Running Strong

My running is starting to come around and I'm pleased.  I'm taking it easy for the most part and have no residual pains in my body, which is great.  I have a race I'm training for in three weeks (cold water rumble 50k) I'm super stoked about it.  I understand my body is not going to be 100% ready for the race but I'm going to give it a shot.  I wish I had another 4 weeks on top of the three I have to train but that's not the case.  I'm putting in around 40 miles a week which is low for me but my body feels good so I'm staying there at the moment.  My long runs have been around 2-3 hours long and I'm loving running them.  Some have been pretty fast and some have been relatively slower.  My attitude towards this next year is pretty positive and I can feel it.  I really wanna listen to my body it tells you something every time you run and I better start listening to it.  I've been through some pretty rough patches in running so I'm starting to understand what to look for. 

On a different note I really wanna start listening to my heart.  Your heart tells you something everyday and it can point a person in the right direction.  Here is a neat quote "don't give into your fears, if you do you won't be able to talk to your heart."  I feel this quote is true in many ways in my life.  It's the things I fear the most that bring me joy when I'm able to pursue them.  Some of the most fascinating things have happened to me when I'm scared or feared of something.  I've learned that you gotta see past that fear and really follow your heart.  Here is another neat quote "tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than suffering itself."  What I take from that is the anticipation of being hurt by something/someone is scary. In most cases the worst doesn't even happen.   It's just the fear of that happening that hurts.  Ok I'm done :)  Lets roll out some miles!!

50k I reg for!!

http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=13669

Untitled by davehypo at Garmin Connect - Details

Untitled by davehypo at Garmin Connect - Details

What a great wk end

Saturday I got up early and participated in the first annual flying monkey run.  I wasn't sure what to expect and I was planning on only running as fast as I wanted.  I ran most the race with Deb and we had some pretty good laughs along the way.  Deb ended up winning the race which was pretty cool.  Tony put the race on and he did a great job.  He marked the course and bought the winning prize for the race.  Thanks T

Sunday I went out with Tony, Chris and Dave.  Dave was on the bike and he had no problem staying with us.  I thought he might struggle a little on the light snow we had in the woods.  The run ended up being 1:40  of hills, turns, and down hills.  I'm thinking I didn't have the best shoes on for this run today I wore my trainers and I could tell I was slipping a ton more then the other boys!  What a great wk end looking forward to more!

Yesterday's run

Yesterday I heading out on the Lester River Coggs trails.  My partner in crime was Deb my cousin.  The pace started out pretty fast for me but comfortable for Deb.  I was breathing like I was running a 5k but it felt good.  We looped up around Hawks Ridge and along the river.  It was really beautiful out and a little muddy but we didn't care.  Points along the run we had to stop and scrap off all the mud on the bottoms of our shoes.  The mud was really cramping my running form I could tell cause Deb was laughing pretty hard at me.  The run ended up being 57 mins 5.7 miles.  Planning on returning to the trails today cant wait!

Starting slow

I went out for a hour run today and it felt great!  I had no concept of my pace or time I'm just guessing it was a hour long run.  I just wanted to breath fresh air and hit the road.  My strides were solid and smooth my breathing was little jagged for the first half hour or so.  I can still feel the twinge in my lower calf this is a injury I picked up at the whisltestop half marathon.  I'm a little concern about this twinge but I'm still able to run smoothly.  I'm on my 4th week of rest from last years season a kinda recycle period for me.  It just helps me clear my head and get rid of these twinges that I have pick up.  My goal is to run when I feel like it and start training again in another 2 weeks.  Looking forward to some more solid runs this next season.   

turn the page

Moving on...It is just a chapter in the past, but don't close the book- just turn the page.

I've been through some interesting feelings these last couple of months.  I met a girl I really liked and wanted to hang on too.  We had our differences and I was able to see past some but not all.  I tried really really hard to see past them but just couldn't.  I think I did one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life.  Let me remind you not the hardest but very hard.  I let her go cause I knew in my heart that It wouldn't work out in the long run.  I don't see myself as a quieter nor would I like to be called one.  I truly thought I could somehow someway make this relationship work out.  It was eating me up knowing I new it wouldn't work in the long run so I ended it. It's a terrible feeling being in control of something someones outcome.  It's a million times easier when someone does it for you.  I got a great understanding and respect for the differences of letting go of someone and being let go of.  I've seen both sides of the story very clearly.  I'm more of a sensitive guy and I take things to heart.  I never want to hurt anyone nor do I like being hurt.  What I was trying to do was save a bunch more hurt down the road and I truly believe I did.  Referring to my quote I'm taking what I've learned from my past relationships and working to make myself a better person.  I believe there is something positive to take from every relationship and use it.  I'm doing just that from my past and really focusing on the future and the positives.  Looking forward to new pages to be turned in my big book called life. 

