Saturday, January 30, 2016

This week in running 1/24 - 1/30




DayMileage / WorkoutComments
Sunday8.5Pretty solid run for having done a long run the day before
Monday6Icy trail. Easy throughout.
Tuesday5Medium paced run. Got a late start.
Wednesday8Speed workout, 5 sets of half mile between 3:44 and 3:57
Thursday13Burn calories.  I had a big lunch. Mostly easy miles but ran consistently throughout.
FridayOffRest day
Saturday16.5Long run in 1 - 3 inches of snow.
Total miles for the week: 57- YTD: 214.5

Week's Summary


Another fairly consistent week of training.  I managed to get in a speed workout, a half marathon length long run in the middle of the week and finally a long run on the weekend.  I continue to be blessed with fairly stable weather this winter that makes it suitable for running.  In fact, I am well on my way to running more miles than last year.

I continue to turn in some solid workouts.  The fact that it is cooler out has really helped turn up the heat on my workouts.  I also generally feel pretty good well running.  Perhaps all the extra mileage I did last year has helped after all.

Another side effect of all the running I am doing is a massive increase in my appetite.  Sometimes I am out of control.  I do try to eat "good" stuff and try to maintain portion control, but it is hard to maintain sometimes.

My long run fairly well, but it was a lot tougher than I expected it to be.  The air temperature was nice and there was no wind, but it pretty much snowed the entire time.  Running in 1 to 3 inches of snow was almost like running on a beach.  My knees appreciated the softer landings, but it took a lot more energy to run.  My pace was very slow and as much as I tried to run fast it just wasn't happening.




Jonesing for an Event

Being that I am largely marathon trained at this point, it feels really weird not having a "big race" on my calendar.  By big, I mean a marathon or travel to event.  

Granted, I have a bunch of shorter races, but there isn't anything I am counting down the days to.  It is very frustrating to me.  I suffer a lot of cabin fever as a result.  This racing and traveling stuff is addicting to say the least.  It is frustrating to have a ton of destination races in spring and nothing right about now.  And flying from SLC isn't exactly cheap.  Argh.  The life of a race junky.

Upcoming Races


02/06: Winter Striders 5K (Confirmed)
02/13: Sweethearts 5K (Confirmed)
02/20: Winter Striders 10K (Confirmed)
03/05: Winter Striders 10 Mile (Confirmed)
04/02: Winter Striders Half Marathon (Confirmed)
04/23: Winter Striders 30K (Confirmed)
11/13: Las Vegas Marathon (Confirmed)

Saturday, January 23, 2016

This week in running Jan 17 - Jan 23


Me powering through at the finish line of the St George Half Marathon


DayMileage / WorkoutComments
Sunday7Easy paced run
Monday9Medium Paced Run
Tuesday6.251 x 2 miles (7:55 and 7:53) 2 x 1 mile (8:07 and 8:14 -- ran into head wind)
Wednesday7Easy
Thursday9Strides + pretty decent run. Some parts easy
FridayOffRest day
Saturday19Long run at 9:20-ish pace
Total miles for the week: 57.25- YTD: 157.5

Week's Summary

This was a pretty solid week's worth of training.  I wasn't downtown all weekend and the weather was reasonably nice so that meant I could get in a few extra miles.

I also actually did a speed workout on Tuesday, which is something that I should do, but don't always do.  Speed workouts are always "work" and I tend to avoid them over going for a medium-paced long run, which is probably my favorite workout.

Saturday's long run went better than expected.  I wasn't sure what I had or what I was going to be able to do but I started off aggressive and ran until I couldn't hold the pace anymore.  Luckily, once I faded I was only about a mile from home so I could cool down.

I really sort of wish the weather would remain like this year-round.  It is just an enjoyable time of year to run.




Upcoming Races

01/31: Salt Lake Track Club 5K (Maybe)
02/06: Winter Striders 5K (Confirmed)
02/13: Sweethearts 5K (Confirmed)
02/20: Winter Striders 10K (Confirmed)
03/05: Winter Striders 10 Mile (Confirmed)
04/02: Winter Striders Half Marathon (Confirmed)
04/23: Winter Striders 30K (Confirmed)
11/13: Las Vegas Marathon (Confirmed)

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

This week in running 1/10 - 1/16


DayMileage / WorkoutComments
Sunday7Easy paced run
Monday6Started out fast but ran out of "gas"
Tuesday5Got off late from work.  Medium throughout
Wednesday5Duplicate of Tuesday
Thursday3Zero time. Nothing but easy
FridayOffTravel day
Saturday13St George Half Marathon.
Total miles for the week: 39 - YTD: 100

Week's Summary

This week was a really "off" week for me.  From Tuesday until Thursday I had meetings in downtown Salt Lake for the company I work for.  That meant getting up, taking the train downtown and not really getting home until close to 6pm -- pretty much at dark.  Luckily the trail wasn't icy but it was certainly colder and less "fun" when it came to running.  Hence, my training was mostly haphazard and not with a lot of structure.  I also didn't get my noon-time walks in.

