2010 Running Log

Distance: 4.1Miles
Location: Mesa/Gilbert Neighborhoods, Canals
Duration: 36:00
Finish Time: 9:02pm
Monthly Total: 8.1Miles
Yearly Total: 745.9Miles
Yearly Duration: 124.50 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 4.0Miles
Location: Mesa/Gilbert Neighborhoods, Canals
Duration: 31:35
Finish Time: 6:03pm
Monthly Total: 4.1Miles
Yearly Total: 741.9Miles
Yearly Duration: 123.90 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 6.0Miles
Location: Mesa/Gilbert Neighborhoods, Canals
Duration: 53:49
Finish Time: 2:03pm
Monthly Total: 69.1Miles
Yearly Total: 737.8Miles
Yearly Duration: 123.40 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 10.2Miles
Location: Mesa Neighborhoods/Football Field
Duration: 1:30.00
Finish Time: 6:03pm
Monthly Total: 63.1Miles
Yearly Total: 731.8Miles
Yearly Duration: 122.50 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0Miles
Location: Mesa Neighborhoods
Duration: 27:15
Finish Time: 6:43pm
Monthly Total: 52.9Miles
Yearly Total: 721.6Miles
Yearly Duration: 121.00 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 6.0Miles
Location: Mesa Neighborhoods
Duration: 59:27
Finish Time: 9pm
Monthly Total: 49.9Miles
Yearly Total: 718.6Miles
Yearly Duration: 120.50 Hours

My first run in almost a week. I have been super busy the last week and have not had a free hour or two to get out and run. I know, no excuses but I seriously have been swamped. I did get a new pair of trail shoes since the Pegasus' I had were pretty much torn to shreds in my 20 mile hike through Aravaipa Canyon. I got a pair of the New Balance MT101's, a minimal trail racer. So far I like them in the few miles I have managed to put in on the football field nearby. I will get to the mountain sometime this week and put some real miles on them. I did a fairly excruciating hike this weekend that left me drained but I think I should be able to heal up and return pretty quickly. Lets see what happens.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 4.0Miles
Location: Rhodes Junior High Football Field
Duration: 32:25
Finish Time: 6:51pm
Monthly Total: 43.9Miles
Yearly Total: 712.6Miles
Yearly Duration: 119.50 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 9.0Miles
Location: Mesa Canal System
Duration: 1:19.00
Finish Time: 3:11pm
Monthly Total: 39.9Miles
Yearly Total: 708.6Miles
Yearly Duration: 119.00 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0Miles
Location: Mesa Canal System
Duration: 27:00
Finish Time: 4:01pm
Monthly Total: 30.9Miles
Yearly Total: 699.6Miles
Yearly Duration: 117.70 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 4.2Miles
Location: Mesa Canal System
Duration: 33:35
Finish Time: 5:18pm
Monthly Total: 27.9Miles
Yearly Total: 696.6Miles
Yearly Duration: 117.20 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 4.1Miles
Location: Mesa Canal System
Duration: 36:46
Finish Time: 11:09 am
Monthly Total: 23.7Miles
Yearly Total: 692.4Miles
Yearly Duration: 116.70 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 7.0Miles
Location: Mesa Canal System
Duration: 1:02.19
Finish Time: 8:01 pm
Monthly Total: 19.6Miles
Yearly Total: 688.3Miles
Yearly Duration: 116.10 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 12.6Miles
Location: Xterra 20k Trail Run, Estrella Mountain
Duration: 2:22.09
Finish Time: 9:23 am
Monthly Total: 12.6Miles
Yearly Total: 681.3Miles
Yearly Duration: 115.10 Hours