Running running running

It's been a couple weeks now that I've been back running and I'm really starting to feel fit again.  Today I ran with my cousin Deb Salzer.  It turned out to be a great run lots of laughs.  We went out at pretty steady pace of 720 pace and we kept that pace for about half the run.  We slowed it down on the way back cause we both realized what the heck we should be running easy.  We ended up running on the boardwalk cause the trails are just about floating with water and mud.  The run ended up being around 7.02 miles which we perfect for both our workouts. 


I have so much stuff planned for this wk end its crazy.  I'm not really sure how I'm going to fit it all in but I'm going to try my hardest.  Sat A.M. running with my coach then working on his deck.  12:00 got a wedding to go to.  Around 2ish I got a baby shower to attend.  Around 6ish I got the reception to the wedding.  At 8ish I got a surprise for Jaime's bday so I can't post that cause she might read this.  Sunday I'm pretty booked all day too crazy but worth it..  roll roll roll some miles out!!

Check out this new site

I've been running for Nick my coach for around 7 months now and it's been great!  He has been a positive outlook for me in my running career.  He has taught me patience and discipline.  He has recently started his company called Splitfire running.  He will be coaching and teaching the importance and unknown to running.  Check out his site:  http://www.splitfirerunning.com/Main/Athletes.html   

I'm back at it!

Well I've been training for four weeks now and loving it!  My fitness is really starting to come around.  I ran part of gmas half marathon yesterday and loved every second of it.  I ran a 6:18 average pace for 10.5 miles that makes me super happy and builds my confidence level back up.  I got a couple more pounds to lose and I'll be back running at my perfect race weight.  It's strange how fast you can lose your fitness.  I was out for 6 full weeks no running and I could really feel the difference in my performance.  I'm not worried at all cause I can feel it coming back just as fast as I lost it.  My attitude is positive and collective and ready to train hard again.  Got one big race in the future and hoping to pick up a couple small ones too.  I'll keep you posted on my training and how everything is going until then lets roll out some miles!! 

BWCA

I'm heading to the bwca tonight for a couple of days and can't wait!  Looks like the weather might be a little sketchy but I don't really care.  I'm planning on doing some trout fishing and relaxing.  The lake I'm heading to is called Little Sag about 10 miles off the gun flint trail.  One of the portages is around 1.25 miles long.  I believe it might be the 2nd longest portage out there in the BWCA. I've never been to this lake before nor have I been this far into the BWCA so this will be a new experience.  This will be the first year I'm going without my dad so that kinda stinks cause it's been this tradition for so many years. I'm excited to get away for awhile and recharge and catch some fish.  When I get back I get to start running so that makes me pretty happy!  I'll let you know how it turns out!  Keep the miles rolling!!  BEAR!!!

Random thoughts

It's been 4.5 weeks of no running and its been hard and good at the same time.  My coach Nick and I decided we will wait another 2 weeks or so before I start running again.  My leg is recovering really well and I'm super happy.  I've notice that I have this strong urge to run again and that makes me super pumped.  It's going to be a long road yet before I run again but I'm excited to start.  I can't believe that I was able to run 100 miles a week with my busy life but somehow I managed to do it.  I seem to function better in my daily life when I'm slam packed busy.  Having this time off I've noticed I can really waste time on different everyday tasks.  I'm feeling good ready to run soon. Lets roll out some miles!

My hood turned out perfect!

Like I mentioned earlier in my blogs that I was attempting to paint my car hood.  Well the first attempt turned out terrible lots of fish eyes and bubbles.  It turned out that I used to much paint and not enough clear coat.  I did some research and got myself up to speed on painting a little and tried it again.  The second attempt turned out amazing super happy!!  It cost me little more then I expected but I got the job done!  I put a pic up soon!!

Biking going well

Well I got another good bike ride in yesterday.  Jaime and I headed out towards island lake for a 10 mile bike ride.  I pumped up my tires nice and firm and we headed north.  We had dinner plans with my family so we decided to save a little on gas and bike it. I was little nervous with my femur but it turned out ok.  My leg was a tiny bit sore afterwords but recovered really well.  Jaime was having no problem staying the pace she was actually pushing the pace a little but it felt good.  I knew she felt good cause she was just smiling the whole time.  We made it on time for dinner had a great dinner.  We both decided to get a ride back cause I didn't want to push the leg.  It was a good choice cause I over ate at dinner and lost my enthusiasm after dinner.  Planning on riding a little tomorrow and progressing towards running again.  I seriously cant wait to run again and I know I will soon!

First day back x training!

