Given the week that's in it I thought I'd scout around the net for some interesting Irish websites. But I spent so long marveling at the audacity of this one that I didn't get to any others.
I've had lots of people ask how we celebrate the day in Ireland. I think my response was a little disappointing: as a kid - not much (I think I went to a parade once in my life - no lack of patriotism, my family just weren't all that into traditional music/dance etc); as a college student - it was a good excuse for an all day session.
These days I don't think I could handle doing anything all day except for running. So I'll celebrate tomorrow with a run around the lakes in the morning and a bike tomorrow evening (maybe afternoon - surely I deserve to finish a few hours early on my National Holiday??). Last I heard it's forecast to rain a little in the evening, so I'll feel right at home. Fifties and damp - genuine St. Patrick's Day weather.
In other, non-green news...
The running is going pretty well. I intended having a lower mileage week but after 18 on Saturday with Val (catching the last of the 100% Irish after an out and back to Nokomis), I went out with Pam Sunday morning for 15, and couldn't help but enjoy yesterday evening's sunshine with another 8. Ah yes, nothing like reducing the mileage by finishing with a 40+ mile weekend.
Feeling good though, no left knee pain at all over the weekend. My right one was bothering me a bit. I've also been noticing that when I step forward in yoga my right foot turns out slightly. So anyway I got it checked out at PT today. Patellar tendonitis is the early diagnosis. Nothing too serious but the PT (new PT) thought it was interesting that while I also walk with a slight turn in my right foot it doesn't happen when I run. So I guess I'll just have to give up the walking.
Really looking forward to the trip to Virgina weekend after next. I just love running down there in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Absolutely beautiful and a great local trail running scene. Nic - not that it will make a difference to your being well ahead of me but I am planning - or at least hoping - to race Chippewa. Terrapin Mtn (VA race) is the training run :)
As well as the running, the cross-training is coming together a little better. For some reason I seem to still be making it to the pool. Hoping that sudden breakthrough in form will just happen I guess. Spin this morning was a little brutal after all the miles yesterday but the instructor Debbie is a good Monday morning energy boost - not OTT but just enough to make it fun. And then the really fun stuff... indoor rock climbing... yes, it rocks! Did a safety course on Saturday and passed the belay test this evening so at least Val and I can take turns now. Though there are quite a few auto-belay routes also. In any case, we've been spending most of our time upstairs in the bouldering area. It's brilliant. A little head wrecking but in a good way. There is a route we've tried each time for the past 3 visits - getting ONE step further each time! We've asked them not to change the route until we crack it :)
Registration for Afton is open. My semi-frozen swim in the St. Croix last Nov got me straight on the list! A good idea in hindsight? Perhaps. But I think I'll stick to the pool until at least May...
Now, it's officially St. Patrick's Day so I'll eat some shamrock and go to bed.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Beyond The Epic Run
"The world is so big when you choose to journey it by running; and so small when you choose to stay at home." - Nicole Roetheli
Went to the screening of this movie at the U this evening with a few of the girls. It was interesting - not quite what I was expecting but definitely worth seeing. Five years on the road - and dirt trails, and sand... a pretty awesome adventure to contemplate. I particularly enjoyed Nicole's honest commentary. As a runner I would have liked more insight into how Serge felt physically and mentally.
The movie will be released in May. More info here.
In other news - how about the finale of Jon Stewart vs Jim Cramer tonight? Reality TV at its best. Though I am kind of ready for the Daily Show to move on. This story has run it's course in this context, we'll get enough of it in the real world...
It was a bit chilly out there this evening but I enjoyed a nice run around Rice Lake before heading downtown. It's right outside the door from work but I haven't run that loop in months. Zero knee pain so I was very happy with that. I guess running multiple days in a row just doesn't suit me! I'll probably shoot for a long one Saturday but it'll still be a lower mileage week which is cool. I'll maybe do a bit more next week and then it's just a week until the 50K in Virginia. No real taper as I'm using it as a training run for Chippewa. At least that's the plan...
Went to the screening of this movie at the U this evening with a few of the girls. It was interesting - not quite what I was expecting but definitely worth seeing. Five years on the road - and dirt trails, and sand... a pretty awesome adventure to contemplate. I particularly enjoyed Nicole's honest commentary. As a runner I would have liked more insight into how Serge felt physically and mentally.
The movie will be released in May. More info here.
In other news - how about the finale of Jon Stewart vs Jim Cramer tonight? Reality TV at its best. Though I am kind of ready for the Daily Show to move on. This story has run it's course in this context, we'll get enough of it in the real world...
It was a bit chilly out there this evening but I enjoyed a nice run around Rice Lake before heading downtown. It's right outside the door from work but I haven't run that loop in months. Zero knee pain so I was very happy with that. I guess running multiple days in a row just doesn't suit me! I'll probably shoot for a long one Saturday but it'll still be a lower mileage week which is cool. I'll maybe do a bit more next week and then it's just a week until the 50K in Virginia. No real taper as I'm using it as a training run for Chippewa. At least that's the plan...
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
This is it. Right?
Having just this week made my move to MN permanent (have been sort of on a temp work thing until now) I have obviously come to terms with the winter weather here. But PLEASE tell me this is the last of the sub-zero days??!! It's March. The clocks have changed. The weather people call it Spring...
Still, the blowing snow didn't stop me getting out for a short run last night - it wasn't so bad on the west side of Harriet but the wind coming off the lake on the other side wasn't exactly what I'd call fun. But it was so quiet and peaceful out there that it was worth it. Cutting back the miles a bit this week to see if my knee improves - no pain at all last night in the 5 miles. Will do another short one tomorrow or Friday and go longer at the weekend.
