Monday, January 26, 2009

Training


This last week, I wasn't going to get many training days in because I was scheduled to work four 12 hour shifts.  So, I figured I better make those days of training, quality runs.  On Monday I decided to drive to Castro Valley and run the trails at Lake Chabot.  I love the trail that runs around the lake.  It is beautiful.  It has some nice ups and downs and awesome single track.  This picture is of the bridge after you get off the cement pathway.

I decided to follow the bike path for a few miles and then turn around and take the trail around the lake.  The trail around the lake is only 8-9 miles and I wanted to get in around 15 miles.  I stayed on the Brandon Trail and took this photo at the top of the hill.  A great day!
It turned out to be a nice run.  
On Tuesday I talked Robert into going to Peoria flats to run the HILLY loop.  We did the loop three times; 2 clockwise and 1 counter clockwise.  That hill is a b***ch but awesome climbing and good downhill training for the quads.  
I planned on taking off Wednesday and then running Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning.  The only problem with running those mornings is I have to get up at 4 a.  to get a run in before starting work at 6:30 a.  I managed to do it once.  The other days, it was dark, raining and my pillow needed me!!
I finished up the week with a group run at Dry Creek park for a total of 11 miles.  I managed a 8:16 pace, so sort of a tempo run.  
This coming weekend is the Surf City marathon in Huntington beach.  My goal is 3:45.  It looks like the weather is supposed to be a high of 79 degrees on Sunday.  A little warm for running but should be a great family weekend.

Run Fun....

Friday, January 16, 2009

SOLD OUT!!


I went online to register for the Pacifica 30K this morning and it was SOLD OUT.  I looked at the website earlier this week and saw that there was "no limit" for the 30 and 50K, so I didn't feel the need to rush to sign up.  
I am sad that I won't get to enjoy the North Peak climb but I am very excited for Wendell and Sarah because their two events this year so far, have been SOLD OUT.
Trail running has taken off like wildfire.  Most events are close to selling out or are having to switch to a lottery system to accomodate the larger number of folks hitting the trails!
Well, I am going to look at my list of planned races and sign up for them now, then I will be guaranteed a spot!
 

Run Fun....

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Blame

Last Friday, I went to Auburn to run with Jeffrey, Trish, Chuck, Anthony and Bill.  We ran from Auburn Dam Overlook to Cool and back, approx. 14-15 miles.  The run included K2. 
 The weather was great!!  I was a little overdressed at the start because I wore pants and I should have worn shorts, oh well (thinking heat training!).
I felt pretty good, but you would think I'd never been on a trail before in my life.  I was slow on the down hills and walked most of the ups.  Wimp....
For a few nights before this, I have been waking up with my thumb throbbing in the middle of the night, stagger to the bathroom, take some Motrin and hope for sleep. When I got home from the run, I soaked my thumb.  After my shower, I began poking around some and man some gross green pus came out (hopefully, no visuals from that description).  I called my doc, went in and sure enough, I have an infection under my thumb nail.  So I got to thinking, I am going to blame my wimpiness on my infection. 
Because of my performance on Friday, I am contempling signing up for the 33K instead of the 50K this weekend at Pacifca.  Our running club banquet is that night and I don't want to be late.  Pacifica is tough and the 50K may take me, gulp, close to 7 hours.  What to do???

Run fun....

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Flat Arch

On Sunday, December 28th our running club, ShadowChase, had an informal "fat ass" run.  This run is in memory of Al Stoll, a local runner who died while running.  You can run any distance you like.  The only catch is:

"No aid, no awards, no wimps. Organizers decision is final on all results and disputes (including religion and politics).'

This year there were 44 people.  7 started out going for the whole schabang (50 miles) with only one completing the distance.  2 did a 50K and many (including me) did 15-16 miles.  
It was cold at the start but the sun came out and it turned out to be a beautiful day.  The best part about the day is we started and finished at Cindy's Restaurant where I ended my 15.78 miles with a patty melt and fries!!
After all, isn't running really about what you eat when your done??

Run Fun....