Keeping my Priorities and then Running

Another good week although my weekly total mileage was only in the 60s. I should be thankful for that with the demands at work (4x13hr days), helping my 11 year old daughter get ready for her speech, and going out of town to watch my son’s wrestling match. Renee did an incredible job giving her speech to a large crowd of parents and students at ACS’s open school night - My heart was busting with pride. Josh’s wrestling skills and strength keeps growing. Although he lost both matches, he battled against the two team captains, and with only 7 weeks of practice (ever). My 13 year old son gave these Jr wrestlers a run for their money. Give him a couple years of experience and he will be very difficult to beat. The two coaches have strengths in different area which balances the boys out. One focuses on character and doing the right thing, and the other is a state champion and knows what it takes to go all the way. I told Josh that by learning to be a good loser, he will be a respected and great winner. Like everything else in life, you set goals – work hard – battle the hurdles – develop patience and passion – and enjoy the journey.

Last Monday I had another good long trail run at FATS (Fork Area Trail System) in the Sumter National Forrest. It felt great to be running on these trails again with all the wildlife, forest, and cool blue sky. I startled a very large buck with a big rack on the Tower loop. It was amazing to see how effortless and graceful he ran along the ridge and out of sight. I had one other encounter with something I was not sure what it was. I only got a very quick glimpse from a distance before it disappeared over a ridge of trees. It was black, shaped like a dog but much larger. I used caution with the next couple of miles to make sure I was not the one being hunted. The trail was a nice refreshing break from the daily pounding of the pavement and the 3 mile dirt track near by.

Also got some more speedwork in with 8X800 meter and maintaining a 6 min mile pace for all 8 repeats. I’ve only recently (last 8 weeks) done speedwork to improve my turnover rate and can see why runners love to hate this workout. I only have one more week of speedwork, weight training, and one more long run before going into a two week taper. I’ve always done a 3 week taper, but want to try something different for Rocky. Hopefully the changes I’ve made with my nutritional plan, training, and cooler temps will pay dividends. The only questioning thought I have is did I get enough long runs in and weekly miles? My work schedule was very demanding and really challenged my training time, and left me feeling like I needed more weekly miles. It seems like no mater how hard we train, we always have some self doubt going into a taper until we toe the line. Then, everything comes together in a magical way. I look forward to the challenge and journey.
TAB

A few more Pics I took at FATS: