mile walk in the neighborhood.

Hungover walk

2 mile walk in the neighborhood.......too many beers last night but I made it through!!

Kept my head

Same time as last week and didn't "almost" pass out.  I'd call that improvement!!!  Shan and I did the 7 mile loop in 1:12 again today.  We mixed in walking when I requested it, finished at a very slow pace but I'm very happy with the time vs. effort.  I think it's the walking and running everyday thing.  I expect the 100 day challenge to continue prove very beneficial!!

Meandering

Got in 5 miles this morning meandering through the neighborhood.  I'm loving the RunKeeper Gps program on my phone.  I bought a small pouch that wraps around my waist that'll also hold a few cards that works great.  Now I'll be able to carry it with me on all my runs.  The real beauty of the Gps is that I can head out the door or out on the trail with no plan whatsoever and I know at all times how far I've gone.  No questionable calculations about my pace vs the time I've run on the trail trying to figure mileage.  No more cumbersome computer Gps programs, just turn it on and go!!

Early walk

Misty and I got up early and got in another 2 mile walk in the neighborhood.  Good stuff!!

Lover

Misty and I had a great 2 mile walk in the 'hood this morning.  We need to do that together more often.

100 Day Challenge

Day 4 of the 100 day challenge.  Walked 2 miles this morning in the 'hood at a comfortable pace and finished in 35 min.  I really enjoy being outside in the early morning darkness when it's peaceful and quiet.  I feel like I've got the whole world to myself.

For the Challenge I'm committing to a minimum of a 1 mile walk per day but am really aiming for a minimum of a 2 mile walk.  If I had been doing this for the month of June I'd have had 151 miles for the month instead of 119 and that's at the 2 miles per day......what a difference!!!

3-7's

Three days in a row of 7 miles.  Got in another one from the HOL at Barton Creek.

I think I'm going to commit to the 100 day challenge.  It's gonna be a pretty wimpy one though.  It'll be a minimum of a 1 mile walk everyday although I'm really going to aim for a minimum of 2 miles.  It's gonna be a bit rough on hung over mornings but that's the point.  Get out a do a little something.  My total miles last month would have been 151 instead of 119, a much better looking total!!!

Taking it easy

Got in 7 miles at LBL yesterday after work.  Not very motivated but got 'er done anyway.  I mixed in a lot of walking and had some good time on feet.  I'm always happy with myself when I can power through those nasty voices telling me to bail out early.  Getting practice powering through those negative voices will bode well during the nighttime in Jan and Feb too!!

Tempo!!

Had a great run this morning!!  Shan and I did the 7 mile loop in 1:12, my fastest run of the year!!  So far no ill effects with my foot either!!   She didn't mind the walk breaks my big fat ass needed either.  Between walk breaks we did run at a pretty good clip and it  felt so good to be really running instead of a fast shuffle or whatever it is that I normally do.

I was so spent when we finished I squatted down and that is not the thing to do.  I knew it at the time but didn't know what else to do.  After a few seconds of squatting I stood back up and almost blacked out.  I had to grab a sign that was very close thankfully.  Shan knew I was woozy and asked me if I needed to sit down.  I told her yes but was able to fill my water bottle before walking to the stone bench.  By that time my head was pretty clear.  Here's the whack part.  I was sort of pleased in a twisted way that I was fatigued to the point of possibly passing out.  

Another LBL sunrise

Got in an excellent 10 miles this morning at LBL.  My time was 1:54!!  Really happy with that.  I got in a nice slow warm up the first mile or so and was a little over an hour at the 6 mile point and held on from there.  I'm super happy with my week so far.  19 miles in 2 days of running.  I'm shooting for 9 Saturday morning and 12 Sunday morning with Jason and Justin.  We are running at McAllister Park in San Antonio and that should really be fun too!!!!  I have to be strong and not join in with the beer drinking Saturday evening.

Back on track

Got in 9 miles at LBL this morning in 1:45.  I felt a little creaky warming up, probably from not running for a week.  Had some lows last week.  Was all set to run last Thursday, got down to LBL, turned around and went home.  Just wasn't feeling it.  Didn't much feel like running this weekend either.  All the feelings come in waves and can be rather debilitating sometimes.  In the end I know I'll make it through, it's going to take a good while though.  I guess it's not supposed to be easy dealing with the loss of your parents.  The running plan for the rest of the week is to get another early start Thursday morning and get in 9-10.  Ideally 9-10 Saturday and Sunday too.....have to be strong and lay off the beer Saturday evening!!

A bit of tempo

Ran and walked 7 miles at LBL in 1:20.   I walked a bit more than I have been lately but I ran a bit faster too.  I tried to focus on turnover and simply moving faster.  Something else I tried to do was focus on keeping my feet on the ground as little as possible.

Rick's Run

Yesterday Sam Voltaggio, Mark Lindsey and I ran 27 miles.  Jim Balthazar did the first 21 miles. Kelley Lightfoot and a friend Reenie probably did something over 20 miles and Diana Heynen did approximately 10.
45 mile week!!!

7 mile slog

Slogged thru 7 miles this evening after work at LBL.  Thursday's are never very good for running after work.  Starting to feel the fatigue from the week.  I got thru it in 1:35.

Wed evening

Got in 6.5 miles at Barton Creek from the HOL this afternoon after work.  Had planned on going further but am a bit tired from not getting my normal sleep.

Early morning asphalt

Early morning asphalt.....again.  It's interesting how things come and go in our routines.  Before Saturday I can't remember my last road run and here I go, doing it again this morning.  It's all good, just getting out there taking it easy, mixing in walking, running on pavement, sidewalks, through peoples yards, well not way up in their yards but in the grass a bit.  My time was 57:50.  With the unseasonably hot weather we're having I'm really going to have to start dragging my ass out of bed in the morning to get my miles in.  I really don't mind if the temps are high 90's, even 100 but 104....no thanks....not doing it.  Mileage was 5 miles btw.

Early 5 in the 'hood

Was on the road at 530 this morning getting an early 5 miles before we hit the road to East Texas.  Tomorrow morning have 5 planned with Misty's 14yr old nephew Vincent......really excited about that!!!!  I also realized I can't remember my last road run.....it's been a long time!!

Guh!

Slogged thru 4 miles at LBL after work this evening.   I'm surprised I even did it in 50 min.  It wasn't so hot as I was whipped from a stressful day.  I hope I can at least get in another 4 tomorrow evening.  My plan was for 7 tonight and tomorrow night.  I'm planning on not drinking Saturday evening so maybe Vincent and I can get in an easy 6 Sunday morning to make up for my missed mileage.  I'm shooting for 130 miles this month.

Temp was 101!!

4 nanners

Got in 7 miles at Barton Creek this evening after work.  It was pretty hot but not unbearable.  I had a banana, blueberry, spinach shake this morning.  A banana with lunch, a banana late afternoon and another banana after my run.  I wore my wide brimmed safari hat and a long sleeve shirt.  90% of the trail being in shade really helped too.

Temp was 101!!

Hill Repeats

Did 9 miles in Barton Creek this morning in just over 2hrs.  I did 3 repeats going 1.5 miles out from the HOL.  That's a great start to my hill training for Big Bend.  If I can start easing into them now I should be in great shape.

Blah

Got in a 1:55 10 mile at LBL this morning before work.  My alarm was set for 430 so I could be on the trail by 530.  I wanted to take my time and not get in a rush.  I had a good nights sleep but felt like I had no energy but kept on truckin' and knocked it out anyway.

AM Run

Got in a good 8 mile this morning at LBL, my first early morning run downtown in months.  Part of the reason has been my foot but the main reason the last several weeks is because we don't have any hot water at our office.   It took me 1:35.  I mixed in plenty of walking along with some good running.  I'm feeling good, been doing some good stretching too.

Sunday

Ran 9 miles in Barton Creek this morning.  Mark, Sam and I started @ 630 and did about an hour together, Mark bailed and then Sam and I did another hour.  Good times, great friends!!  Off to an excellent start this month.  Gotta take it one day at a time

Run

Got in 7 miles on the Greenbelt in 1:47 yesterday evening.  Hot, hot, hot but it's all good.  Feeling good about getting this running month off to a great start!!

Running

I mostly RAN the 7 mile loop at Lady Bird Lake this evening after work.  I did it in 1:18 vs 1:28 last week in pretty much the same conditions.....HOT!!!  And it felt great to actually feel like I was really running I might add. It's also a positive way to start the running month after falling short last month.  This evening was even better because I didn't really feel like running at all....stressful day.....didn't get off early like I was supposed to.  But that's how it goes sometimes.  You force yourself out there and get a nice surprise and get in an encouraging run!!

Commit

I got in 21 miles Saturday morning in 5hrs.  I started at 5:15 and planned on doing the flat to Zilker, turn around and back to Spyglass, refill my hand bottle at the corner store and then up into the hills.  Well, I got down the trail a couple of miles and thought, "I HAVE to get in 20 miles today so I'm just gonna commit to it completely and continue to LBL."  And that's what I did, I committed to it. I had my bladder pack along with the hand held for a total of 70 oz so I had plenty to get me back to Spyglass.  I did the Mopac footbridge around to 1st street.  When I got to 1st street I filled up my hand held just to make sure I'd have plenty to get me to Spyglass.

Along the way I did something I've never done before.  After I finished the LBL 4 mile loop I crossed under Barton Springs Rd and sat on the cement picnic tables and ate a Clif bar.  At that point I had about 13 done and about 8 miles left so I decided to sit and relax for a few minutes.  Although I sat down for less 10 minutes, just sitting down for those few minutes really had a relaxing effect on me and I think it rejuvenated me.  Thankfully I was able to scrounge up a Clif bar at the last minute because I only had 4 gels for the whole run, so what few calories I had had to be managed carefully.

I continued on to Spyglass and bought two quarts of water and a 20oz Vitamin water from the corner store.  There is a very convenient cement wall outside the building that I was able to sit on while I topped off my bladder and bottle and I also took a picture of myself and posted it on FB .  I was able to maintain a pretty good pattern of walking and running the last 6+ miles to the HOL.  My bladder pack was a bit heavy due to topping it off completely.  I could have gotten by with less but am not taking any chances in the heat.

All in all it was another great experience out on the trail pushing my limits!!

100

According to the newspaper the temperature hit 100 degrees at the airport, and at Camp Mabry at precisely the time I was starting my run yesterday afternoon.  Wow, it seems like I'm doing better in the heat so far this year than I have in the past.  Part of it could be that I'm slowing down some or so it seems.  It took me 1:55 to do the 8 miles which is slower than usual but not terrible.  The important thing is that I was out there getting it done.

94

Ran and walked the 7 mile loop at LBL Tuesday evening after work.   Boy, was it hot!!  I enjoyed myself though.  I had a hand bottle with me and I just took my time.  I did it in 1:28.  I was more than satisfied with that time considering the conditions.  It was 94 degrees and a lot of it was in the direct sun!!

I'm starting the psyche job/ positive visualization/ pain preparedness plan, so I'll be ready for the mind fuck that is   running and walking around a 1k loop for 24hrs!!!  I love it!!

Saturday 9

Got in 9 miles at Barton Creek from the HOL.

LBL 7

7 miles on LBL in 1:20.   I've been a little concerned about running at LBL since my last experience wasn't good for my foot.  Well, yesterday evening was a bit better but not great.  I could feel the lump off and on for the first 4-5 miles and then it seemed to be okay for the last few.  Oh well, I'm gonna keep on trucking and treating it like I have been.

I've been thinking that there will be too many fun obstacles in the way of doing the Tejas Hell series of five 50 milers so I'm thinking I'll do the Rocky Raccoon 50k in Nov and the 24hr at Run Like the Wind in Dec, Bandera 100k and another late winter event to complete another fall/ winter event season.

 I've always wanted to do a 24hr around a loop and it makes so much sense to do this one.  One of my very best friends ever is the race director, close to home, therefore low cost as well.  Makes complete sense and I can start getting the old brainhousing group ready for the mind fuck that is 24hrs around a 1k loop now!!

Easy miles

Got in 4 easy miles at Bull Creek.  I started at the Dog Park parking lot and did the loop to Spicewood Springs Rd and back.  I've been running this loop for years and today with Runkeeper I found out the exact distance.  I was still a little groggy feeling from the weekend but got in some miles anyway and some heat training.  If I can continue these evening runs now maybe I'll be good for the middle of the summer.

Exploring Bull Creek

Got in 5 miles at Bull Creek early this afternoon.  I had planned on 4 hrs very early this morning but had a shit night sleep so I slept in.  Now that I've been using the Runkeeper App on my smart phone I've been checking mileage on routes I've been running for years.  I started at the Dog Park ran the road back toward Spicewood Springs....stayed on the north side of the creek.  It was almost exactly 2 miles to the far parking lot closest to SS Rd.  I crossed SS Rd and followed the trail back the opposite direction and then headed up to the hills to see where it would take me.  I think I found a pretty good very hilly add on to an otherwise flat boring run since the prick homeowner has fucked up the trail for us.  My mileage today included some backtracking so I can start fine tuning next week.  It runs like today where I just get some mileage in that really count, even if my original plan goes awry.

May 40 miles

Cool afternoon

Got in 7 miles at Barton Creek from the HOL.  We got the biggest single day rain since last September and you could barely tell on the trail.  The best part was that it was nice and cool and it's probably the last day we'll have like that till Oct.

First Hot

Got in 8 miles yesterday afternoon in Barton Creek.  Chris joined me in the heat.  According to the newspaper it was 96-97 while we were running.  I'm very encouraged because it didn't seem terribly hot to me.  That really bodes well for the rest of the summer, knowing I can get out in it and go.  Very good way to start the running week.  My goal is 30 miles this week!!

1/2 mile of torture

Got in 4 miles on the 1/2 mile loop in our 'hood yesterday.  The mind is a crazy thing.  I've finished a couple of hundred milers......can spend many hours on the trail on any of the myriad trails in the Austin area but it's ALL I can do to do 8 frickin laps around that darn loop.  If it was an event I wouldn't give a second thought to running around it for 12hrs but not on a casual afternoon run.  MADNESS

Tired

Got in 3 miles at Barton Creek from the pool parking lot.  I had planned on 6 but was just plain tired, mostly from lack of sleep.

Old friends

I got in 13 miles this morning at Barton Creek from the HOL.  It took well over 3hrs but it's all good.  I gave a good effort and mixed in plenty of walking.  There's no question I'm getting endurance back and I'm super happy about that.  I'm so glad that Mark Lindsey and Sam Voltaggio joined me.  It always good to run with them and we all know each other so well that just makes things more fun.  I really do savor anytime we get together.  I thought about Rick and Shan and Doug a lot today during the run.  Really good way to start the month.

Flat for a change

Thursday evening I got in 7 miles at Barton Creek from the pool parking lot.  I had a really good run considering I decided to run at the last minute....was pretty tired from some stressful days....and.....still taking it easy on my foot.  I had run that route untold number of times but it didn't matter, I was so happy just to be out there doing my thing.  I'm really happy with my 56 miles this month.  My foot is starting to come around some, or, at least it's not getting any worse with the running I'm doing.  Things are looking up.  I really feel as if I should get in 100 miles in May!!