Finally got back to spin class at Lifetime yesterday morning - not having much success making JJ's compu trainer (i.e. bring your own bike) classes these days so I'm going to try to get in the hour class at the gym for a while until it's nice enough to bike outside. Nice enough to bike outside... April? May? Spinning on my own bike is obviously ideal for tri training but since I have none planned for this year I'm happy just to get a good workout on the spin bikes.
Chad very kindly interviewed me for his blog - I don't belong on the same list as most of the runners (e.g. Chris Lundstrom wants to run a fast marathon at some point - his PR is 2:17!) - but it's cool that he's covering ultra/trail runners. Loads of great interviews to read.
Still, the blowing snow didn't stop me getting out for a short run last night - it wasn't so bad on the west side of Harriet but the wind coming off the lake on the other side wasn't exactly what I'd call fun. But it was so quiet and peaceful out there that it was worth it. Cutting back the miles a bit this week to see if my knee improves - no pain at all last night in the 5 miles. Will do another short one tomorrow or Friday and go longer at the weekend.
Finally got back to spin class at Lifetime yesterday morning - not having much success making JJ's compu trainer (i.e. bring your own bike) classes these days so I'm going to try to get in the hour class at the gym for a while until it's nice enough to bike outside. Nice enough to bike outside... April? May? Spinning on my own bike is obviously ideal for tri training but since I have none planned for this year I'm happy just to get a good workout on the spin bikes.
Chad very kindly interviewed me for his blog - I don't belong on the same list as most of the runners (e.g. Chris Lundstrom wants to run a fast marathon at some point - his PR is 2:17!) - but it's cool that he's covering ultra/trail runners. Loads of great interviews to read.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Tasteless?
I am as fond of a snickers bar as the next ultra runner but I have to say I might have had my last one. I guess this is not a new ad but I only saw it for the first time this weekend.
It's making use of the creative process alright but I only see one word when I look at this and it has nothing to do with chocolate.
It's making use of the creative process alright but I only see one word when I look at this and it has nothing to do with chocolate.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
New Stuff
- Daylight savings time (or the opposite, I am never sure): Love it!
- Outer knee pain: Hate it. Due to increasing the mileage waay too quick no doubt (6, 0, 22, 59, 47... hmmm). And a tight IT band. So it's off to the PT this week.
- Indoor Climbing: LOVE it... finally this week I made it over to Vertical Endeavors in St. Paul - awesome spot! Val used to go there a ton but hadn't been in a while (not that you would know, she is like a monkey zipping up the wall!) so we went for a few hours Wednesday night and again today. I am totally challenged by it which is exactly what I was looking for. There are plans in the works for a gym in Edina to open this summer. Very cool.
- Busy work schedule: Obviously a good thing these days and mostly interesting stuff but it's going to be a bit hectic for the next few months trying to fit in a solid training plan around work.
- A clean car: Great while it lasts... approximately once a year I get my car cleaned inside and out. Yesterday was the day. I am guessing it will look nice and shiny for about 2 days.
- Babies: A wonderful thing! (Except when 8 come together... but don't get me started on that one.) Welcome to Siofra Barry (congrats Noeleen & Paddy)!! And I'll have a new niece or nephew this summer, and Karen & Tim just found out their baby, also due this summer, is a girl.
- Race results: Huge congrats to Tanya, Casey & Anthony on their IM New Zealand triumphs this weekend! The photos looked amazing.
- Outer knee pain: Hate it. Due to increasing the mileage waay too quick no doubt (6, 0, 22, 59, 47... hmmm). And a tight IT band. So it's off to the PT this week.
- Indoor Climbing: LOVE it... finally this week I made it over to Vertical Endeavors in St. Paul - awesome spot! Val used to go there a ton but hadn't been in a while (not that you would know, she is like a monkey zipping up the wall!) so we went for a few hours Wednesday night and again today. I am totally challenged by it which is exactly what I was looking for. There are plans in the works for a gym in Edina to open this summer. Very cool.
- Busy work schedule: Obviously a good thing these days and mostly interesting stuff but it's going to be a bit hectic for the next few months trying to fit in a solid training plan around work.
- A clean car: Great while it lasts... approximately once a year I get my car cleaned inside and out. Yesterday was the day. I am guessing it will look nice and shiny for about 2 days.
- Babies: A wonderful thing! (Except when 8 come together... but don't get me started on that one.) Welcome to Siofra Barry (congrats Noeleen & Paddy)!! And I'll have a new niece or nephew this summer, and Karen & Tim just found out their baby, also due this summer, is a girl.
- Race results: Huge congrats to Tanya, Casey & Anthony on their IM New Zealand triumphs this weekend! The photos looked amazing.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Change I can believe in?
Don't worry, no politics in this post. Just looking for a change... despite running a stupid ~60 miles last week (after 3 weeks off) I feel like I am stuck in a rut and just not getting my ass in gear quickly enough this year. Only 4 months to Grandma's!! I've already figured out there is no point in planning to race Chippewa. (I know, I say that now and on the day I'll ignore the lack of training and go for it anwyay. And most likely regret it.)
Before that is a trip to Virginia which all along I'd planned as more of a long training run but mostly a chance to head back to one of my fav running destinations. And just a weekend away at that time of year when it seems like winter has been around for 12 months. Hard to believe I am only just back from vacation!
It's not that I have lost any of my passion for running. Far from it. I would run every day if I thought I could get away with it. But I benefit most from cross-training. The problem is work is a bit crazy and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future... so despite my plans at the start of the week running is always the easiest workout to fit into the day.
