Ouch and Easy...

Wow, I was a sore SOB today. My shoulders and chest didn't function so well. Trying to wash my hair this morning was a chore. I took it fairly easy with the weights knowing I was just getting into it but still........
Today was an easy run at 1 hour and 20 minutes followed by sit-ups, push-ups, jump rope and wall sits. I felt fairly good but could tell I was still sore. Even after Ultragen I was sore and tight. Even though I did lift with my legs, they didn't feel too bad today.
Tomorrow- elliptical and more weights. Man am I looking forward to running Saturday and Sunday!

Hittin the weights

Well, today was a first. My training program called for some time on the stair master followed by a serious training circuit with weights. I haven't touched weights in years- now I know why. After my circuit training I felt weak. My body was tired and felt like jello. My new training schedule is really focused and I am trying to get there. Just having that accountability is huge.
So Thursday is a easy 1:20 run with a few exercises at home followed by more weights on Friday....yippee! I just hope by Friday I can lift my arms!

Moon light run

Got a text about 5 pm from Jim letting me know he was running at 6 pm. I was supposed to get an hour easy run in tonight and dreading a treadmill run. Looking up on my way home I noticed a full moon. Oh ya! I busted home got my gear and took off to meet him.
Tonight was a pretty cool run. I used my new Pearl Izumi Fuel XC trail shoes- all I can say is HELL YA! Those babies are for real. Right out of the box. Jim, myself and Tom (from Mississippi) took the BST north. On the way out we had headlamps glowing and held a nice sturdy pace. On the way back- no headlamps- the moon lit our way. This may have been the best I felt in over 3 months. Went about 6.5 miles is all but a combination on my new favorite shoe, great people to share the trail with, the weather (clear and fairly warm) and running at night by moon light in the mountains was unmatched.
I am staying good to form on my training program and feeling great!

On the Shoreline

Met Joel and Jim at 6 am for a nice 10 miler on the Bonneville Shoreline. Great morning- brisk but not windy. Hit a few ice patches on the trail that definitely slowed us but all in all it was a great morning. We discussed our plans for a Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim assault in April which really gets me excited. We talked about home brews- Jim is a current home brew master- which helped me make my new Christmas wish list.
The Achilles feels good and being on the trails is therapeutic. Got to kick it up a notch for 2010.
December is right around the corner so that means cross-training....err skiing. Sweet!

Earned the Bird!

Okay, I am back. Been quite some time. I have been running though. I finally graduated from PT with the Achilles and it seems like it is holding up. Got a real structured training plan (accountability). Just got over a nasty cold so now its time to get moving.

Big plans for 2010 and that is just around the corner. BUT first let's start with a Turkey Day run.

Met my good training buddy Joel this morning at 5 am. Our plans were to hit Ben Lomond Peak one more time for 2009. It was about 20 degrees but windy. BRRRRRRR..... cold. We turned on the headlamps and took off. Right before sunrise I looked over for a brief second and saw a couple silhouettes....MOOSE- there were 3 (2 bulls and a cow)...SWEET! We left Bullwinkle and preceded to the Peak. It was a pretty tough jaunt with slow on the trail- not just any snow but super fine powdery stuff that you just couldn't get a feel for. We hit the base of the peak and it got nasty. We trudged up the snow face and b-lined for the ridge in order to get some solid traction. Then is was rock hopping to the top. We signed the book and headed back down.

We couldn't have asked for a better day. 16 miles and 4000'. Said good bye to the Peak for now.

Went back home and prepared a fine feast for the family.

So- what am I thankful for? Where to begin. FAMILY- without my family NOTHING is possible. I love you all so very much- you 3 girls make me very proud! Thanks for all your patience with me, I am trying.....

Friends- all of you. My life long ones to my new ones. My running buddies- without you I would be even heavier than I am now.

All in all, I have much to be thankful for. I really hope I keep these thoughts with me always.

Friday will be a day of rest then out for a Saturday and Sunday jaunt.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

I'm back and look forward to you online friendships.

Cheers!

Volunteering at Mtn View Trail Half Marathon

This past weekend I was able to help out at the 1st annual Mountain View Trail Half Marathon on Antelope Island. Jim Skaggs is the RD and if you have ever run the Buffalo Run (50m,50k,25k) then you know it will be a good one. 120 runners showed for the first ever race and the weather was perfect. I need to admit I was real jealous I was not able to run but it was the right decision. Training has been good lately and just trying to build a base before December hits and I ramp it up. Just being at the race really got my juices flowing and it was needed. 2009 has been a long long year and I am ready to put it behind me and gear up for 2010.

Finally- Hope has a name....

ASTYM- That's it!
So after I traveled to Colorado to see my good friend Scott and attempt to help him on the trail and one week later I paced Christian from Upper Big Water to Brighton during the Wasatch 100- I needed to get some answers. It has been over 1 year of total frustration. I have tried different Dr.'s, PT's and podiatrists..hell I even tried Acupuncture and I am terrified of needles. Nothing. Some days I felt good others felt horrible. I went to a new Dr after pacing at Wasatch. I went in, got an ultrasound and x-rays and Dr Blackham said. "I can get you back in 3-6 months". Sounds like a long time unless you have already wasted a full year. I said I will do whatever you want. He prescribed to wear Nitro glycerin patches on my injured Achilles and sent me to do ASTYM twice a week for 6-12 weeks along with stretches and I had to sleep with a crazy looking boot on. After the first treatment of ASTYM I was already feeling better and the swelling was going down. It has been 4 weeks and I ran on the trails Saturday for the first time....PAIN FREE!
Anyone out there with lingering injuries, especially the Achilles. I recommend ASTYM. I feel like I am on my way back and have a solid game plan. Time to build a base and look forward to running as opposed to look forward to icing.....