Thursday started rough... Woke up like I was a feeling like a frat boy, as it was 9:45... Cussing Cuss. I got my mind around eating a breakfast and getting out the door for a shake out 5 miler then had hopes of a second run. With Switzerland keeping my mind fresh I know I need to get after it.
I drove out to Grafton (again) and knew a flat 5 would be easy. I ran hard the night before and needed some restful miles.
My girls and I were able to sty cool on the woods and had a lot of water stops to cool off in. This made my 5 miler into a solid 10. Having ten miles in the books in the heat on a rest day made me change my plans and settle for the 10 knowing that once Monday of next week comes its going to maniacal.
I sat out in the sun the rest of the day and got some great vitamin D, UV rays and the a red belly, hence... Robin.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Wednesday - Lightning Bugs
Today was gnarly hot. There was no avoiding the heat today, it was a gorgeous day but too hot to run. I opted to wait till the evening before I got my stride on.
To guarantee that I would run 14 miles I went with my lady out to Hamilton Falls (look it up, its awesome spit with amazing energy flowing) in Windham and got dropped off on the way back. The road goes right through Grafton and of the 14 miles 9 are on flat dirt roads with picturesque VT scenery. I had the whole road to myself and the path was lit with millions of lightning bugs... It was awesome.
The best part was when I started to bonk a bit (first 10 miles in 62:02) there is a farm that has a stand open 24 hours and they sell the following: ice cream (many flavors), drinks, farm meats, lemon and raspberry bars and other country cuss foods. I was getting a lot of colors as I flew along and rolled to a stop to grab some cals.
I grabbed a peanut butter cookie and a coke. If I'm playing with being and ultra runner, eating and running can't be no thang... Ended the run completely soaked with humidity sweat and huge feeling of success, 14 in the books on a righteously hot day.
I chilled on the couch and took a peak at this Jungfrau Mt marathon, and here is the first cussing pic that comes up, GNARLY!!!
To guarantee that I would run 14 miles I went with my lady out to Hamilton Falls (look it up, its awesome spit with amazing energy flowing) in Windham and got dropped off on the way back. The road goes right through Grafton and of the 14 miles 9 are on flat dirt roads with picturesque VT scenery. I had the whole road to myself and the path was lit with millions of lightning bugs... It was awesome.
The best part was when I started to bonk a bit (first 10 miles in 62:02) there is a farm that has a stand open 24 hours and they sell the following: ice cream (many flavors), drinks, farm meats, lemon and raspberry bars and other country cuss foods. I was getting a lot of colors as I flew along and rolled to a stop to grab some cals.
I grabbed a peanut butter cookie and a coke. If I'm playing with being and ultra runner, eating and running can't be no thang... Ended the run completely soaked with humidity sweat and huge feeling of success, 14 in the books on a righteously hot day.
I chilled on the couch and took a peak at this Jungfrau Mt marathon, and here is the first cussing pic that comes up, GNARLY!!!
Tuesday - Ursa Major Veritas
Today was another double run day. With news of a marathon in the trails of the Alps only 80 days away, I'm no longer concerned with anything besides miles. I don't want to be reduced to walking due to poor preparation... But seriously, that ain't gon' happen!!! So miles it is. Greg's 1000 mile summer idea was a perfect fit and this week has been right on target.
In the morning I drove out to Grafton and hit Mollie Beattie State Forest. There is a great out an back dirt road, which is more snowmobile trail than road, and has some great rivers along it. The girls came and was a mellow shake out. I felt horrid on the way out and slow but loose on the way back. The afternoon run would be with Fyffe, Greg and Najem at Fyffe's house.
I love how the BAA is referred to as the Evil Empire, I love it (great album also!!!) and felt truly connected in a bizzaro way today. There is the Imperial Death March and then what I did on every hill today: Dying Death March. This afternoon 10 was tough, I was sluggish and just depleted of energy.
I was able to catch back up after the beginning hills but never felt comfy on the climbs. Rob Zombie said it best " I feel more human that human..." Today, that was me, but it was a great run otherwise. We hit the covert culvert after and soaked the legs in 32.9 degree water (or so it cussing feels).
Side Note: I rode my bike 10 miles to Fyffe's house and back, so on the day: 15 miles of running, 20 of biking. Summer of "fit."
ALSO::: DUDE!!! This is epic!!! Emily and I were outside at her house and there was something in the bushes. We were laying looking at the stars, and I heard noises in the woods... It's a CUSSING BEAR!!! No bull cuss... I get Emily into my truck and hit the high beams... I walk out with my flashlight and the bear is 20 feet up the hill in the backyard looking back at me. It/he/she then does a fake charge (grunts and snorts while slamming their front paws). It was exhilarating and epic and slightly terrifying. Holy cuss, that was awesome. I wasn't too scared bc "Nature never betrayed the heart that loved her..." It def sent my adrenaline through my body. Hell yea!!!