The other problem is that my usual non-running activities - yoag/swimming/spin - don't seem to be doing a whole lot for me these days. I feel like I need to hit upon something new that will shock my body into action. It is definitely true that your muscles get used to a rountine.
The other big problem is my diet which has no signs of improving. I talk about it as if it's totally outside of my control. Ugggh. It can only get better, right?
Anyway, that's enough complaining for one day.
In other news... finally posted photos from Aconcagua at this link. A warning: there are about 600 of them!! I combined mine with Igor's (so at least there are some of the summit!) but they are a bit disorganized and I didn't get very far with captions. But anyway, you'll get the picture :)
Before that is a trip to Virginia which all along I'd planned as more of a long training run but mostly a chance to head back to one of my fav running destinations. And just a weekend away at that time of year when it seems like winter has been around for 12 months. Hard to believe I am only just back from vacation!
It's not that I have lost any of my passion for running. Far from it. I would run every day if I thought I could get away with it. But I benefit most from cross-training. The problem is work is a bit crazy and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future... so despite my plans at the start of the week running is always the easiest workout to fit into the day.
The other problem is that my usual non-running activities - yoag/swimming/spin - don't seem to be doing a whole lot for me these days. I feel like I need to hit upon something new that will shock my body into action. It is definitely true that your muscles get used to a rountine.
The other big problem is my diet which has no signs of improving. I talk about it as if it's totally outside of my control. Ugggh. It can only get better, right?
Anyway, that's enough complaining for one day.
In other news... finally posted photos from Aconcagua at this link. A warning: there are about 600 of them!! I combined mine with Igor's (so at least there are some of the summit!) but they are a bit disorganized and I didn't get very far with captions. But anyway, you'll get the picture :)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Spring before the Snow
In advance of the predicted snowfall tomorrow myself and a few of the girls got out for a lovely run this evening. I know it is far from springtime (though I keep hoping) but it was so lovely to run with 1 layer of pants and no hat/gloves!
Had to leave work early to deal with yet more layers of bureaucracy in my efforts to become a US resident (don't ask) so when I got done I met Shelley downtown and then we met Tanya and Val at my place. Ran to Harriet, Calhoun, and Harriet again, and home for around 11 miles. Apart from a few large puddles of melted snow here and there it was beautiful out and so nice to run in daylight for the most part. A lot of people out as you can imagine with the weather - even a guy in shorts!
Running has been going well since getting back from vacation. 4 months until Grandma's so I am trying to get into a proper routine. Had hoped to get that post-altitude running high but I have a cold since the day I got back so that's taken care of that! Nevertheless we ran a decent pace tonight and it felt pretty good. Outside of my left knee hurt a little - I think it's a residual issue from running at Afton Saturday - it was really difficult to keep good form on the semi-packed snow and I was pretty sore that evening and Sunday morning when we ran I got this pain after a few miles. Didn't start to bother me until about mile 9 this evening so will just have to keep an eye on it. Of course all good intentions to stretch went out the window as soon as we got done...
Lent started today. So I had cake for lunch and M&Ms for desert. Not only am I a bad Catholic having abandoned any attempts to get to Church but I am also a complete disaster at sticking to good eating habits. I'm good until around 11am and then it all goes out the window. If anyone has a cure for sugar addiction I'll gladly listen.
Anyways, it's nice to be back and settled into what is hopefully the end of Winter... at least the days are getting longer even if today is just a false hope of Spring. I will get around to a full report on my trip one of these days but am not motivated to transcribe pages of journal scribblings just yet. It was a great adventure but needless to say not making it to the summit doesn't sit well with me. I was okay about it at the time but thinking over it so much makes me question if I couldn't have just tried a bit harder. A classic case of when you're sick you think you'll never feel better and once you're better you think oh I wasn't that bad...
Had to leave work early to deal with yet more layers of bureaucracy in my efforts to become a US resident (don't ask) so when I got done I met Shelley downtown and then we met Tanya and Val at my place. Ran to Harriet, Calhoun, and Harriet again, and home for around 11 miles. Apart from a few large puddles of melted snow here and there it was beautiful out and so nice to run in daylight for the most part. A lot of people out as you can imagine with the weather - even a guy in shorts!
Running has been going well since getting back from vacation. 4 months until Grandma's so I am trying to get into a proper routine. Had hoped to get that post-altitude running high but I have a cold since the day I got back so that's taken care of that! Nevertheless we ran a decent pace tonight and it felt pretty good. Outside of my left knee hurt a little - I think it's a residual issue from running at Afton Saturday - it was really difficult to keep good form on the semi-packed snow and I was pretty sore that evening and Sunday morning when we ran I got this pain after a few miles. Didn't start to bother me until about mile 9 this evening so will just have to keep an eye on it. Of course all good intentions to stretch went out the window as soon as we got done...
Lent started today. So I had cake for lunch and M&Ms for desert. Not only am I a bad Catholic having abandoned any attempts to get to Church but I am also a complete disaster at sticking to good eating habits. I'm good until around 11am and then it all goes out the window. If anyone has a cure for sugar addiction I'll gladly listen.
Anyways, it's nice to be back and settled into what is hopefully the end of Winter... at least the days are getting longer even if today is just a false hope of Spring. I will get around to a full report on my trip one of these days but am not motivated to transcribe pages of journal scribblings just yet. It was a great adventure but needless to say not making it to the summit doesn't sit well with me. I was okay about it at the time but thinking over it so much makes me question if I couldn't have just tried a bit harder. A classic case of when you're sick you think you'll never feel better and once you're better you think oh I wasn't that bad...