I got a long ways to go but its a start!  I started peddling today really easy only went 4 miles but its better then nothing.  Nothing seems to hurt on my leg and I know I'm fragile still.  Being back x training does give me that little spark back to start running though.  In no way am I ready to run but I feel good to be doing something.  I planning on being super careful still cause I know its still injured.  Keeping my fingers x that I will be running soon. 

Running update

It's been kinda hard these last couple of weeks no running and no working out.  My leg just seems to not want to improve and I'm starting to get nervous.  I'm giving myself 4 wks and I think I'll get it looked at again.  I do know that fractures can take some time to heal so I'm being patient.  Patients seems to not wanna be in my vocabulary though so that's where I struggle.  When I return its going to be great though I can feel it.  I feel that I will be a stronger runner and more knowledgeable to when I need to call it quits.  Until I then lets keep the miles rolling!!:)


The desk turned out great!  It took me around 4 hours to fully complete but that's ok cause those directions were difficult. I'm better at building things from a picture.  Give me a picture and I can build it outta wood.

My next project is painting my car hood.  I bought paint last night and bought a new car hood too.  My car got hit by someone in December and thought it would be a great idea to  tackle this project so far so good.  I got it painted today and waiting for it to dry for the clear coat.  I've never done auto painting before so this is kinda fun.  I just hope it doesn't peel down the road:(  I'll keep you posted on this project.

Updating my apartment

This is kinda funny I'm a carpenter and I need to update this desk in my place.  I've been wanting to do this for some time now.  This morning I woke up and said to myself I'm going to start today.  My father built this desk for me way back in the day probably when I was 13 years old or so.  I've got great use out of it but it's time to say good bye.  Here's the kicker though so remember I'm a carpenter well I'm going to buy one.  I found a real n ice glass and steal one at office max that will fit perfect.  I'm slowly going to dismantle the desk and toss it in the garbage the bigger wood pieces or going to my fathers shop to get ground down into little pieces then reused for fuel.  I have a hard time building things for myself cause it's kinda the last thing I want to do after work is work.  I'll keep you updated on how it goes!  Can't wait to see it in place!    

Aqua jogging

Ok aqua jogging is a lot harder then it sounds.  The hardest part is trying to stay focused mentally.  I watched the clock for the whole hour and it was kinda painful.  The physical end of the workout was kinda fun though.  It didn't really raise my heart rate much.  I maxed out at 100 beats per min which is not high at all.  I tried really hard to push up into the 130-140 range but just couldn't get there.  I talked with my coach Nick and he mentioned that I should be swinging my arms just as fast as my legs and that's were I went wrong.  Tomorrow is round two so the we will see what I can do.  I got a new goal in mind and that makes me excited.  It gives me something to look forward too.  I'm calling grandma's half marathon a wash and just going to run it if I'm healed by then.  I'll keep you posted on the race I'm going to run in the fall.  I'm started to feel good about the future and excited to x-train my heart out these next couple of weeks.  I do have to tell you I don't like smelling like chlorine after getting out of the pool but until I'm strong enough I'm stuck there.  Let's keep the paddling going!!  

new outlook

Ok there has been a little bump in my training this last couple of weeks.  Training has been going really well these last months and I've been super happy with my fitness.  I know I've mentioned that my quad has been bothering me pretty bad on and off.  I've been super confused to what it could be.  I did have it looked at and it seems to be a small stress fracture on my left femur which is not the end of the world but something I have to take care of.  I have a pretty stubborn personality and I'm working on that. :)  I've come to terms that I need to take some time off no running or high impact.  I find this really hard not running mentally and physically.  It almost seems harder mentally then physically.  My plan to recovery is going to start tomorrow with some aqua jogging.  I'm planning on aqua jogging as much as I can or time permits.  I also plan on adding more calcium to my diet that should help with healing and prevention in the future.  I'm lactose intolerant so it makes it hard to consume enough calcium in my daily diet.  I feel like I'm on the right track to recovery and optimistic for the future.  I didn't race Fitgers 5k cause of the fracture which is ok cause I got to cheer on some of my best friends.  It was a different perspective watching the race on the sidewalk.  I super stoked that Gregg R placed third he ripped that race up!  I'll keep you posted on my recovery until then lets keep the aqua jogging paddling!!  

Update

This week has been a little different for me training wise.  My left quad is kinda rusty and not firing right.  It's not an injury at this point but something I wanna monitor closely.  I've spoke with Nick my coach and we both agreed to switch my training this wk to shake the rust out so to speak.  I could tell we made the right move on taking some rest days this wk.  It has been good for me mentally and physically.  The plan for next wk is up in the air yet and subject to change.  I'm racing Fitger's 5k so I'm little nervous I won't be at 100% by then but it is what it is.  I'm still planning on going out there and giving it 100% !  I was kinda pumped when I got my bib number they gave me the number 5 which is the lowest number I've ever had in duluth.  My buddy Gregg R has the number 3 which is pretty neat too he deserves it!  Well lets roll out some miles!  See you at the race!

