July, So Far

Just wanted to drop a short post to let folks know I am still alive. I have now been officially x-rayed and the stress fracture has been confirmed. I am now over 2 months without running, and will likely be down for another.  I am still enjoying the bike, however I have been slacking a bit. I did get a good ride in last week in Breck, but there was so much rain that by Monday you couldn't get on the trails.

Also, I have actually been busy trying to finalize some new ventures. Someday it would be cool to actually make money. For now I am enjoying my time with the kids and having the ability to get up from my desk to take the dog for a walk, then get back at it with no ramifications at all. Nice.

The only thing that would make this better would be if I could..... RUN!!!

Am I a Cyclist??

Growing up, I rode bikes... everywhere, everyday. I competitively raced bmx, was very into freestyle, and as highschool came I transitioned directly into Mountain Biking. Rode in college as well. However, about 2 years into my time at MSU, the bikes were getting expensive to maintain, and I needed to get into shape, so I bought a pair of running shoes. It wasn't long before I was a runner who also rode bikes.

Over the last 5 weeks I have not been able to run at all. I am going to the doctor next week but my fear is still that I have a stress fracture in my left fibula (I did have a P.A. with foot and ankle experience check it out and validate my self prognosis may be correct). So I have been looking to other means of staying in shape.

It is not that I ever really got away from riding,  more that it became less of a primary focus and more of an occasional venture. Well, the last few weeks I have ridden about 4 days a week, and I am starting to regain the love. Might even compete later this year, who knows.

The good new is, I am not just sitting around.

A Humbling Endeavor

So, as everyone knows, I am "injured" and am currently not running. Thus, I am trying to find other outlets to keep myself in shape. I have been lifting, on the bike, etc. I have been saying I need to get in the pool, as swimming is a great workout, etc, etc.

Wednesday I met Jen and the kids at the pool at lunch and decided to get in a few laps. Now, I have never been a great swimmer, but I have always been a reasonable swimmer. I won't drown, and I can get back and forth looking like I reasonably know what I am doing. I am just not very fast. Oh yeah, and I am also very good at hiding how hard it is for me to breathe while swimming. I generally feel like I am a half stroke away from passing out. Wednesday was no exception. I swam all of 750 yards. That is 15 laps (or 30 lengths, depending on how you like to count.) I did end up swimming 2 of these laps breaststroke, just to give myself a few breaks on the breathing issues. And let's just say I was secretly really excited when the pizza showed up so I could nonchalantly get out of the pool like my workout was disrupted.

Oh man, I need to get my leg healed up so I can run.

On the Bike

I managed to get a nice ride in yesterday on the Mt Bike. About 10 miles looping through Ute Valley. After about 5 miles, I finally started to get some balance and comfort on the bike. It is difficult after having practically grown up on a bike, to have to somewhat relearn the balances and tricks to mountain biking. The good news is that my fitness seems to be holding up, so I think if I can make it about 2 more weeks without running, I can start to slowly reintroduce some mileage. I also did make an appointment with my doctor and will be getting the leg checked out while I am there.

Running Club (Sort Of)

So I went to running club tonight, not to run, but because it is at a bar.


I love all aspects of running, especially hydration.

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A New Stress

Ok, so in reality I have less stress right now than I have ever had. The only real downer in my current situation is my total inability to run.

The scary thought is that I am beginning to believe that I have a stress fracture in my lower left fibula. Looks like another few weeks (months?) without running. Might have to see the Doc.


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M.I.A.

OK, I have been totally M.I.A. with no good reason. I have not been working too much yet, really I am just starting. I did get over to Kansas City last week, making some contacts, and I spent the weekend fishing with my Dad, brother, nephew and my oldest Sam up in the Salida / Buena Vista area. Caught enough to make dinner Saturday, threw the rest back.

I guess I have written because I haven't run. My ankle is still pretty torqued. It is very frustrating, though I am finding time to lift and ride. I like to ride, but I need to run. MUST GET WELL.

While healing I did also manage to get a half days climb in at Garden of the Gods. It was my first time out of the gym, and it was outstanding. Might need to start climbing....

Jen is in Costa Rica this week on a mission trip, so I am managing the kids this week while trying to work. Her parents are taking the kids during the day (and some nights) so I can work, thanks!

The fisherman




Climbing




I climbed the big one you see here



Then I repelled down this




Outstanding!

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Banged Up

Looks like I am going to be a cyclist for the next month or so. Why? You would think it is because I like to ride my bikes (which is true) but the real answer is that my ankle is evidently so jacked up that I can't run.

Jen and I went out today to get in a nice easy 3-4 miler, me still recovering from Collegiate Peaks and she recovering from her surgery (nothing serious, btw). I didn't make it half a mile and I knew I had to stop. Something is just not right. So, the best thing to do is rest. Oh, I have heard it is also very helpful to complain a whole bunch about not being able to run, so I might try that.

I have been saying I was going to ride more anyways, so I guess I really mean it this time.

Did I mention it sucks not being able to run. Next thing you know I will be trying some of these:

http://www.hokaoneone.com/en/d/mafate-unisex_78.html

Not sure anything could hurt bad enough to make me wear those.