Looking back on sundays run, the XTerra 20k Trail Run at Estrella Mountain Park, I come away with many observations as well as many questions. I showed up at the park with relatively high expectations of a good run, yet those feelings quickly changed shortly into the race which was held high up in the shadows of Phoenix International Raceway. I found myself staying right at my predetermined race pace(9:45) up through the first 5 miles of the race but quickly realized that my energy levels, especially on the hills, were extremely lower than normal. Sleep deprivation, lack of caloric consumption, and an underdeveloped training schedule leading up to the race could have figured into the reasons for this but I found that it almost seemed like I just didnt have the will to compete, I had lost the desire on this cool, fall morning in the Avondale desert. It continued through the remaining mileage complete with an almost shutdown of my lower extremeties around mile 11.5 when both quads and calves cramped up violently with less than a mile to the finish. After finishing the race in an ungodly time I realized that I was only to blame for the mindset I had put myself into. The culmination of poor diet and poor training reflected now in my desire to continue in something that in the recent future I had held so highly, meaning running in general. Looking back now I realize that I had fallen far from the mountain top of fitness that I could humbly declare earlier in the year. I now have the desire to climb up once again and enjoy the forbidden fruits that tasted so sweet in late winter.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 2.0 Miles
Location: Treadmill/6.5 incline
Duration: 19:05
Finish Time: 6:50 pm
Monthly Total: 63.6Miles
Yearly Total: 668.7Miles
Yearly Duration: 112.80 Hours

Final jaunt before the race I am planning on partaking in in the Estrella Mountain expanse on sunday. It will be a 20k race that will have its fair share of uphill and downhill miles. Should be a great time.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0 Miles
Location: Mesa Canal System
Duration: 29:21
Finish Time: 5:49 pm
Monthly Total: 61.6Miles
Yearly Total: 666.7Miles
Yearly Duration: 112.50 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 6.0 Miles
Location: Mesa Canal System
Duration: 56:21
Finish Time: 7:46 pm
Monthly Total: 58.6Miles
Yearly Total: 663.7Miles
Yearly Duration: 112.00 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0 Miles
Location: Gym
Duration: 27:33
Finish Time: 5:19 pm
Monthly Total: 52.6Miles
Yearly Total: 657.7Miles
Yearly Duration: 111.00 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.1 Miles
Location: Mesa neighborhoods
Duration: 26:10
Finish Time: 7:18 pm
Monthly Total: 49.6Miles
Yearly Total: 654.7Miles
Yearly Duration: 110.50 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0 Miles
Location: Gym/treadmill
Duration: 26:33
Finish Time: 6:18 pm
Monthly Total: 46.5Miles
Yearly Total: 651.6Miles
Yearly Duration: 110.00 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 8.0 Miles
Location: Western Canal/Tempe
Duration: 1:06.41
Finish Time: 6:31 pm
Monthly Total: 43.5Miles
Yearly Total: 648.6Miles
Yearly Duration: 109.60 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:4.0Miles
Location:South Mountain/Mormon, Mormon Loop Trails
Duration: 41:07
Finish Time: 5:57pm
Monthly Total: 35.5Miles
Yearly Total: 640.6Miles
Yearly Duration: 108.50 Hours

I foolheartedly decided to go for a run along the trails at South Mountain in the sweltering heat once more, and once more I was beating and thrown to the javelinas in the process. I felt that I could get a decent run in since I had not run in over 3 days and what seemed like such a great possibility quickly dissolved in the 109 degree heat. I got in four miles of mostly uphill running. It was the first time I had used my new GPS ForeRunner watch so I was definitely psyched but in the end I found myself succumbing to the heat once more and cutting my run short. I really wanted to have a somewhat successful run since if I plan on running in that 13 mile race on October 3rd then I needed to have a good showing on this particular run, which I didnt. We will see if it cools in the next few days and then I will give it another shot.

2010 Running Log

Distance:3.0Miles
Location:Gym/treadmill
Duration: 26:57
Finish Time: 8:31pm
Monthly Total: 31.5Miles
Yearly Total: 636.6Miles
Yearly Duration: 107.80 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:8.0Miles
Location:Gym/treadmill
Duration: 1:08
Finish Time: 7:57pm
Monthly Total: 28.5Miles
Yearly Total: 633.6Miles
Yearly Duration: 107.30 Hours

Struggling still from the sleeplessness but I seem to be getting better by the day. Still way too far off to take away anything positive.