Alltime mileage  13999

Kens

Got in 5 miles at Kens yesterday after work. I was super slow averaging over 16 min per mile.  I've been using a GPS app called Runkeeper that I downloaded to my phone.  It shows all the pertinent info but what I'm really liking is how it shows the elevation.  Yesterday for the 5 I ran it showed my elevation at 973 and I can compare that to my 9.5 mile on Sunday in Barton Creek at 1273 elev.  I never would have dreamed the elevation would be that different.  That really makes me feel better about how Kens has always kicked my ass.  Now I have numbers to show why.

Getting stronger

Ran and walked 9.5 miles from the HOL in Barton Creek this afternoon in 2:34.  Pretty slow but so what, it's time on feet that'll matter in the end.  I attempted to add a 1/2 mile to the loop that Shan, Doug, Mark and Sam used to run that they thought was 10 miles but came up 8.5 on Dave Richmonds GPS.  Very satisfied with todays run.  Very little of it was flat and if I continue running these routes I've been running that will bode very well for Cactus Rose 50 and beyond.  I haven't done an afternoon Sunday run in a very long time and the temp was good and warm.  Very good for adapting to the upcoming heat.  Based on past performances, I think if I can average 130 mile months for July, August and September and get a good 2-3 week taper in Oct, I should be good for a sub 14hr Cactus Rose and leave something in the tank for the Wild Hare 50 mile 3 weeks later.

Consecutive Days

Ran 5 miles at Barton Creek from the HOL in 1:08 yesterday evening after work.  I had a good run considering all the factors....still getting back in shape....after a stressful day at work.....first time I've run consecutive days in a LONG TIME....and my left foot is getting better but still holding me back some.  My energy level was good and I believe I can feel myself getting a bit stronger.  I'm looking forward to running some new trails at Eisenhower Park near Camp Bullis tomorrow.  There's a 3 mile loop and the plan right now is to get in 9 miles.

St Ed's push

Got in 4 miles at St Ed's.  I had a stressful day at work and had to take a pkg from Onion Creek to Round Rock at the end of the day.  I had my stuff packed up to run after work and when I told Misty that I wasn't going to run, she said," you can still run".  That was the little push I needed.  After the delivery I came home, changed clothes and headed to St Ed's.  I got there just a bit after 5 and got 'er done.

Back in my haven

Had a good slow 7 mile run yesterday morning in Barton Creek.  It was great to be back in BC, feeling the rocks and dirt under my feet.  It was a little chilly too!!  I had to wear a skull cap, gloves, a long sleeve and short sleeve shirt.  I feel like I'm starting to get some fitness back from my layoff and my foot seems to be adapting pretty well.

I have a big running goal for this year.  I'm seriously contemplating doing the 250 miles of Tejas Hell and throw in the Bandera 100k for good measure!!  It's 5 50 milers over 6 months.  It consists of the Wild Hare, Cactus Rose, Rocky Raccoon, Nueces and Hell's Hill's .  6 big runs in 6 months!!  I've always wanted to do a run series  and this seems to fit the bill.  Not crazy hard but yet still pretty formidable.

First Thursday

This was my first early morning Thursday in quite some time.  I started at the trailhead at Barton Springs Pool at 5am and did 3 miles out and back in 1:23 (6).  Not very fast but's okay considering my fitness, or lack of it, my foot and running in the dark.  I actually really enjoyed myself even though I've run that trail countless times.  I hope my foot continues to cooperate and allow me to run.

Tired

Got in 3 miles from the HOL life yesterday evening.  Had a shitty, bad dream sleepless night the night before and then ran work completely alone....and.....we were busy as hell but I still managed to get out on the trail.  Feeling good about that!!

Saturday

Shan and I got in 4.5 miles Saturday morning.  We ran what everyone else call's Rudy's but I like to call The Overlook.  People have been running this route for years and I assumed Shan had run it before but when we got to the Overlook I suggested we stop anyway.  She immediately started gushing about how beautiful it was and when I asked her if she she had been here before she said no. What a nice surprise it was for her.

My foot seemed to do okay.  We had so much stuff do to get ready for the party I didn't take the time to ice at all.  Looking forward to getting in some more easy miles this week!!

Back on the trail?

I ran 5 miles on my secret trails yesterday after work.  It was my first run in 3weeks.  It was great!!  My knees were a bit achy.  My glutes and piriformis' were a little tight. My foot didn't really give me any problems.  And, the best part is that my foot is no worse this morning than it was yesterday morning.

My hope is that I can get in 3-4 of these 5 milers a week and start crawling back towards some fitness.  Mark Lindsey and I have talked about doing the Palo Duro 50 mile in October.  I think that could still be doable.

60 situps touching elbow to opposite knee

3 sets 10 reps each with 25lb dumbbells

No Run

120 crunches

4 sets of 10 reps of curls with 25lb dumbbells

Failed attempt

I got in 5 miles at LBL this morning in a failed attempt to see how my foot would react to the repetitive nature of running the crushed granite.  As I headed up the hill to the UT rowing building I could feel the knot in my right foot rebelling.  I immediately turned around and headed back to the footbridge cursing myself.