Finished (and technically a PR)

Finished up the BV 50 Miler today. Nice course in the mountains above Buena Vista, CO. The race is run on a 25 mile loop, where you run clockwise then counterclockwise. Everything went well, except it was crazy hot, like 80 degrees. Still, finished in 11:07.

I will try to write more later, I am pretty spent right now.

Here are two pics from the course:




This was still early, you can tell because I am smiling:



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Location:S Main St,Buena Vista,United States

Unemployed and sleeping in a car

All by choice mind you. Laying in the back of my Cruiser in the mountains above Buena Vista just waiting to go lights out and get some sleep. Tomorrow is the Collegiate Peaks 50 mile trail run in these very mountains where I lay.

Today was the last day and work, and I was working to the bitter end. Onward and upward from here. Will report on the race tomorrow or Sunday.


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Real.Sore.Leg.

Not a good story being all of 9 days out from a 50 miler. I will take this next week as a very serious taper, we are talking no running except every other day with the kids, between 1.5 and 3 miles. Might try a few days on the bike just to keep breathing and get the heart rate up. Otherwise need to heal.

Jen came through her surgery today with flying colors, she is just resting and re-cooperating, and I am playing dad to the troop. She should be getting around fairly normal by Monday.

Later all...

Long Run

I have thoroughly enjoyed my 3 day weekend over this holiday. Saturday started with Jen running the Cheyenne Canyon 25 k, which turned out to be closer to 26 or 27k. It was a cold morning, and the kids were total troopers as we hung out watching the race. It was a good course for spectating, as it was a figure 8 loop with the center being right at the start / finish, which allowed for a consistent flow of runners coming through. Jen finished well, but was pretty smoked after the race. We grabbed a quick lunch at the race, then were straight off to Paige's Double header soccer games. I stayed for the first, then headed out for my long run following before the second.

I was able to run from the soccer complex on the south end of town further south about 3 miles before coming back north on the Sante Fe trail through town all the way to Woodmen Road, then working my way home. All together about 24 miles, very slow but steady. The run gave me the confidence to know I can finish my 50, but it will not be a real fast race. I just hope to get through in one piece.

We had a great Easter, low key with nothing to do. Just finished a nice dinner, now some TV and will be putting the kids down in an hour or so.

As much as we need the moisture we are getting right now, I need some sunshine. With the changes we are going through right now (by choice) I could use a few bright, sunny days!!

Later... and Happy Easter

Ch Ch Ch Changes

Change is in the air. Exciting, scary change. One week ago I submitted 3 weeks notice to my company that I would be leaving. Where to, they asked? I do not know for sure, I responded. It was an honest answer.

I have always wanted to be independent. Maybe I will take a few short term consulting / contract opportunities and see if I can make a career of that? Or maybe I will pursue with a vengeance the handful of companies that I really would like to work for? Time will tell. My last day is May 6th.

I did get out for a 6.6 mile run this morning. Beautiful weather but windy, still a great run. 2 weeks to Collegiate Peaks!!

Three Weeks

I will be running Buena Vista (Collegiate Peaks 50) in 3 weeks, and I am struggling with the fact I am not as prepared as I thought I would be at this point. I am definitely shape to finish the race, just not to the level I had hoped.

I also have had a slight pain in my left ankle, which is very new. Will be keeping a close eye on that over the next week or so.

Good luck to everyone running Boston today.

Work!! A four letter word.

Missed the Trinity run tonight and will be up half the night finishing a presentation for our CEO that will be given Wednesday. Mileage might be sparse the next couple days, I really hate stretches like this. Seems like when you need to run the most they are hardest to come by.


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Last Minute Mileage

Well, at about 7:45 am while I was still in pajamas, Paige decides she was fine and could go to church with Mom. The good news, I can run. The bad news, I have 15 minutes to get dressed, ready and get to Manitou. Actually, since that is an impossible task, I just go as fast as I can. Believe it or not, I was running by 8:07 am out from Memorial Park in Manitou.

I ran from the Park in town, to Ruxton, up Ruxton the the Ute Pass Trail, up the UPT to Waldo Canyon, looped Waldo and back up to Long's Ranch Road, to Barr Trail and back to the car. Round trip was right at 19.4 miles with ridiculous elevation, finished with 0.6 barefoot just to round it out to a nice 20 miles.

For anyone that has not been there, Long's Ranch Road is as relentless a trail as I have been on. I have not downloaded the GPS data yet, but my guess is that is climbs about 3000 feet in three miles. My splits for these three miles were 14 minutes, 15 minutes and 23 minutes. Yeah that last mile is fairly brutal. The good news is once you crest the summit, it is pretty much downhill for the 5.5 miles back to the car.

This run really worked as a confidence boost as I make the last ditch effort for Collegiate Peaks. Everything went well, unless you count the portion on Waldo where a guy ran me down, and as we trotted along together he told me about his knee surgery from 8 weeks prior. Nice... I was the unwilling rabbit for his rehab run.