2010 Running Log

Distance:3.0Miles
Location:Flagstaff, Az/San Francisco Peaks Trails
Duration: 29:11
Finish Time: 9:43am
Monthly Total: 20.5Miles
Yearly Total: 625.6Miles
Yearly Duration: 106.20 Hours

I am blessed to have the ability to venture north and enjoy with the health I have afforded my body the pleasures of places such as Flagstaff and the outdoor activities it offers. I sometimes sit back and find myself feeling almost unworthy of being in an environment that still remains so raw, beautiful.

After a perfect early morning drive up, cutting through the deserted landscape of central Arizona and into Flagstaff, my brother Sean and I enjoyed the scenery and community that is bustling amongst the streets up there. I knew that it would not be easy to acclimate to the 8000' altitude, especially running in it. So, disregarding that fact I found myself halfway up Mount Elbert which lies in the shadows of towering Humphrey's Peak.

I started my run at about 9500' along a singletrack trail that whirled through thick aspen stands. The air tore at the linings of my lungs leaving me heaving and panting with every second up the ascent. After summiting a particular trailhead I headed back down and veered down another trail to the north. It was a steep, cushioned trail that led to an open field that sported a small meadow nestled in the gut of it. A doe and her children pranced across the open plain to the east and the sun danced off my shoulders. I am not worthy of this I was convinced. It was surreal. 3 miles was enough to drop me to my back, heaving in a wildflower patch so I felt that was adequate. Glorious place.

Flagstaff/San Francisco Peak Run

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.0Miles
Location:Gym
Duration: 16:00
Finish Time: 9:21pm
Monthly Total: 17.5Miles
Yearly Total: 622.6Miles
Yearly Duration: 105.70 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.0Miles
Location:Gym
Duration: 17:54
Finish Time: 3:08pm
Monthly Total: 15.5Miles
Yearly Total: 620.6Miles
Yearly Duration: 105.50 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:4.0Miles
Location:South Mountain/National Trail 108 degrees
Duration: 38:45
Finish Time: 2:18pm
Monthly Total: 13.5Miles
Yearly Total: 618.6Miles
Yearly Duration: 105.20 Hours

Decided to run a couple miles at the mountain and that was not the greatest idea but the urge pushed me out the door. It was extremely hot and though I hydrated it still caught up to me. I wanted to get some uphill running in so I took a mostly uphill 2 mile out and 2 mile back trail that left me dead by the end. I am somewhat encouraged though by the conditioning considering the lack of sleep.

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.3Miles
Location: Treadmill
Duration: 17:30
Finish Time: 3:21pm
Monthly Total: 9.5Miles
Yearly Total: 614.6Miles
Yearly Duration: 104.60 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.4Miles
Location: Treadmill
Duration: 20:08
Finish Time: 6:31pm
Monthly Total: 7.2Miles
Yearly Total: 612.3Miles
Yearly Duration: 104.30 Hours

Still feeling the effects of the lack of sleep. I can only hope that this is cleared up soon so that I can stay on pace for the rest of this month and the remaining year. I hopefully will be in good shape when I head up to Flagstaff and Prescott for the coming week.

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.4Miles
Location: Treadmill
Duration: 20:02
Finish Time: 6:32pm
Monthly Total: 4.8Miles
Yearly Total: 609.9 Miles
Yearly Duration: 104.00 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.4Miles
Location: Treadmill
Duration: 18:01
Finish Time: 6:47pm
Monthly Total: 2.4Miles
Yearly Total: 607.5 Miles
Yearly Duration: 103.70 Hours

Decided to go out fast in the first mile, 6:25, and thought about trying for my 5k record but the lack of sleep caught up quickly and I settled for a sub 7 minute 2.4 mile run.

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.2 Miles
Location: Treadmill
Duration: 20:03
Finish Time: 6:22pm
Monthly Total: 78.8 Miles
Yearly Total: 605.1 Miles
Yearly Duration: 103.40 Hours

This past month was up and down. I started to finally feel healthy on a more constant basis to begin the month and then as the month ended I came down with a severe(which is still with me)case of sleeplessness which doctors so far are unable to diagnose. I have slept an average of about 2 hours per night over the last nearly 2 weeks. This has severely dampened my energy levels, the rest is history. I am hoping to get past this and look forward to upping the mileage and the time over the next month. Wait and see right?

