Running in the mountains, I've learned, is just as much about attitude as it is about altitude. This has become more apparent to me as we near the end of the SIXTH month of snow here in the Yampa Valley. I've written, on a few occasions, about the challenges of running in the snow and cold, but didn't expect it to still be relevant this late into the year. Sure, on the valley floor, I could run an ultramarathon next to the roads but the amount of snow that still remains on top of my beloved foot trails is nothing short of ludicrous.
Last year, I bagged my first running summit of Storm Peak on June 25th, while attempting a thru run to Fish Creek Falls. I was denied the thru run 3 miles after the summit, on Mountain View Trail, by snow in the trees that completely obscured the trail. The route finally opened up a couple weeks later. This year, it could be August before the route is open. Oh well, what can you do? (Run short routes, with less vertical or travel to run long routes!) There's no contesting Mother Nature. Thus, the need to keep the attitude correct. When the weather gets nasty, you still go out and grin and bear it and remember how good the run makes you feel in spite of the adversity. After all, when you are running hard, you put yourself into a state to deal with adversity regardless of what the weather is doing. Here's how I dealt with this week's challenges:
4/24 - 5.5 miles. Great, easy 2 miles with Katy followed by a couple more miles of up tempo running at 6:30 - 7:30/mile. Road run.
4/25 - 5.5 miles total, broken down into 2 miles of road, .5 mile 100' road climb , .5 mile deep snow/slush 100+' hill climb and descent, 2 mile road. Air temp: 34 degreesF. Nice and tough run between the weather and conditions which consisted of rain, sleet, snow, wind and spray off the vehicles driving down Highway 40.
4/26 - 7 miles, 1000' cumulative vert. in first 3 miles. Made it to the top of Laurel Lane (700') in 24:00 from the house (2.4 miles). More gnarly weather as winter continues through the end of April.
4/27 - Managed to get out to Mad Creek Trail just after 1 p.m. to scout it out. Ran the 2 miles (600' vert.)out to the barn with Benihana but the trail is still about 30 -40% covered in snow. It was fun though and I did a little UK-style fell running before turning around. It was awesome to be out with the dog again.
4/28 - Splitboarded at the ski area. The sun came out finally (just for one day) and I took advantage of having the day off by skinning up to the top of Pony and again up to the gondola. The ride down the lift line and then in the woods a little bit was super good, untouched spring slush. Concentration was good, too, but I got chastised by Lance at Slope Maintenance for riding through an area closed off for logging. I didn't see any closure signs so I just went for it. My mistake. Ended up hiking 7.9 miles and at least a couple thousand feet of vertical. Great cross training workout and just a beautiful day to be outside. Total time on the mountain was about 3 hours.
4/29 - Around 6 or 7 miles. Legs felt like lead from the previous day's mission.
4/30 - Went to Rangely to wheel. Too cold to run. Rest.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
April snow showers bring May trails unrunnable because they are still completely buried in FEET of snow
It's been an eventful month and not totally unblog-worthy but I just haven't been in the mood to write much. First of all, the title pretty much says it all. When the ski area closed on the 10th, I was ready for the switch to be flipped, the sun to come out and warm temperatures to begin melting the snow so that I could start doing some serious vertical running. Alas, we've had TWO days of sun since then and it has rain and/or snowed every other day since. Above 9000' the snow base is still well over 100". Probably closer to 150" at 10,000'. As a result of my lack of training (and being generally unprepared to make the drive/camp out/etc.), I decided not to run last weekend's half-marathon at the Desert RATS Trail Running Festival. My first official DNS (did not start) of the season. I don't think I'll be going down to Buena Vista to do the 25 mile version of the Collegiate Peaks Trail Run on May 7th, either. (Then again, who knows...) I've kind of decided to keep my race distance at half marathon and shorter this year. While I love doing ultramarathons, the training, racing and recovery times are just too much right now. I'm concentrating a little more on getting faster at shorter distances and I think my focus races this year will be Spring Creek Memorial (gotta make up for losing the trail last year!) and the Mt. Werner Challenge. I'll try and do all the trail races in the Steamboat Running Series and maybe not travel to any races this year. Keep it close to home. Of course, those races seem so far away right now when I look outside and still see nothing but snow and snowing.