So much beauty in life

Over the last couple of months I've found so much beauty in life.  So much beauty out there in so many people and so many places that I never new existed.  I like to look at life as this big adventure and take it one day at a time.  Really step back slow your day down and make something beautiful happen weather its a nice compliment to someone, gift for someone, or a helping hand.  Just do something to brighten someone elses day a little more.   Not only will you feel good about doing it but your spreading beauty and love in a none threatening way.  Plus you never know something or someone might knock back at your door when your feeling blue.  The word pure has many definitions and here is the definition I like to use it as:  free of extraneous elements of any kind I got to witness the word pure in someone this weekend and it was amazing.  That person taught me something I never knew and I will carry that knowledge with me and share with others. Here is a pretty cool quote I looked up: Life is short so kiss slowly laugh insanely love truly and forgive quickly. What I'm trying to get across is keep smiling,  keep opening doors, keep interacting, keep loving, keep forgiving, keep giving, and keep god close. 

kinda a funny quad

The last couple of days I've had this funny quad.  I know I've mentioned it in the past blogs like its worse or it's getting better.  I'm pretty in tone with my body and monitor things pretty closely.  There are days that its better and I think I'm over the hump then there are days It's worse.  Today It was better and that makes me happy but I'm not turning my back to it.  It's a weird injury that I've never had before.  It's not really affecting my workouts yet so I'm not super concerned yet.  Like I said monitoring it, message, and ice! Lets roll out some miles!

Happy Birthday Nick M

Tuesday I adventured out with my coach Nick M.  We both had 2 hours scheduled for this workout.  At first my legs felt kinda tired but the longer we ran the better I felt.  I could tell Nick wanted to run faster but he held back for me.  We ran a pretty even pace throughout the run.  We had some pretty good laughs and talks.

Today I ran 1:45 from my apartment and I joined up with Nick again for a bit.  He ran around 37 mins with me easy real easy for preparation for tomorrows run.  I got another 30 mins of hills in the a.m. so I need the energy.  I'm getting really excited to race again.  I'm planning on racing fitgers again this year.  I'm excited to see where I'm at with my fitness.  I didn't register on time for this race but I was able to get in luckily:) Ohh its my coaches birthday today so wish him a happy bday!!   Lets keep the miles rolling!!

Morning run

It was such a beautiful morning for a run.  I got up dresses put the shoes on and watch.  Looked in the mirror and said to myself man I look tired.   I almost took everything off and went back to bed and gave myself a big fat zero for the day but I didn't.  I went out ran and loved every second of it!!  Its weird I never ever want to run early in the morning but once I get up and out the door I'm good.  I pounded out around 5 miles or so and did some dynamic stretches and called it a morning.  I got another big workout planned for this evening with hills so I'm mentally and physically preparing for it.  I am tired so this workout is going to be hard and I'm expecting just that.  If you don't know me very well here is an interesting fact about me.  I give everything I do 100% even if I know I'm terrible at it.  Sometimes this kills me and makes things very difficult when they don't have to be.  Another interesting fact about me is I never register for a race until the last min.  I will be the last to register almost everytime:)  If you know Dave Shunni he could voulch for me.  Lets roll out some hills tonight!! 

Feeling Sick

Ok this was really weird after my long run today I started to feel really really sick.  I took a shower got dressed and headed out for dinner with Jaime and her friends.  Along the car ride I looked over at Matt and said could you pull the car over if I sick.  He said boy you better not get sick in my car.  I ended closing my eyes and deep breathing and making it to the restaurant.  Once I ate something and drank a little I was a thousand times better.  Weirdness... still wondering what went wrong.

Ok I got lost

I had a long run planned Saturday which was yesterday.  The rain was coming down like cats and dogs.  Jaime was willing to come with me on a bike which was really cool.  We both suited up with rain jackets and headed out for 2.5 hrs.  I made it about 6.5 miles and I noticed that my watch went dead.  I asked Jaime if she wanted to keep going or head back home.  She didn't mind staying out and I was running thoughts though my head like I'm pulling the plug.  I ended up heading back and making it my Sundays run 80 mins. 

Ok today I went for round two for the 2.5 hr run.  Jaime was willing to come with again which was great for company.  Everything was working pretty good physically on my lower half which I was happy with considering that my quad was on fire the last couple of days.  Ok here is the spooky weird part at about 10.4 miles in I decided to turn around and head home.  The road I was on didn't look the same as the one I came in on.  Here I am middle of no where lost and confused.  I stopped looked around analyzed the situation.  We both decided we would take this alternate route which ended up just looping around coming back to where we started.  Now I'm starting to get nervous so we took another road that did the same thing.  My mind was turning hard now thinking what to do.  I was thinking ok Jaime has a cell phone I'm sure and we could call her friend.  No cell phone, no numbers:(  To make a long story short the road we  were on was just this big loop and we were doing these mile loops.  We made it home safley with a mile totaling in at 20.5 miles for the day.  Overall glad I got the run in my quad feels better. 