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.2 Miles
Location: Treadmill
Duration: 20:47
Finish Time: 6:21pm
Monthly Total: 76.6 Miles
Yearly Total: 602.9 Miles
Yearly Duration: 103.10 Hours

Hit 10.0 incline on the treadmill at the gym. Trying to hit the hills really hard to get my legs used to big climbing. I was pretty impressed with the fact that I could run a little over 9 minute mile at such a high incline. Hopefully I can stay healthy enough to continue.

2010 Running Log

Distance:6.4 Miles
Location: Treadmill
Duration: 60:00
Finish Time: 8:59pm
Monthly Total: 74.4 Miles
Yearly Total: 600.7 Miles
Yearly Duration: 102.80 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.2 Miles
Location: Treadmill
Duration: 20:03
Finish Time: 7:14pm
Monthly Total: 68.0 Miles
Yearly Total: 594.3 Miles
Yearly Duration: 101.80 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:6.2 Miles
Location: Treadmill
Duration: 48:46
Finish Time: 7:13pm
Monthly Total: 65.8 Miles
Yearly Total: 592.1 Miles
Yearly Duration: 101.50 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:6.0 Miles
Location: Treadmill
Duration: 52:24
Finish Time: 3:19pm
Monthly Total: 59.6 Miles
Yearly Total: 585.90 Miles
Yearly Duration: 100.70 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.2 Miles
Location: Treadmill
Duration: 19:33
Finish Time: 1:34pm
Monthly Total: 53.6 Miles
Yearly Total: 579.90 Miles
Yearly Duration: 99.80 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.3 Miles
Location: Neighborhood
Duration: 18:28
Finish Time: 7:01pm
Monthly Total: 51.4 Miles
Yearly Total: 577.70 Miles
Yearly Duration: 99.40 Hours

Jaunt around the concrete path encircling the townhomes. It was hot as hell but I got through in sub eight minute miles.

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.2 Miles
Location: Gym
Duration: 19:28
Finish Time: 5:26pm
Monthly Total: 49.1 Miles
Yearly Total: 575.40 Miles
Yearly Duration: 99.10 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.2 Miles
Location: Gym
Duration: 19:46
Finish Time: 8:41pm
Monthly Total: 46.9 Miles
Yearly Total: 573.20 Miles
Yearly Duration: 98.80 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.2 Miles
Location: Gym
Duration: 17:56
Finish Time: 7:18pm
Monthly Total: 44.7 Miles
Yearly Total: 571.00 Miles
Yearly Duration: 98.50 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.2 Miles
Location: Gym
Duration: 16:59
Finish Time: 8:01pm
Monthly Total: 42.5 Miles
Yearly Total: 568.80 Miles
Yearly Duration: 98.20 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.2 Miles
Location: South Mountain Park/Desert Classic Trail
Duration: 19:48
Finish Time: 8:54am
Monthly Total: 40.3 Miles
Yearly Total: 566.60 Miles
Yearly Duration: 97.90 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:7.2 Miles
Location: South Mountain Park/Desert Classic Trail
Duration: 1:13:18
Finish Time: 9:56am
Monthly Total: 38.1 Miles
Yearly Total: 564.40 Miles
Yearly Duration: 97.50 Hours

Today was a train wreck out on the dirt of South Mountain. I knew I would probably be a little tired from little sleep and also the fact that I had run 4.4 miles at 7:50 pace late the night before but little could of prepared me for how drained I became on my run back from the water towers at the park. I started with the intention of running 11 miles, what a joke that was, and ended up scratching and clawing my way to only 7.2, to the water tower and back, but it wasnt just that it was cut short I mean I was physically spent which just shows that I need to get into better shape both physically and mentally as well as bring my nutrition levels up immensely. I cant keep putting myself into positions that I know I can prevent. I know that it has been a long week this week but it is still no excuse for me not eating right, hydrating right and getting enough rest. I need to get my shit together, period.