My drinking has now affected my running when I need my running the most.  Sounds about right.  Got drunk at a pool party, stubbed my foot on the concrete edge of the pool and after all these months and miles it's hurting.  I knew it (my drinking) would catch up with me sometime, I guess this is it.

All is not lost though.  I can still run trails.  For some reason the uneven and varying nature of the trails is mostly okay for the foot.....thankfully!!  What the foot issue takes away is the Thursday morning tempo run that we've been doing for 2 1/2 years.  It was a great time to get together with good friends for some camaraderie and pushing some physical limits.

I'll probably be getting drunk this Saturday.....but I'll keep my shoes on.

Shepherd Mountain

Stephen Ebner and I, a classmate of mine, ran 5 miles in 1:01.  He's been wearing the 5 fingers since August but wished he'd worn shoes today.  The rocks beat his feet up pretty good I think.  He said he's thinking of trying Ultra's.  He's a darn good runner.  He said he does the 10 miles at LBL in 1:20.  2 days in a row of 100 crunches and some 25lb curls!!

St Ed's #2

Chris and I ran 5 miles at St Ed's after work yesterday in 1:07.  We started with the flat 2 mile along the road and then did the hilly 1.5 mile loop twice.  I'm really enjoying my runs over there lately and am thinking if I can get in one run a week incorporating the hills and the rocks that should put me in good stead for Bandera in 10 months. 

My foot continues to feel okay with shoes on.  I iced it last night and took 800mgs of vitamn I.  Gonna keep on running till I cants runs no more!!!!

Oh, forgetting to add that my classmate Barry Beckman and I walked 3 miles on the Barton Creek Greenbelt saturday afternoon.  We entered at Twin Falls, crossed the creek and went thru the Grotto, up the hill, down Barkley, Sculpture Falls and back.  He's lived in Austin for years but had never done any hiking/ walking in Barton Creek.  We had a good time!!

Sober Sunday

Got in a good 3 miles at St Ed's in around 37 minutes. Our neighbor Reenie turned us onto a new Chiro guy and I got a helluva adjustment yesterday.  I've been to a lot of Chiro's in my day but I've NEVER had anybody crack my feet, toes or shoulders.  He cracked my neck while sitting up too which was different.  After seeing Misty's last Chiro I was sore for at least 2 weeks.  This guy is also has a business teaming up with a women and they are certified Pose Running instructors.  My foot feels noticeably better today too.  I'm very excited about seeing this guy once a month or so.

Oh, not a drop of alcohol this weekend and I got a bunch of stuff accomplished around the house!!

First Run

Ran and walked 4 miles on the flats in Bull Creek at the Dog Park.  Weird injury.  No real pain, it just feels like there's something in the ball of my foot, a lump.  I could feel it during the run but it didnt hurt.  I can feel it when I walk around the house barefoot but it's okay if I have shoes on. 

My plan is to continue getting in short runs, slowly get back into it.  Vitamin I afterwards and ice with a sock on and I think it'll be okay.

The flats are some boring trails but at least I was out there doing my thing.  That's a great thing!!

Week 1

I'm 1 week into my 2 week layoff letting me foot heal.  It seems to be working out pretty well so far.  I've been trying to mix in some core stuff so I'll be ready to roll next week.  I'm ready to start running again!!

Foot

Diana, Steve and I ran and walked the 7 mile loop at LBL this morning.  My right foot is still not right partly due to my burning it with ice yesterday.  I probably shouldn't have run this morning but I couldn't resist.  It was hurting from the start and I made it around to the UT boathouse before having to walk.  We walked a mile or so before they shamed me into running it in.  I had planned on joining Gordon Montgomery and some others for an out and back on the main Greenbelt trail Saturday morning but that's out now.  I'm thinking that the ice burn should be better in  few days.

Oops, forgot to post my 3 mile run Tuesday evening after work.  I needed a little Rick time so I started at Spyglass and ran to Rick's spot and back.    New Cascadia's too!!

Lady Bird detour

Ran the 7 mile loop at LBL yesterday after work in 1:11 with Chris, one of our drivers.  The time is a bit skewed since we had to detour at Waller Creek over to Cesar Chavez and then come back down Red River to the trail.  We made from the Mopac footbridge to the dog park in 30 min and then I had to walk some.  Chris would fit in well with our Thursday morning running crew.  He's a natural.  We definitely ran faster due to Chris' pace not mine.  It was good though, we had some excellent conversation.

Changing mindset

5 miles at LBL yesterday after work in 51 minutes.  I mixed in two 1/4 mile sections at a much faster pace.

I'm trying to talk myself into changing my focus to overall fitness instead of  "just getting in my miles".  I'm really going to try to keep it simple.  The last couple of weeks I've been doing some isometrics for some core work.  The things I'm doing feel like I'm working my abs pretty good and the upper body stuff I'm doing is not adversely affecting my left shoulder.  I do still want to at least maintain the 20 mile per week average I've kept going for 12+yrs!!

The "keep it simple plan" also has me doing one run a week at a faster pace than usual.   Either getting in some track work or simply mixing in some "speed play" during my a normal run is the idea.