Carolinas

So I'm having a real good time in the Carolinas. I've been keeping to my running schedule pretty well considering the traveling. Last night Jaime and I went out for dinner at a japanese resturant. The food was amazing I couldn't even begin to explain how good it was. After dinner we went out for drinks and toured the city a bit. What a great city very pretty and very big. It's raining today so we plan on going out for dinner then hot tube. It's been a great time so far!

Here are my new jogging glasses!

Saturday's run

We took off from the rose garden with Jonas R and Gregg R.  We starting at a very solid pace and we stayed there the whole duration of the run.  This run was so effortless for me and it seemed that way for Gregg and Jonas too.  Compared to last Saturday's run what a difference.  I was about to cab it home last Saturday.  I had so much fun laughing with these guys.  The longer we ran the faster and the funnier the jokes got.  It's amazing how fast time goes when your with good company.  I decided to wear these funky glasses just to get a reaction out of people.  Well Gregg and Jonas made clear how ridiculous I looked in them.  Gregg grabs them from me and puts them on and immediately I told Gregg he looks stupid.  He looks at me and said how do you think you looked for the LAST 1.5 HOURS!!!!   I was laughing so hard and replied good point Gregg good point.  I know what Gregg is getting for his birthday.  Over all great run great friends think we ran 16 miles no idea:)

Angels and Airwaves - Breathe

Got tickets to Ak and NC

I'm going to do some traveling this summer.  Next Thursday I'm heading to NC.  I'm visiting one of Jaime's friends it should be a good time.  I'm looking forward to meeting her and running in warmer weather.  In July I'm heading to Alaska for some fishing, running and relaxing.  I love Alaska its kinda like home away from home.  I lived there once in Denali for 3 months.  It was one of my best summers I've had.  It will be nice to go back and visit.  I'm also researching some races to run while up there.  I'll keep you posted on how the trips pan out.

Nick the machine!

I went running with my coach Nick M last night.  We both had 1:45 scheduled for the workout.  We started at a 7:30 pace which quickly fell into a 6:50 6:45 pace with not much effort.  I kept glancing at my watch wondering if we should slow it down a bit but it felt good.  I could tell Nick felt good too he runs with such ease.  We made our way to 40th ave W and ripped up the hill to skyline.  I took the lead for the first half mile or so and I could here Nicks foot strike right next to me.  We hit the switch back and Nick passes me and I'm kinda like dang it :).  He passed me like I was walking slowly I couldn't let him slip away so I gave it everything I had to stay on his heals. We made it to the top and I just about bursted  into flames.  My heart rate was around 180ish I think and Nick looks at me gives me high five and says keep going run out the acid you will feel better soon.  He was right I felt really good about 1 mile later and I glanced at my watch and we were running 5:50 pace with ease.  We both laughed and said ok slow it down and lets jog this home.  The run ended up being 15.25 miles with lots of laughs and thoughts.  Thanks Nick

100.5 miles last wk and a well needed rest wk ahead

Well I ran two weeks straight over 100 miles.  My body feels pretty good no injuries so that's positive.  I'm starting to feel really fit.  Some of my workouts throughout the weeks are just faster and easier.  Well take some of them with a grain of salt cause I've had others that have gone terrible.  Over all though I'm noticing some big improvements and that makes me happy.  Saturday I ran with Greg R and Jonas R for a long run.  Jonas was going out and back 2 hours and Greg and I were going out 2.5 hours.  Well Greg was kinda going by feel and that's what he closed the door with.  I felt terrible the whole way out and the whole way back.  I hit a hour ten and I thought I was going to call a cab.  If I wasn't running with these guys I'm not sure what I would have done.  I didn't recover very well after either.  I ate well hydrated well but I sat and was shivering for around a hour or so.  My Sundays run was great I ran 30 mins at 5:44 pace to 5:30 pace.  You just never know how things will turn.  Lets keep the miles rolling..

Where does the time go?

It's so weird how fast time goes sometimes.  It seems the older I get the faster time goes.  Part of me wants to push a pause button and stay right here at 30 years old.  I remember when my dad was 30 years old and I would think gosh he is old.  Now I'm 30 and I don't feel much older than high school age.  Ok well maybe I feel little wiser than high school but I'm still a kid at heart.  Not sure if I will ever go up.  Life is so much fun to take seriously.  Of course there are some things you must take seriously but try to smile, laugh, think open minded, and have fun.  When life throws you a curve ball step back breath and try to realize things will get better.  Sometimes that curve ball could be the best thing that could have happened to you.  You might not realize it at first, but great things can and will happen.  Love-eat-pray! Eat-pray-love!