2010 Running Log

Distance:4.4 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 34:33
Finish Time: 7:59pm
Monthly Total: 31.7 Miles
Yearly Total: 558.00 Miles
Yearly Duration: 96.30 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 19:50
Finish Time: 8:56pm
Monthly Total: 27.3 Miles
Yearly Total: 553.60 Miles
Yearly Duration: 95.80 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 16:03
Finish Time: 12:50pm
Monthly Total: 25.1 Miles
Yearly Total: 551.40 Miles
Yearly Duration: 95.50 Hours

Today was a somewhat surprisingly good day, running wise. I was able to PR my mile time with a 5:54 mile. I know, not very impressive considering right? I was mainly surprised because of how much I beat my prior PR(6:10) by and by the fact that I have been in a funk running wise ever since I had the hip and ankle problems these last few months. So in that aspect I was definitely caught off guard. Ill take it though. I got some insoles from RoadRunner Sports that are supposed to correct my ankle problem but as of this first run it did not correct it. I am thinking of returning them and just getting ankle supports for runners as a preventer, I think that will fix my problem. Moving on, hopefully it cools down a bit and I may run tonight also just to catch up, we'll see.

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 15:30
Finish Time: 10:32am
Monthly Total: 22.9 Miles
Yearly Total: 549.20 Miles
Yearly Duration: 95.20 Hours

Legs are really starting to feel good. If I can only get my right ankle fixed I will be perfect.

2010 Running Log

Distance:8.0 Miles
Location: South Mountain Park/Desert Classic Trail
Duration: 1:10:04
Finish Time: 9:47am
Monthly Total: 20.7 Miles
Yearly Total: 547.50 Miles
Yearly Duration: 94.90 Hours

This morning was a perfect day for hitting the trails so I suited up and headed out to the park. It was indeed ideal for running with many mountain bikers also carving up dirt. I ran into a head wind for what seemed like the majority of the run which was not my ideal conditions but overall I had a decent run that came in six minutes faster than my time I had set as a goal. A brisk wind kept it pretty cool throughout and the terrain heading up to the water tanks on the south side of the mountain was pretty soft as I got further out. Overall a good run.

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 16:41
Finish Time: 12:18PM
Monthly Total: 12.7 Miles
Yearly Total: 539.50 Miles
Yearly Duration: 93.80 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:2.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 15:49
Finish Time: 4:52PM
Monthly Total: 10.5 Miles
Yearly Total: 537.30 Miles
Yearly Duration: 93.50 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance:4.3 Miles
Location: South Mountain Park/Desert Classic Trail 112 degrees
Duration: 39:56
Finish Time: 5:35PM
Monthly Total: 8.3 Miles
Yearly Total: 535.10 Miles
Yearly Duration: 93.20 Hours

So today I made the mistake of thinking that I could run 8 miles at South Mountain with only a 20oz bottle of Gatorade. I should probably be taken to an institution right? Correct. What was I thinking considering I had not run in the heat in quite some time let alone up the jagged trails of South Mountain. So throwing in the fact that it was 112 degrees is just an afterthought. So I made it just under five miles before I realized that not only was I completely out of water but I also was extremely dehydrated and tired, and there was no shelter from the 112 heat. I decided to head back to the truck and hit up the mountain another time which was a good thing considering I could barely run more than 2 minutes at a time on the trails coming back without stopping for a breather. It was brutal, and it is just another testament to the Arizona elements which are always in play.

