Taking a break

Well, for runners to say they are going to take a break from running, that is like saying they are going to stop breathing for awhile. It has taken every ounce of energy I have not to go out and hit the roads and trails. But, I need this break, mentally and physically. I have been lifting weights every other day, and I am sore as I can be. I think I let my strength training lag, and now is a good time to build.

It's time to re-focus my running goals, and schedule my running adventures. I have several new adventures and running experiences planned for this year after my return from Africa:

(1) Palo Duro Canyon Trail run: I am running the Palo Duro trail run in early October. Can't wait for that. I have been wanting to run this event for three years, and it's finally going to happen. I am already signed up and have my hotel room booked.

(2) The MyoMed Ragnar 196-mile relay: I am hoping a team will make for this, as this will be an exciting adventure. I am excited about the possibilities. We need six more runners to make a team, it seems.

(3) The Sunmart 50 Mile: Huntsville, Texas. This will be my flagship race...the one that I shoot for that will underlie all my other running this year. I am already registered, and hotel is booked. This is a lifetime goal and achievement for me.

I may add some other runs to this schedule, but these are the ones I have already penciled in. I am refocusing my energies, my goals, and my training to have a great year.


Jerry

What a crazy week!

Well, my Internet service has been down since I last posted, so I have not been able to report anything since Monday's trail run at the State Park. However, I have had a good week of running. I have not done as much speed work as I had planned, due to the winds...sometimes, you have to be inventive when living in this part of Texas. So, today, I did short high speed 30 second intervals on the treadmill. It worked out better than I thought it would. I ran a total of 4 miles, and I did 8 of those short intervals, all at top speed, resting for two minutes in between.

The rest of the week was pretty good, despite the wind. I am looking forward to a good 6-8 mile run on saturday morning, though, and hopefully, that will go smoothly, if I can get out of bed on time.

Hills, Trails, and the Deer

Today, I woke up early, wanting to get a good run in since I abandoned my long run this past saturday. Mentally, I was not into it on Saturday, and ran a short distance before realizing I just didn't have it. I decided to rest saturday and sunday, and just take it easy, and it was great. I had a great re-bound this morning, and went to the State Park to run hills and trails. That place always lifts my spirits, especially when I see the deer standing in the road as I run by. I did a good 6 mile run in both directions, twice, incorporating the longer hills in each pass, so it was a great workout, and I feel much better.

Good run.