However, this past week, I finally wrapped up the Wilderness First Responder course I've been taking at Colorado Mountain College so I've got a little more time to commit to running. After a very mediocre winter mileage-wise, I've been ramping up my time on my feet for the last three weeks and have increased my weekly mileage from around 20 to almost 40. I will keep my total running to around 40 miles/week for the next month before increasing again and work on intensifying my efforts so that I'm running in the 7 - 7:30 min/mile range. I'm going to keep the volume fairly mild and target 50-60 mile/week for the summer. For the moment, I've only been road running. Fortunately, one of my routes contains about 1000' of cumulative vertical in the first 3.5 miles, so I'm starting to get my leg strength back. Man, it's been a long winter...I've been jonsing to run on dirt for months!
Well, short post to just catch up a little. Although not a complete record of all my runs, here are some of my recent numbers:
Week of 4/3 - 4/9 - 23.28 miles
Week of 4/10 - 4/16 - 14.76 miles + 1:30 snow trail run on Howelsen CC ski trails
Week of 4/17 - 4/23 - 37.11 miles
However, this past week, I finally wrapped up the Wilderness First Responder course I've been taking at Colorado Mountain College so I've got a little more time to commit to running. After a very mediocre winter mileage-wise, I've been ramping up my time on my feet for the last three weeks and have increased my weekly mileage from around 20 to almost 40. I will keep my total running to around 40 miles/week for the next month before increasing again and work on intensifying my efforts so that I'm running in the 7 - 7:30 min/mile range. I'm going to keep the volume fairly mild and target 50-60 mile/week for the summer. For the moment, I've only been road running. Fortunately, one of my routes contains about 1000' of cumulative vertical in the first 3.5 miles, so I'm starting to get my leg strength back. Man, it's been a long winter...I've been jonsing to run on dirt for months!
Well, short post to just catch up a little. Although not a complete record of all my runs, here are some of my recent numbers:
Week of 4/3 - 4/9 - 23.28 miles
Week of 4/10 - 4/16 - 14.76 miles + 1:30 snow trail run on Howelsen CC ski trails
Week of 4/17 - 4/23 - 37.11 miles
Sunday, March 27, 2011
March 27, 2011
I've been sleeping on the blog for the past few weeks. I just haven't had much to write about training-wise as it's been taking a back seat to life lately. In fact, I taken the last couple weeks off from running completely as work started to pick up at the shop (couple of engine installations, clutches and transmissions), I tried to stay caught up in my Wilderness First Responder class and Katy and I got engaged! The last, of course, being the most life changing of all. We've just begun the planning so it's going to be a pretty busy year. As result, I've got alot of travelling planned and I think I'll be dropping out of some of the races I was going to do this year and just focus on non-competitive running, possibly guiding a couple running tours and staying healthy. Besides, with all the snow we've gotten here in Steamboat this year (390+" total, base: 85" @ mid-mountain, 117" @ the summit!), the trails (especially above 9000') won't be open until May/June. Furthermore, Katy has been dealing with leg issues that have kept her from running long since the Steamboat 50 last September and I want to help her get back into running far so we can do some more trails together this summer. All that said, after a 10-day layoff, I started making time this past week to get back out and log a few runs after work and get in a couple days of snowboarding.
It's still been snowy here, which is typical for March. Fortunately, the storms have been leaving good snow on the ski area and melting quickly in town. This makes running on the bike path a no-brainer, although I still don't enjoy pounding the pavement all that much. I've done a few trail runs in Whistler Park this week which have been a challenge. At this time of year, the warmer temperatures make it really easy to punch through the snow if you get off the beat-in track. It can be very difficult to locate the track if there's any new snow or if the lighting is really flat. You'll be cruising along and WHOOF! punch a leg straight through the snow to your mid-quadracep. It's like running on an invisible balance beam about 1 foot wide. It's still really fun to run but can also be a bit demoralizing trying to pull your whole leg out of the ground. I don't bother with pacing or mileage under these conditions and just wear a timer and run for an hour or so or whatever feels good. Terrain is rolling with a couple of 1/4 - 1/2 mile stretches of flat and a steep climb of 200+ vertical feet when I really want to breathe hard.