The highlight of my week came with the St George Half Marathon.  I expected to run in the 1:53 - 1:55 range, which is sort of where I ended 2015 at.  The fact that I was under 1:50 means that I am making some gains.  I also liked that my splits were largely even and coincided with the elevation gains and losses.  I feel like I might be getting to understand my new pace capabilities.

Me Singing Beastie Boys "Fight for Your Right to Party"

Go Pro 4




My company holiday party turned out to be very fortunate for me.  I wound up winning a Go Pro 4 (with a bunch of accessories) in a raffle.  I am hoping to use that gizmo on some hikes and runs.  So stay tuned for that!


Upcoming Races


02/06: Winter Striders 5K (Confirmed)
02/13: Sweethearts 5K (Confirmed)
02/20: Winter Striders 10K (Confirmed)
03/05: Winter Striders 10 Mile (Confirmed)
04/02: Winter Striders Half Marathon (Confirmed)
04/23: Winter Striders 30K (Confirmed)
11/13: Las Vegas Marathon (Confirmed)

Sunday, January 17, 2016

St George Weekend Recap


Introduction


Once again, this article is mostly for me about my weekend trip to St George to run their annual half marathon.  So if you are looking for a race recap or pictures of hiking, you'll have to click their respective links.

Friday


I left work a bit early (well actually took a short lunch) and hit the road just shy of 3:30.  The trip to St George is about 4 hours and I am happy to report that I made it in 3:45.  Traffic was mild in spots and there were a lot of dumb drivers on the road.  It was frustrating at times, but I had some recorded talk shows that I was listening to that helped pass the time.

I arrived just after 7:15 and went to the Dixie Convention Center to pick up my bib, shirt and check out the expo.  Just a beautiful building and a really nice setup.

I wound up spending a fair amount of time in there.  I didn't see any shoes I wanted but I did make a lot of small talk with the marathon directors who were advertising their races.  So many races, yet so little time.  I did buy a bunch of $1 tech t-shirts for myself and friends.  Quite a bargain actually although finding them in my size was a bit of a challenge.

After visiting the expo, I hit up the Golden Corral for a quick meal.  Usually I stuff myself silly at all you can eat buffets, but I did manage some modicum of restraint and just ate enough to feel full.  I still have bad memories of my Vegas marathon where I ate way too much and wound up having gastro problems.

I had booked a room at the Red Lion in St George.  I think the hotel is in transition as they didn't have the name of the hotel in lights.  Thanks to my navigator though I was able to find it.  They had a really nice lobby and a beautiful swimming pool / sauna that I was itching to use.



My room was way in the back.  The motel rooms aren't enclosed and face the outside.  Luckily my neighbors were pretty quiet, although there was some noise from the parking lot.  I actually slept reasonably well and the room was comfortable.

Saturday


I ran the St George half marathon in the morning.  I ran really well and completely exceeded my expectations of what I thought I was capable of doing.  On the plus side, I was running in lower elevation which means more oxygen.  There is indeed a difference between running at 4300 feet and 2500 feet.

After the race, I wound up hanging around for about 30 minutes eating and trying to socialize with people.  I didn't know anyone done there so it was fairly short lived.  I managed to get a few pictures of the post race festivities before heading back to the hotel for a super long shower.

I grabbed some money from the bank that was across the street and quickly figured out where to eat.  I had a busy day planned and I didn't want to dilly dally.  I also needed to save room for dinner which was rapidly approaching.

I wanted to try something different and almost went into the Black Bear Diner, but I saw that the lot was full and people were standing around outside.  I didn't want to wait and decided to hit up the Denny's next door.

I got some super sweet and sugary Cinnamon pancakes.  Cinnamon gel with cream cheese frosting on it.  Just yummy.  They gave me a double serving of greasy hash browns on account I don't eat meat.  I'd rather have had another egg, but it's all good.


Around 1:30 I headed out to the Red Cliffs Recreational Area.  I did some hiking for a few hours before figuring that I'd like to head to Mesquite Nevada for dinner.  My Gps sent me past Quail State Reservoir, which looks like a fishing haven.



It was about a 45 minute drive and I found that the Virgin River Casino was fairly well packed.  They did have an auto show there and I quickly took in some of the vintage and exotic cars in the lot:

I want this car



I went inside and immediately started winning on a Wonder Woman machine and a Britney Spears slot machine.  I wasn't winning tons, but I was making a nice profit.  Lately, the Virgin River Casino has been "hot" for me.  I also wound up putting $40 on the Packers to hold up against the spread versus the Cardinals.  Kind of a risky bet considering that the Packers had been crushed recently by them.  

The casinos there had also sent me a bunch of coupons for free play and discounts on food. I wound up using the $10 in free play on Wonder Woman to further bolster my profits.

Sweet Bonus hit!



I was starting to get hungry so I made the mile drive down the freeway to the Virgin River's sister casino -- the Casablanca.  Not too many people seem to know, but they have a really GOOD and cheap buffet on Friday and Saturdays.  For about $19 you can get pre-cracked crab legs.  Normally those go for $29 and up.  They don't have much of a selection there but this is the crown jewel of their buffet.  I wound up pigging out there big time.  I also got lucky in the fact that I beat most of the crowd there and was in under 5 minutes.  Also, with my food coupons and comps, I was able to eat for $6.  Sweet.  I love a good, cheap meal!