Tentative Plans

When you have 4 kids, you learn that ALL plans you make are tentative. Jen got out for a long run yesterday, and this morning was my turn. I was planning to run with the incline club for a 20 mile jaunt across the Ute Pass Trail, Waldo Canyon and Long's Ranch Road, finishing down the Barr Trail. However, this morning Paige is complaining of stomach ill's, so I am not sure it is going to happen.

Oh well, I really think preparation is overrated when it comes to running Ultras.

Office Do-over

Did not get out tonight even though it is perfect outside as we have been moving furniture back into the newly painted office. Still need a printer table and a desk for the kids but I think we know what we want so just need to go get it. Hope to run in the am but will more likely be in the office by 6 am or soon after, so the morning might also be at risk. I need a job that is much more in the vein of under-worked and over-paid, anyone know of anything? Maybe $100/hour to be a lift operator? That would be just up my alley.




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Soulrunners

Skipped out of work in time to run tonight with the Soulrunners at Trinity. Started out thinking I would run the 8 mile loop, but soon enough I realized if I ran that loop I would not have time to grab a beer afterwards.... so suffice it to say I ran the 5.5 mile loop. Not much for social interaction tonight, after the first 1/2 mile or so I was pretty much running solo.

Turns out a group had left about 10 minutes early to run the scar. I was bummed I missed them but really would not have had time to finish anyways, so all is good. After running morning and evening, still got about 10 miles in today, so good day.

Snow

After getting in a slow 5 last night I figured it would be good to get out for another short run this morning before running with the Trinity group later today. I went and did another easy run, 4 miles on an out and back in the snow.
cle
Starting out this morning it was about 5:30 am, and as I came out of the neighborhood a saw a car that looked like it had a head light burned out going VERY slow down Wilson road (which is a big downhill). As I got closer I saw it was a motorcycle riding in about an inch of seriously crunchy, icy snow. I actually diverted my run to follow the direction of the bike down Flying W Ranch road thinking I might see him laying along the road. No further sightings so he must have made it alright, but I cannot imagine what would have made anyone think that was a good idea.

Ski Weekend

Had to take a break this weekend to get in some skiing with the family and friends at Monarch. We had 8 adults and 11 kids taking over the Monarch Mountain lodge and has a great weekend. Technically, I think I should be able to count skiing with the kids as a workout. If you have ever held a wedge for 7 hours while helping pick up and holdling 50 pound kids you would understand this really is a workout. Still, it is a blast to watch them get better and better every time we go out. Even Paige was skiing independently and making some turns by the end of the day.

On Sunday we headed to Salida and hung out for the day. We did some exploring in the area north of town, and I was amazed by the amount of singletrack. There are beautiful trails everywhere you look. I can see myself getting back there sometime in the summer to get some running and riding in.

I did get out tonight for an easy 5 miles in the blistering wind and sleet (fun?). As always, once I got out everything felt great. Still going to try to get out in the am and again tomorrow night with Trinity.

Short but Sweet

Didn't go far but did get in 4 miles. I think I will "force it" again and hit it in the morning for a couple hours - that will be here before I know it.

Force It

Ok. This week has sucked from a running standpoint, and it is mostly caused by work. However, it is looking up in a huge fashion as we are heading back to Monarch for the weekend with the kids and a bunch of friends. Yes, this will make it next to impossible to run any significant distance this weekend. But we will have crazy fun and that's what matters.

So when will I run? How about right now. Half way through a Dos Equis and tired, and dammit I am throwing on shorts and heading out. Why do I feel the need to write this, you ask? So I cannot punk out. 10:24pm and I am heading out in search of miles. Actually looking forward to this, maybe I will run past a bar.


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The Worst Run Ever?

Saturday night I was planning to get in a nice long run after the kids went to bed. I made it out the door at about 9pm and headed in the general direction of Old Colorado City. The weather was nice and I was just enjoying myself, when I had sudden "stomach problems". Let's just say there were a few stops at grocery stores that were still open as I meandered my way back home only ending up with about 9 miles.

The last 2 weeks have been terrible from a mileage standpoint, as I have simply had many other important things to address. Plus being under the weather did not help. With Buena Vista just about 6 weeks away, I need to step it up in a big way.

Yesterday I went out snowboarding with Sam at Monarch., It was a fun day with just the two of us. I will try to post pictures in the next day or so.

Playing Hookey

The kids are on Spring Break this week, so I have been trying to get a bit of time off work to hang out a bit. We are all a bit bummed we aren't going anywhere cool, so at a minimum I can take a couple days off, right? Work is still crazy, and not much fun these days. So it is not a great week to be gone, but I did get the afternoon off Wednesday, and took the whole day today.

I managed to get 6 miles this morning in Garden of the Gods, and although I feel better in general, I am still congested which becomes obvious during any exercise. Still, it was a good morning out and the weather was awesome.

Not sure what to do with the rest of the day? We are open til 4:00, might go do something fun I think.

Game On Wayne...

Had a good run tonight, 5 miles wandering through Ute Valley. Actually took a few lesser known trails that I had not been on before. 

My lungs were congested the first mile or so, and it was actually pretty tough going. However, once they cleared a bit I was able to run fairly easily the rest of the way. It felt good to be out, I had not run since Monday, by far the longest break of the year so far. I will need to really focus the next 3 week to get ready for BV before I need to taper. 

