Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Week of February 10th - 16th

I've been lacking motivation in my training for quite some time now.  I realized I really haven't had a goal that was a real challenge that got me anxious and excited about pushing my limits.  Indoor track is fun, but I've been racing indoor since 2009.  I've been doing snowshoe races since 2004 and I've done the road grand prix since 2010.  Even though all these events are fun and challenging, I really was needing something new.  I almost pulled the trigger on signing up for a 100miler but instead I went with a 50mi race.  I'm officially signed up for the Cayuga Trails 50 in Ithaca, NY on June 1st.  I instantly felt pumped after registering and can't wait to start training.  I want to build up my long runs and just run high mileage.  I would like to gain endurance without sacrificing too much speed.  I'll be sure to mix in lot's of shorter races to stay sharp.

Monday:
0mi.  Legs tired from the 24miler yesterday plus I'm getting a cold.

Tuesday:
9mi/61min on the Gilsum trails with George and Griffin.  Good run.  We ran the snowmobile trails and we really should have thrown on snowshoes.  We were post-holing and slipping on every step making for a tiring but enjoyable run.

Wednesday:
Am: 1mi + Circuits with Fit Club.
Pm: 10miSS/68min in Pisgah with Griffin.   I ran 8mi on snowshoes and then met up with Larry a coworker that was finishing his run.  I ditched the snowshoes and ran 2mi on the roads with him to finish the run.  The trails were packed and fast.  Perfect snowshoe conditions.  Feeling good.

Thursday:
4mi/27min on the snowy roads at night with the headlamp on.  I wasn't sure I was going to get out in the snow to run, but I finally found motivation at night.

Friday:
0mi.  I spent the day shoveling the 14" of new snow that we have.  2 snow days in a row. 

Saturday:
11miSS/78min in Pisgah with Ferenc and the girls.  Beautiful snowy wonderland out there.  Feeling good, body a little sore from all the shoveling.

Sunday:
19mi*/2:05 on the Grafton, VT roads with Ferenc.  Lot's of snow on the roads made for slow and slippery footing.  We ran a 4mi segment at 5:55 pace.  My left knee started to hurt during this run on the medial side.  I'll have to watch that.

Total for the week:
54miles.  I took 2 days off.  I'm fine with one day off a week, but I need to run 6 days.  I need to watch my knee closely, as it is pretty damn sore.  Jen says it's my medial plica that's inflamed.  It's nice having an athletic trainer in the house, I know all the standard running injuries, but this one felt new to me.  I probably over did it with the long runs the last 3 weeks all on roads.  The slipping probably played a part as well.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Week of February 3rd - 9th, 2014

Monday:
0mi.  Body exhausted from the long run on Saturday.

Tuesday:
Am:  1mi + circuits with Fit Club. 
Pm:  0mi.  I was going to run more in the morning.  Too lazy.  I had to ref 2 games at night.

Wednesday:
0mi.  I went for a nice snowshoe hike with Jen and Griffin in Pisgah during the snowstorm.  We got about 9" of fresh powder.  Too tired and lazy to run after all the shoveling and the hike.

Thursday:
0mi.  Had to ref 2 games again at night.  This is turning out to be a pathetic week.  Oh well.

Friday:
6miSS/43min in Pisgah with Griffin.  Beautiful trail conditions.  Firm and fast on the snowmobile trails.  Good to finally get a run in.

Saturday:
12mi/1:27 with Ferenc and the girls in Pisgah.  I wore my micro spikes but probably should have worn snowshoes.  We stuck to the snowmobile trails.  Gorgeous sunny day in the woods. 

Sunday:
24mi*/2:42 on the Grafton,VT roads with Ferenc, MacKnight and Goupil.  Ferenc and Macknight dropped me and Goup on a huge dirt road climb that lasted 2 miles.  We regrouped and then continued on into the town of Grafton.  We stopped at the village store and Eric and Ferenc added on another mile+ while Goup and I bought some drinks.  I downed a Pepsi and Goup opted for a Gatorade.  I thought I was going to quit there after 2:14 of running, my legs were done.  The Pepsi pumped new life into me.  Goup and I finished the run feeling pretty good.  Nice long run on a beautiful day with fun company. 

Total for the week:
43miles.  No speed workouts, hell, not much running at all but I'll take it.  This was the last week of the basketball season which means I'm done with reffing.  The sun is setting much later so I should have no problems or excuses getting the miles in.  Next week I want to lift, do hill sprints, a workout, and a long run.  Shoot for 60miles.