Monday, February 23, 2009
Things I learned on Aconcagua
- There are places on earth colder than Minnesota.
- Food tastes better at alttitude.
- Double plastic mountaineering boots are surprisingly comfortable.
- How to play Euchre. Yup, a true mid-westerner at last!
- There are no shortcuts to the summit. Just to basecamp :)
- The southern skies at night are unbelievably beautiful.
- How to use a pee bottle. And a poop bag. Though not at the same time.
- Life above 18,000ft is borrowed time.
- '3-person tent' is false advertising.
Working on the full report and pictures...
- Food tastes better at alttitude.
- Double plastic mountaineering boots are surprisingly comfortable.
- How to play Euchre. Yup, a true mid-westerner at last!
- There are no shortcuts to the summit. Just to basecamp :)
- The southern skies at night are unbelievably beautiful.
- How to use a pee bottle. And a poop bag. Though not at the same time.
- Life above 18,000ft is borrowed time.
- '3-person tent' is false advertising.
Working on the full report and pictures...
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Back in Mendoza!
I will post all the details soon (a journal full of writings to transcribe - and reduce!) but just to say that Aconcagua was a wonderful adventure. I didn't make it to the summit unfortunately... 20,000ft was my limit... got pretty sick for 2 days but recovered to enjoy the last few days hiking out. Back here in Mendoza since Monday night and flying home today. Not looking forward to the Mpls weather after basking in warm sunshine almost every day of the trip - we really got lucky with the weather even on the higher parts of the mountain.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Mendoza
Hola! Arrived in Mendoza safe and sound - and surprisingly refreshed! After very little sleep Friday night, followed by a really enjoyable 2hr run with Kami Saturday morning around the lakes in the fabulous sunshine and 30+ deg weather, I was ready for a good sleep by the time we got on the long flight from JFK to Buenos Aires last night. I can usually sleep well enough on long haul flights so after reading a bit I dozed off for most of the 11hrs.
We had to change to the domestic airport in Buenos A. so we had allowed plenty of time for that which was cool as the smaller airport is a pretty nice spot so we had some food... and yes, a glass of Malbec... well, I lasted a whole month! Then a 2hr flight over here to Menoza where the temperature is a fabulous 30 deg C and the evening is still perfectly bright at 8pm!
Almost all of the group were already at the hotel where we arrived so we met for about 20 mins to run through some logistics and will have dinner later. Turns out the group is 12 people (thought it was 6 but Mountain Professionals combine with another company called Summit Climb) so both guides will join us for the trek. A good mix of nationalities and ages - two females - though there is one person not here yet.
Tomorrow morning we have a gear check and then pack up for the jeep journey to Penetenties, from where we depart by foot Tuesday morning.
Planning to get out for a run in the early morning to explore the town. I like it already just from the taxi ride. Beautiful buildings, some falling apart a little but in an attractive way. And lots of parks and tree lined aviendos.
Not sure if there is internet access for next few days but will be online again at basecamp. Also, the guides have a blog at www.mtnprofessionals.com and www.summitclimb.com.
We had to change to the domestic airport in Buenos A. so we had allowed plenty of time for that which was cool as the smaller airport is a pretty nice spot so we had some food... and yes, a glass of Malbec... well, I lasted a whole month! Then a 2hr flight over here to Menoza where the temperature is a fabulous 30 deg C and the evening is still perfectly bright at 8pm!
Almost all of the group were already at the hotel where we arrived so we met for about 20 mins to run through some logistics and will have dinner later. Turns out the group is 12 people (thought it was 6 but Mountain Professionals combine with another company called Summit Climb) so both guides will join us for the trek. A good mix of nationalities and ages - two females - though there is one person not here yet.
Tomorrow morning we have a gear check and then pack up for the jeep journey to Penetenties, from where we depart by foot Tuesday morning.
Planning to get out for a run in the early morning to explore the town. I like it already just from the taxi ride. Beautiful buildings, some falling apart a little but in an attractive way. And lots of parks and tree lined aviendos.
Not sure if there is internet access for next few days but will be online again at basecamp. Also, the guides have a blog at www.mtnprofessionals.com and www.summitclimb.com.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Aconcagua
Tomorrow afternoon we leave for Argentina... flying via JFK and Buenos Aires to Mendoza. About a 24hr journey altogether so we arrive Sunday evening local time. A day to sort stuff out and then the trek begins...
I am pretty excited about it. Especially now that I have finally got everything packed! And it did feel rather nice putting my out of office on my email :)
Good Luck & Be Safe!
I am pretty excited about it. Especially now that I have finally got everything packed! And it did feel rather nice putting my out of office on my email :)
Cerro Aconcagua
Looks quite benign from this angle. All 6962m of it...
For anyone interested I thought I'd post the day-to-day itinerary:
Feb 1 (Sun): Arrive in Mendoza, hotel
Feb 2 (Mon): Sort Gear and get permit, transport to Pentitentes (2720 meters), hotel
Feb 3 (Tues): Drive to Punta de Vacas, hike 8k to Las Lenas (2700m), easy trail, mules carry baggage (this part I like), camping
Feb 4: Hike 18k to Casa de Piedra (3200m), easy trail, mules carry baggage, camping
Feb 5: Hike 15k to basecamp, "Plaza Argentina" (4200m), steep trail walking, mules carry baggage, camping
Feb 6: Rest in basecamp
Feb 7: Carry loads (what, no mules?) to Camp 1 (5000m), scree and melted ice mixed with rocks, 4-6 hour hike, return to basecamp
Feb 8: Rest day in basecamp
Feb 9: Return to Camp 1
Feb 10: Carry loads to Camp 2 (5900m), scree and melted ice mixed with rocks, 6-7 hour hike, return to Camp 1
Feb 11: Return to Camp 2.
