Week of Apr 20 - 26

I really struggled this week, but near the end I think things started to improve. Probably the Frontenac run last Sunday was just too much.

M - off
T - 44
W - 60
T - 58
F - off
S - 35 + strength
S - 84
Total 4:41

Having some extra time, you think I'd at least clean the house or something.

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UPDATE: In response to the comments on this post: Derrick wouldn't post a photo, but I will:

Thanks, Eliza. :)

Rain, Shine or Whine

We had a nice run at Frontenac Park on Sunday, doing Big Salmon Lake and Little Clear loops from the inner parking lot. I ended my run there too, and then drove to pick Derrick up at the Trail Centre after he added on another 15 minutes. The 2:45 loop was more than enough for me, as my hips and ankles got progressively sorer as the run went on, plus I totally ran out of energy. It’s amazing how long it can take to recover. Even though it was a tough run, it was nice to be out there in the woods, recharging mentally at least.

I’ve been taking an awful lot of days off lately, and I know I can use the extra recovery, but I’m starting to feel guilty about it. That’s probably a good sign, as my rule is if I feel guilt about skipping a run it is my gut telling me I’m fine to go. But yesterday my legs were sore, and I was tired, plus it just happened to be rainy and miserable, blah, blah, blah (whaa, whaa, whaa). Tonight I’m out there, rain, shine or whine.
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Week of Apr 13 - 19

M – 50’
T – am 37’ + strength; pm 45’
W – 34’
T – 64’
F – 38’
S - off
S – 2:45
Total 7:13

Boston Marathon day today! Exciting day for U.S. distance running with contenders in both men's and women's races! Go Kara!!

Update: Thirds for Americans Goucher and Hall. Kara looked very strong at the end; looking forward to seeing more exciting marathons for her in the future.
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Crashing Taper, Race, Clawing Back Up

My last several weeks of running/not-running:

Week of Apr 6 - 12
M - off
T - 25'
W - 30' + strength
T - 38'
F - 41'
S - off
S - 60'
Total 3:14

Week of Mar 30 - Apr 5
W - 20'
Total 0:20

Week of Mar 23 - 29
M - 6:15 R&I Day 3
Total 6:15

Week of Mar 16 - 22
M - off
T - 20
W - 10
T - 31
F - off
S - 8:56 R&I Day 1
S - 7:57 R&I Day 2
Total 17:54

Week of Mar 9 - 15
M - 48
T - 45
W - off
T - 35
F - 40
S - off
s - 38
Total 3:26

Week of Mar 2 - 8
M - off
T - 40
W - 60
T - 57
F - 40
S - 40
S - off
Total 3:57

Return to Running

On Tuesday I ran for 25 minutes, and yesterday I ran for 30 minutes and even did some strength stuff.

Whoo hoo, I think I'm back. It's a start, I'll take it.

It was fun running with Derrick and the two sweet Little White Dogs. Jesse is 100% sweet, and Neeka is 99% sweet, with just a dash of sour (aka psycho) thrown in to keep us on our toes.
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Craving Fruit, and Such Pretty Fruit it is!

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Check out the sweet bouquet my co-workers brought me when I got back from Yellowknife! I can't think of a more thoughtful and appreciated gift.

Thanks guys!

Recovery and Looking Ahead

I thought I'd be back training by now, at least ramping up a bit, but I've done practically nothing since Rock and Ice ended. On April 2nd I did a 20 minute run which felt kind of nice on the brain, but within an hour of finishing I had caught a cold. I took that as a clear message from my body that it needed more rest. I will do a few runs this week, and by next week I should be okay to gradually start training again.

Aside from just feeling run down with no energy, my body feels okay structurally. My toes and heels were mangled (very ugly) from the race, but are doing okay now (still ugly though).With all the downtime, I've thrown some energy into picking a few races for the rest of the year. Things may change depending on what Derrick decides to do in the short-term, but for now it looks like:

June 7 - Whiteface Uphill Foot Race - Something to focus a bit more hill work on. I get a lot out of the uphill tempos and need something to keep me at them. Looks like a fun race too, and a good excuse to get down the the 'dacks!

July 4 - Finger Lakes Fifties 50 Miler - My first 50 miler attempt. I'm nervous, but excited. This looks like a nice course, a low-hassle event, and isn't too far from home. Perfect!

Oct 4 - PEC Marathon This is one I've been wanting to do since it started. I have been wanting to do another marathon for several years, and I mean it this time! I'm looking forward to switching gears from the 50 miler. I like the early Oct date, because there's good opportunity to switch to a later one in event of bad weather or if I mess it up.

I may throw some shorter tune-up races in here and there, but knowing myself, I may just as easily talk myself out of them!