The goal is to get stronger in hopes of alleviating the weakness in my piriformis/ glute area and also increasing my core strength.

Feb......16 miles

Sunday

5 miles at Barton Creek this morning!!  What a gorgeous day!!

No Rocky

Ran the 1st St to Mopac 4.23 loop today in 42 min.  I really thought I was going to get in the 10 mile loop today but my bruised right foot was bothering me just a bit so I bailed out at at 1st St.  Oh well, it'll come around.  It actually felt much better toward the end but I had already decided to quit early.  Just as well.  I've got some minor plumbing issues to work on today.  Between the foot and the plumbing I'm feeling better about my DNS at Rocky tomorrow.  It's been a hell of a week with the weather and Mom going to the ER Tuesday.  I didn't feel like I could take off early Friday after only working a few hours on Tuesday.  That would have meant 6hrs of sleep or less and getting to the race start 2hrs early to get a parking spot.  Things were just feeling to rat racy lately.

Tuesday after work I attempted to do the 5 mile loop but only did the 1.56 1st St to Lamar loop.  1.56 miles!!  What a laugh that is!!  That is really all I could muster with the cold biting wind hitting me in the face.

2010 Monthly Mileage

1015 miles

Jan 57  Feb 102  Mar 125  Apr 77  May 45  Jun 88

Jul 83  Aug 60  Sep 92   Oct 76   Nov 84   Dec 126

St Ed's with Misty

Misty and I got in 3 miles at St Eds in Bull Creek early this afternoon in some gorgeous weather!! We did it 56:14. This was a great effort considering she's been running for 2 weeks and this was her 5th run since she started. She rolled both her ankles a bit but she really enjoyed herself. My foot continues to improve. I've not been going barefoot at all the last several days per RN Rooney's advice. I'm feeling better and better about the 50 mile and maybe even a 50k this spring as well.

On a cool note.....Misty and I went to Barnes and Noble this morning to finally use our Xmas gift cards. As I sat down to look at a book about Neil Young I looked up and one my very best friends, Sam Voltaggio was walking by. He sat down and we talked for a while until Misty started missing me. She came upstairs and we continued talking for a while longer. What an excellent surprise!!


Jan........101 miles

Run cut short

Shan, Diana and I ran the 3 mile loop together in 31 min. Shan has a tender achilles and I'm nursing the bruised foot so we cut short our usual run in favor of taking it easy. Diana continued on alone.

Progress

Got in 7 miles at LBL this morning in approx 1:16. I took it real easy, babying the bruised foot. It was feeling pretty good afterwards. I iced it this morning and took some vitamin I. I'm fairly hopeful it'll still allow me to go 50 miles next weekend in Huntsville.

Speaking of Huntsville I've been kind of bummed about how big the Rocky races have gotten. It's completely changed up the logistics for someone like myself who's been participating out there for years. In 2003 when I ran the 50 mile there were a total of 139 starters between the 2 races. In 2007 it had grown to 354 starters and last year was up to 640 starters with a Park cap of 750 being imposed now. In one sense it's great there are more people out there pushing their personal limits but back in the day a lot of us actually knew each other and it had a much more personal, family feeling to it. That was one the enticing things for me to begin with.

For me to get a parking spot, in what used to seem like a big parking lot, I'm going to need to leave Misty's Aunt and Uncle's house by 330am that Saturday morning to get to the parking lot by 430-445 for my 7am start.

Progress I guess?

On a more positive note I'm really excited about the big dogs that are entered in the 100 mile. Scott Jurek, Hal Koerner, Anton Krupicka and Karl Meltzer. If the weather cooperates surely the course record of 13:16.02 set by Eric Clifton in '96 will be smashed. I was at the finish watching in '06 when Jorge Pacheco finished in an agonizingly close 13:16.56. The next year Anton Krupicka ran 13:32 so it should lots of fun for the people out there really tracking things. If we weren't so overdue for a visit with Aunt Cissy and Uncle Gene I'd consider sticking around for the finish.

Got in 7 miles at LBL this morning with Mark, Diana and Shan. We got to catch up on race stories and Shan's passing her nursing boards. We ran a bit harder (1:07) than I wanted too but it's all good. Good week of running.

Week 21 miles

Month 88 miles

Velocity's

Bruised foot

Got in another easy 7 miles this morning at LBL. Mixed in plenty of walking. I've got a little problem with the Newton's though. This past summer I stubbed the ball of my right foot on a concrete edge of a pool pretty good. Right after it happened I iced it and took it easy for a couple of weeks. Since then it has not really hampered my running at all but there has been a very slight pain off and on, just enough to let me know it's still there. This morning when I got up to run my foot was hurting pretty good. I went ahead and got my run in and then after my shower this morning it became apparent that the Newton's have irritated that spot on my foot. I still have some miles left on my Velocity's so I'm gonna fire them up. I am really happy with the Newton's besides this minor setback. At the worst maybe they can be my Thursday morning shoes.

Newton's

Did an easy 7 miles at LBL this morning. It was my first run since Bandera and I felt pretty good. I mixed in plenty of walking and took it easy. Another 7 planned for tomorrow morning.

Newton's

Yoga

35 min of Yoga this morning!!

Bandera 100k Race Story

Wow!!

