SHT Trail

Today we head up the North Shore for some trail running. I headed out with Dave S, Chris R, and Ryan F.  We took off in a comfortable pace not pushing to hard but I was not feeling really good.  My stomach was kinda flipping like a flap jack in a fry pan.  What ever though I still loved every second of my run.  The terrain was extremely difficult many ups and many downs.  I'm not talking about your easy rollers, I'm talking about some major power hikes ups and downs.  My running is really in a slump I can't seem to get my mojo going.  I think I'm still kinda tired from my trip to Canada.  Taking an easy rest of the week then working into some more structured workouts.  Ok enough of the negative thoughts.  I'm looking forward to this summer for more serious racing and training.  I'm planning on putting the focus tank on these next couple of months and really get fit. 

CANADA

Canada

I'm off to the mighty woods of Canada to spend some time with my cousin and couple of his buddies.  This will be my longest leg of not running in about a year.  I'm kinda nervous that I will loose fitness.  In the big picture though it won't even matter I know but you always think about it.  I've never been to this part of Canada camping so it should be an adventure.  Sounds like the bugs are terrible and it might rain perfect conditions for five days in the wilderness. I do really enjoy exploring and being away with no technology it kinda forces you to enjoy the company and yourself.  I'll keep you posted when I get back from the trip.  For those of you able to run these next five days you know what I'm going to say.  Roll out some miles for me!  See ya in a week.

Marketing Idea

I just came up with a marketing idea.  It has to do with running and I think it could really take off.  It's a relatively  simple design and believe there could be a small place for it.  It's in the design phase and needs some tweaks and such.  I'm going to propose it to a local company here in duluth to see what happens.  I'll keep you posted when done with prototype.  Lets roll out some miles..

Two Harbors into Duluth

Saturday I had a long progression run planned with Gregg Roberston, John Heitzman, and Dillion Johnson.  We planned to leave Duluth at 7 a.m. sharp for Two Harbors.  Along the drive up we placed water bottles strategically where we would needed them to refuel.  We lined up on the starting of Grandma's Marathon.  I looked at the others and my heart was starting to pound in anticipation of this run.  I heard all four watches beep and we were off.  The first couple miles were pretty controlled around 7:30 pace.  These miles felt super easy and one after another they passed with little or no effort and I was sitting really confident with my running.  We picked up the pace little by little coming in the 14th mile and I could tell I was starting to feel uncomfortable but still strong.  The wind was a straight head wind at about 15 miles hour.  The pace was now at around 6:30 pace.  Gregg could tell we were starting to hurt a little and he suggested that we start drafting each other to conserve energy.   We took turns leading the group for 3 min intervals to help break the wind.  I was hunkering down when I was in the back of the pack trying to focus and relax, when it was my turn to lead I took charge and jumped up into the front and lead.  It was really starting to get hard around 16 miles and I was starting to get nervous.  At round 18 miles things really started fall apart.  Keep in mind we were still running 6:30 pace into the wind so the effort was probably 6:10 pace or faster.  Dillion started to hurt and he dropped off the group and not two mins later I dropped off the group and started to really slow.  I had a 7:24 min mile around 19 miles in and I was kinda ticked about it.  I regrouped and the paced picked up I was feeling ok.  I was running alone for the last 2 miles and mentally it was difficult.  I could see the finish line and I gave it everything I had to bring the last mile in at 6:45 pace.  My average pace was 6:59 for 22 miles I was pretty happy about that.  Thanks guys for the great run lets keep rolling them out.  

Fox Farm

Sunday morning.... Tony, Dillion and I headed out to Fox Farm road for an easy 16 miler.  We loaded up into my car and headed north to the trail head.  We gel'd up and took our last sips of water.  Tony lead us up the trail for the first 8 miles we had a nice consistent pace and I was really enjoying this run.  The first mile was up hill a slow grinder but felt good to tap into the hurt tank.  The weather was kinda misting and over cast but comfortable for running.  When we reached 8 miles we took a little breather and gel'd up again.  Dillion lead us on the way back and the paced picked up.  I was just on the verge of being uncomfortable.  I didn't say anything and just rolled out the miles.  The mist started to come down as rain at about 13 miles and I was really starting to enjoy the rain falling off my face.  I looked at my watch and we were at 15.75 and I knew what I wanted to do.  I wanted to put the hammer down on Tony and Dillion.  I started pushing the pace and I could tell Tony could feel me behind him cause he picked up the pace as well.  I was just about to pass him and he hammers it down and I just couldn't squeeze by him.  We ended the run at 16.1 miles...what a fun run.  Tony brought a cooler of beers and I brought donuts and we sat under a pine tree drinking beers and eating donuts.  Probably not the best recover drinks and foods but it was a blast.  Blessed to have friends like you guys!!  Thanks!!  Lets roll out some miles..