In the morning I drove out to Grafton and hit Mollie Beattie State Forest. There is a great out an back dirt road, which is more snowmobile trail than road, and has some great rivers along it. The girls came and was a mellow shake out. I felt horrid on the way out and slow but loose on the way back. The afternoon run would be with Fyffe, Greg and Najem at Fyffe's house.
I love how the BAA is referred to as the Evil Empire, I love it (great album also!!!) and felt truly connected in a bizzaro way today. There is the Imperial Death March and then what I did on every hill today: Dying Death March. This afternoon 10 was tough, I was sluggish and just depleted of energy.
I was able to catch back up after the beginning hills but never felt comfy on the climbs. Rob Zombie said it best " I feel more human that human..." Today, that was me, but it was a great run otherwise. We hit the covert culvert after and soaked the legs in 32.9 degree water (or so it cussing feels).
Side Note: I rode my bike 10 miles to Fyffe's house and back, so on the day: 15 miles of running, 20 of biking. Summer of "fit."
ALSO::: DUDE!!! This is epic!!! Emily and I were outside at her house and there was something in the bushes. We were laying looking at the stars, and I heard noises in the woods... It's a CUSSING BEAR!!! No bull cuss... I get Emily into my truck and hit the high beams... I walk out with my flashlight and the bear is 20 feet up the hill in the backyard looking back at me. It/he/she then does a fake charge (grunts and snorts while slamming their front paws). It was exhilarating and epic and slightly terrifying. Holy cuss, that was awesome. I wasn't too scared bc "Nature never betrayed the heart that loved her..." It def sent my adrenaline through my body. Hell yea!!!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Monday - Preface
Today was the start of refocusing the training, the body, the mind and all energy. Greg had an awesome idea of trying to clip 1000 miles this summer. As teachers we have the summers to reenergize and ten weeks (at 100+ miles) of runs sounds like a plan. I got a head start on Greg bc he still has school, but I took advantage of my situation and logged some solid miles today.
I met up with Larry Legend Sayers for a long 5 miles on the Vermont Academy trails. I had some great news to share and was ready and focused on "re"getting after it. In the evening, Greg and Najem came out to run a standard 13. This is one of Boj's favorite runs, and I his nude day (birthday) we celebrated by running it for him. The morning run was a nice shake out, while the afternoon run was HOT. The girls, Ellie and Lena, also joined us and had a fun time. It has been some time since they have joined the group for runs, so it was great o see them all over the trails. The neighbors pooch, Whistle, also joined. Dude is a trooper and always is ready for a good time.
We ran a decent to fast time for the loop (no FKT, but faster than normal) and it was a more "quiet" run than normal.
At 55 minutes I was tired, and didn't have a lot left to climb with. Greg and Najem seemed just fine with clicking it back and we chilled in. (when I say chill, I mean "focused" on getting the cuss done!).
Monday's is always fun bc we hit the smallest wings in the world up at the local pub. Summer of miles is starting the right way...
News Flash: I have been selected for the USA Long Distance Mountain Team, and I'm slated to race with USA on my chest in Interlaken, Switzerland at the Jungfrau Marathon this September!!! Very fortunate and very excited to be able to travel and run in the Alps again.
I met up with Larry Legend Sayers for a long 5 miles on the Vermont Academy trails. I had some great news to share and was ready and focused on "re"getting after it. In the evening, Greg and Najem came out to run a standard 13. This is one of Boj's favorite runs, and I his nude day (birthday) we celebrated by running it for him. The morning run was a nice shake out, while the afternoon run was HOT. The girls, Ellie and Lena, also joined us and had a fun time. It has been some time since they have joined the group for runs, so it was great o see them all over the trails. The neighbors pooch, Whistle, also joined. Dude is a trooper and always is ready for a good time.
We ran a decent to fast time for the loop (no FKT, but faster than normal) and it was a more "quiet" run than normal.
At 55 minutes I was tired, and didn't have a lot left to climb with. Greg and Najem seemed just fine with clicking it back and we chilled in. (when I say chill, I mean "focused" on getting the cuss done!).
Monday's is always fun bc we hit the smallest wings in the world up at the local pub. Summer of miles is starting the right way...
News Flash: I have been selected for the USA Long Distance Mountain Team, and I'm slated to race with USA on my chest in Interlaken, Switzerland at the Jungfrau Marathon this September!!! Very fortunate and very excited to be able to travel and run in the Alps again.
Sunday - Post Hill Climb
It was in the cards to run with Fyffe and Greg Sunday and I was stoked to get back to the tradition of Sunday runs together. I had boat loads of news and planned on taking them step by step (oooooh baby, Gonna get to you girl....)(and literally, I was going to dissect every step of the hill climb!). So we headed to Westminster West to stroll the Pinnacle trails. These trials link from my house all the way to within a couple miles of Fyffe's house. 20+ miles of trails.