What an experience that was. Terrible sleep all week. Terrible Friday. 6hrs of pretty good sleep Friday night. Left home on time Saturday, made good time but forgot to account for long line of vehicles. Combined with pottie break and long line at packet pickup had me at the starting line less than 3 minutes before the start.

What a lead in to a really long difficult run.

Actually, it was a relief to finally get underway. The weather was perfect at the start. I wore 2 tech long sleeves, a short sleeve tech, gloves and a skull cap. Mark Raymond and I did most of the first 21 miles together. It was really great catching up on each others lives but I think that's what sent me on my downward spiral.

In a race I keep mostly to myself and don't spend a bunch of energy talking. I try to stay as focused on the moment as possible. Mark and I would separate for a while and then come together again after an aid station or potty break. I felt it taking a toll on me.

Leaving Crossroads I told Misty that I was feeling good but felt sleepy. She asked if I needed a Red Bull and I declined saying that it was too early in the race for that. I was concerned that whenever I started Red Bull I'd need to continue it the rest of the race.

Around mile 24 it all began coming down around me. For the next five or so miles I was done........ finished. On top of not having enough training miles, the extra padding setup in my left shoe wasn't working and I was afraid my foot was getting bruised.

I had my quitting all worked out. Still get in a decent 50k, head to Mom's house, shower and get in a visit with her that evening. I wouldn't be battling the predicted rain that evening, Misty wouldn't be stuck taking care of me during another cold and most likely wet night. And, we'd be in a warm bed!! Oh, and another thing. I was done running anything longer than 50k. Why should I even think I could continue running anything longer? I had also quit on the last 50 miler I signed up for. Sticking with 50k's would be so much easier.

That was rational Jeff.

Around mile 29-30 irrational Jeff began reasserting himself as the rightful owner of my mind and body. The closer I got to the halfway point the better I started feeling, at least mentally.

Misty was waiting at the Lodge for me. I told her that I was on the fence about continuing. She said, "No, I don't think so, you have to get your butt back out there. You know these runs are about highs and lows so just keep going". Alrighty then. I guess that's taken care of. The elapsed time was 7:30 so even though I had sort of made it through the huge low spot I was in exactly the time spot I had planned on.

I told Misty that if was going to continue that I just needed to take a good break, change socks and get some calories. I gratefully accepted a cup of soup an aid station worker offered me while Misty filled my Camelbak bladder. As we walked to the car I felt like a huge load was off my shoulders getting to the halfway point and that if I continued all I had was the one 31 mile loop. Psychologically that was huge.

Misty set up a chair for me and I took my shoes off. What an enormous relief to get my shoes off after 31 miles!! I rarely eat much solid food during a run but Misty offered me a turkey sandwich and I accepted and it turned out to be delicious. I put on some fresh socks and slipped my shoes back on as I sipped a Red Bull. I stood up and immediately realized that going on in my Velocity's was impossible. My foot was completely rebelling with the way I had the insole and insert setup and there was no changing it. My immediate thought was the Newton's that Dave Richmond sold me. I brought them along for a worst case scenario and here I was.....worst case. The Newtons were brand new having only run 11 miles in them and they didn't seem sturdy and tough enough for the rocky trails. The are also designed differently. They are built with a lower heel than a typical shoe forcing you to move your plant portion of your foot farther forward when you run in them. At this point it was wear the Newton's or DNF (did not finish). The Newton's it was. I slipped them on and they instantly felt lighter than the Velocity's.