Feb 12: Rest in Camp 2; prepare for summit attempt
Feb 13: Climb Traverse to connect with normal route at Independencia to Summit (6962m), descend via Normal Route and traverse back to Camp 2
Feb 15-16: Extra days allowed for inclement weather/acclimatization, as well as for multiple ascents of the mountain (yeah!)
Feb 17: Descend to basecamp, Plaza Argentina
Feb 18: Descend to Punta de Vacas, transport to Pentitentes
Feb 19 (Thurs): Back to Mendoza
Feb 20 (Fri): Mendoza
Feb 21 (Sat): Fly Mendoza-Santiago-Dallas-Mpls
And as I head south, a few others are heading north... to the Canadian border... to the Arrowhead Trail... to compete in one of the most challenging events anywhere in the world:
Good Luck & Be Safe!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Running on Snow...
... is so much fun! After a last bit of mountain-trip shopping at Midwest Mountaineering today I decided to head out to Afton for a few hours on the trails. It was a fabulous run. The snow was packed but not hard or icy. Started out with the snowshoe loop, back to the car for water, then followed the race course for several miles down around the loop at AS#1 and back up on the open prairie. Cold but no wind at all. Perfect conditions for a winter run. Back to the car again for water and a few clif blocks and then the snowshoe loop again. Ended up running for 2.5hrs so I'm guessing around 15 miles or so. Felt good though I'm having a few issues with right heel and ankle area. Not really painful but definitely some tenderness there.
Today's run ended the week at 42 miles, the most since IM in November, after getting in a nice 2hr run in much different conditions on Friday. I was in Sligo for the day after a few days work in Galway. Weather wasn't the best with a mix of hail, rain, wind and sun - sunny showers as the weatherman would say. But the views more than made up for it... ran from the pretty seaside town of Strandhill into Sligo town and back, with a detour up towards Knocknarea on the return leg. Despite the overcast day the views of Sligo Bay and across to Ben Bulben were fabulous. Ended up at 14 miles and felt like I was keeping a decent pace for most of it.
Finished off the weekend with a swim this evening. Tanya and Pam were in the pool also so the time flew by. And the cold water felt great after today's run.
Today's run ended the week at 42 miles, the most since IM in November, after getting in a nice 2hr run in much different conditions on Friday. I was in Sligo for the day after a few days work in Galway. Weather wasn't the best with a mix of hail, rain, wind and sun - sunny showers as the weatherman would say. But the views more than made up for it... ran from the pretty seaside town of Strandhill into Sligo town and back, with a detour up towards Knocknarea on the return leg. Despite the overcast day the views of Sligo Bay and across to Ben Bulben were fabulous. Ended up at 14 miles and felt like I was keeping a decent pace for most of it.
Finished off the weekend with a swim this evening. Tanya and Pam were in the pool also so the time flew by. And the cold water felt great after today's run.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Bitterly cold?
Q: When does running in 4 degrees feel good?
A: When it’s on the centigrade scale.
Back in Ireland for the week where the weatherman’s “bitterly cold” means it might get below freezing so wrap up warm if you absolutely have to leave the house. Mind you the near constant rain sort of balances the mild temperatures so that it doesn't actually seem any better than Mpls!
But I was lucky to hit on a break in the clouds and even had some sunshine for a run on Sunday evening. I stopped off on my way from the airport to home at the park where I did a lot of my training for the Dublin marathon in '04. I remember all the mile markers that I clocked in my car so was pleasantly surprised to be able to average 7:15's. I was sucking wind but it felt good to push it without the risk of freezing the back of my throat!
In Galway now for work and got out with Dee this evening for my first track session in about 2 years. After a mile or so of warm up we did 6 x 800's at around 6:30 pace with a 90 second rest, and then a few miles cool down.
Now, back to Obamamania - full on coverage of the big day here also. Of course, with his Irish roots I wouldn't have expected anything less!!
Stay warm.
A: When it’s on the centigrade scale.
Back in Ireland for the week where the weatherman’s “bitterly cold” means it might get below freezing so wrap up warm if you absolutely have to leave the house. Mind you the near constant rain sort of balances the mild temperatures so that it doesn't actually seem any better than Mpls!
But I was lucky to hit on a break in the clouds and even had some sunshine for a run on Sunday evening. I stopped off on my way from the airport to home at the park where I did a lot of my training for the Dublin marathon in '04. I remember all the mile markers that I clocked in my car so was pleasantly surprised to be able to average 7:15's. I was sucking wind but it felt good to push it without the risk of freezing the back of my throat!
In Galway now for work and got out with Dee this evening for my first track session in about 2 years. After a mile or so of warm up we did 6 x 800's at around 6:30 pace with a 90 second rest, and then a few miles cool down.
Now, back to Obamamania - full on coverage of the big day here also. Of course, with his Irish roots I wouldn't have expected anything less!!
Stay warm.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Need more sleep?
I had a wonderful unplanned sleep-in this morning (guess I forgot to set the alarm) - resulting in about 3hrs more sleep than usual. So I missed my run (not to mention a meeting or two...) and decided to hit the gym after work instead. And had a wonderful 7 mile run (in the sense that running my first sub-8's since Nov felt smooth). And then a solid 2000 yard swim. Felt totally energized. Which got me thinking that maybe I would benefit from more sleep than I am used to (~6hrs). Which means I should be in bed already for a 5am start... but that would mean missing the Daily Show. Not sure I'd be able sleep!
