Scott Jurek Making a Comeback

A really great and inspiring Running Times article on Scott Jurek.  Just finished reading it and now I'm about ready to hit the road for a snowy ten miler.

My Kiddos

My wife, Michelle, just started a blog where she'll take a picture of the kids every day of 2011.  I think it is a pretty neat idea.  Check it out here if you want to see what my kiddos look like.  I think they are rather cute.  Then again I'm pretty biased.

Week of December 27th to January 2nd

This is the first really quality week of running I have had in about a month.  I didn't get any runs in longer than 10.5 miles, but I still banged out 61 miles for the week.  I had a great trail run this morning, which focused on climbing, and I also did a speed workout yesterday.  I'm feeling really strong and I'm focused on building a good base over the winter months.  This summer I plan on actually having a race season and plan out some schedule, including an ultra.  The money situation here isn't the best, so that will have to be a consideration, so probably no races out west this year.  I'm currently researching the possibilities and will post them soon.

First Trail Run of 2011

Headed out to Stony Valley Rail trail early this morning and to climb up Devil's Race Course.  There was a light rain falling when I first got there, but the temperature was in the 40s and it felt great to set out on the trail.  It has been about two months since I have gone on a trail run.  Turned off the rail trail after about a mile or so and started climbing up the mountain.  Central Pennsylvania doesn't exactly have impressive mountains, but this one is still a slog to get to the top.  There's about three and half miles of climb  to get to the top and I power hiked up most of it, running whenever the trail briefly flattened out.  Got to the top and it was nice soft double track for about two miles before I had to head back.  I felt like going on, however had to get back to the family.  Headed back and tore down hill and got to the bottom in less than half the time it took me to climb up.  I got back to the car and reluctantly returned back to civilization.  I was only out there today for two hours, but the solitude and peacefulness of being out in the woods really has put my mind in a better place.  My body on the other hand is going to be mad at me tomorrow.  I need to work on descending down hills and these first few times of getting back into it are gonna be rough on my quads.  I'm going to have to get a pair of stabilicers, or something akin to them, so that I keep up the trail running in the next few months.  I'm sure some snow will be on its way in no time.  Well, time to hobble through the house and get some cleaning done.  

Finally Back in Business

About a month ago I was absolutely hammered by work obligations and I let the stress get to me.  Instead of sticking with my running as an outlet, I was just so worn out I opted for sleep instead instead of my morning run.  Predictably the stress mounted, and without my running as a release it all caught up to me and I had a bit of a mini meltdown.  So, that lesson has been. learned and I'm getting back to a normal training routine.  Feeling much better, but I am amazed and chagrined at how much fitness I have lost.  I have also packed on a few pounds and definitely have my work cut out for me in my quest.
I've also taken some time to reflect on what I want to achieve and where I want to focus my efforts.  There has been way too many distractions in my every day life and it is time to really focus my efforts.

Training Week of November 15th to 21st

A pretty light training week for me:  just 55 miles.  I did squeeze in an 11 mile bike ride on a flooded, windy day, so that should count for something.  Have a short work week, so next week should  see real mileage.

Brooks Addiction GTS 11 Review

My daughter, Emma, trying em on

Ok, I like me some running shoes but I'm not too technical about their specific make up.  I am smart enough to differentiate betweeen good and bad, great and horrible.  At any rate here our my thoughts on the Adrenaline gts 11s:  They are pretty mind-blowingly great.  I've put about seventy miles on them and they are extremly responsive, extra cushy, supportive that got me adding some miles at the ends of runs because I was feeling so good.  The inner is also extremely soft and my foot feels great inside.  I am a forefoot/midfoot striker and the trainsition is quite smooth.  I may have put off getting a new pair of running shoes for too long (for finincial reasons) and my right knee and left foot were starting ti act up a bit.  After two runs on these and all pain has disappeared.  They seem like they will last longer than the 10s, but wull keep posted on their wear and tear.  Overall, these are just a great running shoe and it has just enough stubility and cushioning for me to run high mileage weeks without excessive concern about injury (hope those words don't come back to haunt me!).  If you're in the market definitely give them a try.  My daughter seems to like them.  She thinks they'll help her fly in her fairy suit!