The snow-surfing continues to be epic this season. I only have 31 days at the ski area this year (my lowest number by almost half since moving here) and a couple of days in the backcountry but they've all been top shelf. Two weeks back, JD and I rode a couple hours on Sunday, in fresh powder and I managed to lose my third cell phone in three years while snowboarding. However, I told him that if that was the price I had to pay for an incredible afternoon of tree cruising than so-be-it. Yesterday, another 8 inches had fallen on the mountain and I went up with BA and JD for some fun in the sun. I was a little tired from a one hour mountain run earlier in morning but still had fun ripping it with the homies for a couple hours. Free cake, beer and sandwiches at the Paramount (Lee's son Giovanni turned 7!) concluded the day nicely. As I sit here typing, I see that it is starting to flurry again. Looks like I might have to go do it all over again (sans birthday cake)!
While life is treating me so well right now, my thoughts the past couple of weeks have often turned to the people of Japan (and other parts of the world) who are dealing with issues much larger than running, snowboarding or even getting married. My heart and hopes for better days go out to those in world who are suffering and just trying to survive. One Love.
It's still been snowy here, which is typical for March. Fortunately, the storms have been leaving good snow on the ski area and melting quickly in town. This makes running on the bike path a no-brainer, although I still don't enjoy pounding the pavement all that much. I've done a few trail runs in Whistler Park this week which have been a challenge. At this time of year, the warmer temperatures make it really easy to punch through the snow if you get off the beat-in track. It can be very difficult to locate the track if there's any new snow or if the lighting is really flat. You'll be cruising along and WHOOF! punch a leg straight through the snow to your mid-quadracep. It's like running on an invisible balance beam about 1 foot wide. It's still really fun to run but can also be a bit demoralizing trying to pull your whole leg out of the ground. I don't bother with pacing or mileage under these conditions and just wear a timer and run for an hour or so or whatever feels good. Terrain is rolling with a couple of 1/4 - 1/2 mile stretches of flat and a steep climb of 200+ vertical feet when I really want to breathe hard.
The snow-surfing continues to be epic this season. I only have 31 days at the ski area this year (my lowest number by almost half since moving here) and a couple of days in the backcountry but they've all been top shelf. Two weeks back, JD and I rode a couple hours on Sunday, in fresh powder and I managed to lose my third cell phone in three years while snowboarding. However, I told him that if that was the price I had to pay for an incredible afternoon of tree cruising than so-be-it. Yesterday, another 8 inches had fallen on the mountain and I went up with BA and JD for some fun in the sun. I was a little tired from a one hour mountain run earlier in morning but still had fun ripping it with the homies for a couple hours. Free cake, beer and sandwiches at the Paramount (Lee's son Giovanni turned 7!) concluded the day nicely. As I sit here typing, I see that it is starting to flurry again. Looks like I might have to go do it all over again (sans birthday cake)!
While life is treating me so well right now, my thoughts the past couple of weeks have often turned to the people of Japan (and other parts of the world) who are dealing with issues much larger than running, snowboarding or even getting married. My heart and hopes for better days go out to those in world who are suffering and just trying to survive. One Love.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Feb. 27 - Mar. 5
Weekly Summary - February 27 - March 5, 2011
2/27 - Sunday - Started my day by walking around Whistler Park with Benihana and Marvin. Later, I ran at least +/- 1000 vertical feet over 4.78 miles on Fish Creek Falls Trail and the Uranium Mine Trail in 1:24:25 with Bronwyn and some of her friends. Leisurely pace on snow shoe and boot packed trails with the required MicroSpikes for traction. The sun never quite came out so it stayed a little chilly. The run was adequately fueled by a delicious breakfast at The Paramount courtesy of BA's dad (Thanks, Harvey!). After the run, Bron and I discussed some possible dates for leading groups on trail runs this late spring/summer. In May, we may be able to work out something in and around Dinosaur National Monument. June through September, we've worked out a few weekends to do some short, supported runs around the Steamboat area.
2/28 - Monday - Nada. Work + school +broken timing belt on the Yota = long day.
3/1 - Tuesday - Lil' shorty run on boot packed trails around Whistler Park. A few good hills at a quick pace. 3.1 miles, 28:00, +/- couple hundred feet of vertical.
3/5 - Saturday - 5.14 miles, 44:21, road and hill loop.
3/6 - Sunday - Went snowboarding for a couple hours during the afternoon. Turned out to be my 28th day at the ski area this year. Definitely the fewest days since I moved here! A couple of inches of new snow, mid 30s for temps loosened up the base nicely. But socked in and poor visibility unless you were in the trees. Good solo shred session.