Check out the 2008 Ultra Runners of the Year:
http://www.ultrarunning.com/ultra/features/news/pacheco-semick-named-2008.shtml
Congrats to Joe Z getting his name in there!
For me, 2008 will be remembered for Kyle Skaggs performance at Hardrock. I think we all look forward to see what he is capable of in the years to come. Considering both #1 slots went to 41 year-old runners (Jorge Pacheco & Kami Semick) I suspect the 23 year-old's best years are yet to come.
Check out the 2008 Ultra Runners of the Year:
http://www.ultrarunning.com/ultra/features/news/pacheco-semick-named-2008.shtml
Congrats to Joe Z getting his name in there!
For me, 2008 will be remembered for Kyle Skaggs performance at Hardrock. I think we all look forward to see what he is capable of in the years to come. Considering both #1 slots went to 41 year-old runners (Jorge Pacheco & Kami Semick) I suspect the 23 year-old's best years are yet to come.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Famous last words...
During his last press conference in office President Bush made a wonderfully defining statement in his opening comments this morning:
"Sometimes you have misunderestimated me..."
One wonders why.
"Sometimes you have misunderestimated me..."
One wonders why.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Phew!
I am officially knackered. What a weekend. Got outside quite a bit ahead of the week to come. -2 for a high? I guess on the bright side anything will feel like Spring after that...
Some more snowshoeing fun - Saturday at Afton and today at Hyland. I carried my pack for Argentina both days (though it's only about half as heavy as it will be for the trek) and wore my new hiking boots. Good thing I have a few weeks to break them in... they are a good fit and I am sure they'll work out great but I ended up with 2 huge heel blisters after yesterday and despite being well bandaged today the skin came completely off! Lovely.
It's been a while since my heels looked this bad - probably last summer playing soccer back in Ireland with my sister's team in boots 2 sizes too small. But I'll bandage them up and just try to wear the boots a lot the next few weeks. Toughen 'em up...
Between the snowshowing, another decent run this morning, a 3hr spin yesterday morning, and a threshold (for me at least) swim this evening the legs are well and truly fatigued. No, I haven't suddenly started to enjoy biking to go along with the swimming (no more IMs for me, really...) but Tanya is off to New Zealand in early March to do the Ironman there so I said I would keep her company for some of the long indoor rides. Though I think my limit will be 4hrs! Casey & Anthony (fellow IM AZ folks) are spending the next 3 months touring NZ and are also doing the IM so Tanya is taking a trip out there for the race and a vacation. Sweet!! I had the chance to visit Taupo, where the race is held, last year while I was on hols in NZ - fab, fab location for a race.
I was pleasantly surprised by the temperature when I popped my head outside this morning before heading off to meet Bronywn and the girls for a run around the Lakes. I think we got in around 9 miles - felt pretty good though I am having a bit of pain along the outside of my left heel just under the ankle bone. I think it started yesterday at spin or maybe it was running on Friday. Both inner and outer sides are a little tender on both feet so I'll just have to take care of that. I am blaming everything on tight calves these days and it seems plausible here also... more stretching and strengthening should help.
You learn something new everyday... I am a terrible speller so if I'm writing a word I don't use too often I'll check it on http://www.dictionary.com/ - never really thought about the origin of the word 'plausible' - though I guess it seems kinda obvious now...
Origin: 1535–45
plausibilis deserving applause, equiv. to plaus(us) (ptp. of plaudere to applaud ) + -ibilis -ible
In other news I managed to continue to spend an inordinate amount of money on gear for my trip. I had better climb a mountain every year for many years to come in order to get my money's worth! At least it's a good time to be buying gear with all the sales. And if I have to be giving money away it may as well be to two great stores... Midwest Mountaineering and REI.
Some more snowshoeing fun - Saturday at Afton and today at Hyland. I carried my pack for Argentina both days (though it's only about half as heavy as it will be for the trek) and wore my new hiking boots. Good thing I have a few weeks to break them in... they are a good fit and I am sure they'll work out great but I ended up with 2 huge heel blisters after yesterday and despite being well bandaged today the skin came completely off! Lovely.
It's been a while since my heels looked this bad - probably last summer playing soccer back in Ireland with my sister's team in boots 2 sizes too small. But I'll bandage them up and just try to wear the boots a lot the next few weeks. Toughen 'em up...
Between the snowshowing, another decent run this morning, a 3hr spin yesterday morning, and a threshold (for me at least) swim this evening the legs are well and truly fatigued. No, I haven't suddenly started to enjoy biking to go along with the swimming (no more IMs for me, really...) but Tanya is off to New Zealand in early March to do the Ironman there so I said I would keep her company for some of the long indoor rides. Though I think my limit will be 4hrs! Casey & Anthony (fellow IM AZ folks) are spending the next 3 months touring NZ and are also doing the IM so Tanya is taking a trip out there for the race and a vacation. Sweet!! I had the chance to visit Taupo, where the race is held, last year while I was on hols in NZ - fab, fab location for a race.
I was pleasantly surprised by the temperature when I popped my head outside this morning before heading off to meet Bronywn and the girls for a run around the Lakes. I think we got in around 9 miles - felt pretty good though I am having a bit of pain along the outside of my left heel just under the ankle bone. I think it started yesterday at spin or maybe it was running on Friday. Both inner and outer sides are a little tender on both feet so I'll just have to take care of that. I am blaming everything on tight calves these days and it seems plausible here also... more stretching and strengthening should help.
