Trinity

Was able to get out with the Trinity Brewery group last night for a steady 8 miles. The guys were flying and I was a bit burnt after a 3.5 race Sunday and running 7 in Ute Valley later Sunday night. I actually cut a corner to shorten my loop by about 1/4 mile and give myself a fighting chance at finishing with the group. This worked well until the 2 young guns decided to finish the last 2 miles at a sub 6 pace. No, I did not stay with them. Fortunately a few others kept back and we still in decent time.

Today is a rest day. 12 days to the marathon, I love taper time!!

Scott

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Fall Series #1

Today was the first race in the fall series put on by the Pikes Peak Roadrunners. I ran the adults race and did better than I really expected. I guess the truth is that I did not know what to expect, since this was my first race since Leadville last year. It had been way too long, but this is a fun series and a good way to ease back into running. My race was just 3.5 miles but it included a half a mile upstream through a stream. That seriously saps the energy out of you!!

The highlight of the day was the series of kids races, where all 4 of our kids were able to participate. They all did great, including Mason who got his first bib and ribbon today.

Here is a shot from before there start:




Here are Mason and Paige at their starts:









And a proud Mason following his race:





What a great way to spend a day!!

Cheers! Scott

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Still Got It

Well, I am still planning to run the Denver Rock N Roll marathon on October 17th with Jen, so I have been stretching into some longer runs on the weekends just to make sure I am up for the challenge. I was able to get a full 20 miles in this weekend, in just over 3 hours. I felt great through this entire run which was a big confidence boost for me. Now I will just focus on getting in about 40 miles this week, with a pair of moderate runs this weekend and I should be good to go.

I have been running on a more regular schedule lately, averaging 25-30 miles per week so I am definitely back to a better routine. Also getting more time in the weight room, which always helps my running.

Other than that, it is just all about work and kids, sneaking in the runs when I can!!

Here is a snapshot I took after running around Rampart Reservoir last weekend. This is Pikes Peak from the North. it was perfect up there last weekend!!









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Michigan Running

The family just got back form 9 days in Michigan, enjoying good times with the extended family. Had some good runs at Sea Level, I always love to run in the heat and humidity. However, it is definitely nice to get back to Colorado to the dry air and altitude.

This has been a tough week, I had to make some staffing changes this week, which is not a good part of my job. Got in a short run last night, but not enough. I have been consistently posting 60+ hour weeks, which has put a major dent in the running. Jen has been good about letting me get to the Trinity Brewery runs on Mondays, so I get a good 8 mile push then with some guys with skills, so there is some motivation in that. Plus the beer at the end is always good as well. Still looking at a quick push for September and October Marathon's (I will NOT be prepared, but that has never stopped me) so I will be cranking it up soon!!

Pacer

Just got back from an awesome 1.35 mile run. Why so awesome? Because Sam went with me. It is great that he really seems to enjoy running, he is getting ready for his second Splash and Dash event on Tuesday.

I took tis as a good chance to run in the vibrams, still trying to work a few barefoot runs in to the schedule.

Speeding Up???

Ok, one thing that has been difficult for me to deal with since starting the Ultra training is that I have ultimately gotten slower. This does not happen to everyone, but since my training time is limited it was all long, slow distance runs. Not that I was ever truly fast, but I definitely had more speed 18 months ago than I do now.

Over the last 8 weeks I have been slowly getting a better routine, complete with weights and cycling, even an occasional swim. I have done a bit of track work and some hill repeats, but not really anything that should move the needle very much. That's why it felt sooo good tonight.

I have a normal 5 mile loop I run from the house, that is one of my standard runs. It is nice as it is exactly 5 miles door to door, so it is a good measure of my general fitness. Also, it includes the hellacious Flying W Ranch hill, which is a 1.5 mile grind to finish the run. I have not been able to break 40 minutes this year, in fact I have not broken 41 minutes this year. Tonight I ran it in 38:26. Never mind that I am still about 2 minutes off where I could be, the good news is I am getting there. Since the run finishes with a serious hill, I had to run 7 minute miles for the first 3.5 miles to make the finish, so that was a good test as well.

Just to cap it off, there were three owls hooting to each other from two neighbors houses when I got home, too cool.

Scott

Proud Papa

Today was Sam's first attempt at a multi-sport event, not bad for an eight year old. He is participating in the local "Splash and Dash" series, which consisted of a 150 yard swim followed by a 1.25 mile run. He did great.