2/27 - Sunday - Started my day by walking around Whistler Park with Benihana and Marvin. Later, I ran at least +/- 1000 vertical feet over 4.78 miles on Fish Creek Falls Trail and the Uranium Mine Trail in 1:24:25 with Bronwyn and some of her friends. Leisurely pace on snow shoe and boot packed trails with the required MicroSpikes for traction. The sun never quite came out so it stayed a little chilly. The run was adequately fueled by a delicious breakfast at The Paramount courtesy of BA's dad (Thanks, Harvey!). After the run, Bron and I discussed some possible dates for leading groups on trail runs this late spring/summer. In May, we may be able to work out something in and around Dinosaur National Monument. June through September, we've worked out a few weekends to do some short, supported runs around the Steamboat area.
2/28 - Monday - Nada. Work + school +broken timing belt on the Yota = long day.
3/1 - Tuesday - Lil' shorty run on boot packed trails around Whistler Park. A few good hills at a quick pace. 3.1 miles, 28:00, +/- couple hundred feet of vertical.
3/5 - Saturday - 5.14 miles, 44:21, road and hill loop.
3/6 - Sunday - Went snowboarding for a couple hours during the afternoon. Turned out to be my 28th day at the ski area this year. Definitely the fewest days since I moved here! A couple of inches of new snow, mid 30s for temps loosened up the base nicely. But socked in and poor visibility unless you were in the trees. Good solo shred session.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Feb. 18 - Feb. 26
February 18 - 26, 2011 - Weekly Summary
2/18 - Friday - No running. Full day working and helping Jonny B. with Mina's 4Runner.
2/19 - Saturday - Nope. Happy to chill with BA and the dogs. Just straight kickin' it. It's mid/late winter. I'm not afraid to rest.
2/20 - Sunday - Light run/hike with Katy. 5.5 miles on Spring Creek, about 1:40, I think. Semi-sunny day. A really fun, snow boot pack hike. Saw a few hikers and dogs, one trail runner and Faye and Dale Baker out for a ski. It was wonderful to be back on the trail with Katy.
2/21 - Monday - Worked until 5 p.m., then went to WFR class at 6 p.m. Busy day.
2/22 - Tuesday - Left work early and decided to go snowboarding. At first, JD and I were going to go on the hill but last minute change of plans had us going up to Buffalo Pass to go snowmo-boarding with Mike and Chris Sciacca. A beautiful but cold day, with intermittent sun and some cloudiness. Each of us got 6 laps in the Exhibition area . The snow was incredible and I racked up some of the most fun powder lines I've gotten this year. Snowmobiles made getting so many laps easy. Tremendous amount of snow on Buff. My legs are shot. Feels great. Amazing day, fellas.
2/23 - Wednesday - 4.48 miles, 41:16, 9:13/mi. avg. - Nice afternoon run between work and class. Got back the results of our first exam and I aced my first test! That's right, 100%. The nerd is back!
2/24 - Thursday - Off.
2/25 - Friday - Off. Drove to Denver and back.
2/26 - Saturday - 7.77 miles, 1:21, 10:27/mi. avg. including walking. Nice, warm afternoon run in just shorts and long sleeved shirt! I'm so happy March and some warmer temperatures are near. Even if it keeps snowing, at least it won't be brutally cold. Ran the boot packed trail around Whistler Park, for starters. Then, proceeded up Bear Drive, to Ski Trail Lane and then the nice, long downhill around Mt. Werner Circle. Finished up on the bike path and rolled home and walked the dogs to cool down.
2/18 - Friday - No running. Full day working and helping Jonny B. with Mina's 4Runner.
2/19 - Saturday - Nope. Happy to chill with BA and the dogs. Just straight kickin' it. It's mid/late winter. I'm not afraid to rest.
2/20 - Sunday - Light run/hike with Katy. 5.5 miles on Spring Creek, about 1:40, I think. Semi-sunny day. A really fun, snow boot pack hike. Saw a few hikers and dogs, one trail runner and Faye and Dale Baker out for a ski. It was wonderful to be back on the trail with Katy.
2/21 - Monday - Worked until 5 p.m., then went to WFR class at 6 p.m. Busy day.
