2016 Training Log : 2/22 - 2/28

Quality: 18 mile long run on Saturday.

Trail: 14 miles at South Mountain Park in Phoenix

Easy: 6 runs for 34 miles.

Cycling: N/A

Total:  7 runs & 0 rides for 66 miles.

I'm stoked that I was able to make all my runs even with a week of travel for a conference. Ended up being a few miles short on a couple of them, but still got out every day which is historically a challenge for me. It didn't hurt that the weather in Phoenix was phenomenal & a good 40° warmer than back home.

On Wednesday I was able to get out to the local trail system in South Mountain Park. Absolutely gorgeous run with some great vistas along the peaks. I wasn't prepared for how dry the climate was but luckily came out to the trail head just as I emptied my water. Total of about 2000' elevation gain over 14 miles which got my legs pretty thrashed.

Due to the aforementioned thrashing of my legs & the lack of proper fueling during the week, Saturday's long run very closely mimicked that dead leg feeling you get in the final miles of a marathon. I'm excited to be heading into a down week, my body could use a bit of rest.

A taste of the views, can you spot the house?

2016 Training Log : 2/15 - 2/21

Quality: 14 miles with 8 at marathon pace on Wednesday. 18 mile long run on Saturday.

Trail: N/A

Easy: 5 runs for 31 miles.

Cycling: N/A

Total:  6 runs & 0 rides for 63 miles.

Another solid week with the only stumble being a missed run on Thursday. Was just too exhausted from work to even get out the door. Temps are definitely on the upswing & I'm hoping to start adding some cycling back into the mix. Trails have mostly been off limits due to saturation levels, so hoping some warmer weather will at least help them dry out faster.

Both quality runs went great this week. Nailed my pacing pretty well for the tempo run & ran negative splits for the long run. Did both runs on the Legacy Trail to get a break from the roadways. A buddy of mine was in a pretty close call last week out on the bypass, so some traffic free running was welcome.

Finally got time to watch Outside Voices this weekend. Short movie shot entirely in black & white, which you no longer notice about 2 minutes into the film. It's a quick glimpse into the life of Jenn Shelton & was very well done. It really gives a window into the lifestyles of an ultra runner. It also makes you want to go live out of a van & spend your days running through the mountains. If you're into running this is a must see.

I also ran into a bit of luck this week. Last year I lost a hubcap on my car while on vacation. During my Friday easy run I found a perfect match on the side of the road. Who said running doesn't pay off?

Even the roadside views can be nice

2016 Training Log : 2/8 - 2/14

Quality: 14 miles with 8 at marathon pace on Wednesday. 18 mile long run on Saturday.

Trail: N/A

Easy: 6 runs for 37 miles.

Cycling: N/A

Total: 7 runs & 0 rides for 69 miles.

Great week of running! I made every run without any shortage of distance. Probably the coldest week we've had this year, but no real accumulation until Sunday. Decided with the wicked cold temps to do all my running from my front door. This way I could get inside & warm up immediately following a run, instead of jumping in a cold car to drive home. Obviously no miles on the bike this week.

Wednesday's tempo run was a real test of my fortitude. With a windchill hovering around 0° I really struggled to keep pace & ended up about 10 seconds off pace by the end of it. Air temp was cold enough to where it made me very nauseated half way through the tempo portion. Genuinely considered stopping to puke.

Considering how brutal Wednesday's run was I was a little timid going into Saturday's long run. Wind chill was 10° but seemed much more tolerable. Ran a new route that was a giant loop around my town, a definite improvement over my normal out & back type runs. Ended up being one of those runs where I felt like I could just keep going forever, even during the last couple of miles. I'd be very happy with a repeat of this week, minus the puke inducing wind chill of course.

Laying down tracks

2016 Training Log : 2/1 - 2/7

Quality: 14 mile long run on Saturday at the Legacy Trail.

Trail: N/A

Easy: 5 runs for 34 miles.

Cycling: 18 miles.

Total: 6 runs & 3 rides for 66 miles.

This week ended up being a good recovery week. I can always tell when a recovery week does the job because I'm itching to get back into the higher mileage. Back is still a tad sore, but not to the point of bothering my runs. Wasn't able to get out to the trails any this week mostly due to work scheduling, with the days getting longer this will hopefully be a non-issue soon.

The weather was great this weekend. I was able to ride out to the Legacy Trail on Saturday to get in my long run, then ride home. The combined mileage for the day ended up being right at 26 miles. I actually had one of my fastest long runs in a while, even after a 6 mile ride to the trail. Just one of those days where it clicks. Need to be mindful of calories when the run distance goes up & probably pack some gu for these excursions. Also went out for a 6 mile ride on Sunday before an easy 4 miler, during the ride I noticed a wicked soreness in the saddle. I guess it's time to invest in some kind of padded shorts.

Decent jump in mileage next week & I can't wait. Hopefully the weather stays decent.

Throwback to warmer days, because I forgot to take a pic this week...