Friday, April 30, 2010

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0 Miles
Location: Gym
Duration: 22:02
Finish Time: 7:02pm
Monthly Total: 73.3 miles
Yearly Total: 289.0 miles
Yearly Duration: 47.15 hours

Another quick 3 at the gym. Felt pretty good for pushing a little in the middle mile, but overall not a very successful month at only 73 miles total. I really need to push myself and mark out my runs for longer this coming month especially my trail runs since I actually enjoy the time out there and it doesnt leave a mark. I am hoping to run the trails at either SM or possibly Usery Pass which is in north Apache Junction, east of Mesa. I will not use excuses this month and I will hopefully get to 100 miles in this month. Lets do it.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

2010 Running Log

Distance: 6.0 Miles
Location: Gym
Duration: 54:02
Finish Time: 7:15pm
Monthly Total: 70.3 miles
Yearly Total: 286.0 miles
Yearly Duration: 46.80 hours

Went on a long run at the gym which became a little nerve racking because of the heat that accumulates upstairs on the treadmills. All in all though the run wasnt too tiring and I was able to push through it will little knee or foot pain. My hip and quads are feeling a little sore though but I should be able to run through that and continue on and hopefully get to 80 miles for the month. We'll see, hopefully I will be able to make it to some trails saturday morning for sure. I did purchase a belt for holding my camera and cell phone, etc. which I will try out this weekend. I am a little anxious to use em.

Monday, April 26, 2010

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0 Miles
Location: Gym
Duration: 26:25
Finish Time: 6:12pm
Monthly Total: 64.3 miles
Yearly Total: 280.0 miles
Yearly Duration: 45.90 hours

Went for an easy 3 miles at the gym. My legs were a little heavy which I can only attribute to the 6+ miles that I got in yesterday, but all in all it was ok with a time just over 8:30 miles. I am hoping that I can get to the mountain on Wednesday but we will have to see. If I do, I am planning on going a different route this time just to mix things up. A little tired tonight so I am gonna wrap this up quick. Good day.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Motivation at its best...

It makes me want to drive outta the desert and into the cushioned, knotted forest bottoms of the north for endless hours of just myself and the earth. Follow the link.

Follow the link....

You must watch this clip. Enough said.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 6.25 Miles
Location: Gym
Duration: 1:03.01
Finish Time: 4:12pm
Monthly Total: 61.3 miles
Yearly Total: 277.0 miles
Yearly Duration: 45.45 hours

Decided to log a long run on the treadmill today to try and catch up for the month. It was an easy planned run that was not too hard on my legs or mind. My legs seemed to feel alright after the run so I think I should be good for the remainder of this week. Hopefully I can get to 80 miles for the month to inch a little closer to being on pace.

Prescott, Arizona run at Thumb Butte















Pics from my Thumb Butte trail run in Prescott, Arizona. I covered over 700' of elevation gain in only .80 miles, it was brutal to my calves, thighs, and lungs. Great views though of the city and Prescott National Forest, bustling down below.

2010 Running Log/Prescott Trip

Distance: 1.75 Miles
Location: Prescott, Arizona/Thumb Butte
Duration: 18:25
Finish Time: 3:12pm
Monthly Total: 55.05 miles
Yearly Total: 270.75 miles
Yearly Duration: 44.40 hours