2/22 - Tuesday - Left work early and decided to go snowboarding. At first, JD and I were going to go on the hill but last minute change of plans had us going up to Buffalo Pass to go snowmo-boarding with Mike and Chris Sciacca. A beautiful but cold day, with intermittent sun and some cloudiness. Each of us got 6 laps in the Exhibition area . The snow was incredible and I racked up some of the most fun powder lines I've gotten this year. Snowmobiles made getting so many laps easy. Tremendous amount of snow on Buff. My legs are shot. Feels great. Amazing day, fellas.
2/23 - Wednesday - 4.48 miles, 41:16, 9:13/mi. avg. - Nice afternoon run between work and class. Got back the results of our first exam and I aced my first test! That's right, 100%. The nerd is back!
2/24 - Thursday - Off.
2/25 - Friday - Off. Drove to Denver and back.
2/26 - Saturday - 7.77 miles, 1:21, 10:27/mi. avg. including walking. Nice, warm afternoon run in just shorts and long sleeved shirt! I'm so happy March and some warmer temperatures are near. Even if it keeps snowing, at least it won't be brutally cold. Ran the boot packed trail around Whistler Park, for starters. Then, proceeded up Bear Drive, to Ski Trail Lane and then the nice, long downhill around Mt. Werner Circle. Finished up on the bike path and rolled home and walked the dogs to cool down.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Feb. 11 - Feb. 17
Weekly Summary - Feb. 11 - 17, 2011
2/11 - Friday - No running.
2/12 - Saturday - No running. Hiked out to Fish Creek Falls Canyon from the top of Pony Express chair and got a sick line through the trees down to the Keyhole. Snow was super deep and light. I actually overshot the entrance to the Keyhole and had to unstrap, re-ascend and traverse over about 50 - 60 yards in very deep snow to avoid getting cliffed out. A little gnarly. Went home after that short session and walked some dogs, walked more dogs, then, strapped on the splitboard and took some dogs out into the deep snow in Whistler Park. Only snowboarded one short line and just spent the time enjoying the touring and watching the dogs play.
2/13 - Sunday - No running. Went for a short tour around the park with Katy. Me on the splitty, her on cross country skis. It was super fun to just play around the park with no "workout" or "exercise" agenda even though you work up a good sweat. Katy broke the Whistler Park distance record for straight-lining on cross country skis. Sick. You had to be there. Incredibly beautiful, sunny day and even a little bit warm. No gym either as I had a few things to take care of today. School tomorrow night so probably another day off unless I leave work early.
2/14 - Monday - No running. Snowboarded with JD and Eric on a beautiful, warm, bluebird day. Super sunny and fun and fast snow. Straight maching (that's "going fast") the groomers and floating many a fun air on every available hit. I must've done a score of backside shifties and butters. It was one of those days when you feel like you're a kid again. Screaming by the tourists, going ridiculously fast and throwing snow spray in all you friends' faces. Today was my most fun non-powder day on the mountain so far this season. Big up to my riding-partners-in-crime for having so much fun with me!
2/15 - Tuesday - Light workout at the Rec. 5000m on the rowing machine, 15 minute run on treadmill, 2x100 4-count flutter kicks. Went riding with JD and Mike Sciacca for a couple hours. A little sun but not as good as yesterday. Still, fun. Snowboarding has aggravated my right Achilles tendon a bit.
2/16 - Wednesday - Nada.
2/17 - Thursday - Went to the Rec. and ran hard for 45 minutes on the treadmill followed by 3000m on the rowing machine. Then, leg press 3x30, glute/leg curls 5x10 (each leg), calf raises 3x25, pull-ups 3x5 and ye olde 4-count flutter kicks 3x75. Good.
2/11 - Friday - No running.
2/12 - Saturday - No running. Hiked out to Fish Creek Falls Canyon from the top of Pony Express chair and got a sick line through the trees down to the Keyhole. Snow was super deep and light. I actually overshot the entrance to the Keyhole and had to unstrap, re-ascend and traverse over about 50 - 60 yards in very deep snow to avoid getting cliffed out. A little gnarly. Went home after that short session and walked some dogs, walked more dogs, then, strapped on the splitboard and took some dogs out into the deep snow in Whistler Park. Only snowboarded one short line and just spent the time enjoying the touring and watching the dogs play.
