This week in running Sept 13 - Sept 19

Day	Mileage / Workout	Comments
Sunday	14	13.5 miles at marathon pace., Hiked about 6.5 miles.
Monday	7	Nice rainy weather - great for a medium paced run
Tuesday	Off	Kind of a crappy day
Wednesday	7	Some speed work: Mile 1: 9:01 Mile 2: 8:40 Mile 3: 8:28 Half Mile Break Mile 4: 8:22 Mile 5: 8:03 Mile 6: 7:46
Thursday	9	Back spasms
Friday	4	Was supposed to not run, but had to kill nervous energy. Mostly easy miles
Saturday	8	Run through the Wendover Desert
Total miles for the week: 49 - YTD: 1776.75

Week's Summary

Well another very solid week of running.  I am really excited to get in as many miles as I did.  With the cooler weather it makes it super easy to log miles and be motivated about it too.  Instead of coming home from work and sacking in front of the TV for a few hours until the sun sets, I can throw on my running clothes and pretty much head out the door.  So much cooler.  I really wish the weather was like fall weather year round.

That being said, I got in a fabulous and exciting week of running in. My long run on Sunday went well and I actually got in a decent round of speed work.  With a solid base, I need to get in a bit more quality miles and with the weather cooler, I can certainly do a day or two.

I also managed to get a run on the Utah side of Wendover.  I explored some areas I hadn't  been to before.  I have pretty much explored every mile of that canyon and I would certainly never get bored out there.  However, in the future, I am going to have to take my car out there, park it, and run to the more back areas.

Also after last Saturday's 10K in Layton, I discovered that I was having some back spasms.  I am not sure what I did, and I suspect it is partly running related, partly stress and partly because I sit on my duff all day.  It comes and goes though and am happy to report that a bit of pool / sauna time did help.  Also  my knees have been a little cranky...

Upcoming Races / Taper Once Again

Well, I pulled the trigger and signed up for the Monument Marathon in Nebraska.  I don't really have any goals for the race except to finish and run as best as I can.  I suspect I'll pay the price for not being 100% rested and sort of tired, but it will be nice to knock off another state.  I am not looking forward to the roughly 8 hour drive across I-80 to get there.  If you have every had the misfortune of driving I-80 from Illinois to Wyoming, you know what I am talking about.  Not exciting scenery (although Wyoming isn't too bad).

So it will be hard to contain myself this week.  With the cooler weather, I'll be saving my energy for Saturday's jaunt and run.

I'll be leaving Friday morning and come home Sunday, so it will be a short, but sweet road trip.  Hopefully I'll be able to take in some of the sights as well.

09/26: Monument Marathon - Gering Nebraska - (confirmed)
10/18: Duke City Marathon (Probable. Non refundable Hotel is booked for Albuquerque, New Mexico)
11/15: Las Vegas Marathon (definite)