As promised I headed up to Prescott, Arizona to hang out with my good friend Jon and also checkout the Whiskey Row Mountain Bike Race and I had a great time. Aside from the traffic jam that pushed me back about 20 mins or so the drive up was nice. Along Highway 17 on the way up to Prescott there is a picturesque rest area known as Sunset Point which is known for its amazing sunsets(obviously) but today it was known for its blooming wildflowers that burst from the ground like wildfire's. The scene was surreal and made the previous traffic jams dissolve in my memory. I was able to only get a short run in on Saturday at a local hiking monument known as Thumb Butte, situated squarely in downtown Prescott. After finding the park I discovered the trailhead and decided to hit the trail quickly since I knew I was strapped for time. It was only a 1.75 mile loop that conquered the peak of the butte and came down the backside and looped back to the parking lot. It was a little hot and only a few minutes into the run I realized that I am in no way shape or form ready for running at 5,000' of altitude. And to make things worse the trail covers almost 700 feet of elevation over only .80 miles to the peak. My lungs and legs burned with displeasure but I pushed through and was able to take in the breathtaking vista's that lie atop the mountain, including the snow capped peaks from a late spring snow flurry that swung through on thursday. It was beautiful, but I must admit I was glad to get back down to the 4,800 foot altitude level. I snapped some pics which I will post here soon. Great run, great time.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0
Location: Rob's House
Duration: 22:24
Finish Time: 8:12pm
Monthly Total: 53.3 miles
Yearly Total: 269 miles
Yearly Duration: 44.10 hours

Decided to stay at my friend Rob's house for the night and ran on his treadmill for a 3 mile clip. I pushed for the first mile and got a PR of 6:10. I think if I had a more technical game plan for the mile than I could sneak under 6 minutes a little easier. Overall though it was a pretty easy run that was not too taxing on the legs. I am gonna be up north in Prescott this weekend and am planning on doing atleast one trail run up there in the pines. I am interested in seeing how the run will go at an elevation of 4,000 feet which is what Prescott sits at. I have never really tried running the trails at that altitude so I am curious and looking forward to the fresh air and open trails. I will post some pictures and give a update possibly tomorrow night. My logging is going good this past week but I need to step it up and do a couple of longer runs to get a little caught up and stay on track for the year.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

2010 Running Log

Distance: 0.7
Location: Gym
Duration: 3:50
Finish Time: 7:12pm
Monthly Total: 50.3 miles
Yearly Total: 266 miles
Yearly Duration: 43.80 hours

A worthless attempt today at getting a personal best in the mile. I had the treadmill shut off on me in the middle of my first attempt which frustrated me to the core. I wonder if anyone at this gym gives a damn if some of these people may be in the middle of trying to run a sub 6 minute mile? I would guess no! After trying again to push myself, my energy just left me and I stepped off at .70, exhausted and drained. Very disappointing to say the least.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

2010 Running Log

Distance: 6.2
Location: Gym
Duration: 46:50
Finish Time: 6:53pm
Monthly Total: 49.6 miles
Yearly Total: 265.3 miles
Yearly Duration: 43.75 hours

I was pretty successful in my run today. I ran a 10k at the gym and I was able to pull out a personal best time in it of 46:50, a 7:33 pace. I really struggled at times but I guess that is what comes with pushing that hard. The tiredness from the day prior had vanished for the most part leaving me with a good reserve of energy that really helped early on in the run. I am debating on whether or not to run in the Whiskey Row 10k in a few weeks just for the hell of it. I think it would be nice to run up at a higher altitude and from what I hear the race is challenging yet breathtaking at the same time. I will decide by this weekend probably. I really hope that I can stay motivated to continue running and enjoying getting out and connecting with the moving world around me. Running has done for me what no other sport or exercise has ever done for me. I cherish it for now and I hope to cultivate this feeling.

Monday, April 19, 2010

2010 Running Log

Distance: 2.0
Location: Gym
Duration: 15:48
Finish Time: 6:43pm
Monthly Total: 43.4 miles
Yearly Total: 259.1 miles
Yearly Duration: 43.00 hours

Today's run was basically a worthless waste of time. I was gonna go for a 10k and it turned out my legs were not up for the task whatsoever. After 2 miles I was struggling badly. My shins and my feet acted up shortly after the run started and it continued to the point that I told myself "enough" and I called it a day after the 2 miles. I think I overdid myself yesterday with a day of tennis and the gym which caused the overuse that was also still lingering from the saturday race. I will be in better shape tomorrow for sure and should get in a 10k with a decent time. Ill keep you posted.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