Continued Forced Rest

I had a brutal week at work this week, between the travel to start the week and non-stop problems once I got back. The worst part is, I really started feeling like I might be getting sick by Wednesday. I did make it through the work week, and I never really felt so bad like I shouldn't be there, just had a chest cough that was pretty rough. By Friday, I knew it was catching up, and by the time I left work Friday I was pretty much shivering and fairly sure I had a fever.

When I got home I was right around 102 degrees, and I proceded to curl up under a blanket and watch some movies. After a hard night, I did feel better today, but not great. Cough is winding down but I have a real sore throat. By lunch time I was able to get around and grab a shower, and we were able to get out a bit and check out the Front Range Cyclist bike show and hit the park and play for a bit. We went to Rudy's for dinner, and then came home to play outside for a bit.

Most of the kids seem healthy now, except Paige is still dragging a bit. I think I am on the uptick, hopefully the throat feels good tomorrow and I can get a few miles and get back in the swing of things.

Choked Up

Had to make a tough decision tonight. It is gorgeous outside, still about 60 degrees right now at 10:30 pm. I should have been out tonight, I could have gotten in good miles in great weather. So why not...

I think I am getting a chest cough. I am hacking more and more by the minute. And when you consider I have two girls in my house just starting to get over Bronchitis, I am a bit concerned. I always hear that you can run with a head cold, but you got to take it easy when it is in your lungs. So I hate it, but I am taking my second day off in a row. (I missed yesterday as I was working / traveling all day)

Here's to waking up feeling better... I hope.

Delta Blues

I spent the last two days in Greenville, MIssissippi, and I could not be more genuine in the statement that I am glad to be going home. Even with 3 of 4 kids sick at home, I cannot get there fast enough. Being my first trip to delta country, it was as expected, if not potentially more depressed.

I got out for 5 miles yesterday. It is always fun to run at sea level in the flattest place I have been in a while. Quite a change from the 6k vertical I got in on Sunday.

Heading out through the neighborhoods, I may have found the one area of the country that makes flint look prosperous. It was alarmingly depressed, the only real highlight was eating at "Doe's Eat Place". Look it up it is outstanding.

Here is a snapshot of Does:




The guy in the t-shirt is the cook, and those are steaks on the table waiting for cooking. You walk in through the kitchen of a small house and eat at any one of the many tables strewn through the kitchen/dining/living room. Oh yeah, and when you walk in they just tell you to grab yourself a beer from the cooler. Outstanding.



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Getting High

After a delayed start due to a houseful of kids with various ailments, I was able to get out at noon for a long(ish) run today with some great vertical. First of all, it is always nice to get a chance to run mid-day. For a guy with a full time (and a half) job and four kids, most of my runs start in the dark or end in the dark. Or in many cases they start and end in the dark.

Today was perfect for running. It was over fifty degrees without too much wind. I started in Red Rock Canyon, crossed the Intemann Trail to The Palmer Trail, then went about 2 miles up the Trail #666. Not sure the name of that one but I could think of a few... Got a total of just over 16 miles, with 6,004 feet of total elevation gain. This is exactly what I need. That is almost 60% of the total gain I will see in 50 miles at Collegiate Peaks, and I kept an 11:30 pace.

I did get a few pictures on today's run, here they are:

Garden of the Gods from above Red Rock Canyon.

Behind Red Rock Canyon looking towards Section 16.

Somewhere along the trail (self portrait). Sometimes I take pictures as a good excuse to rest...

Must have needed more rest.

Last view of town from the #666 trail. This is not quite two miles up from High Drive.

What a great way to celebrate the time change. I absolutely love the longer days, it immediately improves my mood. Off to Mississippi tomorrow, hope to get a good run in tomorrow night on the Delta.

Nice Night

Last night I met a friend for an easy run through Ute Valley Park. I ran to the park, then we did a 5 mile loop and I ran home. Once home, I grabbed the dog for a final fast mile. Total was 8.2 miles.

We are happy to have heard from Jen's parents last night. They are currently traveling in Japan, staying with friends well south of Tokyo. They are fine, and their primary concern is regarding return travel.


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Tough Week

I had a hard time posting last week since there really wasn't much to say. My work has been very difficult lately and last week my mileage took a hit. Ran a total of 20 miles in 3 days, with the longest at 10 miles. Ultimately, I think I am better off giving my body the bit of rest, but it never feels right when it is not "planned" downtime.

It was a good weekend, as Paige turned 6 on Sunday, and we had friends and family over to celebrate. Certainly a worthy excuse to skip a run.





Here is Paige getting her ears pierced Sunday for her birthday.





The finished product.

I did get out with the Trinity group last night for 5.5, then ran 1 more at home with the dog. Was able to comfortably keep up with the lead guys, of course they were tapering for the Salida marathon this weekend, but I am not letting that keep me down. should get a few miles in tonight as well.

Later

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Resting

This has managed to be an unplanned rest week. Three rest days through the M-F weekdays, I will need to bust out some miles today and tomorrow to keep the overall mileage up.