He had to compete in the Under 12 category, so there were definitely some bigger kids in the race. We started him near the back of the swim, just to keep him from getting intimidated, and they were staggering the start, so there was no real harm to the overall time to do so. He came out of the pool after a solid swim and just crushed the run. We had no less than 5 people come up to him after the run and compliment him not only on his run, but how much he was smiling as he finished!! It is only worth doing if it is fun, I am just happy that he really seems to enjoy it.

Good Company

I have been doing good at keeping up my 20-25 miles per week, with about 4 days of lifting and some swimming and biking thrown in the mix. I am really feeling like my base has developed well, and I am ready to start some specific training. The question is still "what am I training for?"....

This past Sunday Jen and I got a sitter for the kids and we were able to enjoy a nice 2 hour run together. This was jen's last push before tapering for the slacker half in 2 weeks. It was supposed to be cold and rainy, so we both layered up. Right after we started out the sun broke through and it was hot for the whole run. No complaints, but we were shedding clothes the whole run.

Here is a cool shot of Jen in the garden.




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Hot, Hot, Hot..

2 days of 90 degree weather, gotta love it. I have been steadily maintaining about 23 miles per week for the last month, which sounds incredibly weak unless you really knew how much I blew off running after Leadville. Need to figure out what races to do this year????

I am planning to run the Denver marathon with Jen so long as someone can watch the kids the night before. It will be so cool to be able to help her get through her first 26.2 and see her cross the finish line (from behind, of course. She will finish before me). Other than that I was considering maybe the America the beautiful marathon right here in Colorado Springs. All downhill on a gravel course, it is really a great course.

Other than maybe a marathon, I really want to get a few tri's in. I took my bike into Criterium to have them run new cables and housings and it will be ready Tuesday, so I am psyched! I have never paid someone to work on my bike before, but I got sick of looking at it in the workstand. Let the pros take care of it, I just want to ride it.

Later

Finally, Weather

We have had a streak of awesome weather. I went out tonight for the first real test of the five fingers. I ran 4 miles through Ute Valley in the dark with no light. It was a perfect night. Warm, light breeze, lots of moonlight. The shoes (slippers/socks ... whatever they are) are really proving out. You can really feel it in your calves, but that is the point. You are running more on the balls of your feet, using the calves for shock absorption, as opposed to shoes doing all the work.

Now I just need to 1) finish a report for work 2) clean the office 3) get in a 20 minute workout... before bed, and it's 10:20. It just might not all get done!!

-Scott

Running Partners

Was out last night for a nice 5 miler with Kent. Since Kent is typically a traveling consultant we do not get to run during the week very often, it just so happens he was home this week to take care of some sickies in his family. After our run we were in the gym in the basement, and after about 15 minutes Kent started to complain that he was not feeling full strength. All I could think was "Oh Sh!t, time to get out the clorox wipes and perform the comlpete wipedown on the gym". His wife and son have been puking for 3 days pretty violent, we do not need that here.

So far so good, all the Wescott's appear in good health.

Independent Toes

First run this morning in the five fingers. It was an interesting sensation, not quite barefoot but definitely not in shoes. You can really feel the road/trail under your feet. Concrete was a bit harsh, I think asphalt is about as hard as you want to go in these. I got in 3 miles, and I found I like running uphill better in these. I think it is due to the fact that it is easier to land on the ball of your foot when running uphill. I averaged about 9:15 per mile, so I wasn't screaming but was being a bit cautious.

I plan to try to run in these about once a week for starters, see if it help strengthen my calves or help my stride.

5 Fingers

Check these out. I have been wanting these since they first came out. Well, happy birthday to me. Thanks Mom and Jen.

Maiden voyage tomorrow morning.




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Catching up

Well, I am still very busy, which I do not need to mention since it really is a constant. Still getting in some decent miles with a lot of weights mixed in. I managed 4 days lifting this week, and I can tell the difference in my running.