2010 Pat's Run/Tempe

Distance: 4.2
Location: Tempe, AZ
Duration: 30:53
Finish Time: 7:46am
Monthly Total: 41.4 miles
Yearly Total: 257.1 miles
Yearly Duration: 42.75 hours

Today was the 6th annual Pat's Run in Tempe, Arizona. Overall it was a very good day for running, cool, dry, and no mishaps course wise. I set a goal of under 30 minutes for the race basing that on prior runs where I was able to eclipse that elusive 30 minute barrier. I was unable to replicate that today unfortunately after clocking in at 30:53. I cant complain too much other than that I may have set a goal that was a little unrealistic at this point. I did underestimate an incline/hill that popped up about 2 miles into the run and that took a little more energy from my legs than I had anticipated but other than that I think I just ran a little uninspired for the most part. My trail/treadmill running has spoiled me and I believe that that had a little effect on my performance since I was used to the softer surface(I hate running through the concrete jungles) but that is something that I have to always take into consideration when running, no excuses! My pace came out to 7:21 and I really would have like to be around 7:05 so I definitely have some disgust running through my veins since I dont have any real excuses for my sub-par performance, but oh well I will just keep on hitting the trails and keep on enjoying the adventure. I am gonna probably go to South Mountain tomorrow for a run and hopefully I will get some better pics of the scenery this time out.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0
Location: Gym
Duration: 23:40
Finish Time: 6:18pm
Monthly Total: 37.2 miles
Yearly Total: 252.9 miles
Yearly Duration: 42.25 hours

My last run before the Tillman run on saturday was just an easy jaunt on the treadmill. I stayed at just below 8 minute pace throughout and had little knee pain. Hopefully I can get under 29 minutes on saturday and put in a decent place. I just found out that I will be in Prescott next weekend for a few days so I definitely will find a trail to run while there and I will surely post pics afterward.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Weekly Music Link

I cant get enough of The National. I hope they continue their flight plan of flying under the proverbial radar. Gorgeous, gorgeous music.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 4.8 miles
Location: South Mountain Park(National/Mormon Trail)
Duration: 52:51
Finish Time: 6:01pm
Monthly Total: 34.2 miles
Yearly Total: 249.9 miles
Yearly Duration: 41.85 hours

I was able to get out to SMP finally for a good chunk of dirt. I decided that since the thermometer temps are rising that I should strap on the trusty ol' CamelBak and all of its refreshing goodness so that I don't expire in the middle of the barren desert as most of the other "Little things" of this world seem to do in this the great Sonoran Desert. After strapping up I took to the trail and I will be the first to say that having that pack on definitely makes a difference. My steps were a tad bit heavier for sure and my breathing was labored but I did push through for my standard 4.8 mile trail trek to the Buena Vista Lookout. The run itself went well with no sprains, falls, etc. The trail was fairly desolate on the way up but coming down there was a growing group of post-work hikers with dogs and children in tow. The wildflowers were sprouting like springs from the sun baked rock and the wildlife were peeking at the foreign-moving objects from their shaded crevices. Looking south over the southwest valley at the Ahwatukee Foothills, I could see that the trails of our land, these lands seem to go on forever, there was no end in sight. That is how I want it and I believe that is how it should be.

South Mountain hike(with CamelBak)



Some snaps taken from the hike today at South Mountain Park. These views are atop a peak not far from Two Peaks which is on the north side of the South Mountain chain. The trails that knive through the canyons look so beautiful and enticing. For those who have not been on these trails they are not too technical and are mainly packed dirt and limestone trails with some actual rock scaling. Overall its a very smooth trail, moderate. It was another good run.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0 miles
Location: Gym
Duration: 27:00
Finish Time: 5:59pm
Monthly Total: 29.4 miles
Yearly Total: 245.1 miles
Yearly Duration: 40.95 hours

It feels so nice to have an easy run without a predetermined time set in place. My legs feel refreshed and ready for a nice run in the fresh mountain air, if you can call South Mountain a mountain? My goal this year was/is to run 1000 miles and I am a little behind at this point and I am hoping to catch up by months end but for 250 miles on my legs I feel pretty energized and ready for what the roads, trails, and treadmills have to offer. Bring it. I promise to have pictures posted from my trail run, hopefully tomorrow.

Monday, April 12, 2010

2010 Running Log

Distance: 4.1 miles
Location: Gym
Duration: 28:57
Finish Time: 7:56pm
Monthly Total: 26.4 miles
Yearly Total: 242.1 miles
Yearly Duration: 40.65 hours

Hard run which followed with a good amount of knee pain. I pushed through with a PR in the 5k of 20:27. I seemed a little drained and dehydrated but overall the run seemed very good for another treadmill jaunt. I will take a easy run tomorrow of 3 miles at maybe 7:45 pace to cool off a bit. The mountains are calling my name. Hopefully by wednesday or thursday I will get out there for a nice chunk of trail. Good day once again.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Cave Creek Trail Run, April 3rd, 2010












A couple of snapshots from my run in Cave Creek, Arizona a week ago. It was a beautiful but chilly morning. The drive out was an experience and the course was definitely one that will leave a mark on my memory for years to come. It was an extremely brutal and technical course and I was glad to come out unscathed. 10th place finish took some of the sting away.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 4.0 miles
Location: South Mountain Park/Mormon&National Trails
Duration: 40:30
Finish Time: 3:18pm
Monthly Total: 22.3 miles
Yearly Total: 238.00 miles
Yearly Duration: 40.15 hours

Finally got out to the beautiful South Mountains for a day of floating up and down the red packed dirt. My brother Brian and I hiked the Mormon Loop trailhead at 24th Street and Baseline Roads and proceeded to carve up through National Trail for 4 miles of easy running. The sun and lack of water(stupid me) both played a role in the shortened distance overall, as well as Brian wasn't feeling the run, but I pushed through to the last lookout spot before Buena Vista Lookout. I have come to the conclusion that I actually seem to enjoy running in the heat that looms over this valley so I told myself that I need to get used to running with a CamelBak from here on out on these longer runs to ensure that I have the fluids to continue on these ambitious runs that I seek. It was a good day to say the least.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0 miles
Location: Gym
Duration: 24:39
Finish Time: 8:31pm
Monthly Total: 18.3 miles
Yearly Total: 234.00 miles
Yearly Duration: 36.3 hours

The run tonight was a little tougher than I thought. I was a little winded in the second mile even though I was pushing a little harder than the few nights prior. Ankles and knees seemed a lot better from earlier in the week so I believe that next week should be a nice week to push into the under 7 minute mile range so we will see what happens. I need to eat and hydrate alot better or I will get burned out. Bring on the mountains.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0 miles
Location: Gym
Duration: 26:13
Finish time: 6:21pm
Monthly total: 15.3 miles
Yearly total: 231.00 miles
Yearly duration: 35.9 hours

Nice, tempo run on treadmill. Legs felt loose and light. Ankle not as bothersome as before. I wish I could run and hit at midfoot naturally. I'm working on it. Will continue with easy tempo runs for the remainder of this week and push it early next week going into the Tillman run on saturday, with a couple of trips to South Mountain if time permits. Overall it was a good day. Calm.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Indio/Indian Wells Tennis Trip

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0 miles
Location: Gym
Duration: 27:01
Finish Time: 5:59pm
Monthly total: 12.3 miles
Yearly total: 228.0 miles
Yearly duration: 35.25 hours

Easy run on the treadmill. Felt better than Monday's run. Still feel wear from the trail run saturday. Overall I felt good and hopefully can run better throughout this month with a little rest in between runs and better surfaces and cleaner enviro's.