June / 1st Half Year 2011 Summary

Runs - 26
Workouts - 6
Injured - 0

The Bad:

Trade-Offs (Running versus Lifting Weights) - What available time I have dedicated to training is limited so I have to make them count. During my single days, that was never an issue. Now with a family, demanding job and an emphasis on running ultras, sacrificing one for the other has become a choice I've had to make. Tough choice as I'm a firm believer that a mixture of both benefit me tremendously when it comes to running. I guesstimate that for every workout, I miss out on roughly 6 to 7 miles. Enough miles to having me thinking which would be the best balance for me.

Left Ankle - Since I've started trail running, I've rolled my left ankle too many times to count. Pain comes and goes with that ankle. However, over the past month, the left ankle has been consistently cranky. Specifically in the morning but feeling fine once warmed up. Not sure if this something to be concerned about but I need to watch it.

Yard Work - Yeah, I suck at this and my back yard is a perfect example of it.

The Good:

Running - The last 20 days of the month have been way strong and very consistent. I've been very happy with how quickly my body recovered from the Dirty Thirty. Even more happy that I've been able to increase my weekly miles and the body respond nicely.

Gym - So I didn't sacrifice my weight lifting this month but was tempted to numerous times. Main reason I stuck with it is due to the once broken left arm. I've been rehabbing the crap out of it and it's been responding nicely. The muscles surrounding the elbow are still week but I notice a huge improvement every time. This alone is enough reason to sacrifice miles. Wonder if I'll feel the same way in July.

Baby Girl - My little one is simply amazing and must know how important it is for me to get back to my morning runs and workouts. At just over 3 months old, our little monkey has decided that sleeping thru the night is a good thing. And that means I get to sleep thru the night. That I get to wake up at 4:30/5:00 am every morning to get my training in. That I don't have to run after work. That I get to spend more time with her. My daughter rocks!!!!

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1/2 Year Summary
Runs - 150
Workouts - 21 (Damn Broken Arm)
Injured (Running Specific) - 0 (Thankfully the Broken Arm didn't impact my running)

Somewhere between 1150 to 1200 miles on the year. 90K of up and down. Initially I was embarrassed to post these figures. Then I looked back at what has transpired over the past 6 months. I've broken my left arm. I've been given a lot more responsibility at work. My wife and I had our first child! I mean seriously, a lot of shit has gone on so far this year. So now, I'm not so embarrassed. Actually I'm damn proud of being able to balance a rather hectic life while keeping my priorities in check.

Looking Forward:

Running time in the high country might have been delayed and will likely be shorter compared to prior years with all the snow, but I'm still taking advantage of it. With trips planned every weekend during the month of July, the number of blogs I post will increase nicely.