Sunday, February 20, 2011

2011 Lost Dutchman 8k Trail Run

Distance: 5.0 m
Time: 38:00
Location: Roads
Total Miles: 108.9 m
Total Time: 17:06

Today was the 10th anniversary of the Lost Dutchman Marathon in Apache Junction, however I was to be taking part in the 8k trail run just as I had done last year in my very first trail run. I knew heading into the race that the weather may not be ideal considering it had rained profusely over the last 48 hours leading up to the race, but I figured that the only way that the 8k would be switched from trail to road would be if there was some serious rain falling and accumulating on the course, after all this is a trail race or off road race so conditions should never be ideal, right? Well, after little sleep and a sore throat tingling in my throat I headed out to the course in the early dawn, winding down the lightless streets of the northeast valley. I didnt feel particularly psyched about the energy levels in my body and felt as if I would need to really dig deep to find the sub seven minute pace I was hoping for. After the long walk to the starting gates from the parking lot I was astounded to hear over the loud speaker that the 8k trail run had been canceled and it would indeed be a 8k road race that would start with the 10k racers at 8am instead of 7:45am and follow the same 10k route except the 8k'ers would turn around a little shy of the 10k turn around and head back. After mentally preparing for a trail run including strapping on my minimalist MT101 trail shoes, I was surely deflated to hear that I would now be running a road race on the surface that I despise. I also was not keen on the fact that I would be out with nearly 3 times the runners as I had figured for prior. It was just not my day. The run began with a quick start, a little too quick as I had figured on starting around 7:20 pace yet here I was running sub 6:30 for the first half mile. What I didnt anticipate was a little bit of an incline for the first mile or so of the race which took a little out of my sails but I pushed through and found myself settle in for a bit but then came the first of 4 pit stops to re-tie my shoes. I knew early in the race that I could not avoid the loose lace for the next 3.5 miles so I had to pull over. This was a recurring theme. It became quite clear pretty early that I just didnt have the desire to run a fast 5 miles on the road this day and at about the 2 mile mark, just after the second pit stop for a re-tie, I kinda resorted to a customary 9:00 pace jog which continued for over a mile it seemed. After making the turn at the 2.5 mile mark I became a little motivated at the fact that I knew the race photographer was coming up so I tried to put on my best race face, ya know upright, perfect form, maybe a little flexing of the biceps......okay maybe not. The adrenaline kicked in at this point and I made it my goal to finish strong if possible and that I did. I ran the last mile in sub 7 pace to a 38:05 timing. Looking back on the run I realize that with a little luck with my laces and a more well prepared mental outlook I could of easily got a sub 7 pace throughout the race. I am happy with the fight I put in at the close of the race so there is some positives to take from the day. Another day/race awaits.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Daily Run Log

Distance: 1.4 m
Time: 12:00
Location: Treadmill
Total Miles: 103.9 m
Total Time: 16:28

Inclined run on the 'mill that turned out to be a waste of time with my right leg stiffening up. Jumped off and moved on.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Daily Log

Distance: 3.0 m
Time: 27:00
Location: Treadmill
Total Miles: 102.5 m
Total Time: 16:16

Daily Log

Distance: 3.0 m
Time: 27:00
Location: Treadmill
Total Miles: 102.5 m
Total Time: 16:16

Monday, February 14, 2011

5k PR!

Distance: 3.1 m
Time: 20:41
Location: Treadmill
Total Miles: 99.5 m
Total Time: 15:49

What was to be a 3 miler with a sub 21 minute time as a goal turned out to be a new PR in the 5k. I went in with a good game plan of running the first mile in the high seven's and work my way up every fifth of a mile from there. I realized at about the 2.5 mile mark that I had a shot at my PR if I was willing to push myself through the last half mile or so. I went with it and found myself running at 11.3 mph for the final quarter mile to finish out in a 20:41 effort, carving off 6 seconds from my previous mark. This is good news going into my 8k on the weekend. Fingers are crossed.
Distance: 8.0 m
Time: 1:15
Location: South Mountain; Desert Classic Trail
Total Miles: 96.4 m
Total Time: 15:28

Running the mountain was more than I had bargained for on this sunday afternoon. I went awry with deciding to drink a Muscle Milk for my morning energy and then wash that down with some diluted orange juice and then hit the road to the west. By the time I hit the trail, or about 1 mile into the run, my stomach started acting up like I had never felt before. It was a painful feeling almost and I knew something was wrong. After making a pitstop and watering and fertilizing the bushes I felt better and continued on for my 8 mile jog, down from the 13 I had originally been working towards. The run was very sub-par and I made it back in a paltry 1:15 mins. I had hoped for a sub 7 minute 4 miles out to the water tanks and then I figured I would take it easy at about 9 minute pace coming back. Not happening. Maybe wednesday, we will see.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Uno mas dos mile sprint....

Distance: 2.0 m
Time: 12:50
Location: Treadmill
Total Miles: 88.4 m
Total Time: 14:13

Ok, if I am truly going to try and push it for a shorter sprint such as a 2 miler and really try and break a personal best I really need to leave my beloved MT101's in the closet. I realized that I just dont have enough support in those to take the pounding of sub 6:30 miles. So from here out I will save those for the beauty of the dirt and rock surfaces of the planets attainable land. I am happy to tell you though that I eclipsed my mediocre 13:02 PR in the 2 mile and put in a decent, for my standards-which are going up I might add, 12:50. The second mile was clocked I belive in around 6:15 or so which was nice. Out.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Le Treadmill Sprint Numero dos

Distance: 2.0 m
Time: 14:00
Location: Treadmill
Total Miles: 86.4 m
Total Time: 14:00

My latest attempt at building up some speed in my legs before the Lost Dutchman 8k on Feb. 20th came up short again. The lack of sleep and overall tiredness from the weekend in Vegas does not help. Oh well, another day awaits.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Treadmill Sprint

Distance: 2.1 m
Time: 14:00
Location: Treadmill
Total Miles: 84.4 m
Total Time: 13:46

Treadmill sprint that came up short. Been under the weather big time.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Shirtless South Mtn. Run in 42 Degree Weather

Distance: 8.1 m
Time: 1:20
Location: South Mountain Park/Desert Classic Trail
Total Miles: 82.3 m
Total Time: 13:32

I decided to brave one of the coldest days in the state this year and go for a long vertically challenged run off of one of the steepest canyon trails at the mountain this afternoon. It was steep, it was jagged, and it was beautiful. It is so relieving to find a new trail that challenges my body and mind. Its shocking to not know what is coming around the next corner, and exciting. After dropping down into the steep abyss off of the main roadway(Summit Road)it is pretty much a straight drop of about 500 feet over about 8 tenths of a mile. It then flattens into a open trail that hugs the adjacent neighborhood for a few miles before climbing up and away and harpoons east like a bullet. I felt good and also found a great rhythm which I firmly believe was because I could not get a lot of feeling in my limbs because of the cold weather. I was able to push and finally sprint up outta the canyon at under ten minute pace which made for a personal victory. Love it. Off to Vegas. Red Rocks?