102+ Miles

How do you know your shoes are worn! For me it’s when I get a light nagging ache in my knees. It’s not bad, just a reminder my shoes have had enough. I ordered 2 pairs of Asics Kayano 15 for the road and a pair of Montrail Mountain Masochist for the trail, and they felt great all week. The minor ache is gone and the shoes felt great straight out of the box. My shoes of preference - No break-in required!

The momentum is really building with only 4-5 weeks of hard training before taper time. I wasn’t planning on breaking 100 miles for the week, it just seemed like the moment was right as the week went on. I also told Evan I would get a hundred mile week in for him because he, unfortunately, had to withdraw from the HURT 100 in Hawaii. He took top 10 last year and would have had a stronger finish this year if not for a new injury. He is from Alaska and logs over 100 mile per weeks in some demanding conditions - Very awesome and talented athlete. His running is on hold (from 100+ to zero miles) while he recovers from a hip fraction (not from running – It was football).

The Training Front: 102+ miles for the week.
My 16 miles on Tuesday felt strong and I mixed in an 8 mile tempo run in the middle with a couple of 6:30 min miles. Wednesday was a recovery run at an easy pace (8:30 – 9 min/mile). Thursday was my 6.5 hour long run day and my legs felt a little sluggish for the first 6 miles, but when I finally got warmed-up and found my stride, the rest of the run was enjoyable. I felt tired after the run, but not used up. I still had plenty in the tank for more, but would not get much benefit from it, and possible delay my recovery time for more mileage the 2nd half of the week. The great part is I keep my heart rate down in the 130 bpm range during the long run and maintained a consistent pace. This felt very comfortable and it gave my endurance training zone a good workout, which is the purpose of the long run.
I thought Friday’s run would be difficult, but was pleasantly surprised at how fresh I felt. It’s a strange feeling, but it’s almost like your body doesn’t distinguish between everyday walking and running. It just feels natural with little effort to run (recovery run that is). The recovery shakes really do help after each hard run or weight workout. I use GNC’s Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60 (Vanilla) which fuels my muscles for a strong recovery without getting bulky and adding extra weight (sounds like a commercial!). Sat and Sun was a mix of stair climber, elliptical, runs, and weight training. I had a 4 night work stretch over the weekend and had to grab what I could.

Mon – Jump rope & weight training
Tues - 16 miles & stair master
Wed - 15 miles
Thurs - 40 miles
Fri - 15 miles & stair master
Sat - 11 miles & stair master
Sun – 5 miles & weight training

I have a hard week of training, one easy week, and 3 week of peeking before I start my taper. I have my weight almost at target (within 3 pounds), but need to be careful during the holidays not to get crazy (maybe just a little), but still enjoy the moment.

This is something I got in my Email and find it so true (and it’s my birthday this month) – Think about it!

“First I was dying to finish my high school and start college
And then I was dying to finish college and start working
Then I was dying to marry and have children
And then I was dying for my children to grow-up
Then I was dying to retire
And now I am dying
And suddenly I realized I forgot to live

Please don’t let this happen to you
Appreciate your current situation
And enjoy each day
….old friend”

HOW TO STAY YOUNG:
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them'
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER :
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
We all need to live life to its fullest each day!!
Worry about nothing, pray about everything!!