We cruised an easy 12, an hit the Pinnacle on the way back to check out the view. It was a great day, especially bc I didn't use the AK, and the legs felt great. Well, great for having run the hill the day before. They were sluggish and a bit flat, but otherwise felt better than I could/would guess.
We cruised an easy 12, an hit the Pinnacle on the way back to check out the view. It was a great day, especially bc I didn't use the AK, and the legs felt great. Well, great for having run the hill the day before. They were sluggish and a bit flat, but otherwise felt better than I could/would guess.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Saturday - Mt Washington
The running and fitness is rolling right now and I wanted to take a shot and see how I would stack up against the other elites. I had some lofty, yet realistic, goals leading into W (let it be reminded, I did a marathon recently; no marathon = totally different goals): I believe(d) I have a 1% chance to be in the top 5; 25% chance to be top 10; 50% chance to run smart and; god only knows...
My other thoughts were that I wanted to run respectable, based on my fitness level, and run well on flat legs.
I wanted to get out slow and literally go for a training run and assess how I felt each mile. I also, didn't want to get past by anyone the entire race and be the dude that would be picking people off.
The conditions were perfect and the stage was set. At the gun I immediately had two thoughts pop in my head:
1. If it goes bad, drop out; followed by
2. Never think that again and roll.
The first pack was gone at the gun. I was chillin with the ladies for the first half mile before I started to settle into my effort and stride.
I felt great, the breathing was relaxed and even though my legs were flat as flat could be, I was doing it! I was passing people the whole first half and hit half way around 32:45, which was right around PR pace! Place was out the window, and the 1% chance was out too. This was relaxing, and I was able to keep picking people off. Each mile after half way, I continued to clip dudes and roll right past them. At 5 miles I caught my bro Jim Johnson and could see exciting news ahead: Justin Freeman and Nate Jenkins... I got Freeman right at 5 and was really rolling. Each mile was easy, still flat, but relaxed and moving.
I didn't have anything in the tank when it was time to get poppy and get after it, there was no pop, so... Jenkins was able to finish just ahead of me. The race is only 7.6, not 7.7...
Oh well, runners rarely say it, (I never do), but this was the best race (execution) I could have run. I had no rights running 1:06 on such flat legs, but was able to stay relaxed and roll.
It is always cool to exceed your egos expectations. Hell of a day, insane depth, great dudes (some turds) and a wicked positive experience. Glad I could come back and run well. My mindset leading in was, "the worst thing that can happen is I end up on top of Mt Washington..." Ain't too bad how it ended up.
My other thoughts were that I wanted to run respectable, based on my fitness level, and run well on flat legs.
I wanted to get out slow and literally go for a training run and assess how I felt each mile. I also, didn't want to get past by anyone the entire race and be the dude that would be picking people off.
The conditions were perfect and the stage was set. At the gun I immediately had two thoughts pop in my head:
1. If it goes bad, drop out; followed by
2. Never think that again and roll.
The first pack was gone at the gun. I was chillin with the ladies for the first half mile before I started to settle into my effort and stride.
I felt great, the breathing was relaxed and even though my legs were flat as flat could be, I was doing it! I was passing people the whole first half and hit half way around 32:45, which was right around PR pace! Place was out the window, and the 1% chance was out too. This was relaxing, and I was able to keep picking people off. Each mile after half way, I continued to clip dudes and roll right past them. At 5 miles I caught my bro Jim Johnson and could see exciting news ahead: Justin Freeman and Nate Jenkins... I got Freeman right at 5 and was really rolling. Each mile was easy, still flat, but relaxed and moving.
I didn't have anything in the tank when it was time to get poppy and get after it, there was no pop, so... Jenkins was able to finish just ahead of me. The race is only 7.6, not 7.7...
Oh well, runners rarely say it, (I never do), but this was the best race (execution) I could have run. I had no rights running 1:06 on such flat legs, but was able to stay relaxed and roll.
It is always cool to exceed your egos expectations. Hell of a day, insane depth, great dudes (some turds) and a wicked positive experience. Glad I could come back and run well. My mindset leading in was, "the worst thing that can happen is I end up on top of Mt Washington..." Ain't too bad how it ended up.
Trojan Wrap Up
Let's wrap it up, shall we...? It's been a few weeks since the marathon and I have even doing what I do best: be awesome. School was wrapping up, thank god and all other dietys, and I was also wrapping my head around chillin and doing nothing but train (so my ego and swag will be justified).
Over the last couple weeks I haven't done a lot in the running aspect. I literally ran 5 times and biked 3 rides. That is great prep for Mt. Washington, right? Hell yea. Ain't no thang anyways. I had some great ideas for Washington and capitalizing on them were essential in order to attain success. Coincidentally, success is all I wear.
Over the last couple weeks I haven't done a lot in the running aspect. I literally ran 5 times and biked 3 rides. That is great prep for Mt. Washington, right? Hell yea. Ain't no thang anyways. I had some great ideas for Washington and capitalizing on them were essential in order to attain success. Coincidentally, success is all I wear.
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