Casablanca has never been a source of good luck for me.  I wound up gambling there and while I won at first, my luck quickly went south.  I did manage to kill a few hours in there while I waited for the conclusion of the Packers / Arizona game, which I wound up winning on.

I was beginning to worry about making the 30 minute trip back to the hotel.  I was really tired and there isn't much between Mesquite and St George.  Also, driving the I-15 pass through Arizona is a treacherous drive.  It is dark, twisty and hilly.  Luckily, I made it with flying colors and hit the motel just shy of 11 o'clock.

I think I was over stimulated and had a super hard time sleeping.  I spent most of the night tossing and turning.

Sunday


I wound up getting up around 7:30 and begrudgingly got dressed and packed up.  I could've used some more sleep but I was anxious to hit the road with no other reason I wanted to be able to get some things done this weekend.

I wound up eating at the hotel since it was free.  It was a typical motel breakfast and I was able to eat my fill.  None of it was very good, but it was filling and worked out.

The drive home was simple and I had enough talk radio recordings to fill the entire trip.  The drive went by really quickly and there were less idiots on the road than on Friday.

Conclusion


This was a really exciting weekend for me.  I had a fantastic time and my adventure was packed for every minute.  The sad thing is that I didn't get to do everything I wanted to do.  There is such a tremendous amount of things to see in southern Utah.

The race worked out well and I would certainly consider doing it next year.  I ate very well although I would have liked to have eaten at truly novel places rather than tried and trues (Golden Corral and Dennys).

I am really jazzed about it and that means I did something right.  Just glad I had the initiative and courage to make this happen.  A lot of times we talk ourselves out of doing something on account it is too much work or not worth it.  We settle into mundaneness and I am glad I took the chance to make this a super memorable weekend.

Red Cliffs Recreation Area - Leeds Utah


Introduction


After running the St. George Half Marathon I decided I wanted to do some hiking.  Southern Utah is just loaded with some great places to hike and I had done a little research before arriving there.  On my list was to visit the Red Cliffs Recreation Area.

Located about 14 miles north of St George, it is fairly easy to find.  Just drive north to exit 22.  Make a right off the highway and take the frontage road about 2 miles until you see signs for the park.  It is then about a 1.5 mile drive to the park entrance.

There is a self-service fee station that you pay $5 for a day use receipt.  There is limited parking there so I had some concerns as to whether I would actually be able to find parking.  I am happy to report that there was ample parking and it almost seems like the locals don't know much about this place (or have already been there).

Red Reef Trail


The first trail I took was the Red Reef Trail.  This trail is the most widely used and I saw a ton of people on it.  

The route is fairly easy to follow and eventually leads to some pools of water.  The Quail River flows by and occasionally forms into mini waterfalls and pools.  

The trail is fairly sandy and in spots does require some scrambling over rocks.  I believe a lot of the areas had work arounds but eventually it does require some technical skill and bravery to get around.

The most adventurous point on the trail is when you have to use a rope and some very rough foot and hand holds to navigate across a pool of water.  One false step and you are plunging into the pool of cold water. 

For whatever reason, it was easy to do on the way out, but on the way back I really struggled.  I am happy to report, though, that I made it without losing my phones.







A petrified / ruined tree





Heading into the canyon













The tricky part of the trail

The tricky part of the trail









The tricky part of the trail


The tricky part of the trail







The Silver Reef Trail with Dinosaur Tracks



After exploring the Red Reefs Trail, I wandered around the parking area until I found the trail for the Silver Reef.  This very short trail offers some great views of the eastern valley as well as a chance to see some dinosaur tracks.  

The trail isn't technical at all and does give you the chance to climb on rocks and such.  I was sort of surprised to see the dinosaur tracks just "out there". You could deface them, walk on them, whatever you want.  I would've expected to see some sort of protection around them.  In fact, one of the tracks was right in the middle of the trail.

I got some really nice pictures here:

Dinosaur Track

Dinosaur Track





Another dinosaur track





Dinosaur Track







Anasazi Trail


The last trail I did there was the Anasazi Trail.  This trail goes in all kinds of different directions and there are other trails that criss and cross it.  I started on one trail, stumbled on this one and followed it.

It is a fairly easy, but sandy hike, to a top of a hill where you can see the remnants of an Indian structure.  I almost missed it because I just assumed the trail just went no where.  I also was sort of fearful of getting lost out there -- there were lots of unnamed trails from water wash but the nice thing is, is that you can constantly see the red rock to the west, so even if you did get lost, you could find your way back to the parking lot if you were willing to bushwhack it.  

Here are some pictures of this trail:



















Conclusion


This trip was definitely worth the price and effort.  I spent a good 3 hours there.  There are lots of kids here though so expect families and such.

Parking was a snap but park information was pretty sparse and I was never quite sure if I had seen everything (or not).  There were no rangers there so be sure to do your research before you go.

It is also a great place for a picnic, with restrooms and picnic tables.  Just a stunning afternoon trip.