Getting excited

I'm getting really excited to start racing.  I know that I don't have the speed nor confidence yet.  These two things will come with time and I understand that.  Sometimes I like to get jumpy race everything I possible can.  This year I have Nick my coach to guide me from over racing.  When race time comes I'll be ready!!   

Tuesday

Today I went out for a two hour run.  The run started out pretty rickety.  My legs felt like two bricks attached at the ankles.  In my mind I was ummm lets maybe not run two hours today.  Things slowly started to turn around legs feeling lighter and mind feeling optimistic.  I meet my buddy Henry three miles in and we ran for a hour ten together.  We had some good chats about life and solving the worlds problems as usual. :) I left Henry and finished out the run at two hours.  Over all I was really happy with this run.  Lets keep the miles rolling...  

Easy week over three 100 mile weeks to come!!

Ok so last week was an easy recovery week, no hard running just easy short runs and two days off.  I really enjoyed this time down.  I'm feeling refreshed and ready for these 100 mile weeks to hit.  This is the most I've run ever and I'm loving it.  One of the best things about the hard effort you put into 100 mile weeks is you can eat what ever when ever you want.  It's great cause I love to eat and eating is all I do if I'm not running.  Some days I'm concerned for myself cause it really seems unnatural to eat that much food. 
This last Saturday I went out for a long run with Jonas and Greg R.  We started at the rose garden and worked our way to lester river ran up the snowmobile trails and over hawks ridge down snively and back down to the rose garden.  The run went great I felt really good and I could tell the others did also.  The run ended up being 2 hrs easy with total mileage of 14.55 miles.  Greg and Jonas are great company for running never have a dull moment with these two guys.  Looking forward to running with them more this spring.  I'm anxious to see what my new schedule is going to look like.  I know Nick has some added workouts he is working into this three wk block.  I'm just so pumped I'm not sure if I'll sleep tonight!!  Lets roll some miles!

Easy Recovery Wk

Well this wk is an easy recover wk and I need it.  Everything is working perfect on my body but I'm tired.  Tired in a good way though.  This wk I'm only running a total of 51 miles which is pretty close to half of what I've been running these last couple of wks.  I'm goal is rest up enjoy the time down mentally and physically.  Maybe even get on my mnt bike a little on some trails.  Lets roll out some miles!!

Yesterday

Well yesterday I went solo on a long run.  I started little later in the day than usual but it was ok cause I needed the sleep.  I started out on the boardwalk worked my way to lester snowmobile trails.  My starting pace was around 7:20 per mile and I was feeling really good.  I was thinking it was a little fast but I stuck to it.  I hit the trail and my pace didn't drop much considering I was climbing uphill and on snow.  Worked my way to hawks ridge and looped around by amity creek.  I was 1:15 into my run and I needed to pick the pace up a bit more its what I had scheduled.  I settled in at a 6:08 6:18 pace and stayed there for 40 mins and I was still feeling amazing.  Its so much fun to run in a threshold pace its seems comfortable.  I cooled down for 30 mins and called it a day.  The run ended up being 20.5 miles I was happy.  I feel relatively recovered and ready for today's recover run.   I got 80 mins easy today on trails.  Heading out with Jonas and Henry and possible Dave.  Lets keep the miles rolling!!

slacking on posts

Ok yes I'n still running and running lots.  I've been putting in a ton of miles and my body is responding very well.  Of course there are some days that hurt more than others but no injuries.  Recap of two Saturdays ago I went out with Henry and  Tony we started out at a good pace.  We ran the north shore one of my favorite road runs.  Tony and Henry are pretty fun to run with.  Every time I go with guys time just slips by and its time for us to be done its crazy.  The inside jokes are none stop along these runs.  Thanks guys!

sipping on tea

I'm sitting here writing sipping on tea getting ready to rip out a long run with Tony, and Henry.  Little nervous cause my legs are tired and I'm tired.  Planning on taking it real easy and progressing into a faster run.  As soon as I hit the 1.5 mark I should be ok.  I'm going to keep you posted on how this run turns out. 2.5 hrs progression here I come!!!

rolling rolling

Last Saturday was one of the best workouts I've had.  I ran with Henry, Tony, Adam and Jen.  I was out for a two and half hour run.  The rest the group were either out for an hour and half to two hours.  Tony, Henry and I went out pretty slow which was nice cause I needed some time to warm up. Adam and Jen went out like rockets didn't see them much the rest the run.  We had some pretty good laughs its always fun running with these guys.  We all have a pretty dry humor which makes it ton of fun.  At one point I was laughing so hard that I was crying and half choking.  Well Henry left us around 1:45 and Tony left me around 2 hrs.  I kept going for another half hour solo.  I picked the pace up a little cause that's what I was scheduled to do.  I ended up running the last 40 mins at a moderate pace ranging form 6:30 to 6:18.  Over all It was a great run and look forward to next weeks Saturday run.  Lets keep the miles rolling!!

