Maybe I'll Blog, Maybe I Won't

Longer run with Cody on his bike.  I started out feeling pretty stiff, but warmed up well.  It was pretty chilly at the Stump Hollow trailhead, but by the time we got to the Sinks it was pretty nice.  It was nice to chat with Cody, and I think it really helped me get into a better mental state than I have been in for the past few days.  I felt good about this run.  I wish I could run with Cody, or anyone else, more often.  I like alone time usually, but when you're struggling to get out it's nice to have someone to talk to and motivate you.  Felt pretty strong the entire way out, then at the Sinks we decided to go explore a jeep trail and let Cody run a few miles.  We found a pretty cool little road that looked promising for further exploration.  Great views of the backside of the Bear River mountains and even Bear Lake.  We could even see Logan Peak at one point, at an angle I'd never seen before which was kinda cool.  Cody's legs tightened up really bad coming down a steep hill, so we walked a bit and soon turned around.  I hope he gets better soon.  The way back felt pretty good.  I felt little fatigue, and the knee was mostly fine, if just a little achy.  Maybe I'll buy a truck sometime so when I drive it doesn't put as much pressure on the knee if I'm sitting up higher.  You know that you're a runner when your ability to run after driving drastically influences your vehicle choice.  All in all this was a great run, and hopefully will pull me out of this rut I've been in.  Thanks Cody!

2:10:54 (9:02/mi.)

Another good run.  I consciously tried to relax and not go as fast as I wanted to.  It was pretty warm out, as I slept in due to staying up too late last night, but it was tolerable.  I felt good and relaxed, and in a good frame of mind.  Hopefully I can have a good week.  Also, while I was running I was thinking about the next few months and how they are going to play out.  My training has not been up to my expectations the last few weeks, so here is my plan:  I'm still going to run the El Vaquero Loco 50k on August 13, but I'm basically going to train through it.  I'm going to run the best I can, but I'm not going to run to try and win any prizes.  If I do place, that's great, but I'm going to treat it as a really long training run and just enjoy myself and let the chips fall where they may.  I can always "race" next year.  I'm also going to try and get a friend to drive me up in my car, in an attempt to avoid issues with my right leg and knee.  It seems that if I'm just sitting in a car it doesn't bother me too much, but if I'm using the gas pedal and braking and stuff it puts more pressure on it.  So I'm going to try that.  The reason for training through Vaquero Loco is so that I can have a good race at SGM.  That is my "big" race for the year, and I really want to break 2:30.  In order to do that, I can't afford to take any big tapers between now and then.  I don't have time.  I also need to get some Big Workouts and longer runs in.  Training through Vaquero Loco will help me do that.  So that's the tentative plan.  Hopefully it goes well.  

1:32:59 (7:15/mi.)

Not technically a "run" in the strict sense, but I'm counting an 8 mile hike most of the way to Box Elder Peak (Wellsvilles) via Rattlesnake as a "sure-nuff" workout, especially where it took a big chunk of my day (drive time, lunch, etc etc) and I didn't have a chance to get another run in.  Unfortunately, we didn't make it to the peak because of time constraints.  That's the second time I've hiked the Wellsvilles thinking I was going to get to the summit and been denied.  The first time I was all excited and then we only did Mendon Peak which isn't even hardly a peak, let alone being anywhere near the highest thing on those mountains.  Lame.  I think a "Jon and Cody Memorial Wellsville Mountain Run and Bushwhack" is in order.  It'd be good prep for EVL anyway.  I just need to figure out how to shuttle myself.  

No watch.

Moderate paced run on the roads.  Didn't go far because I didn't have much time.  Should be ok for the week though.  Ho-hum.

1:00:46 (7:03/mi.)

BST out and back.  Nice evening for a run.  Watched the sunset from the trail en route.  

1:03:26 (7:41/mi.)

Long run up Green.  2.5 miles past the Yurt.  Just took it easy today, but I felt really great.  Much better than expected for my first 20 in a few weeks.  Views from my turnaround down the canyon in the morning were great.  I wished I had more time and energy to go farther.  I want to run Mt. Elmer again soon.  

2:56:45 (8:45/mi.)