You learn something new everyday... I am a terrible speller so if I'm writing a word I don't use too often I'll check it on http://www.dictionary.com/ - never really thought about the origin of the word 'plausible' - though I guess it seems kinda obvious now...
Origin: 1535–45
plausibilis deserving applause, equiv. to plaus(us) (ptp. of plaudere to applaud ) + -ibilis -ible
In other news I managed to continue to spend an inordinate amount of money on gear for my trip. I had better climb a mountain every year for many years to come in order to get my money's worth! At least it's a good time to be buying gear with all the sales. And if I have to be giving money away it may as well be to two great stores... Midwest Mountaineering and REI.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Races, races, races...
It feels like there's been an explosion of local races this year - both trail and road. Check out Steve's blog for the Fab 5 Fifties races and also the UMTR website for the full details on the local trail series'. And then there's the new road marathons in Stillwater and Minneapolis. Although... I have decided to opt for Grandma's! The timing works much better for me given that I will need some recovery from Chippewa and then a decent stretch of speed and tempo work as well as the long runs. Hopefully I'll find a few other willing souls to split the ridiculous cost of 2 nights hotel...
I've been getting back into the swing of more regular workouts this week. The early mornings have not been as bad as I expected though I am making a better effort to get to bed early so that helps. Still not running much which suits me just fine right now. I might venture outdoors later today if the temps creep up to 20. Swimming has been going well, which continues to surprise me. Some days the strength training gets easier and other days lifting the same weight as the previous day seems impossible... but I'm finally able do more than a few girly push-ups so something must be working! As for spin... I nearly died last night. Thursday's 2hr class includes stair running and walking lunges and whatever else Johnny J decides to throw in the mix. We did a 30 minute time trial also to get a baseline for the year. Even though I most likely won't do any triathlon this year it's a killer workout and since he's great with teaching form I feel like I'm building good overall strength with very low injury risk. Having said that my shoulder hurt like hell going to bed last night. I think the aero position for the time trial did me in. But an adjustment this morning seemed to release it. Often I find no difference when I get an adjustment but something definitely moved the right way today.
It's snowing a little now - some nice fresh power for the weekend... Snow shoeing is on the cards again. I think I'll strap on the backpack this time and get some training in for the big mountain hike.
I've been getting back into the swing of more regular workouts this week. The early mornings have not been as bad as I expected though I am making a better effort to get to bed early so that helps. Still not running much which suits me just fine right now. I might venture outdoors later today if the temps creep up to 20. Swimming has been going well, which continues to surprise me. Some days the strength training gets easier and other days lifting the same weight as the previous day seems impossible... but I'm finally able do more than a few girly push-ups so something must be working! As for spin... I nearly died last night. Thursday's 2hr class includes stair running and walking lunges and whatever else Johnny J decides to throw in the mix. We did a 30 minute time trial also to get a baseline for the year. Even though I most likely won't do any triathlon this year it's a killer workout and since he's great with teaching form I feel like I'm building good overall strength with very low injury risk. Having said that my shoulder hurt like hell going to bed last night. I think the aero position for the time trial did me in. But an adjustment this morning seemed to release it. Often I find no difference when I get an adjustment but something definitely moved the right way today.
It's snowing a little now - some nice fresh power for the weekend... Snow shoeing is on the cards again. I think I'll strap on the backpack this time and get some training in for the big mountain hike.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Top 100 100s
Congrats to all the locals who made the Top 100 finishes of the year - Wynn, John S, John M & Julie! Nice work folks.
http://www.ultrarunning.com/ultra/reference/finishers/index.shtml
http://www.ultrarunning.com/ultra/reference/finishers/index.shtml
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Let it Snow...
As pretty as the white carpet looked when I got back to Minneapolis earlier this week (after a not-at-all white Christmas in Ireland) I was soon complaining when I had to clear my icy steps (my very kind neighbours took care of the footpath while I was out of town). But this weekend I had a blast snow shoeing 3 times in Hyland Park so I'm all about more snow...
After sweating more than I thought possible at Johnny J's 2hr spin yesterday morning, I headed out with Val and Ginger, her golden lab, who along with us had loadsa fun. Then this morning, after a swim and despite the -15 windchill Pam, Kami and I had fun catching up after the holidays as we meandered around the trails including a few trips up the old ski jump trail to warm up - it worked. I got back and got myself organized for the return to work tomorrow (ugghhh) and then Val called to say she was heading out again - the feeling had returned to my fingertips so of course I said I'd join! As well as Ginger we had neighbour dog Jack along also - who is about twice the size of Ginger who is not a small dog... so you know it when Jack steps on the back of your snowshoe :)
Started off the weekend with 'Candelight Yoga' Friday night so I figured it was a good way to finish it when I realised there was an early evening class at the Edina studio. Great way to stretch out while at the same time seriously relaxing!
So, a fun active start to the year. Too bad work has to get in the way tomorrow though I guess it will be nice to get back into a routine. At least for 2 weeks. Work trip back to Galway in mid-January which I think is a sign of the year ahead. Last year I did a good job of prioritizing my running over my job (hope the boss isn't reading this!) but I don't think I'll have the same luxury this year. BUT of course I need to remember I am lucky to have a good job - not to mention one I really enjoy!