2010 Running Log

Distance:4.0 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 31:34
Finish Time: 6:46PM
Monthly Total: 4.0 Miles
Yearly Total: 530.80 Miles
Yearly Duration: 92.60 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 24:21
Finish Time: 6:54PM
Monthly Total: 79.10 Miles
Yearly Total: 526.80 Miles
Yearly Duration: 92.10 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 27:16
Finish Time: 6:26PM
Monthly Total: 75.90 Miles
Yearly Total: 523.60 Miles
Yearly Duration: 94.70 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 26:12
Finish Time: 6:43PM
Monthly Total: 72.70 Miles
Yearly Total: 520.40 Miles
Yearly Duration: 94.20 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.5 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 30:17
Finish Time: 6:02PM
Monthly Total: 69.50 Miles
Yearly Total: 517.20 Miles
Yearly Duration: 93.70 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 10.0 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill/Mesa Neighborhood
Duration: 1:07
Finish Time: 6:34PM
Monthly Total: 66.00 Miles
Yearly Total: 513.70 Miles
Yearly Duration: 93.20 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 4.0 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 32:31
Finish Time: 6:34PM
Monthly Total: 56.0 Miles
Yearly Total: 503.70 Miles
Yearly Duration: 92.10 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0 Miles
Location: Mesa Streets/98 degrees
Duration: 2454
Finish Time: 9:23PM
Monthly Total: 52.0 Miles
Yearly Total: 499.70 Miles
Yearly Duration: 91.60 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.3 Miles
Location: Mesa Streets/102 degrees
Duration: 28;23
Finish Time: 9:23PM
Monthly Total: 49.0 Miles
Yearly Total: 496.70 Miles
Yearly Duration: 91.10 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 5.7 Miles
Location: Mesa Streets/110 degrees
Duration: 51:54
Finish Time: 7:13PM
Monthly Total: 45.7 Miles
Yearly Total: 493.40 Miles
Yearly Duration: 90.60 Hours

I decided to run today along the canals and streets throughout west mesa. Bad idea. One word......HELL! It was 110 degrees and I am no David Goggins so it tore me apart.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 6.0 Miles
Location: Gym
Duration: 50:50
Finish Time: 7:44PM
Monthly Total: 40.0 Miles
Yearly Total: 487.70 Miles
Yearly Duration: 89.60 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0 Miles
Location: Gym
Duration: 26:02
Finish Time: 8:14PM
Monthly Total: 34.0 Miles
Yearly Total: 481.70 Miles
Yearly Duration: 88.70 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 6.0 Miles
Location: Gym/Neighborhood
Duration: 49:48
Finish Time: 6:57PM
Monthly Total: 31.0 Miles
Yearly Total: 478.70 Miles
Yearly Duration: 88.20 Hours

Picketpost Mountain Run/Hike

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0 Miles
Location: Picketpost Mountain, Superior, Arizona 95 degrees
Duration: 27:21
Finish Time: 9:01AM
Monthly Total: 25.0 Miles
Yearly Total: 472.70 Miles
Yearly Duration: 87.30 Hours

I decided to go on an early hike with a friend of mine this morning at Picketpost Mountain, which is a mountain just outside of Superior, Arizona, an old mining town east of Phoenix. I ran along the trail leading back from the hike along steep canyon walls and down through dry, waving grass fields. It was nice but with a lack of water I was more running to the solace of my truck than for the sheer love of running. In all though it was a beautiful hike and a beautiful run and my legs are finally starting to feel 100%.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 4.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 36:21
Finish Time: 5:39PM
Monthly Total: 22.0 Miles
Yearly Total: 469.70 Miles
Yearly Duration: 86.90 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 10.3 Miles
Location: Mesa/Tempe, streets, canals 107 degrees
Duration: 1:40
Finish Time: 8:07PM
Monthly Total: 17.8 Miles
Yearly Total: 466.50 Miles
Yearly Duration: 86.30 Hours

I decided to try my hand at catching up in the month today so I put in 10.3 miles throughout the cities of mesa and tempe. I felt ok other than the fact that I got multiple rashes on my legs and upper armpits from rubbing for over an hour and a half. I felt good for stretches but I will admit that I was physically drained the last few miles and need to improve. It was 107 degrees when I started the run so that had to play a big part, and I ran out of water before the midway point but all in all I realized that I just need to get my stamina and endurance back in order to do these longer runs without killing my body. I will push forth and I will get it back.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 4.5 Miles
Location: Oracle, Arizona/Mt. Lemmon
Duration: 50:00
Finish Time: 3:56PM
Monthly Total: 7.5 Miles
Yearly Total: 456.20 Miles
Yearly Duration: 84.70 Hours

