June Summary & Mid Year Thoughts

Runs - 17
Workouts - 1
Injured - 0

Normally I like to critique my running/training over the prior month but will not do so this go around. Let's face it, I've ran & raced distances like I've never done so before and I've enjoyed every moment of it. Lessons have been learned and I look forward to getting better from the past months experiences.

I'm now 2+ weeks removed from the SJS50 and my body feels surprisingly good. This stems from my solid back to back to back 9 to 10 mile trails runs over the long weekend. One of the runs that included meeting Scott Jurek at the base of Gregory Canyon. Couldn't have been a nicer individual during our brief encounter. Still intentionally holding back on any hard long runs till next weekend so I'm eager to see how that plays out.

Second Half Goals: At the start of the year, I had a 100 miler on the radar. This assuming all my training and racing went flawless. Well my training was interrupted a few times by some nagging injuries and my two races didn't result in what I know I'm capable of. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with the way they played out but I know I can do better.

So the 100 miler is on hold for now. Bottom line is I know I'm capable of finishing one but that's not why I race. I race to compete and challenge myself. Not to just finish. Lake City was never about just finishing but competing and unfortunately I wasn't able to compete due to a tired body. So I feel it's best I challenge myself again at this distance. And at least a few more times before I step into the 100 mile world.

On September 18th, Steamboat Springs will host the 4th running of the Run Rabbit Run. A 50 mile out and back course that goes thru some beautiful country in Northern Colorado. I've only been in Steamboat once during the summer. A short day trip with some old friends. I've also had the pleasure of hammering the gladed thigh deep powder a few times. And no, I thankfully wasn't knuckle dragging or locked at the heels!

A few months back, Pikes Peak registration opened and closed in its almost too quick manner. I had contemplated running the marathon again with desires of breaking the 5 hour mark. However I refrained from signing up just in case Leadville called my name. Well it's calling my name but not to race it but rather to help out an old running mate from Durango. Along with his wife, I'll be pacing and crewing for Scott as he takes on his first 100 miler. Scott broke the 11 hour marker at the SJS50 just a few weeks back and his wife Sharron, an accomplished runner herself with a few age group records at the PPM, came in at 13 hours. I look forward to the opportunity of helping out Scott in any manner that weekend and know it will be great learning experience as to what really goes on during those last 50 miles of the race.

With 10 or so weeks till Steamboat, I'll have plenty of time to play in the high country as I prepare for the race. Thoughts of running Mt. Massive, knocking out the Northern Loop in the Indian Peak Wilderness Area or taking on the 4 Pass Loop around the Maroon Bells enter my head. So many trails, so little time.