Daily Mile

Ultramarathon training can be hard.  Getting in miles and weight lifting can be hard.  But, I was reminded today of something that I'd forgotten.  Running the day after squatting heavy is hard. Really hard.  So, I took it slow and easy.  I enjoyed the day with my pup and didn't push distance or speed.  Tonight, my legs are really mad at me.  In fact, I'm going to go foam roll and go to bed.  But, running on tired and sore legs is excellent training for ultras, so I'll take it as a win!

Ozzy and I enjoy the view of the Wasatch from our neighborhood park.

3.1 miles

38:01

12:15 average pace

Daily Mile

This picture perfectly describes my run today.  Beautiful, sunny, and most pleasant.  

3.75 miles

43:13 

11:31 average pace

Daily Mile & Lift: Ultra Training Begins

Let the fun and games begin!  Yesterday marked the official first day of training for Logan Peak Trail Run on June 28th.  I went to the gym in the morning to work chest, triceps and abs and then met up with Katherine and her kids in the park in the afternoon for a little bike and run fun.  We did a lap with the kids and then took turns watching the kids play on the playground while the other ran and then did one more lap with the kids at the end.  Lila is very fast and went off on her own, but Clarissa bikes at the perfect pace for me to run (slowly) along with her.  It was a super mellow run, but fun to get the kids out with us!

10 min elliptical

Bench press

Incline dumbbell press

Incline dumbbell flys

Narrow grip triceps dips

Glute machine (just because)

Cable triceps pull downs

Cable triceps rope pull downs

Hanging leg raises

Russian twists

Crunches

Bicycle crunches

Reverse crunches

A beautiful day at Flat Iron Mesa.

3.2 miles

36:19

11:20 pace

Daily Mile

I actually missed a run last week, which was uncool, but I guess that special kind of busy only comes around once in a blue moon. Today Katherine came over early and we stomped out a few miles at Flat Iron Mesa.  It was one of those good, "vent about all things that are bothering you" runs.  This is one reason running with a buddy is such a great thing! Bring on today!

4.78 miles
57:06
11:56 pace

Daily Miles

Wow, this week has been busy.  Life just gets that way sometimes.  Luckily, I am still getting my miles in.  It would take a special kind of busy to make me miss a run.  Tuesday was a great day.  I ran to Meghan's neighborhood and did some hills there while waiting to meet up with her.  I was feeling really great and ran both the up and downhills.  Not a bad pace for eight miles of hills.

Thursday was also great.  It actually started with a bit of a stiff hip, but that went away after about half a mile.  I ran without water and headed to Flat Iron Mesa (read: drinking fountains) where I did some hills again.  There were a lot of people, which was motivating when running uphill.  It kind of lights a fire under my ass when I know people are watching me.  Although, there was one creeper guy who was watching a little too much for my liking.  But, like I said, there were a lot of people there so I wasn't too worried.

I'm gearing up for another short run tomorrow, then a big doozy on Sunday.  Twenty miles.  I'm hitting the trails.  Let's hope I can make it!

8 miles
1:28
11:06 pace

5 miles
53:10
10:38 pace

Daily Mile

Today was just what I needed.  Usually I don't love road runs, but after my mountainous adventure Sunday it was quite pleasant.  I decided, at the last minute, to go to Flat Iron Mesa and run on the flat walking path there.  Part of my motivation was that I was feeling lazy and didn't want to bring water with me.  I knew I could stop at the drinking fountain there, and it actually worked out very well.  I typically don't like this sort of thing, and prefer to run all by my lonesome, but for some reason today I was quite happy to be running amongst all the people.  There were the old folks walking with their friends (those are the friendliest), the speedy runner (she didn't even smile), the couple that did'nt look like runners, but were doing their best to run anyhow (who knows, maybe they've been running for years?), the couple pushing their kids in a jogging stroller, the many dog walkers and the random folks out for a stroll by themselves.  Watching all these people come and go was quite refreshing today and I was able to run at a pretty good clip through the park.  Usually my post long run runs are quite painful, but for some reason I felt great today.  Guess I was due for a good one.

4.57 miles
46:43
10:13 average pace

Scavenger Hunt Birthday Run

This morning when I got back from taking my daughter, Lila, to school I had quite the surprise on my front door!  A note telling me it was time for a scavenger hunt! I instantly knew Katherine was behind it. She, Meghan, and I had already planned a running play date at the park, but this was a new twist!  I was so excited!  I got Clarissa and I ready and headed to the park.  Before I got there, I received a text telling me where I might find my next clue.  I dropped Clarissa at the playground with Meghan, Katherine and their kids and ran off (literally) to go on my hunt!  Katherine had put clues all around Flat Iron Mesa park.  I ran around to find them all, ending with a gift back at the playground.  What sweet, awesome friends!

This put the biggest smile on my face!

Renee would just keep on running, Dean.

My little runner and I.

All the clues.

John McEnroe!  Katherine, you slay me!

Oops, the first two are out of order...

Playing in the park.  Clarissa sure can rock a visor!  

Run and ride time.  This worked out extremely well and I'm sure I'll be using this tactic to get more runs in this summer.

My wonderful running buddies!

Look at those beautiful smiles!  I seriously have the best friends!

A beautiful day in the park!

Katherine made me this card.  Rarr!

Thanks so much, ladies, for the wonderful scavenger run!  I loved it!

I think I ran only a total of about two miles, but the fun I had made up for the lack of mileage.  It was a great birthday run!