Thankful

I'm very thankful for many things right now.  Sometimes it's easy to point out the negatives of a day, wk, year.  I want to write a little about the positives.  I'm super thankful for my friends that I've gotten to know over the years they are all great and great in different ways.  Thankful for my family they are very supportive and understanding when I mess things up.  Thankful for my job which has opened a whole other door for me.  Thankful for god trust and rely on him.  Lastly, I'm thankful for my health.  Health is so important it plays a big role in your everyday life so cherish it.  Step back once and awhile look at your life pick out things that your thankful for and smile.  Ok I'm done just felt like spitting that out. 

Transition is smooth

Well I've been running faster these last couple of days and I'm responding well.  I was a little concerned at first with how I was going to feel.  Tuesday I ran two hours.  I started out slow at a 8:30 pace for 30 min then pumped the pace to 6:18 6:20 for an hour with one bathroom break unexpected but needed.  After the hour I cooled down for 30 mins and I felt pretty good after wards.  Ice bath water good food and I was good to go.  I'm really really happy with my training this year so far and hope it continues.
I got an exciting call from one of my good buddies Dave S.  He asked me to be a groomsman in his wedding.  I'm super honored to be a groomsman for him.    Congrats Jen and Dave!!

Should I get up or not

I struggled a little this morning to get outta bed.  I set my alarm for six got up looked around got my shoes, socks, clothes ready then I looked back at my bed.  I started walking towards my bed and was going to lay down for another hour or two and forget about the run.  Well I didn't do that and ended up running and I'm glad I did.  It was real slow just didn't have much pep and the wind was blowing like crazy.  It ended up being 40 mins easy.  I'm kinda proud of myself for not giving into the bed.  :) 

Saturday long run

Today's run started out at Lester River.  I ran with Henry, Dave, and Tony.  Like I mentioned yesterday Tony and Dave were on snowshoes.  The footing on the snowmobile trails was really difficult today.  We got around three inches of snow and not many snowmobiles have traveled on it yet.  Tony and Dave had the cadence down  they were flying on those snowshoes.  I was having a hard time staying with them.  They were flinging snow like crazy back at Henry and I.  I had more snow on the front of me than the back.  We ended up running around 2.5 hrs maybe little shy by a min or two. 
I got a call from my coach today and I was excited to chat with Nick.  He is changing this next weeks training a little. I will be running faster on my quality days.  I will no longer have a rest day on Sunday I'll be running seven days a week which I like.  I will be pushing pace wise 6:30 min miles to 6:20 min miles on some of quality days and that makes me happy.  I'm running around 80+ miles this week and soon I'll be running around 100.  I feel good mentally and physically so I don't see these faster paces to be a problem.  The point of these faster paces is not to hurt but be comfortably hard.  I'm excited lets roll out some miles...  

Winter Snowy Run:)

Today, I ended up running with my buddy Jonas R again.  We were both little concerned about the weather but that didn't stop us. We laced up and headed out into this winter storm and it was great.  Ok I might be a little biased it was cold and windy and I was not sure if I was going to make it back.  It helps when you have good company to run with makes time fly by.  We ended up running paved roads around my apartment they were pretty dicey almost got hit by a skidding van.  They manage to gain control three feet in front of me which I'm thankful for.  The total run ended up being an hour long. The pace was much slower then normal which is ok cause tomorrow I have a 2.5 hour run and I could use all the energy I can get.  It sounds like Dave S and Tony S are snowshoeing and Henry E and I are running in normal shoes tomorrow.  Kinda curious to see how the pace settles in at.  Dave and Tony are strong at snowshoeing, so I'm thinking we should be comparable.  Lets roll out some miles....

crazy training

Well the last couple of days have been hard to find time to run.  I've been able to make all my scheduled runs except one which is fine no big deal.  I've been going through training for my new job in the cities the last couple of days and that's taking a ton of my running time up but its been well worth it.  Today, I got the chance to run with my good buddy Jonas R if you don't know him well you should meet him.  He has taught me many valuable lessons on running over the years and I thank him for that.  We ended up running little over an hour on roads and it was great.  Jonas and I were able to catch up on our lives over that hour run.  The pace was little faster then expected but we both were feeling good so we went with it.  We plan to meet up again Friday for an easy run.  Saturday I'm meeting up with Dave S, Tony S, Henry E, and myself.  We Plan to run the snowmobile trails at lester river climb up the big hill into Hartley Nature Center.  I seriously can't wait!! It's probably one of my favorite runs during the winter.  It's just so beautiful outside this time of year I love it..... Lets roll out some miles....

