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