After sweating more than I thought possible at Johnny J's 2hr spin yesterday morning, I headed out with Val and Ginger, her golden lab, who along with us had loadsa fun. Then this morning, after a swim and despite the -15 windchill Pam, Kami and I had fun catching up after the holidays as we meandered around the trails including a few trips up the old ski jump trail to warm up - it worked. I got back and got myself organized for the return to work tomorrow (ugghhh) and then Val called to say she was heading out again - the feeling had returned to my fingertips so of course I said I'd join! As well as Ginger we had neighbour dog Jack along also - who is about twice the size of Ginger who is not a small dog... so you know it when Jack steps on the back of your snowshoe :)
Started off the weekend with 'Candelight Yoga' Friday night so I figured it was a good way to finish it when I realised there was an early evening class at the Edina studio. Great way to stretch out while at the same time seriously relaxing!
So, a fun active start to the year. Too bad work has to get in the way tomorrow though I guess it will be nice to get back into a routine. At least for 2 weeks. Work trip back to Galway in mid-January which I think is a sign of the year ahead. Last year I did a good job of prioritizing my running over my job (hope the boss isn't reading this!) but I don't think I'll have the same luxury this year. BUT of course I need to remember I am lucky to have a good job - not to mention one I really enjoy!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy New Year!
2009. Already. It's come way too fast but at the same time you can't beat that feeling of a fresh start... out with the old, in with the new... For me the 'old' are a few bad habits including sugar, chocolate and over-training! I have to say for the first time in my life I think I actually over-dosed on chocolate while back in Ireland for Christmas. It was pretty bad. So that's my first resolution (along with 90% of the population) - Healthy Eating!! As for over-training - I think (hope) I have learned my lesson from the past few months. Everything went great up to Sawtooth but Oct/Nov/Dec were a bit of a mess. Sure, I had a good time at TCM and IM AZ but I was bordering on hurting myself and ended up doing just that over Thanksgiving. Which resulted in 3 weeks off running. Which of course turned out to be a great thing - got me back swimming - and finally got my ass to the gym for strength training. Susan put it best when she said that she didn't know me anymore - I was enjoying swimming, actually using my gym membership - and was bemoaning the fact that I couldn't use my new treadmill!! I'd been thinking about investing in one for a while and because I seem to have lost all interest in running outside this winter and mostly because I want to train for an early summer marathon I decided to take a look in 2nd Wind on 'Black Friday'. And sure enough I found a good deal on a 2nd hand True, trading in my completely under utilized stairmaster while I was at it. And then proceeded to look at it lovingly for a few weeks without being able to use it! The first week of no running was the hardest. But then it was the Holidays and things were busy back in Ireland. And I still getting my anerobic threshold buzz in the pool. I wanted to wait until I had zero pain in my shin walking/stretching/jumping etc and by last weekend that was the case. So Monday I ran the mile down to my neighbours house (my family live in the countryside!) and back again. Then I got back here and christened the treadmill with a 5 mile run on New Year's Day. I like it! And the squirrels outside the window were equally fascinated with my new toy...
The next few weeks will be all about building up a base and easing into the New Year. I don't think I'll run further than 10-12 miles. Then at the end of the month I leave for a trip of a lifetime to climb Aconcagua in Argentina. It's something I've wanted to do ever since a trip to Kilimanjaro just before moving here in 2005. Even though I feel out of running shape right now I should be fine for the climb. The altitude of course might be a problem but altitude doesn't care about fitness. I didn't have any problems on Kili until the summit climb once we got over 18,500 so I'm hoping it will be the same here. And then I'll just have to take it easy the last few days to the top (unlike Kili where we were trying to keep up with the cute French dudes who were making a documentary). Hopefully the weather will cooperate. It's 18 days on the mountain which includes a few days at camp for inclement weather. Once I get back I'll have 9 weeks until Chippewa. Thrown in there for my long 'training' run is a trip to Virginia (had to use the Hellgate flights for something...). Still undecided on which marathon I'll do - the timing (and past experience) of Grandma's are compelling but not the cost. Stillwater doesn't look as bad a course as I was expecting. And then there's the Minneapolis one. Madison, Rochester... funny to have so many choices all of a sudden!
So with resolutions of better diet, more focused training and less racing I guess a few goals for the year are a marathon PR (3:12 would be nice!), beat current CR at Voyaguer (and yeah a win would be nice too!), and run AC-100 in under 24 hrs (ambitious but it's January 2nd so I'm allowed to be!).
Hope 2009 is a good one for you all.
The next few weeks will be all about building up a base and easing into the New Year. I don't think I'll run further than 10-12 miles. Then at the end of the month I leave for a trip of a lifetime to climb Aconcagua in Argentina. It's something I've wanted to do ever since a trip to Kilimanjaro just before moving here in 2005. Even though I feel out of running shape right now I should be fine for the climb. The altitude of course might be a problem but altitude doesn't care about fitness. I didn't have any problems on Kili until the summit climb once we got over 18,500 so I'm hoping it will be the same here. And then I'll just have to take it easy the last few days to the top (unlike Kili where we were trying to keep up with the cute French dudes who were making a documentary). Hopefully the weather will cooperate. It's 18 days on the mountain which includes a few days at camp for inclement weather. Once I get back I'll have 9 weeks until Chippewa. Thrown in there for my long 'training' run is a trip to Virginia (had to use the Hellgate flights for something...). Still undecided on which marathon I'll do - the timing (and past experience) of Grandma's are compelling but not the cost. Stillwater doesn't look as bad a course as I was expecting. And then there's the Minneapolis one. Madison, Rochester... funny to have so many choices all of a sudden!
So with resolutions of better diet, more focused training and less racing I guess a few goals for the year are a marathon PR (3:12 would be nice!), beat current CR at Voyaguer (and yeah a win would be nice too!), and run AC-100 in under 24 hrs (ambitious but it's January 2nd so I'm allowed to be!).
Hope 2009 is a good one for you all.
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