Got out this morning and ran through Red Rock Canyon to the Intemann Trail then did the Palmer trail loop and back. This is a great run, I think it is somewhere between 10-11 miles, closer to 11. Lot's of good elevation, too. Here a few pics:











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Crazy Jesse

Man, this was one of those mornings. Sam was hacking so loud in bed with a cough that we decided to bring him downstairs to our bed at about 4:30 so he did not wake the other kids. Not much sleep after that, but regardless I still was tired and did not get out of bed until 5:30. Started late on my run, and since I would be forced to go short I took Jesse with me. I would take Jesse with me more often, but she really just does not do very well on the leash. I have been trying to work with her on our walks and my shorter runs, so I brought her along today.

I think she must have been on a puppy crack bender all last night, because she was all over the place today. I think she nearly dislocated my shoulder at one point. Every bunny and bird (which in my hood is about every 15 feet) she was over here and over there.

Still got in a short 3 miles, not real fast, but it also qualified as an arm workout.

I think tomorrow will end up being an off day, as I need to go into the office early and I have Karate with Sam after work. Work is still consuming much of my time, and is adding a fair deal of stress to my life. However, I work with good people and I can see progress on the horizon.

-Scott

What a Morning

Seriously, sun shining and 50 degrees at 5:30 am. I could have stayed out all day, but all good things must come to an end. I managed to get 5 miles, felt good, and slowly getting some speed and endurance back. The weather is very welcome, it makes me want to really stay in shape.

Quick Lift

Had a great day celebrating Jen today, I guess it is good we enjoy the same things. Started with kids singing at church, then lunch at Einsteins, hiking on Gold Camp Road to St. Mary's Falls, then hanging out in Manitou and dinner at The Loop. Still managed to get in 30 minutes lifting this evening, and plan for a morning run tommorow. We'll see how that works out. Lifting was seriously rough with a Loop burrito in the belly. Finished with 5 minutes of straight abs, harsh!


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Sneaking One In

As a father of four, and with a wife who also enjoys running and working out, you have to get a run in whenever you can. Today we had a Putt-Putt party at 10am, and double header soccer games for Paige at 12 noon and 2 pm. So I watched the first game, we ran a couple errands in between games, then Mason and I went for a 5 miler during the second game. This way Jen is actually able to watch a game, as Mason keep us both busy when we are all on the sidelines. It was a real windy day, and cold, but I I got in my run so who cares. Well I guess the folks at Costco might care since we headed there right after the game and I was nice and fresh from my run...

Here's my running partner, all bundled up:

Basic Priorities

Well, my job is still crazy with no signs of slowing down, so I am trying to boil down everything I accomplish each day to one of three categories. If it is not related to family, work, or exercise it is likely not going to happen. Included in "work" would also be general household maintenance and finances. That's it. Fortunately, I enjoy the exercise so that is what I do for fun these days. This week I have managed to refinish the deck in my free time after work (with a bit of help from Jen today finishing for me... Thanks!!) but I tell you it is tiring to run at 5am, work all day, then work all evening. At least I have been running. Karate tonight, then a late night run, sounds like fun.

Here is a shot from my seven miler yesterday morning:




Keep on truckin!!

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I Hate Decks

Decks are a pain. All day just getting the deck ready to sand. No running. No fun. Tomorrow not looking too good either.

Brutal.

Be-Ute-iful Night

Went for an awesome 5 miler in Ute tonight with Kent. Clear skies, lots of stars, and feeling very strong. One little run in with some deer which we thought were perhaps something scarier, but just Bambi and Mom. Here is a pic of me on the top of the hill.







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I Am A Runner

I am finally starting to feel like an athlete again, following the extended training letdown following Leadville. Only averaging 15-20 miles per week, but I have been adding in some lifting and an occasional bike ride, not to mention Karate two times per week.

My new job has been very time consuming and stressful, so the forced workouts are really needed.

Here is a snap from my morning 5 miler:





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New kicks

Got me some new shoes, and even tho they are my 3rd pair of the same road shoes I always buy, which are essentially the same shoes as the last 3 pair of trail shoes I burned, I still get motivated by new shoes.

Check them out:



I have been struggling to get in a good routine since starting my new job, but I managed 3 miles in the Garden today in the 70 degree temps... Nice.
Also got in 6 miles on Sunday, need to keep it up.

I REALLY need to sign up for a race. Might bike the Silver Rush? Do not think I am up for running it, but who knows, it's only 50 miles, and I have run that one before.

Let me know if you can find the sarcasm in the above statement.