This past three day weekend myself and Michelle's family traveled to the town of Oracle which is a little northeast of Tucson for a Fourth of July excursion at their timeshare they own in the area. I was able to get out and get a refreshing trail run in at the summit of Mt. Lemmon and it was quite a treat. I had never been to Mt. Lemmon so I knew I would enjoy it based solely on that aspect but that along with the long scenic drive to the top to the town of Summerhaven was purely awesome. I was able to run from the ski lift drop spot a few miles from the summit, up along a packed gravel road with a very steep grade. I was encouraged by my stamina especially considering I had never run at any altitude even close to 9000'. The vistas up top were unreal and kept the pain of the run at a minimum. My quads were gone once I had gotten to the summit but the sheer beauty of the run was well worth it. At the top we hiked 3 miles round trip in what also would have been almost perfect trails down to Lemmon Rock and a bypass of the Arizona Trail. I will never forget the preserved beauty of Mt. Lemmon. Hope for more of these adventures soon.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0 Miles
Location: Gym/treadmill
Duration: 25:01
Finish Time: 2:48PM
Monthly Total: 3.0 Miles
Yearly Total: 451.70 Miles
Yearly Duration: 83.90 Hours

Western States 100

For those who don't know anything about this race follow the link for info, but for those who do Wow! What a race! Reading the race logs/blogs and watching clips, both audio and video, of this race.....all I can say is Wow! Congrats to the front pack for turning this race into a show of "pure guts" as Prefontaine would say.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 2.7 Miles
Location: Mesa Community College Campus
Duration: 23:36
Finish Time: 7:03PM
Monthly Total: 84.1 Miles
Yearly Total: 448.70 Miles
Yearly Duration: 83.40 Hours

Took a stroll around the campus again. It was a pleasant evening. I was even able to catch a baseball game that was being played on one of the outer ball fields. The sun was beautiful and plenty of birds kept my company throughout the run. Nice.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 2.9 Miles
Location: Mesa Community College Campus
Duration: 26:05
Finish Time: 9:20PM
Monthly Total: 81.4 Miles
Yearly Total: 446.00 Miles
Yearly Duration: 83.00 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 4.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 37:08
Finish Time: 8:10PM
Monthly Total: 78.5 Miles
Yearly Total: 443.10 Miles
Yearly Duration: 82.60 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 6.0 Miles
Location: Chandler/Tempe canal system 107 degrees
Duration: 53:42
Finish Time: 4:58PM
Monthly Total: 74.3 Miles
Yearly Total: 438.90 Miles
Yearly Duration: 82.00 Hours

Ran today in the sweltering heat and it definitely took a toll. I could not shake the temp and ended up calling my run after only 6 miles instead of the 9.5 that I originally had in mind. I feel good though, especially my hip which has felt terrible for the last month now. I am very excited to start getting some 30 mile weeks again.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 29:43
Finish Time: 5:57PM
Monthly Total: 68.3 Miles
Yearly Total: 432.90 Miles
Yearly Duration: 81.10 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 27:54
Finish Time: 6:29PM
Monthly Total: 65.1 Miles
Yearly Total: 429.70 Miles
Yearly Duration: 80.60 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 4.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 33:25
Finish Time: 6:13pm
Monthly Total: 61.9 Miles
Yearly Total: 426.50 Miles
Yearly Duration: 80.10 Hours

My legs are finally coming back to me it seems. The hip is getting better. Hopefully this persists.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 28:00
Finish Time: 6:57pm
Monthly Total: 57.7 Miles
Yearly Total: 422.30 Miles
Yearly Duration: 79.60 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.0 Miles
Location: Pinetop, Arizona/Trails throughout Porter Mountain
Duration: 30:15
Finish Time: 12:03pm
Monthly Total: 54.5 Miles
Yearly Total: 419.10 Miles
Yearly Duration: 79.10 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 27:06
Finish Time: 6:20pm
Monthly Total: 51.5 Miles
Yearly Total: 416.10 Miles
Yearly Duration: 78.60 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 27:31
Finish Time: 7:56pm
Monthly Total: 48.3 Miles
Yearly Total: 412.90 Miles
Yearly Duration: 78.10 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 26:39
Finish Time: 5:19pm
Monthly Total: 45.1 Miles
Yearly Total: 409.70 Miles
Yearly Duration: 77.70 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 27:59
Finish Time: 10:34pm
Monthly Total: 41.9 Miles
Yearly Total: 406.50 Miles
Yearly Duration: 77.20 Hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.3 Miles
Location: South Mountain Park/Pima Canyon Trails
Duration: 32:36
Finish Time: 12:22pm
Monthly Total: 38.7 Miles
Yearly Total: 403.30 Miles
Yearly Duration: 76.70 Hours