2/13 - Sunday - No running. Went for a short tour around the park with Katy. Me on the splitty, her on cross country skis. It was super fun to just play around the park with no "workout" or "exercise" agenda even though you work up a good sweat. Katy broke the Whistler Park distance record for straight-lining on cross country skis. Sick. You had to be there. Incredibly beautiful, sunny day and even a little bit warm. No gym either as I had a few things to take care of today. School tomorrow night so probably another day off unless I leave work early.
2/14 - Monday - No running. Snowboarded with JD and Eric on a beautiful, warm, bluebird day. Super sunny and fun and fast snow. Straight maching (that's "going fast") the groomers and floating many a fun air on every available hit. I must've done a score of backside shifties and butters. It was one of those days when you feel like you're a kid again. Screaming by the tourists, going ridiculously fast and throwing snow spray in all you friends' faces. Today was my most fun non-powder day on the mountain so far this season. Big up to my riding-partners-in-crime for having so much fun with me!
2/15 - Tuesday - Light workout at the Rec. 5000m on the rowing machine, 15 minute run on treadmill, 2x100 4-count flutter kicks. Went riding with JD and Mike Sciacca for a couple hours. A little sun but not as good as yesterday. Still, fun. Snowboarding has aggravated my right Achilles tendon a bit.
2/16 - Wednesday - Nada.
2/17 - Thursday - Went to the Rec. and ran hard for 45 minutes on the treadmill followed by 3000m on the rowing machine. Then, leg press 3x30, glute/leg curls 5x10 (each leg), calf raises 3x25, pull-ups 3x5 and ye olde 4-count flutter kicks 3x75. Good.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Feb. 3 - Feb. 10
Weekly Summary - February 3 - 10, 2011
2/3 -Thursday - Off work at noon to put new spark plugs in my ice block of a truck. Back to back nights of -20F killed my truck and my desire to run outside. Ran and rowed at the Rec Center for 1:15, followed by a one-hour weight and calesthenic workout. Soaked in the hot springs for about 10 minutes afterward. A little lackluster, I could've run outside today. Probably should have done at least the requiste 5.5 on Spring Creek but whatever.
2/4 - Friday - Off at 10:40 a.m. So slow at the shop. Another cold day, but nothing like the past couple. It felt like it was in the teens, maybe 20F, and overcast when I went for a run at 1 p.m. Ran the snowpacked bike path from the house to the library downtown before weaving my way back through town. Light snow fall during the run was nice. Ran back a little longer way, (super glad I had Microspikes as there was tons of ice everywhere) past the Medical Center, around Mt. Werner Circle and then a little extra in Whistler Park at the end to make my run 12 miles, 2:04. Pace was slow and easy the entire run (9:00 - 12:00/mile).
2/5 - Saturday - No running. It started snowing again. Rode a few hours solo-style. Good, deep snow and I got plenty of fresh. Later, I soaked at the hot springs for about 10 minutes before I went to the gym and rowed for about half an hour (5000m with 3x500m hard intervals). Then, did 3x30 leg lifts, extensions, thigh abduction/induction, curls, calf raises, 10 pull ups and 2x100 flutter kicks.
2/6 - Sunday - No running. 18" of new snow equals Powder Day in the 'Boat. Snowboarded with BA for several hours, getting some very sweet lines. My best ever through Land of the Little People and some really great lower mountain tree runs. Straight lining Storm Face and then launching cat tracks on Twister was super fun as was straight powder shredding Ted's Ridge. Very nice. Even took a break midday to have lunch and couple beers at The Paramount, Lee and Suzy's new place next to Slopeside. An interesting evening, as well, made this a memorable day amidst a very weird time in my life.
2/7 - Monday - No running. Off. Got school tonight. It's been snowing all day but I'm not going to ride, just not that motivated.
2/8 - Tuesday - Ran about 45 minutes on the treadmill with 10 minutes of cool down. Cross country setting at 7:30 - 9:00/mile. Leg curls (3x10 each leg) and leg extensions (3x30), hot springs soak. Shorty workout. Missed an epic day on the hill but oh well. Legs feel good. Very slight tenderness in left soleus.
2/9 - Wednesday - Taking it day by day. I've got school tonight. We'll see if there's any work...don't feel like running, anyway. Walking the dogs was the only real activity today. Legs feel good. Most noticable issue as I sit here is a little tightness in my left plantar. I should stretch.