Last night was planning to get out late, but Jen was out on a late girls night out, so I was homebound. It was probably good as I think my body is better off for the rest. Plus, I had a great night with the kids, bigtime chess tournament.

Beat the Weather

It was a gorgeous day today, over 60 degrees and sunny. So naturally, I wait until 9 oclock to get out for a run racing to beat the snow and rain that are coming in. At least we were successful in having to deal with only the wind. By the time I drove home it was raining.

Kent and I made it out tonight for 5 miles in Ute Valley. Nice night on the trails, and in the park we managed to mostly dodge the wind.

On a positive racing note of a different sort, Sam and I were able to test out the Pinewood Derby car tonight and things are looking good. I think Sam's design could really prove out. Now we just need to finish the racing stripes and we are ready to go.

Fleet Feet

After a rest day yesterday, I was fully planning to run this morning. Of course, I had a couple things to get done here around the house before work as well, which took way longer than planned (and still didn't get done). As you probably already figured out, no run this morning.

When I got home from work today (at almost 7pm) the kids were waiting for me to play some chess. Yes, they are in the "Chess Club" at school. All the cool kids are doing it. So, two games of chess while eating dinner, then getting the kids down, all the normal stuff.

I finally got out at 9pm, and figured I would just get some junk miles. When I started out, I felt pretty good, so I started to push it a bit. I ran my normal 5 mile loop, which is 3.5 miles downhill followed by a fairly brutal 1.5 mile climb to get home. I was hoping to get to the 3.5 mile mark in 27 minutes to give me a chance to run this loop under 40 minutes, which I haven't done this year. (I haven't really tried, but still...) When I got to the mark I checked my watch and I was at 25 minutes even, essentially 7:10 per mile to that point. So I kept the effort stable as I climbed and I finished up in 37:36, about 7:30 / mile for a run that finishes with about a 400 foot climb.

It will be interesting to see how I keep everything going to next two weeks. I have been very lucky to not have any travel for the last year, which is not normal in my line of work. My luck has run out, I will be out 2 to 3 days each of the next two weeks. Need to keep it going while traveling.

Incline Club, uh huh!!

Today was my first ever run with the famous Incline Club. I opted for the long run, man did we hit it hard today. For those that are familiar with the Colorado Springs / Manitou trails, we ran from town to Ute Pass Trail, to Waldo Canyon, to Longs Ranch Road, to Barr Trail. Overall, about 19.5 miles and somewhere around 5000 feet elevation gain. There is one three mile stretch of Longs Ranch Road that gains 1000 feet per mile for three miles. That is a lot of climbing.

I primarily ran with another newbie to the Incline Club, we were lucky we didn't get lost. I ended up being out about 30 minutes longer than I planned, so I was kicking hard down Barr Trail to make it home on time. After all, it is my anniversary (12 years).

Here are a few pics from the run:

Waldo Canyon trail with Pikes Peak in the background.

Looking up Longs Ranch Road.

Now for the rest of the anniversary... laundry, cleaning and dinner at home. Woo-hoo!!

Busy Day

Started the day by getting up sort of late, around ~6:30 or so, and lounging around for a bit with the kids. I was only planning to run for an hour or so today, so I finally got out about 7:30. I managed about 6 miles in Ute Valley, our local park. It was nice out, except for the wind. Crazy wind!!

I got back in time so that Jen could head out with her friend Kristen and run the last of the Pikes Peak Road Runners Winter Series, a 20K through the Black Forest. She had to battle wind gusts were hitting 50 MPH!! That is not fun. While Jen was running I took Sam to a birthday party then went shopping with Alice, Paige and Mason before getting lunch at Red Robin. After lunch we picked up Sam, then picked up Mom after her race, then headed straight to swim lessons.

The kids have an awesome swim instructor who has worked wonders on Sam, Alice and Paige this year. Today, she was not busy (we were the only ones there) so the owner of the school, Donna, took Mason in the water for a gratis one hour lesson. It was unreal how comfortable he was, and he had a blast. Paige has improved incredibly, and she is very ready to join the team this year. Sam and Alice worked on diving and flip turns, along with some stroke development.

If it sounds like we were busy today, that would be correct. All this and we were home by 2:30, and ready to nap. No time for that, just cleaning and playing with the kids.

Tomorrow I am hoping to get out with the Incline Club for their weekly long run. I have never run with them, so I am looking forward to it.

Stammtisch

Tonight was Stammtisch night. If you are anything like I was about a year ago, you are thinking what the world is Stammtisch???


Jen and I have good friends in the neighborhood who are German. Evidently, they have some crazy customs, like Stammtisch, that just do not generally translate to the US. Except, in the case of about 10-15 of my friends, Stammtisch translates just fine.


What is Stammtisch? Essentially, it is a quite informal group of friends and acquaintances that gets together once a month as a discussion group. To discuss what, you might ask? Anything typically related to some relevent current event.... Politics, World Events, Religion, Popular Science, the more potentially polarizing the better. Basically, the group leader publishes a loose set of topics about 2 weeks ahead of the meeting, then you do a bit of research (or not) and show up with libation.


