100 miler on less than 50 miles a week...and more

Looks like, as my foot continues to try to recover, there is a very real possibility that I may not get any 50+ mile weeks or good, long runs in leading up to Leadville. This stresses me out a bit as I have been trained to think that I need to be putting in 70-100 mile weeks for a chunk of time in the months prior to the big day.

Well, this guy proves that it is possible to not only finish a 100 miler but finish strong with less than 50 miles a week. Maybe there is still hope to put in a good effort...

I am trying to get out and mountain bike, when I can, to try to hold onto some kind of fitness. I'm not sure how much it helps but it is better than sitting on my ass. Besides, I am getting to explore some trails that are a bit further 'out there' then what I can usually reach on an average running day.

A highlight ride last week was a 3 hour ride that was all on dirt and single track. I was lucky enough to explore the newly completed section of the AZ Trail that is between the Dry Lake Hills and The Peaks during the ride. This ride was super beautiful and fun and I finally got a good work out in. Probably, the first time I've been really worked in about a month.

I have also been trying to do some laps on the bike on the road up Mars Hill to keep the legs remembering how to climb. I do these rides standing up and in high gears to try and work some of the similar muscle groups as running and power hiking up hills. I'm not sure if this logic is sound but it seems to make sense so I think I'll stay with it.

I've gotten in some good (rock) climbing in the last week too with a couple days up at The Peaks. Primo conditions up there and the Aspens, ferns and flowers are going off. Beautiful place to climb (although, it makes me long for running up there...).

I did try a few runs this week after 11 straight days off from running. Both were under 5 miles and felt good but I am super paranoid and scared that my foot will start hurting at any time during a run so haven't run the last few days again to ease back into it. Crossing my fingers that all will go well this time with putting the miles back on (gotta remember to go slow with it...) .

To finish... I really, really enjoyed a recent video about the amazing ultra runner Geoff Roes (posted below for your viewing pleasure). His connection with running and wild places is one that I thoroughly agree with. I really feel that same pull to use running as a vehicle to explore my natural surroundings and find a deeper connection and appreciation for it.

With my foot hurting and not getting to run in some of my favorite wild places right now I am reminded how lucky I have been to be able to so intimately experience the wild places around Flagstaff and beyond.

Hopefully, I will be able to get back out there soon and deepen that connection... but, in the mean time I will try and rest, recover and prepare for that special day where every thing clicks again and I find myself floating down some dreamy single track on some mountain ridge or canyon bottom. Oooh... that sounds good.

Going to Washington State with Susan in less than a week to play and visit family for a couple weeks in the Bellingham area. Can't wait...ROAD TRIP!!!

Running Log

Last Week:

0 miles

This Week:

Sunday-4.5 miles (on the mesa)

Monday-3 miles (on the mesa)

Tuesday-0 miles (hill work on the bike)

Wednesday-0 miles