Ran at South Mountain Park again this morning from Pima Canyon Trailhead. The 85 degree weather was a definite plus but the legs just were not into it. I am feeling still a little stiff and my upper hip is still aching. I dont know if I should maybe give it a rest but it does not seem to be getting any better. I think I am gonna spend a little more time stretching before my runs. Hopefully I will have a better run tomorrow.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 27:42
Finish Time: 5:58pm
Monthly Total: 35.4 Miles
Yearly Total: 400.00 Miles
Yearly Duration: 76.20 Hours

400 mile milestone!

2010 Running Log

Distance: 6.4 Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 54:00
Finish Time: 8:35pm
Monthly Total: 32.2 Miles
Yearly Total: 396.80 Miles
Yearly Duration: 75.70 Hours

Tough run on the treadmill. Winded, tired, and most of all not interested but pushed through and finished in a decent time so I was happy.

Must Read Post on Barefoot Running

I found this on the ultra-marathon athlete Anton Krupicka's running blog at Running Times. It is both interesting in voice and substance and very well written. Follow the link here.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 26:04
Finish Time: 6:59am
Monthly Total: 25.8 miles
Yearly Total: 390.40 miles
Yearly Duration: 74.80 hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 27:06
Finish Time: 7:47am
Monthly Total: 22.6 miles
Yearly Total: 387.20 miles
Yearly Duration: 74.35 hours

Ran at the gym and had a decent run but I could feel a little discomfort in my hip again. I should be able to go to the mountain again on this coming wednesday so I am looking forward to this.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.4Miles
Location: South Mountain Park/95 degrees
Duration: 32:11
Finish Time: 11:03am
Monthly Total: 19.4 miles
Yearly Total: 384.00 miles
Yearly Duration: 73.90 hours

Finally today I was able to get outside for some trail running at South Mountain. I took the trail from the Guadalupe/Pima Canyon entrance and soon found that running the trails from that end are not ideal because the map is not accurate which threw off my running route leaving me running down the side of the mountain on two different occasions to connect to a trail that I knew would lead me back to the parking lot. It was hot, 95 degrees, and I decided to not bring water because I thought I had mapped out a good route that would last roughly 45 mins, but in the end I nearly got lost and knew that without water I needed to reconnect to the original trail and get back to the car. Overall though the run was good and I am looking forward to getting back to running on the dirt.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 26:56
Finish Time: 1:51pm
Monthly Total: 16.0 miles
Yearly Total: 380.60 miles
Yearly Duration: 73.35 hours

Hello there! It has been quite some time since I have posted any musings on my runs here so today I am officially back! I have been under the weather for the last 2 weeks almost and have been unsuccessful in finding anything positive about my running. Now, as of today I feel as I am finally 100% again. I will keep you posted.

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 27:07
Finish Time: 6:01pm
Monthly Total: 12.8 miles
Yearly Total: 377.40 miles
Yearly Duration: 72.90 hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 27:37
Finish Time: 7:09pm
Monthly Total: 9.6 miles
Yearly Total: 374.20 miles
Yearly Duration: 72.40 hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 27:41
Finish Time: 8:29pm
Monthly Total: 6.4 miles
Yearly Total: 371.00 miles
Yearly Duration: 71.90 hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.2Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 27:20
Finish Time: 7:51pm
Monthly Total: 3.2 miles
Yearly Total: 367.8 miles
Yearly Duration: 71.45 hours

2010 Running Log

Distance: 3.1Miles
Location: Gym/Treadmill
Duration: 26:13
Finish Time: 4:17pm
Monthly Total: 78.6 miles
Yearly Total: 364.6 miles
Yearly Duration: 71.00 hours