We always drink, that seems mandatory. Then a fairly diverse group of upper middle class white men (politically, if not economically or racially) drink and discuss the issues. What could go wrong with that???


Remarkably, it is always a very enjoyable, and eye opening night. Many different perspectives are presented, and it always stays amicable. We simply throw out perspectives and poke holes at each others views or perceptions. It is truly amazing how much your knowledge base can expand through these simple dialogs, with educated individuals from different viewpoints.


Just FYI, tonights topics were:

Egypt and the rest of the Arabic world – where is this going to end?

People on Mars – do we really need to fly there?

Is the DOW going to hit 14000 again this year?

What do we think about the Colorado Springs “Reform Team”? (a local political issue)

In case you are wondering, I ran there, Then drank some wine and a few beers, then ran home. It was my environmental statement. Plus allowed me to drink as required to support my views... huh?

Glass Half Full

The last couple of days I have not been super excited about running. I have been getting out of bed 5-10 minutes late. Checking the internet for 5-10 minutes before getting dressed. Just kind of dragging my feet prior to getting out the door. The last two days I have had runs of 3 miles and 4 miles, not really setting the world on fire for mileage. Then I realized, any other time I would have skipped out on the runs entirely. Even during Leadville training, I had down weeks, and I still finished. So I am just going to be happy with the fact that I still managed to drag myself out the door.

Speaking of Leadville, Jen was asking me yesterday if I was secretly planning to run the race this year. She gets suspicious of me any time my training picks up, as she knows I do want to repeat in the LT100 to try to improve my time. After I (honestly) told her I had no intentions this year, I browsed the website only to find the race is full. I am not sure this has ever happened before. 750 runners are already signed up for the 100 mile jaunt through the mountains. Crazy.

I do need to find something to do in the fall. Maybe a triathlon? Another 50? A trail marathon? Perhaps a new 100 miler... (doubt it)?

Hills....

This morning I did my first hill repeat workout in a long time. I do remember why I have let it go for so long.

When I woke up it seemed to be blowing pretty hard, so I considered bailing on the run this morning. As I got around I realized it wasn't that bad outside, but I had squandered 20 minutes between laying in bed and looking online at the news. Since I was dealing with limited time, I thought I would squeeze in a short hill workout, thinking the short timeframe would be a good way to get back into these types of workouts.

I did, however, forget how hard it is run up hills, repeatedly, in Colorado. I was pathetically out of breathe halfway through my first push. The second and third got easier, the fourth was brutal, and then I cooled down and went home. .

We are celebrating a holiday in the Wescott house today. It was two years ago today that we first met Mason, and brought the scared little guy back to our hotel in Zhengzhou, China. Now that scared little guy is your normal all American kid, 3.5 years old and no longer timid in any way, shape, or form. He is crawling all over me as I type this, so I think that is my cue to sign off for today.

Bad Planning

We are still managing to hold on to some fairly nice weather, so I snuck out while Jen and the kids were at Sunday School and got in a decent 12+ miles. The only problem was, I left myself about 4 miles of uphill as the finish. Normally, that would not be a big deal, except just as I started north to head home the wind picked up pretty steady. So I ran the last 4 miles uphill into headwinds of 20-30 miles per hour. That is not really enjoyable.

I did manage to get 34 miles this week, and I am feeling stronger. At this point I will maintain my week day mileage then extend my longer weekend runs to build up to the 40-50 miles per week I need to be at in the next month. I have about 6-7 weeks still before taper, and I would like to get 3 to 4 runs of 20+ miles in (with one at 30+) before the second week of April.

I do have a 3 day weekend this weelend, so we just need to figure out what to do tomorrow with our free time. Skiing? Playing? Most likely cleaning.... blah.

Morning Miles

I was really exhausted this morning, but I dragged myself out of bed at 5:15 to log a few miles before work. I ran my standard 5 mile loop through the neighborhood. It was 41 degrees when I started out, and I was running in shorts. There was a good breeze but nothing like yesterday.

It is supposed to be almost 60 outside today. This weather is awesome.

Blown Away

How's this for irony, I had a long post written titled "Blown Away", making jokes about our crazy awesome weather and the crazy wind that goes with it. Then I blew it away, meaning I accidentally deleted the entire post. Dammit... anyways, I got in 6 miles at 5am with crazy 30 miles per hour wind in my face the first three miles out. I wasn't fast, but it was a workout nonetheless.

I don't think I mentioned anything yesterday about my great end to a crappy Valentines Day. I worked until 7pm and missed the great dinner Jen made for the kids and I. I missed the kids opening their gifts from Valentines Day. So I walked in the door, and my dinner was on the table, and the kids were playing with toys. Sam had gotten a small, indoor remote control helicopter. So of course I walk in and take the controller from him and start playing with it. Then Jen handed me my present... A remote control helicopter like Sam's. I know my wife really knows me and loves me. I also received an outdoor guided day of climbing... awesome.

Sunday Night

After a long, long Sunday, I finally got in my miles at 9pm. Had planned on running earlier, but sometimes things don't go as planned.

