Back At It

Was hoping for 10 or so, but the legs just weren't feeling it today.  Ended up with a very evenly paced 6 miles at the Parkway.

Still experiencing soreness on occasion in my posterior tibialis (both legs).   I think this is due to a strength deficiency as I've tried numerous shoes, inserts, etc.  I've been doing some strength exercises and will continue doing so for the next few weeks.  If it doesn't go away, I'll have to bite the bullet and go see a doctor.

6 miles
48:10
0' vert

Was feeling the need for a taxing workout after yesterday's easy effort.  In the interest of time, I went out to Dimple Dell to hammer my legs on some hills.  Stayed on the upper trail on the way out.  Once I got to the end I decided to head downhill since I'd never been before.  Ran around the bottom for a few minutes, then found a couple steep hills to run up and connect back to the upper trail.  Tired at the end but felt good throughout.

11 miles
1:30:39
965' vert

Headed up to Grandeur Peak for the first time this year.  After being disappointed with myself for not running yesterday, I knew I had to get my head back in it.  And as much as I didn't want to go, I dragged my butt to the parking lot and made my way up the west ridge.

I completely forgot how steep this is (nearly a 25% avg grade).  All winter long I've dreamt of pushing myself up steep mountain trails and busting out new PR's with each ascent.  My mind always makes it seem easier though, and when I actually get out there and do it again, I'm quickly reminded of how brutal the trails can be.  As such, I didn't PR and didn't even really have the motivation to push myself.  So I wimped out and just cruised up while enjoying the scenery.

After taking in the view from up top, I decided that I needed to push the downhill hard.  I needed redemption!  So I turned around and headed back down the way I came.  About 1/3 of the way down, the trail splits off to the north.  I decided to take that route since it seems more runnable.  I pounded the rest of the descent and with my quads screaming, finally reached the parking lot.  Turned out to be a great day.

5 miles
1:42:26
3268' vert

Been out of town the last few days and wasn't able to get any running done.  And since it's pouring rain outside, I decided to get to the gym and get on the treadmill.  Also did some weights.  Felt good to do those since I haven't done any in awhile.  Looking forward to a good week.

7 mile
59:21
0' vert

Let another crazy week begin!  I'm actually ok with it though since I need to save my legs for the big run in Zion next week.

Was only able to get in a little over 35 minutes on the treadmill.  I wasn't about to go out in the torrential downpour outside.  Call me a fair weather runner.

3.5 miles
560' vert

Ran the Parkway after work.  Knew I had about an hour to get a good run in, so I set off at a moderate pace.  Once I got warmed up though, I decided it was a day to push it a bit more.  My body wasn't feeling great, but my head was entirely focused.  Knocked off the middle 4 miles around a 6:10 - 6:15 pace, then followed up with a slow cool down.

It's been awhile since I've run fast (for me) for more than a mile or so.  It felt good.  I would've gone a bit longer, but I think the fast(er) running aggravated my left arch that was giving me trouble awhile back.  At least I listened this time and didn't try to go further than my body wanted.

On another note, kinda bummed the Fun Run has been put off til the 21st.  Not really sure how my body will feel after the Zion Traverse next week.  Plus, Squaw Peak is on June 4th and I don't want to do anything to compromise my performance there.  Time will tell I guess.

6 miles
42:43
0' vert

Got up to the BST in Sandy today.  Ran the BST, then went up Corner Canyon to the parking lot, then down Ghost Falls and back.  Energy was good throughout (even though I started hungry; oops!) and I was able to keep a steady, moderate pace.  Stopped a couple times to take my shirt off, put it back on, then take it off again.  The weather was amazing, but my pasty-white skin was getting scorched in the sun.  Only stopped the watch at the top of Corner Canyon road for some relief.

Great day!  Glad I was able to get out and clear my head.  Things couldn't have gone better.

1:36:10
1,434' vert

Got out with Jun for a run on the BoSho.  We started at the zoo and headed north, then turned around when our time was up.  I'd never been on this section of the trail before, so it was nice to go with someone who was familiar with the area.

Pretty weak on the mileage again this week, but I'm ok with it.  Trans Zion coming up, then Squaw Peak two and half weeks later.  Summer's approaching and it's about to get epic!

1:22:28
1514' vert

Full report can be read over on my personal blog.

The gist of it... Set out to do the 48 mile Zion Train.  Ended up doing 29 or 30 as we got hammered with weather!  Couldn't have been happier with the scenery and the company.

Got out for some miles at the Parkway.  Ran with my friend Scott which forced me to keep a nice and easy pace.  Time flew by since we were conversing the entire way.  Love these kind of runs.

1:08:32
0' vert

Ran some easy miles at Dimple Dell.  Ran with a friend and it's always good to kinda slow down and enjoy running.  I find when I'm by myself I tend to go hard and it's not always a pleasant experience.  Haha.

1:23:12
771' vert

Technically I'm on a taper, although the last month (outside of Zion) has kinda felt that way.  Life's a rollercoaster right now for me!  Went with my friend Scott who paced me at Wasatch last year and did the Grandeur Fun Run course.  Once we got over the big climb he was not feeling well the rest of the way so we took it extremely easy.  Probably good for me so I didn't force myself to go too hard.  Super slow but it was a fun day out there!

3:24:26
3780' vert

Taking it really easy this week.  With that said, I ran the JRP with my friend Scott.  Took it really easy on the run.  With one caveat... I was dressed in winter gear.  Haha.  Since finding out that Squaw Peak has been re-routed, figured I needed some heat training since it'll be 80 or so on race day and I don't believe we've seen 80 yet this year.  Should be good times on Saturday!  Oh yeah, I was drenched by the end of the run.  Looking forward to doing it again Wednesday.

51:35
miniscule vert