Nice Saturday stroll

Got out on a great little trail run on Saturday with Jim, Jon, Bj and Forest. Weather was great and the trail was fantastic. Ran the BST north of Rainbow for a round trip total of 11 miles. Bj and Jon set the pace and I just tried to keep up. Major problem going on is a sore groin. I think I tweaked it a few weeks back playing indoor soccer and it just hasn't come around. The first 4-5 miles it wasn't bad but after 7 miles it got tough. Sore and tight! Not sure what to do at this point. I feel good and want to keep my training going so I don't have to start over but not sure how long I need to heal. I definitely don't want this thing to linger. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Legs are feeling strong but the groin is slowing me down.
So I started a new idea for Mondays- Motivation Monday. This is actually more for me than anything. I am STILL struggling with my DNF at the Swancrest 100 way back in July. I really can't shake it and it feels like this added weight on my shoulders- and I really can't afford more added weight. I never thought it would be so challenging mentally to get over it. I am finding it hard not to think about on my runs. I want to use it for motivation but now it appears it is quite the opposite.
Update: my diet and core training is going well. I have lost 15 pounds and feel stronger in the core. This is a good mental boost. I do the cooking and being on a diet my family at times gets short changed on some good chow, the other night y daughter said to me "Dad- we are not on diets." I told her that soon as I lost my winter weight I would change it a bit for them (we are all eating healthy now). She said- " Dad it is barely winter and you are not gaining winter weight," my response- "Honey I am talking about losing my winter weight from 2007 still."

2011 and the big 4-0

So, I am hoping for a little help/inspiration/idea for 2011. I want to do something cool/different for my 40th b-day. The optimal idea would be run the Hardrock 100 but I did not do a qualifier last year so that is my bad and bums me out- big time (not that I would have gotten in or finished).
So that leaves me to find something to commemorate the day. My birthday in July 9th and falls on a Saturday so that could make things easier. I have a few ideas and hoping that if anyone does in fact read this they could throw out some ideas. I would like it running based since that's what I enjoy but it is no way tied down to that.
Well, here are just a few ideas: (please chime in)-
- Do the Zion Traverse
- Go to Hardrock and pace
- Run through the Uinta mtns...i.e Kings Peak, etc
- Find a 100 mile trail race
- Just sleep in (who am I kidding)
- Drink 40 beers
- Run 40 miles somewhere (this is done all the time)
These are a few to get things rolling.

Motivation Monday

Well it's been another week and time for Motivation Monday. Last week I got in some quality miles and stayed true to my diet and workout plans. Its been about 6 weeks and I am really starting to notice a difference. Gearing up for 2011 and really keeping my fingers crossed for a birth into the Wasatch 100!!!!
Enough about me...here you go!

I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.- Harper Lee in To Kill a Mockingbird (my favorite all time book by the way)

Courage is very important. Like a muscle, it is strengthened by use.- Ruth Gordon

And to finish this week off.....
Courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality.  - Richter Abend

Island Run

Well I got out on the island today- Antelope Island. Once a month there is a training run for the Buffalo Run and today was 13 miles. We ran from the start/finish and did the White Rock loop then after that we went north. This was my first time going north on the island and I loved the trail!!! We were able to see buffalo, huge deer and coyotes. The weather was decent and there was a solid group of about 12 people.
All in all it was a nice 13 mile run with a little soreness. I have been playing some indoor soccer and aggravated the groin. This run was definitely testing it. Won't be playing this week to rest the groin but plan on getting in quite a few more miles for the week.
It felt great to get back out and put in some quality miles with quality people. I am feeling pretty good heading into 2011. Losing some damn weight (finally) and gettting stronger.

Motivation Monday

Back at it for week #2. I have got some decent running in but my focus is still losing a little weight and working on core and strength. Feeling pretty good so far and I will be increasing mileage.
Here is some more motivation:
Cowards die many times before their deaths. The valiant never taste death but once.- Julius Caesar
Either life entails courage, or it ceases to be life.- E.M. Forster
Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.- C.S. Lewis
and now a favorite of mine- it means many things in such a small little bombshell.
- Take chances!- B. Fish

There you have it for your motivation Monday. Enjoy!!!!

Motivation Monday

A new feature will be launched right here every Monday. Winter is tough to stay motivated for me when it comes to running. I would rather be skiing, sledding, making a snowman, playing Wii and hanging out with my family rather than being on a treadmill or outside in frigid temps. So here is my own attempt to stay motivated for the winter months.
If you have some, leave a comment.
From Wikipedia:

Motivation- is the driving force which causes us to achieve goals. Motivation is said to be intrinsic or extrinsic. The term is generally used for humans but, theoretically, it can also be used to describe the causes for animal behavior as well.

So let it begin............
"You'll never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have." -Unknown
"Don't defer your life, chase your passions" -Unknown
"Push your limits" -Unknown
"No excuses, no regrets, Leave Nothing" - Manners

Just a sampling

Back to bloggin'

Who would have thought it would be so tough to keep up on a blog? Not me. Not enough hours in the day or maybe not enough interesting stuff to write about. Starting to put my race schedule together (on the right side here) for 2011 and set some goals. Had a great summer of taking up Race Directing and volunteering at local events and some time in between for running.
Got out yesterday for a nice 11 mile run in the rain and snow. Still dirt beneath the feet but can see the snow taking over up high. I am going to try and get out on a few more dirt runs then hit the slopes and throw on the yaktrax for some running. Got a good thing going and just want to keep it up.
Next race on tap will be the Moab Red Hot 50k- great way to break out of town to some red rocks in February.
See you on the trails!