Reality...

So, eric and I ran at Warrior's on sunday. we finished up completing most of the loops, and by our calculations had a nice 7.5 mile run. When we got back into the car, we could not help but think about the reality of the situation.... we are training for a run that will be almost twice as long. We both looked at each other and agreed that the training needs to increase, because we aren't even close to 13 miles yet. reality check!

today on our usual "speed rounds" at the VA (33 minutes, with intervals 2min on, 1 min off) my legs were toast. Not much left in them from sunday. Oh well, good to have something to train for!!

Speed Workouts in the Snow

Today Josh and I ran after school at the VA in the snow.  We did a 10 minute warmup and then did 4 2min x 2min intervals.  After our recent Assault on Buffalo, I was wondering how I would feel.  Surprisingly, I felt pretty good, and it was the best day of intervals I've had since we started this training program.  I'm looking forward to the month of February and continuing to work toward the big goal in April.

Road ride

Well, due to scheduling issues, the run for yesterday got pushed to today.  So, I made Saturday my cross-training day and went for a nice road ride with Mike and Jeff.  The IF got some TLC after I basically trashed it at the end of this past cyclocross season.  New saddle, new gore cables, new pedals, and new shoes!  Poppa got some brand new shoes!  These things are sweet.  Anyway, I was excited about riding the bike (which was nice since I have felt pretty indifferent riding lately) and the weather was unusually warm.  We rode for 2 hours, and I was pretty cooked at the end.

One problem that seems to be developing for me....I think I am getting/battling a mild case of plantar fasciitis.  All the running lately has just caused this inflamation, and I'm hoping it goes away soon.  It isn't bad, but I could notice it yesterday on the ride due to the stiffness of the new shoes.  Rain rain go away....let the trails be dry today!

Thanks....I needed that.

After the crazy start to the school year, my schedule has gotten knocked for a loop.  When coupled with the freeze/thaw cycle of the local trails, my trail runs have decreased significantly.  So, it felt great to get out today at ETSU, run a full lap, and do a hill repeat.  My stats read close to 50 minutes of runtime.  Hopefully, we'll be able to get back in the groove of training with this run!

you want me to do what?

I thought I was finished with my run.... until Eric said, "OK, this is what I think we should do..." Immediately I thought to myself, "oh no... I thought I was done!!" NOPE! ...more uphill for you!

It was nice to be pushed, cause I definitely wouldn't have done what we did today if I was running solo.

Slickery

I finally made it out for a run today (i've had to put the training on hold due to a HVAC unit going out and being replaced...) Went to ETSU and did a crazy 8, and then loops 1 and 2 (for those of you who are down with the lingo) The trail was pretty sloppy.... not at all like a wet mud with puddles, but a sticky mud.... the kind that cakes 1 inch thick to your shoes....I frequently had to stop for a second and kick a tree to help in the removal of the mud. As a result, I felt like a "fast and furious" car that uses the "drifting" technique.... not a lot of traction, but just enough to keep it pointed in the right direction!! ( I was especially proud of a 16 inch one-footed slide on a downhill section. If I had a camera, I would have stopped to take a picture of it!!) Felt good to get back out... and in shorts!.... seriously???

Pics of Laurel Falls run

I think Eric pretty much hit the nail on the head with his description of the run, so I don't think I can add anything.... except pictures!!!