Scott

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Sunday Morning

Kent and I ran Ute Valley Sunday morning, about 6am. Very, very cold, with wind. I had a very near crash on some seriously slick ice covered with fresh powder, but the near miss of the day goes to Kent. Running in the woods on singletrack with about 2 inches of fresh powder on the trail, Kent hit a hidden root and fell forward.... into a tree. I was right behind him and I still do not know how he did not head-butt that tree. He managed to divert his direction away form the tree and just stumble and get back up. From the look on his face, he also thought he was going to hit the tree. At least it gave us something to talk about other than the cold.

4 miles, 44:13

Absent

And I thought I was doing so good, updating my blog after every workout. Where did I go? Let's just say I have been busy. I recently accepted a new position at a local manufacturing company that I am very excited about, and have subsequently resigned from my current position. Not to mention Karate twice a week, church, and the list goes on and on.

I have actually worked out a few times in the last week, just not very long or hard. Just enough to alleviate the guilt that is always associated with NOT working out. I have been very proud of Jen, as she has been doing great getting in regular workouts. That should count, just a little I think, to my yearly totals. After all, we're a team, right?

Scott

Rest...

I got in a rest day yesterday, unless you count Karate. Yes, that's right, I am a white belt in Shotokan Karate. Which means Sam outranks me. He likes that fact. Here is my problem, karate is tough on my hips, so I am now more sore following a "rest day" than I would normally be following a workout. So much for rest.

Needless to say, I slept in this morning, so I will need to get in workouts tonight and tomorrow morning. Tonight I plan for weights interrupted by 1 mile intervals on the treadmill (sub 7) then a nice slow run in the am.

Stay tuned for actual results...


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First Ride

OK, I am typically the first one to make fun of guys who ride on the road. Well, I went out today on my maiden voyage on my new bike (name TBD) and I am embarrassed to say I really enjoyed it. Bikes have come a long way since my Allez rolled off the production floor in 1992.

10 miles bikes, 38:00


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Time to Tri

I have been relentlessly scouring eBay and Craigslist for the last 3 weeks trying to score a deal on a bike to start training for the impending triathlons I am planning the next 18 months. Found this last night, you would think it is brand new, and I got an incredible deal. Doesn't it just look fast?!?!





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Sunday / Monday

Sunday morning, 5:45 am I met Kent at his place where we got out in Ute Valley for a nice 5.5 mile trail run. Beautiful morning in the park with just a bit of snow.

Monday, out before work for 3 miles with the dog.

Sunday 5.5 miles, 54:16
Monday 3.1 miles, 31:04

My right hip is a bit sore following Karate Monday night, might need to take a day off.


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Sunny Saturday

Got out at 10 am this morning for a beautiful 7 mile run on the Sante Fe trail through the Air Force Academy. This is a luxury for me as I rarely get to run at this time of day, and in the daylight no less. It was 34 degrees and sunny, and I was getting hot in shorts and a long sleeve Patagonia top. There were LOTS of people out today, I love days like this.

7.0 miles, 57:04

Routine

Last night ran Ute Valley, this morning my short loop around the house. Add them up and it is a decent run...

2.5 miles - 24:54
3.0 miles - 30:14

I did take the dog this morning, which adds an arm workout to the mix.



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The Strip

Wow - running the strip is a unique experience. My brother and I met up in Las Vegas this past weekend for a bit of brotherly bonding. After a long Friday night we gathered ourselves Saturday and managed to get in 10 miles on the strip. That is about 1 1/2 times around the strip. The run was one of the best parts of the trip, as it is always fun to jam out through hordes of drunken masses.

10 miles, 1:25



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Soft week

Seems like these posts are getting redundant. Always not meeting expectations.... Always having a soft week. Well, I feel like I am getting my fitness back, and I am pleased to be at least approaching something that resembles a routine.

The real issue is, I finally started my 2010 training log. I had been recording my workouts on random scraps of paper thrown on my desk. It was alarming when I pulled them together how many "rest days" I has already taken this year. Including Monday through Wednesday of this week. And today, as I leave for Las Vegas in about 2 hours. We'll see what kind of exercise I sneak in while in LV.

Thursday 3 miles 27:10

Need to start the tri training in earnest.


