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.