Crazy Winter

This winter has actually been alright. The past two winters here in Denver have sucked. I think it snowed every damn day! Slipping on ice while both riding and running, and freezing for three months is not my idea of enjoyable training. Last week I ran in shorts. Yep, that's it, just shorts. AND, I was hot the whole time! I loved it. Those are the weeks that get me through until summer spings into action.

I have been running well. I get in around 40-50 a week, and even feel pretty comfortable on my repeats. The speed is still a month or so out, but I can run pretty comfortably at 5:20 pace for awhlie. Not in race shape yet, but it is closer than I have been in some time. I have been taking it easy, the achilles is feeling strong, and I am as patient as I have ever been; not rushing anything and actually holding back many days.

I started lifting and have been doing so for about three weeks now. I don't enjoy lifting, but I also do not think it is a coincidence that my achilles is better and I am running stronger since I have been hitting the weights. I am not surprised, but I have always avoided the weight room like the flu, and I can readily admit that it was probably not the right way to go about things. I have only lost weight since I have been lifting (which I am surprised about), and it gets me away from work during the day! All good things!

Still swimming a bit. I did not swim from Thanksgiving until the New Year, but jumped back in the pool and hit an alright set the first day back. 10x100 on the 1:50, coming in around 1:35. That is alright for no swimming and a short course meters pool. It brings me in around 1:25 yards, which don't get me wrong, is far from fast, but also a good ways from poking. I was about 5 seconds faster yesterday, but only did 5. I have no speed and little motivation, but it is fun to get in and have some good cross training.

I don't really have any race plans. I would like to beat the Practical Coaching group in an Ultra, but I don't run them. I might jump in one and see if I survive (if they are racing another one this year). I promise one thing: No 17 hour training day for me:) I will run 30 or 40 one day to prove to myself I can hold a good pace for a long ways, and then go for it! I better give Steve a call and start talking some serious trash! I might jump in a 12 hour Adventure race. If I can stay achilles pain-free, I will get on the track and see what I can do. Other than that, I am going to shoot birds with my dog, and fish all summer:) Not bad. My personal agreement with fishing is that I have to run first. There are some beautiful lakes and streams up in the mountains here that are hard to get to, unless you are running. Then it is just another day of training with a nice bonus: Rainbow Trout!

Until next time!

Um, Ouch!

I am sore. I decided to start lifting and see how it is different than not lifting for my entire life. I am so sore right now, but I think it will be a good thing. A bit more support for the joints and smaller muscles. Time will tell! I have been pretty consistent over the past few months, and am starting to get into some alright shape. Took a small break over the holidays and snowboarded and did some snowshoeing (mostly running). It is nice out here in Denver this winter. It is around 60 both today and tomorrow, and I can deal with that. Adrienne, Guinness, and I had a graet Chrstmas and a wonderful New Year up in Beaver Creek with the Dusebouts. It is always great to see them. We took Guinness out to St. Mary's Glacier on Christmas day and it was a bit too windy and cold for him. We cut the hike short. He had some great snowshoe adventures up in Beaver Creek. We are still taking it very easy on him since his growth plates do not close for another half a year or so. I started some short repeats running yesterday, and I am a long way aways from being able to go fast. I think I have a good strong base under me, and my achilles is feeling much better due to the slow consistency. We have been training Guinness on birds lately as well. It is fun and he is doing a great job for his age. He has a beautiful point and even stays steady if he doesn't get too excited. It was fun to shoot again, and I am looking forward to doing more of that! Well, hopefully I will jump in a race here soon and get my butt handed to me, but it will be a fun experience. There's a jumbled post for you:)