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Weekend Runs - Close Will Count

OK - I acknowledge I did not get 5 runs this week, regardless of how steadfast I was in the declaration that I would. I did, however, get to run with Jen on Saturday, during the day. Sometimes I forget how nice it is to run during normal human hours. I definitely forget how nice it is to run with another human, primarily because of the hour at which I normally run. Saturdays nice easy 3 miles with Jen was capped by an unusually awesome finish. When Jen and I pulled into the neighborhood, both Sam and Alice were waiting with the Grandparents in full running gear, wanting to get in a "run" with Mom and Dad. How cool is that. we ran an extra mile with them both, at a reasonable pace. Prepare for Olympics 2024, they both might be players.

Sunday was back to my normal, non-human timing. Out the door at 5:30am to get in some easy miles. I decided to drive somewhere to run, since my car was out of the garage already and I get bored of running around the house. Ok, I admit I planned to leave the car out so I could drive without waking the whole house when putting up the door. You know, there is an urban legend floating around that Mountain Shadows has a Wolf Dog hybrid roaming the streets, I did not intend to find out this early Sunday if he has a taste for skinny guys in spandex. So off I went. I drove the the Garden (of the Gods) to get some scenic road miles in. When I pulled into the main lot, I was the only car. This is actually odd for a nice Sunday at 5:40 am, but oh well. I got out of the car and it was dark, real dark, like freak me out dark. Like, I am such a pansy I think I will get in my car and drive to Manitou to run the streets dark. I always enjoy an early jaunt through Manitou, primarily due to the lack of man eating Wolf Dogs with a taste for Spandex and bone, and the presence of streetlights.

Saturday - 4.0 miles, 41:20

Sunday - 4.0 miles, 30:49

For the week 14.1 miles, is it sad that I am happy with that?

Breaking up the Workday

I was able to sneak out on my lunch today for a 3.5 mile run around the office. Sunny and almost 60 degrees, you don't get much better than that in January. Did not push the pace but I can feel myself slowly coming back to form. After training so long and so slow for Leadville, it is a bit of a process to switch back to shorter, faster runs.

3.5 miles, 29:10


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Short counts... right??

I guess it is better than sleeping in. Got out this morning for a "not quite" 3 mile run. The weather was perfect, ran up above Flying W Ranch road, the city lights and the moon were especially cool this morning, wish I had a camera. Was really bummed I was short on time. Started late, ended early.

Next 2 days could be tough to get out, I need to hit my goal of 5 days this Monday-Sunday. If I run 2x in one day, I will count it as two. Hopefully I am not haveing to run 3 times Sunday to hit the goal.

2.6 miles, 24:05

Scott

Getting the Groove Back

I will admit, I have had more difficulty than I expected getting back into the training mode, after the long lull following Leadville. After an unscheduled break of a few days, I got out this morning at 5:45 for a nice 5 miler. I took 4 minutes off my previous run on the same loop of just a few days ago, and felt great. It was cold but comfortable, about 25 degrees when I started and warmed through the run. I think I am getting back into the mode. It is about time!!

My parents are in town right now, which is always awesome but makes it more challenging to find the time to get out. No excuses!! I will run 5 of 7 days next week.

It is nice to be back.

5.0 miles, 43:15

Scott

Early morning run with heavy lifting

Kent was at my door at 5:30 this morning for an easy run around the block. We did my usual Flying W to Cenntennial to 30th back to Flying W loop. It was cold, but not unbearable, it is always better to run with a partner. Makes it go by much faster and easier. It also seems to keep the pace up just a bit, not that we were lighting it up by any means. After the run Kent helped me move a couch into the basement, which is always fun at 6:30 in the morning.

5 miles, 47:19


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Short and early

Got out early yesterday morning for a slow 3 mile run. Back before anyone was awake in the house. Busy day of errands and toilet replacement, what fun!! I think I washed my hands 50 times yesterday. There is some funky sh!t under a toilet, and I am speaking literally.

3 miles, 31 minutes.

Hope to get out late tonight for an hour or so.

iPhone test

Just trying out the new App to update from my phone


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Starting 2010 Out Right

After a very long, and much needed rest (try about 4 months!!!) I am starting to get myself back into shape. I have set a target for 2010, just for motivation. I am going to try and run a sub 18:30 minute 5K, which translates to sub 6 minute miles. I am thinking a few smaller triathlons as well, as I really want to finish an Ironman in 2011, so I need to get back in the Swim - Bike - Run mode. Thanks to the new iPhone I should be getting many more pictures posted, so stay tuned.

Yesterday evening 7 miles, 1:03, a good start to the year.