 |
| Me post long run |
| Day | Mileage / Workout | Comments |
|---|
| Sunday | 7 | Easy run for the most part |
| Monday | 9 | Desert run on the Utah / Nevada border |
| Tuesday | 5 | Easy |
| Wednesday | 5 | 2 miles at 5K pace. No garmin but it was around 16 minutes |
| Thursday | 7 | Easy to medium |
| Friday | 4 | Easy |
| Saturday | 19 | Long run at 9:45 pace |
| | |
| Weekly: 56 YTD: 1852.5 |
|---|
Week's Summary
This week was actually a very solid training week. Whatever race I am ramping up for is looking to be a good one. I got in plenty of miles, including some hill training on the trails outside of Wendover Utah (pictures below).
I also managed to get in a 2 mile time trial -- sans a watch. I wasn't expecting to be able to run hard -- I just didn't feel like it -- but once I got warmed up I turned on the jets. I wish I had my watch so I would know how fast I ran, but it certainly felt like 16 minutes-ish.
I did a little bit of experimenting with my long run on Saturday as well. I have read that the walk-run method works well in that you'll be able to maintain your average pace longer as it gives your running muscles a break. Right before Vegas I ran into a runner who really liked it and since then I've been meaning to try it. My plan was to run about a mile and walk for 1 minute.
First off, I had to put my ego in check. Even my long run training runs I run too fast. Mostly because I post the times and there is a sense of pride. Ultimately that makes me race my long runs, which is a recipe for pace mismanagement and burnout. Doing the walk run method forced me to sort of put the time on the back burner.
Secondly, I really looked forward to the walk break. It seemed sort of weird after 1 mile to take a break and walk, but it kept my mind occupied. I'd glance down at my Garmin and at my specific and get a break.
Third, during my breaks I could fiddle with my phone or drink. 90% of the time I have a hard time staying hydrated on my long runs. Having a 1 minute walk break allowed me to ingest more hydration.
Fourth, I found that my running paces were faster. I think part of this was I was trying to make up time for the break as well as my legs having a bit of recovery.
So was it a success? For the most part it was a success. I felt like my average pace was more sustainable. Looking at my splits, I was holding a pretty consistent pace for 18 miles. Once I hit mile 19, I was pretty gassed. I suspect I could've done another mile at that pace, but I think I was hitting the wall.
I definitely want to continue this experiment.
Face to Face with My Feral Cat
Regular readers will know that I feed the feral cats along the bike trail. I have done so for the past 2 years or so. Every day that I leave food it is gone the next day. Sometimes other animals get it, including the birds, but I know most of the time the cats get it.
I've been feeding one cute cat for the past 2 years or so. She (or he) is super skittish and doesn't like to come near me. However, she knows my schedule and where I drop the food.
This past week she was waiting for me on a tree branch. As soon as she saw me, I was greeted with a few meows before it dropped down and into a culvert. I always drop food at the other end and so I deposited the daily dose of crunchy food.
I backed away from the culvert and no more than a minute later the cat came and started to eat the food. Normally if she sees me, she'll take off but she seemed to trust me. I didn't get too close to her, but this was the closest I've ever been. I got some decent shots of her:
Desert Run
Finally, over the Christmas break I went to Wendover for 2 nights. I didn't have any luck there but I did take in a nice desert run. I went a bit further than I should've but it was such a nice late afternoon that I had to make it to the point where I could see Pilot Peak.
I've done the trail to that point before, but it never really gets old. I got some great pictures too. I am not a big trail runner but this one is very doable.
Upcoming Races
Some races on the horizon. Getting excited about them!
