Training Log #3

Still ramping up my weekend mileage and surprised with how good I'm feeling. These weekend miles are relatively tame for what I'll encounter in a month. I'm keeping it simple by focusing on one training at a time. Other than continuing to hit the trails my goals for the upcoming training week are:

A) Develop a weight training program specific to my ultra goal....and do it! I used to regularly lift weights, but that became monotonous. I'd rather take it outside. I can't see myself getting into the gym more than twice a week. I may start with one day a week and build up to two. I'm training to run a long way so my focus will be on the running.

B) Outline my weekend training locations. So far I've been hitting the local trails and getting mileage in with the Team in Training group I work with. I want to get in some training on the actual Leona Divide course to become familiar with the terrain and environment. I'll also make use the many choices that sit in my backyard...The San Gabriel mountains.

1/6/09 - 4 Miles PM
1/8/09 - 5 Miles PM
1/9/09 - 4 Miles PM

1/10/09 - 12 miles AM This was an interesting run. The night before I had trouble getting to sleep. Once the sandman paid me a visit I slept for an hour and a half until awakened by a dream of being buried alive in a mudslide. Pleasant stuff. I wonder what that's all about?I was planning on getting in my miles with the TEAM, however wide awake I decided to get in my run early. I arrived at the Rose Bowl at 5AM, put a headlamp around my waist and one on my head and proceeded to make my way up the Arroyo Seco. I skipped my normal turnoff onto the trail and proceeded to stick to the streets of Altadena. It felt good to run on the pavement for a change and just zone out without worry of rocks and roots. Near JPL I caught a service road that took me into the canyon and up to Elmer Smith Bridge. Once there I turned around and stuck to trails for my return trip. I was surprised with how good I felt considering the lack of sleep. My only concern was the gas I was experiencing throughout. On my return trip I became familiar with the ancient saying that goes....."He who eats spicy Indian food the night before a long run will be followed by quacking duck long run" 10/11/09 PM

1/11/09 PM Ran from Switzers to JPL (Arropy Seco) = 12 miles. Mostly downhill and a lot of dancing around rocks. A beautiful course, but I don't think I'll do this route again. I'm beat tired and my legs are hammered. Thankfully Monday is a rest day.