Rolling miles out

Today, I ran an easy hour and it was easy.  I felt like I was floating on a magic carpet completely effortless.  It's weird not everyday is like this but when they come they are magical and to be remember when the bad days come.  It's a small part why I keep running just for that feeling.  The other parts why I run well I'm sure if you know me you know why:)  My miles are ramping  up and up and I'm loving every second of it.  Next couple of months I will be at my all time high mileage for a week.  It will be interesting to see how my body responds to the road and mill impact.  I had a pretty good chat with my coach Nick M today about up coming races and we our sights on a couple 5k's and half marathons.  It just makes me so excited talking about races I can't stand it.  Makes me wanna race as were chatting. 

Saturday run

I ended up running Saturday with Henry one of my good running buddies.  We planned on running the snowmobile trails but were concerned about the snow depth.  We changed plans last minute and started at Henry's house ran the boardwalk up to the Lester River snowmobile trails to check them out and see if they were runnable.  It turned out the sleds have been buzzing the trials hard which made the trials runnable.  We chugged up and up to Hawks Ridge and looped around Amity River. It was just perfect temp wise, scenery wise, and of course company wise.  We were talking and Henry came up with this neat idea and I'm totally game.  We were thinking of putting on six mini track meets this summer at UMD. Kinda like the ones they have at UWS but more and a wider range of races. Thought it would be neat to have a 100, 200, 400, 800, 1 mile open, 1 mile predicted, and 5k track race.  Its something we both are serious about and would be fun for everyone so stay tuned..

washout workout

Well today's run turned out to be pretty hard mentally and physically.  This week was going really really well until today.  I had 100 minutes scheduled today and I barely got it done.  I started out pretty slow nothing unusual for me I picked up the pace at 30 mins in and I just couldn't hang on.  In my mind I was thinking ahhh it will pass but it didn't so I backed the pace back a little thinking it would help. Well it turned out I ran the same pace as I started with.  I was going to scratch the run and hang the shoes up, but I pushed through it and finished it.  I'm glad I completed the run but also concerned why my run went sour.  I reevaluated my day and nothing unusual hydration was good, food intake was good, the only thing I could think was maybe running to fast on Tuesdays run which dragged into today's run.  I'm going to take it easy tomorrow and see how I feel after Friday.  I'm not super concerned cause I've had days like this in the past.  I just like to understand why and how I can prevent for the future workouts.  Looking forward to Saturdays run it will be my longest this year.  Planning on running on the snowmobile trails.  Lets keep the miles rolling.....

Perfect Run

Today Henry, Dave S, Tony, and I ventured out on the snowmobile trails for two hour jog.  I was a little hesitant  at first to join cause of the cold weather.  The think the thermometer read zero without the windchill.  It was cold at first but warmed up quickly climbing up to Hawks Ridge.  The pace was smooth and consistent throughout the run.   We never really pushed past 8 min miles which was nice cause, I could tell my body was content.  I glanced at the others and they seemed to be content too.  These group runs are great cause everyone's attitudes are positive and collective.  People bring new ideas and thoughts to the table.  One of the thoughts we had was renting a condo in Lutsen for the 25k and 50k this coming spring.   I hope we can pull it together and do it cause, I can see us having lots of fun joking and laughing.  Today was perfect couldn't ask for a better run and company thanks guys.  Until next time keep the miles rolling..

Huge door just opened for me

Well yesterday I got a new job with my fathers company.  My father owns St. Germain's Cabinet Inc.  I applied for the sales job and I got it.  I've been secretly waiting for this job for around 5 years maybe more I don't know.  He is going to start me out slow so I don't eaten up and spit out.  I'm just super stoked cause this is a huge door that just opened for me.  I get my own office which will be weird at first.  I got flexible hours which will be nice for running.  I get off my feet a couple more days a week which will be nice too.  I'm going into this with lots of steam and can't wait to start.  So if you want something made with great quality please call me.  I'm just kidding no for real call me!  :)

Ramping up the miles

I'm super stoked this wk I love ramping up the miles it makes me feel like I'm doing something productive.  Nick has increased my mileage everyday this week and I love it.  Monday, I ran 45 min easy no big deal Tuesday 2 hrs moderately hard.  Everything is working great on my body which makes it even more enjoyable.  I'm little tired in the legs from yesterday so today will be really really easy.  Saturday I got a two hr run planned with my buddy Dave S can't wait should be a good run.  We are running the snowmobile trails low impact on the legs but harder on the Achilles:(  I keep you posted on how Saturday turns out.  I'm going to try my hardest not to get hit by a snowmobile.  :)