In fact, I would have likely bailed on my run altogether, except the fact I had left my car at the grocery store 2 miles away earlier in the day knowing I would get it after my run, so effectively I had no choice. Since I had to get out, I did manage to get in 7.5 miles, but it was not as far as I had planned for the day. Still not bad, and I think I will live.

I managed 29 miles for the week, a bit short of where I wanted to be but not bad. I will keep up the balance of February much like the start, and really start stretching the longer weekend runs in March,

On a positive note, we got a lot of work done around the house this weekend.  A FULL truckload went to Goodwill, of stuff that we have been moving around for 10 years without using. Let the purge continue!!

Outside

I managed to get outside today (in the daylight) for 5.5 miles of mixed road and trails around the house. Other than obscene wind, the weather is outstanding. I ran on primarily snow covered trails in shorts and a t-shirt, and was completely comfortable. Did I mention it is the middle of February?

Nearly 60 degrees outside. Not too shabby.

Tomorrow I should get out for a couple hours to round out another good week. Weather is supposed to WARM up tomorrow!!

Now it is time to clean, organize, and take some loads to Goodwill. I am currently disorganized and it drives me CRAZY!!

Groundhog Day

Day 3 out of 4 spent on the treadmill. I really do not get into running on the treadmill that much, but it does serve it's purpose. I was most likely going to bail on the run tonight, but there is no good excuse when there is a treadmill in the basement. Plus, I never really watch TV, so I can watch guilt free.

I managed to get in 6 tonight, so I am keeping pace with my base mileage well. We are expecting a solid warming trend here for a week or so, which should help keep me on pace. About 2 more weeks of 30-35 miles per week and I will really start stretching out some longer runs in March.

On a positive note, one more workday until the weekend. I am really looking forward to some time with Jen and the kids, I am still working too much and I have really been looking forward to any time off.

Recovery Run

Today was a long day. Got to bed about 1:00 am after driving back from the show in Denver, then did not sleep well. I was awake at about 4:30 and had trouble getting back to sleep. It seemed like a combination of having been at a VERY loud show, surrounded by chain smokers, and having had a few beers (fortunately my friend Allen doesn't drink so he drove!) kept me from really getting into a deep sleep.

Then another wonderful (sarcasm) day at work, let's say I am tired. However, after a rest day yesterday I did manage 4 miles on the treadmill tonight. And as usual I feel better for having run.

Now a bit of laundry, and off to bed. I think I will sleep better tonight!!

Attitude Adjustment

After another long day at work, I was not in a great mood tonight. After eating dinner, playing a game with the kids and helping get them down to bed, I came downstairs to balance the checkbook (oh fun). All this added up to a cranky husband, so I decided to hit the treadmill for 3 miles or so. As usual, once I got going it felt so good I managed to run 6 miles and felt like I could have gone all night, other than I have to be at work at 6am tomorrow and I will be out late at a concert tomorrow.

Needless to say, I feel much better now. We will see how a little Ozzy Osbourne makes me feel tomorrow. I always love an Ozzy show, you would think I would outgrow it (I know Jen thought I would at some point, and I think she is still holding out hope). Maybe someday... but that day is not today!!

He looks a lot less crazy than he used to... right?

Morning at the Barr

Nope, not that kind of bar. While Jen and the kids went to church this morning, I found an hour and 45 minutes to go and run. I snuck over to the Barr Trail and got about 4 miles up and 4 miles down. For those that do not know, Barr Trail is the main hiking trail from Manitou Springs, CO to the summit of Pikes Peak. It has an AVERAGE grade of 11% for 13 total miles, and it can be one of the most humbling experiences a runner can experience. The views were gorgeous.

The round trip from my car came out to 8.6 miles, but the workout really translates to more than an 8 mile run, as the elevation is brutal at the base of this trail. Going up I am usually happy to average 15 minute miles, and today was no exception. There was a nice layer of soft snow that made the running a bit tricky in areas, but for the most part traction was great and the scenery was outstanding. Some pics below.

One note from the amazing file, Ian Sharman just won the Rocky Raccoon 100 mile trail race in Texas yesterday in a time of 12:44:33. For those slow with math, that is an average of 7:38 per mile for 100 miles... sick.

Lovely self portrait from about 8500 feet.

Good view of the trail.

This is actually looking over town, just can't really see it...

Year of the Rabbit

I feel like I am finally hitting a groove. I got out Thursday night with Kent in Ute Valley Park. We hit about 5 miles in ~1 inch of fresh snow. It was a beautiful night and there was great lighting, almost easier to see without the headlamp.

Friday was a rest day. I originally figured I would get a few miles on the treadmill, but I got a better offer... Actually, I had a date with Alice (my 7 year old). We went to Chik Fil A, Mr. Biggs then out for ice cream. After go-karts, laser tag, inflatable jumpers, and getting home at 9:30, I was totally spent and punted the plan for a run. But what an awesome night. With four kids, it is really special to get some one on one time.

This morning Jen got out for a long run, and wound up getting in about 11 miles with Kristen. They are training for a new 25k in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, so they are ready, and they still have 2 months. I made it out for a quick 5.3 miles in Garden of the Gods this morning. I cut it short because we had to head out to Denver to a Chinese New Year celebration. We all had fun but Mason really had a blast. He enjoys getting to see glimpses of Chinese culture, and it is good for him to see so many other families with brother and sisters of various shapes and sizes!! Enjoy the year of the Rabbit, being a Rabbit myself, I am especially looking forward to it. 

