This Week in Running 8/20 - 8/26 + Desert Running

Picture from Friday morning's long run

Day	Mileage / Workout	Comments
Sunday	Off	7 Miles of Hiking
Monday	7
Tuesday	10	Medium paced long run
Wednesday	5	Easy
Thursday	Off
Friday	12	Long run in Nevada
Saturday	7	Desert running
Total miles for the week: 41; YTD: 1144

Week's Summary

I finally cracked 40 miles for the week!  While I am not 100% healed from my worn out patella tendon, I am able to run pretty much as much as I'd like.  While I've been a little hesitant on turning on the jets as far as speed work, I am able to run distance and quite comfortable.

About the only day I felt a bit of discomfort was initially on Friday.  I had taken the day off from work and in the morning I was trying to figure out where to run.  Given the high temperature of the day and not wanting to prolong running by driving, I just headed down old I-93.  This road is no longer used and as time takes it's toll, it is becoming less of a paved road and more of a dirt road.  You can drive on it -- in spots, but for the most part no one knows about it.  However, you are always within shouting distance of the "real" I-93.

The rest of the week was built around tentatively and patiently building up the miles.  All in all a productive week and on my way back to being ready for a marathon.

Desert Run

With Friday and Saturday at my disposal, I did two desert runs.  It is always a treat to run something new on account that I generally run the same route.  I find running in the desert to be relaxing and I like challenging myself with a hillier route.  It also gives me ample opportunity to explore and just have fun for the sake of running.  Even the same routes I've done before, sort of have an air of exploration.

Enjoy the photos:

Leppy Canyon just north of West Wendover, Nevada

Heading back down into West Wendover, from about 1.5 miles out in Leppy Canyon

Old highway I-93 - south of West Wendover, NV

Upcoming Races

09/02: Midway Swiss Days 10K - Midway, UT (Confirmed)
09/09: Race to the Angel Half Marathon - Wells, NV (Probable)
09/16: Take it to the Lake Half Marathon - Ely, NV (A Stretch)
11/12: Las Vegas Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)
04/21: Salt Lake City Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed (2018))

Lake Mead Train Trail Hike - Boulder City, NV

View of Lake Mead from the Train Trail Hike

Introduction

After running the St Patrick's Day Half Marathon I knew I had to get some pictures (and video) of the second half of the race.  There were just so many fantastic views and unique rock formations and to capture all of them would've really slowed me down.

So I made a note to myself that I would take a run in the morning and capture all the beauty.

However, after eating and crashing on my bed in my hotel room I began tossing and turning.  The pool was closed, I couldn't sleep in my over-caffeinated state and I really wasn't sure what I felt like doing.  I was just exhausted and dehydrated.

Then just as I was falling into a semi-fitful sleep I got a knock on the door.  It was house keeping.  So rather than watch them work, I filled a Gatorade bottle up with water, put it in a tote bag and headed out.

Staying at the Hoover Dam Lodge, I was fortunate enough to have direct access to the Train Trail.  The Train Trail was constructed at the time that the Hoover Dam was being built.  Trains filled with supplies came via this route to supply the workers.  Once the dam was completed, the tracks were removed and now a well groomed running, walking and biking trail exists -- along with some stunning views.

Best of all, the hike is absolutely free and if you are able to, allows you stress-free access to the Hoover Dam (i.e. no traffic or parking woes)

The Hike

From the parking lot of the Hoover Dam Lodge, it probably took me just under 2 hours to make it to the Hoover Dam.  I was taking video and photos along the way and while the temperature was about 88 and sunny, it wasn't too bad.  

There are two drinking fountains (mostly close to the dam) and one restroom (other than at the dam).   Along the way there are also 5 tunnels.  Each are less than a hundred yards (or so) and on the Saturday afternoon I was hiking there was no shortage of other people out.

There are some information signs as well telling you about what you are seeing and I even stumbled upon some elusive Big Horned Sheep.  They weren't shy at all and I was very surprised to see them.  I've hiked a lot of Nevada but have never come across them.

In short, these is an easy hike but best to do it in the early morning or in non-summer months.

Enjoy the photos:

View from the Hoover Dam Lodge

Desert flowers

Big Horn Sheep

Big Horn Sheep

Big Horn Sheep

Big Horn Sheep