2/10 - Thursday - No work in the morning so I took the dogs for a nice hike around Whistler Park in the frigid morning air. Two huge bull elk were laying in the park I went to the hot springs and soaked for 10 minutes before suiting up for a run up Spring Creek. Broke trail in knee deep (8-12") snow for the last 100' vertical and quarter mile before the turnaround. I was really huffing in that section. Nearly impossible to keep running the entire time. With alot on my mind, this was a hard run and I was glad to be alone in the woods for a little while. I was running so hard, listening to my breath and my traction crunch on the snow, when I stopped at one point. I got quiet and realized that I was the only thing in the forest that was making a sound. Everything was so still, silent and snow covered it really made me feel out of place for a second. In a cool way, though. 5.5 miles on a snowy boot pack in 1:08.14. Opted to not work out afterwards.
2/3 -Thursday - Off work at noon to put new spark plugs in my ice block of a truck. Back to back nights of -20F killed my truck and my desire to run outside. Ran and rowed at the Rec Center for 1:15, followed by a one-hour weight and calesthenic workout. Soaked in the hot springs for about 10 minutes afterward. A little lackluster, I could've run outside today. Probably should have done at least the requiste 5.5 on Spring Creek but whatever.
2/4 - Friday - Off at 10:40 a.m. So slow at the shop. Another cold day, but nothing like the past couple. It felt like it was in the teens, maybe 20F, and overcast when I went for a run at 1 p.m. Ran the snowpacked bike path from the house to the library downtown before weaving my way back through town. Light snow fall during the run was nice. Ran back a little longer way, (super glad I had Microspikes as there was tons of ice everywhere) past the Medical Center, around Mt. Werner Circle and then a little extra in Whistler Park at the end to make my run 12 miles, 2:04. Pace was slow and easy the entire run (9:00 - 12:00/mile).
2/5 - Saturday - No running. It started snowing again. Rode a few hours solo-style. Good, deep snow and I got plenty of fresh. Later, I soaked at the hot springs for about 10 minutes before I went to the gym and rowed for about half an hour (5000m with 3x500m hard intervals). Then, did 3x30 leg lifts, extensions, thigh abduction/induction, curls, calf raises, 10 pull ups and 2x100 flutter kicks.
2/6 - Sunday - No running. 18" of new snow equals Powder Day in the 'Boat. Snowboarded with BA for several hours, getting some very sweet lines. My best ever through Land of the Little People and some really great lower mountain tree runs. Straight lining Storm Face and then launching cat tracks on Twister was super fun as was straight powder shredding Ted's Ridge. Very nice. Even took a break midday to have lunch and couple beers at The Paramount, Lee and Suzy's new place next to Slopeside. An interesting evening, as well, made this a memorable day amidst a very weird time in my life.
2/7 - Monday - No running. Off. Got school tonight. It's been snowing all day but I'm not going to ride, just not that motivated.
2/8 - Tuesday - Ran about 45 minutes on the treadmill with 10 minutes of cool down. Cross country setting at 7:30 - 9:00/mile. Leg curls (3x10 each leg) and leg extensions (3x30), hot springs soak. Shorty workout. Missed an epic day on the hill but oh well. Legs feel good. Very slight tenderness in left soleus.
2/9 - Wednesday - Taking it day by day. I've got school tonight. We'll see if there's any work...don't feel like running, anyway. Walking the dogs was the only real activity today. Legs feel good. Most noticable issue as I sit here is a little tightness in my left plantar. I should stretch.
2/10 - Thursday - No work in the morning so I took the dogs for a nice hike around Whistler Park in the frigid morning air. Two huge bull elk were laying in the park I went to the hot springs and soaked for 10 minutes before suiting up for a run up Spring Creek. Broke trail in knee deep (8-12") snow for the last 100' vertical and quarter mile before the turnaround. I was really huffing in that section. Nearly impossible to keep running the entire time. With alot on my mind, this was a hard run and I was glad to be alone in the woods for a little while. I was running so hard, listening to my breath and my traction crunch on the snow, when I stopped at one point. I got quiet and realized that I was the only thing in the forest that was making a sound. Everything was so still, silent and snow covered it really made me feel out of place for a second. In a cool way, though. 5.5 miles on a snowy boot pack in 1:08.14. Opted to not work out afterwards.
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