Going Up?

Well, seeing as how my longest run this year was maybe 10 miles, Saturday caught me by surprise. I had planned to head out and do 13 miles in Waterton Canyon. Waterton is a great out and back, slightly up on the way out with every half mile marked. I was feeling great on the run and started thinking about doing the extra 5 mile loop after the dam. The 5 mile loop is on a single track up in the trees (Colorado Trail). By the time that I reached the dam I realized I was averaging an easy 6:40 pace and felt as though I had just started my run. So, up I went. The trail is beautiful past the dam and it was over before I knew it. I continued on down the canyon and finished 18 miles feeling great! Sometimes these runs have a way of catching up with you later in the day, but not this time. I averaged 6:40 pace on a hilly run at altitude. Probably the best run I have had since I have been in Colorado. Finished the day doing yard work and drinking beers with the neighbors around our bonfire in the backyard. Not bad!
An easy week coming up since I have gone 50, 50, 60, 75. I will do somewhere in 55-65 this week with one long run on the weekend. Then start the build to 85 or 90 over the next month. Hopefully in a few months I will be a 100 consistently.
I have decided that I am going to do Mountain Racing this season. There are a lot of trail and mountain races here in Colorado, so I am going to take advantage of that and see what I can do. Who knows. It is just nice to be healthy and enjoying training! I really do love running.