Roan Groan Trail Runners

Reality...

2010-02-16T21:41:00.002-05:00

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

2010-01-26T21:00:00.000-05:00

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

2010-01-24T07:14:00.000-05:00

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.

2010-01-21T21:13:00.000-05:00

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?

2010-01-21T17:33:00.002-05:00

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

2010-01-17T17:18:00.002-05:00

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

2010-01-11T17:04:00.003-05:00

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!!!

Boo-Yah!

2010-01-10T16:55:00.000-05:00

With an awesome trail run to Laurel Falls today in the snow, I am feeling better and better about this whole half-marathon endeavor. Today was so peaceful and tranquil. There were a few times when I was in the lead, and I felt like I was breaking trail. In places it was 5" deep and we both fell a few times. It was great to be outside and even better to be sharing the run with such a great friend. Good times!

COLD

2010-01-09T21:02:00.000-05:00

Think I'm getting cabin fever from all this cold winter weather. Don't get me wrong cuz' I love the snow, but it does make it tough for a person who enjoys being outside regularly. I guess I could take up skiing or snowboarding, right? So, today was supposed to be set aside for an LSD run, but Josh wanted to give his knee an extra day of rest. I lifted weights and rode the bike for 45 minutes. I am slowly feeling better, and I am looking forward to a run to Laurel Falls tomorrow!

Early Dismissal = Nice trail run!

2010-01-07T20:19:00.002-05:00

Johnson City Schools decided to reward Eric and I with an early dismissal due to a threat of snow in the forcast (btw, it never snowed) We got at ETSU and did a nice 43 or so minute run around all the loops. Still a dusting of snow on the trails, but primo temperature... right around 30 degrees.... perfect.

X-Training

2010-01-06T20:10:00.000-05:00

After our first real day of school, I really wasn't feeling like working out for some reason. However, I knew I needed to do it, and I actually really wanted to ride the mountain bike outside. Due to some circumstances (its 20 degrees out and I couldn't find anybody crazy enough to go with me), I rode the rollers for 30 minutes and did some core work. I'm looking forward to a nice snowy trail run tomorrow!

X- Day

2010-01-06T17:11:00.000-05:00

After a much needed rest day yesterday ( both in the fact that I didn't have to work, and that I didn't do anything.... felt nice!!! My calves must have forgotten in the last 10 years what is involved in jumping rope for 3 minutes at a time) I got home from work this afternoon, and rode on the trainer for 45 minutes while watching Man Vs. Wild. So glad I decided to purchase that trainer with some christmas money... it's a great way to feel like you got a good cardio workout in without being out in the 20 degree cold outside.

My Day 1

2010-01-03T16:13:00.000-05:00

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!! Unlike Eric, I wasn't in the mood to get outside today. (even if it is the start of the training program!) I stayed inside, and watched some football while doing some circuit training. (Push ups, core, pull ups, jump rope, unweighted squats X 3 .) I sat on the bike trainer for a while yesterday, so I thought I would mix it up a little today. For me, this training program is a way to get motivated to become overall healthier, maybe to drop a little weight, eat smart, and hopefully be able to run from carvers gap to 19 E in a few months!

Day 1

2010-01-03T15:58:00.000-05:00

So, since today was supposed to be a cross-training day AND the official start of The Program, I went to ETSU for a bit of arctic mountain biking. With the temps in the 20s today, the trails were frozen solid, and they made a cool crunching sound under my tires. I only rode for 45 min since I'm sick, but it felt nice to be out on the bike. My hands were my only issue, and it was only for the first 15 minutes or so. Maybe some weights later tonight if I'm feeling frisky!

Training Begins

2009-12-31T13:10:00.000-05:00

I'm working on a training calendar and getting this blog setup for the Roan Groan Trail Runners. The date has been set for April 10, 2010 for the big run from Carver's Gap to 19E. This half marathon trail run will be a tough test for our crew, so training is in order. Starting this Sunday....