Freeeking Cold Out

Short post tonight. Ended up just running on the treadmill (which I hate) because it is negative 300 degrees outside. Or something close to that, anyway. (this after I just posted about how I am so tough and love to run in foul weather, but I mean it is seriously like -9 outside!!)

Did one of my preferred treadmill workouts. Start at any speed (I use 7.5 mph) and increase speed by 0.1 mph every quarter mile. It forces you to run negative splits and pushes you out of a comfort zone, plus it breaks up the monotony of running on a hamster wheel. I did 5 miles like this, with increases in speed faster during the last half mile to get me to 10 mph, then I ran a final mile or so at 7.5 again.

Since treadmills are boring, I find it much more tolerable personally to constantly mess with either speed, or incline, or both.

Also, as soon as Jen and I get our computers all straightened out, I will start posting pictures from my runs again.

-Scott

Day off

The only exercise I got today was a couple of 12 oz curls. Every now and then it is healthy to relax and have a beer (or two). Not that it was a stress free day. Work... always a joy. Then came home to get caught up on bills, get ready for taxes, and help Jen get her new computer up and running. That last one is important because her old computer becomes my NEW computer. And yes I am excited.

Today's HIGH was -2 degrees, tomorrow is not looking much better. Could be a treadmill day, or maybe I will just work on a few more Coronas.

Seriously Forrest, Take a Break

Sometimes it is hard to explain to non-runners what the appeal of running is. And other times it can even be hard to explain this to dedicated runners. Tonight was my weekly running club that heads out from our local Micro-brewery for a 6-8 mile easy run. Normally there are anywhere from 5 to 10 folks in the longest group, which I run with. These guys have some chops, and my running credentials do not hold a lot of water with this crew. Multiple Boston runners, front of the pack ultra runners, etc. Needless to say there were only 4 of us that started the run tonight. All but one turned around at 2 miles to head back to the bar. Guess who the one was.

I did not go far, about 6 miles. I suppose it was the 8 degree temps, or the horizontal snow blowing in the 20 mile per hour winds, that turned everyone else around. Seriously, I had a really nice run. Sometimes it takes that kind of night to really clear my head. Hard to explain.

I got back to the bar. Everyone was laughing and cheering that I made it. All I could think was that if I had not promised Jen I would be home, and I really wanted to see the kids before bed, I would still be out there. Because I enjoy it.

Scott

Sled Necks

I had a great day today. Yesterday, I received an email from a friend who has 2 snowmobiles, and he wanted to head out this morning for some high mountain backcountry riding above the ghost town of St. Elmo, CO. I was able to peel away form the family (thanks to my awesome, gracious wife!!!) and get out for about 4 hours of solid riding before packing up and heading back home. I will try to get some pictures up tomorrow. We hit two passes, and spent about half our time above treeline and half in the trees riding trails. The snow was light and deep, it was crazy fun.

After I returned we went to Jen's brothers house to celebrate our nephew's 12th birthday, then came home and put some very tired kids to bed. I did manage to still get on the treadmill for 3 miles, then rode the spin bike for 10 minutes to cool off.

Now I am going to bed.

Thursday

Nothing too exciting today. Long day at work then straight to cub scouts with Sam. Once I finally got home I did manage 4 miles with the dog. Jesse did good tonight. I usually dread taking her because she can be quite the spazz on the leash and she cannot be trusted off leash. Other than a giant poop in the middle of the street she was fine tonight.

Morning Miles

Just finished 7 miles and it is 6:15 am. Weather was perfect, cool with no wind or snow, and the miles are coming back fairly easily. After about 1 more full week of re-establishing base miles I will begin adding a day of hills or speedwork in to the weekly routine.

Quiet house, no one is up yet. Time to go read the paper and have a cup of coffee.

Time to Go Back to School (no, not really)

Life has been very busy, between chasing the (4) kids, work, work and more work. It was definitely time to sign up for a race. I really have not run significantly for myself since Leadville, with the exclusion of finishing the Denver marathon last fall (but really I was simply there to document Jen's first marathon... that was her race).

So what to do, what to do... I think I will go to college!! Of course, I mean the Collegiate Peak Trail Run.

50 miles of beautiful trails around Buena Vista, CO. I am really looking forward to this, as all reports have stated  this is a great run and well organized.

http://www.collegiatepeakstrailrun.org/

There really is no motivation like a registration. This time it feels great, I am really invigorated to get into a solid routine again, as opposed to the "here and there" running I have been doing the last year. Right now I am focusing on re-establishing a solid base, at about 25-30 miles a week. after another week or so, I will keep it pegged between 30-40 miles a week with a day per week of hills or speedwork, and at least one day per week of weights. By the end of Feb I should be averaging 35+ miles per week and building the long runs to get myself ready. Not ready for any predictions yet, but I have a real positive attitude this time, and I think it is reasonable for me to start looking at goals for Ultras beyond simply finishing.

More to come...