Misty and I took a few more minutes to ensure everything was taken care of and I headed back out. I was feeling good. I had taken a 25 minute break. I'm certain I've never taken a break that long before in any event.
The first 50yds or so after leaving the Lodge is a soft dirt trail and I instantly felt the difference in the shoes. The Newton's made my steps seem a bit more springy like I actually had some life left in my legs. I realized right away that I needed to temper my excitement and use my head and experience. I still had 31 miles to go.
The first 11 miles from the Lodge to Chapas are my favorite part of the course. The climb up Sky Island in the first few miles is a beautiful view from the trail when you are nearing the top.
Those first 11 miles went according to plan....around 2:40 minutes, only a bit slower than the first loop. I was buoyed knowing that Karen Archibald and John Pittman would be waiting with Misty at Chapas. I wasn't completely sure Karen was going to run. My last conversation with John about it left it with her not wanting to run in the rain. Well, rain was expected so I wasnt sure what to expect. When I got there they were all waiting for me and Doug even had time to talk a bit this time and John and Karen were geared up to run. Awesome!! Misty and I walked to the car and I grabbed a Red Bull while Misty made me a ham sandwich and grabbed me some gels. Karen and I were off lickety split and I was still feeling good. Chapas to Crossroads is the most runnable leg at Bandera and Karen and I did a lot of running. Karen even dogged me some for walking on some of the easy portions. She and I enjoyed some good conversation and the time passed quickly. We made the 5.85 mile in 1:15, another quality leg.
I didn't hardly take anytime at Crossroads having filled my bladder at Chapas. John and I were off to Three Sisters. Every year I'm always surprised by the amount of flat trail on this leg. I always think of the hilly Sisters. John and I had a great time on the trail. He couldn't stop talking about how awesome it was to be on the trail with me. And I was really happy he and Karen joined me. They fulfilled a dream of mine I've had a to turn friends onto what I do for "fun".
John got me back to Crossroads right on time. And by that I mean Karen and Misty only had to wait for a few minutes for us to come down off the hill. Karen said, "Misty really knows what she's doing, we've only been out here a few minutes!!"
The aid station personnel topped off my bladder while I ate a cup of soup and Misty got me some gels. The rain had begun in earnest and looked like it wasn't going to stop. I got bundled up and as I left I told Misty, " I've never done this before", meaning I've never had a to do much running in the rain during any long events much less between miles 52 and 62 of a run!! She said, "you can do it Luv".
There was no stopping now though, the buckle was in my grasp. I headed out into the muck hoping it wouldn't get too bad. After a few minutes I realized the raining had stopped and I was actually doing some running. I felt like I had to get this thing over with as soon as possible and I'd had a sub 17hr in my brain for a while.
About 3 miles into the 4.25 leg to Last Chance the rain began again and never stopped. At this point I was walking and was going to be doing nothing but walk the rest of the way. 6 plus miles left to do in the rain. Son of a bitch!! Here it was, what I had been dreading all week and what I hate most, being stuck in the rain with no shelter. As I approached the Last Chance aid station I knew I had enough water and gels with me to get to the finish so I made the decision to just walk right by. There was absolutely no point in stopping. As I got there I waved and yelled, "thank y'all for coming out, we really appreciate it!!"
5 long wet miles to go. Shit in my shoes. Had to stop to clean them out knowing they'd just get minute pieces of gravel in them within minutes. I fantasized about crawling under a tree and curling up. It seemed like this night would go on and on and on.
On and on I fantasized about coming down the final stretch and here I was, splashing through the final straight-a-way. As I got closer I saw that no one was standing at the finish line. Not that I could blame anyone for not standing and waiting in the rain, but what a weird irony, out on the trail for 17hrs and the finish line area empty of people. Only in an ultra!!
As I crossed the timing pad I saw Joe, the race director, and a couple of people standing inside the aid station tent with a flap open motioning for me. Misty was nowhere to be seen though, I didn't understand that. As I entered I expected to find Misty but instead Joe's wife Joyce grabbed me on each side of my head, paused a second and planted a kiss right on my mouth!! If I wasn't so exhausted I might have been shocked. I scanned around quickly and saw that Misty had just entered the tent. Misty came over and gave me a kiss and a hug and everyone was telling me congratulations. Diana yelled at me from a chair in the corner, "congratulations Jeff!!!". I had stopped my watch as I crossed the timing mat. I looked at it now, it said 17:05. Dang, I thought, 16:57 would have been much nicer but I'll definitely take the finish. It is 30 minutes faster than 3 years ago.
Olga handed me a cup of ramen as Misty and I stood there looking at each other. We had done it again! Gotten through another one of these together. She was smiling. I'm not sure what I looked liked. Misty kept repeating how she was so sorry she missed the finish but she said she saw it from the car. She had waited 45 minutes in the rain thinking, hoping, I was really gonna burn up the last section and get in fast. She noticed a car very close to the finish line pull out so she ran and moved her car. Well, as luck would have it she had just stopped in the chosen spot when I came sloshing through.
What a crazy journey!! Completely gave up on first loop, rebounded just in time to continue. A fantastic first 21 miles of the 2nd loop and then the worst 2 hrs EVER at the end. Unbelievable!!

Bandera Tuneup

Shan and I ran the 5 mile loop at LBL in 43:44 this morning. She continued on and did the same loop again. One loop was good enough for me since Bandera is this Saturday.

I'm feeling pretty good about things for Saturday. Big changes though.......Misty will be there for the first time ever and John Pittman and his girlfriend Karen Archibald will each be pacing me.

Karen will be doing Chapas to Crossroads and John will be joining me at Crossroads and we'll loop back to Crossroads. From there I'll be on my own to the finish.

The major change is that Misty will be there and I'll not need any drop bags because she'll be meeting me at Chapas, Crossroads and The Lodge. I'm super excited about Misty helping me and about her seeing Bandera for the very first time.

I hope the predicted rain doesnt make things to miserable for any of us!!

126 miles for the month of December. 1015 miles for the year. 19.5 miles per week. Considering all the sudden changes with Mom's health the 2nd half of this year I'm pretty satisfied with my running year.

Run Like the Wind was my only running event of the year. I bailed on Bandera due to the crazy cold weather that day. Dad died Jan 24th so I didn't much feel like running the Rocky Raccoon 50 mile. I was not trained fully for Hell's Hill's 50 mile and then went out and blew myself up, running too fast the first 2 loops and DNFing.

My running goals for the year are to get in one 20 mile run per month. A goal every year is 100 miles per month. A 1200=1300 mile year would be really awesome!!

I'm going to continue my plan to peak for HH's 50 mile to get some redemption for 2010's DNF then a rest month and then really focus on the Bandera 100k for 2012. It is the National 100k Trail Championship for the 2nd year in a row.

I need to get busy with some regular yoga as well.

Velocity's........221 miles