This Week in Running 3/26 - 4/1

Almost to the top of Wire Peak

Day	Mileage / Workout	Comments
Sunday	Off	Hike up to Wire Peak
Monday	5	4 Miles at medium pace with 1 Mile of strides
Tuesday	5	Generic run
Wednesday	5	1 Mile warmup, 2 Miles hard, 2 cool down.
Thursday	4	Generic run
Friday	3	Easy
Saturday	13	Emigration Canyon Half Marathon
Total miles for the week: 35; YTD: 515.5

Week's Summary

This week was off.  I felt really drained for most of the week and I had zero to minimal "oomph" in most of my runs.  In fact, I was running what I like to call "dead legged" and very uninspired.

That is usually a sign that I am running too much -- as well as racing too much.  I had barely recovered from the 6 Tunnels Half Marathon two weeks ago as well as a long run.  So I really took it easy this week.

The hardest part, for me, in regards to training is that I feel like I should be doing more.  So while I did get in some quality miles on Wednesday, I felt like I really wasn't "training".  I just plodding miles along.

The plus side of the week is that I did race pretty well.  Downhill races always scare me. It is hard to contain one's pace and yet I wonder how much faster I could've taken the downhills.  There is such a punishing element to it as well.  I was very surprised in the following days that the muscle soreness wasn't as bad.

Wire Peak Hike

On Sunday, I did get in a hike to Wire Peak.  I like to use hiking as cross training since they are like speed work -- without the pounding.  I find I can really work up a head of steam just rapidly ascending the side of a mountain as I do running a tempo run (or intervals for that matter)

I did the hike last year and it was a fairly easy hike but I really felt winded this year.  Granted, the first couple of hikes of any year is getting acclimated to high altitude as well as relentlessly trudging upwards.

I just didn't feel like myself, and I didn't have a lot of power.  I had to stop and take a lot of breaks.  Again, I am way overdue for a running break and yet I am going into what is likely my most ambitious race month -- with 4 races planned.

I have attached a bunch of photos -- merely for your enjoyment of the high.  It was a beautiful day to get wet, muddy and check out the sites overlooking the Salt Lake Valley, Salt Lake City and the University of Utah.

Upcoming Races

04/08: Winter Striders Race Circuit Half Marathon - Huntsville, UT (Confirmed)
04/22: Salt Lake City Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed) (2017)
04/29: Winter Striders Race Circuit 30K - Huntsville, UT (Confirmed)
06/24: Utah Midnight Half Marathon - Provo, UT (Confirmed)
07/07: Utah Midnight (Legacy) Half Marathon - Farmington, UT (Confirmed)
08/19: Dam Train Race - 12 KM Race - Midway, UT (Confirmed)
11/12: Las Vegas Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

Big Beacon Mount Wire Hike - Salt Lake City, UT

Introduction

This past weekend, I decided I wanted to follow up on my Living Room Hike.  Previously, I had hiked the Living Room Trail only to discover that there was another trail further along the way. 

Basically, the easiest way to get to the Big Beacon Mount Wire Trail is to follow the Living Room Trail.  About 80% of the way to the Living Room the trail goes due east through some brush (it is pretty obvious).  

The trail isn't very technical and does involve a bit more altitude gain.  I know I was breathing pretty hard but the trail was certainly manageable.  Also the trail was definitely less used compared to the Living Room Trail.

About a mile into the hike you come upon a saddle.  There are several short trails that allow you to check out the various views.  You can peak down into Red Butte Gardens and get some nice views of Salt Lake City.

After poking around a bit, you want to take the trail to the south, which ascends a pretty steep hill.  The elevation climb is intense but fairly short lived.  After about half a mile, you'll see the Beacon at the top of a hill, which is your destination.

I wound up taking another route back down -- which was less inhabited and definitely more steep.  The route I followed looks sort of like this one.

Parking, for a Sunday, was busy (382 Colorow Road) but there was plenty of spots.  Expect to see lots of people on the trail -- at least on the way up to the Living Room, but after that, the foot traffic was pretty sparse.

The trail is mostly exposed so this trail is good for late spring / fall hikes.  I didn't see any evidence of wildlife, although I would guess it is a breeding ground for rattlesnakes.

The entire hike took me about 60 - 70 minutes to ascend and a bit longer to descend (I took the longer route). All told, approximately a 4 mile round trip hike.