Sort of a transition week.  I’m racing again in two weeks (50K), so I’m trying a reverse taper approach for this one.  I took a few days off after the Buffalo Run 100, but still ended up with 36 miles last week.  50 this week, and I’ll shoot for 70 next week with a 20-25 long run.  Then train right into the race.  We’ll see how that goes…

Monday
7 miles

Easy jog.

Tuesday

OFF

Wednesday
7 miles

Another easy one. Still have some recovering to do after the 100, but coming along.

Thursday
10.3 miles

Did some hill repeats. Wasn’t really planning on it, but decided to do one and see how it went. Wow! I was running very comfortably and nearly set my best time ever on this half mile climb. I did a second one at about the same effort level, then cranked on the third and took 10 seconds off my PR (4:08). Will shoot for getting under 4:00 soon.

Legs felt strong and I can tell the weight I’ve lost (5-7 pounds) is making a huge difference.

Friday
7 miles

Crazy wind. Legs were trashed after the hill repeats yesterday. I just jogged easy on this one.

Saturday
17.2 miles

Really nice run up Carpenter Peak. Took the SLR in my pack, but didn’t get many good pics (other than the deer below). Pushed hard on the climb to the peak, but the rest of the run was easy.  Super nice day on the trails.

Sunday
2 miles

Easy with dog.

Total: 50.6 miles / 8:21

Pic of the week:

Talking deer.

Spent the week visiting family and relaxing during our spring break vacation.  I’m not used to having a week off after a 100 miler, it was nice!  Usually it’s right back to work on Monday morning.  I took it easy for the first half of the week, then went on a few runs to see how things felt.  All good!  Now I just need to figure out what’s next.

Monday
2 miles
Saucony Kinvara

Brisk walk with Natalie.  She has to do some sort of activity every day of vacation to fulfill a PE requirement.

Tuesday

OFF

Lots of walking around the mall, and also went to a photography class.

Wednesday
3 miles

Easy jog.

Thursday
10.4 miles

Pushed a little farther. Felt good.

Friday
21.2 miles

Today was not about training, it was for clearing the head and getting out on a great spring day. Also enjoying the fitness I have built up. Felt pretty darn good considering the 100 just a few days ago. Easy but steady from start to finish.

Saturday – Sunday

OFF

Total: 36.6 miles / 5:38

Pic of the week:

Flag over Lone Peak

In addition to trying to build some photography skills, I am working on the post/editing side of things as well.  Sometimes I tread really lightly, this is a case where a lot more took place.  I pulled off the freeway at a car dealership and snapped the picture on Tuesday evening knowing that the flag in the wind with the snow-capped mountains was the prize and I could deal with the rest later.

Original:

A couple of final jogs, a lot of driving, and a really long run.

Monday
6.5 miles
New Balance Minimus Trail

Easy Boneyard jog. Felt slow, but decent.

Tuesday
6.7 miles
Saucony Kinvara

Wish I was feeling a little more springy during this taper. Mostly feeling sluggish and tired. Today wasn’t all that bad, but wasn’t all that good, either… I’m trying hard to wrap my head around the idea that I’ll be taking off for a 100 miles in three day’s time. How did it come up again so quickly??

Wednesday
2.5 miles

Hiked up to Hanging Lake on the drive out to Utah.

Thursday

OFF

Friday – Saturday

Antelope Island Buffalo Run 100

23:28, 13th place.

Sunday

OFF

Total: 115 miles / 27:37

Pic of the week:

On final approach to the island: