So much to unpack from last week and weekend. To say it was one of the best weekends I’ve had in awhile is an understatement. I don’t even know where to start. Training last week was good. Even though I positive split like a boss, I had a decent “first workout back,”, Then as most people know, over the weekend I ran the hardest running race I’ve done. Can’t get much better than that!
| Monday: | 20 minutes easy |
| Tuesday: | 60 minutes easy |
| Wednesday: | 12X400 road/90 seconds rest (average 6:10) |
| Thursday: | Am 30 minutes easy/PM: 2 miles Colorado |
| Friday: | 45 minutes easy Colorado |
| Saturday: | UnderArmour Copper Mountain Trail 25k (2:58) |
| Sunday: | Rest and travel home |
Thoughts:
There isn’t much to unpack there. All of my runs were just that, easy. I don’t have too much exciting about them because there wasn’t too much excitement that happened. I ran easy. My easy 2 miles in Colorado was a 2 mile (26-minute run) through the trails we were going to be running. Running those miles, made me wonder, how the heck I would finish the trail race.
12X400 Workout:
The workout started well, and the first 6 averaged around 6 minute pace. The second 6, however, just felt like a brick hit me and I couldn’t get my feet to move any faster. I didn’t hurt injury-wise, but it was a reality check that I haven’t been doing speed the last few months so I won’t go as fast as when I was. The second 6 averaged about 6:20 which with some work I hope I can progress faster than that again.
Copper Mountain Trail Race (2:58)
The Copper Mountain Trail Race was one of the best races I could hope for. I was running an intense trail race in Colorado, something I’ve never done, at an altitude I’ve never done. I haven’t felt that nervous for a race since my first marathon, the NYCM. I had no idea what to expect, and my only goal was to finish. Making it to the top, I didn’t feel sick at 12000 feet of altitude, but to be honest, I think it’s because I hydrated well and took my time. My slowest miles were definitely in the beginning. They weren’t the hardest climbs, but I didn’t want to take it too fast.
The hardest parts (for me) were actually the technical downhill climbs towards the bottom. Because I run (and walk) on my toes, my calves are far stronger than other areas of my legs. I got passed by far more people on the downhill (maybe about 10 or so?). I am very proud of my finish. I had no idea what to expect and had zero expectations. I could have finished in 4:29 (the cut off was 4:30) or the time I did and feel happy about it. I’ll have a full recap soon.
The next week will be a lot of TLC. I would like to get in a workout, I will be traveling again for a big family big birthday. Probably no races next weekend, as I am going to the Taylor Swift concert ha!
Posts from the Week:
Hiking Indian Wells State Park
Questions for you:
What has been your hardest race to date?
What is the highest elevation you’ve ever run?
I’ve run the Pikes Peak Marathon four times. Three of those times I did the Pikes Peak Ascent (half-marathon) the day before. The altitude at the summit is 14,115. I live near sea level. If I can do it, then anybody can. I did not get to Colorado early to acclimate to the altitude.
Most difficult race – Long Island Endurance Run (May 18, 2002) – My one DNF in hundreds of races. As the race director wrote, “The worst weather conditions possible – cold driving rain and very high winds . . .” Despite that, others finished and I did not. 16 years later and it still bothers me.
I think the Wellsboro Grand Canyon challenge. It’s in the mountains on trails for the most part. You do the half on Saturday and the full on Sunday. I felt okay but I don’t know how people do multiple distance races twice in one weekend? It was definitely rough on my body. I placed fourth in my age group for both races so that was sort of a bummer. It was a beautiful course… highest elevation I’m not sure… could be this one. The worst is driving after these races… i did the finger lakes 50s and that had some good climbs and so did Ragnar Appalachian… you should do one of those with your husband and some friends. That was amazing !
You know, I do know that Ragners are not for me. I need sleep and I don’t run well at all with minimal sleep. I know people love them though! I definitely agree that driving is the worst afterwards.
Awesome job on your race this weekend. I can’t wait to read the full recap. Enjoy birthday celebrations and Taylor swift.
I am doing my first warrior dash next month. I mostly weight lift so I feel I will be prepared for the obstacle part, but need to work on my running for sure. Like you, I am just hoping to finish and plan to take my time and have fun.
A warrior dash sounds so intense. Let me know how it goes Alicia!
It’s great to hear that pushing yourself out of your comfort zone (and to such a degree) worked out so well. You seem happy and relaxed (well as much as a person can tell form blogs and social media). Wishing you further enjoyment in your running, hiking, and run-hiking!
I appreciate your support Dee. Running and hiking don’t stress me out (believe me other things do!). Hiking is a lot of fun so I was glad I was able too! Do you prefer trails or road more?
Love reading your blog as it is always inspiring. I am pretty impressed at your speed on all these as well…Nice job!