Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Progress....

It's been about two months since the official start of our base training and we're moving forward. I'm only running about 35 miles a week this month, but I'm running more frequently than before. I feel stronger. My body seems to be responding better and, best of all, I remain injury free. Snow is melting and the trails around Flagstaff are beginning to open up a bit.

Mark and I met with Mike Smith again yesterday, to plan out the remainder of our base period, and its given me a pretty clear idea of where we're heading. We'll start ramping up the long run in a month or so, but we're on the right track. We'll probably through in a run into the Grand Canyon next month as we start to find some training runs that mimic the effort we'll need for TRR. By the time we're ready to start the "real" training I'll be at around 50 miles a week. Mike suggested we plan an epic run or race toward the end of April and then take a few days off to mark the end of our base training. It's a great idea and gives us something to look forward to in the near term.

I have to say that I've really been enjoying this part of the training. We've been running in snow and mud and sunshine. It's great to find some dry trail, but I'm embracing all of it. Coming back a little muddy or windburned or cold just makes you feel alive. With my work and family life it's sometimes hard to fit in my next run, but I always look forward to it!       -jea