May 2012 Summary

Runs - 27Workouts - 0
Injured - 0
Running Days - 24
Average Miles Per Running Day - 11.25
Vert - 21,600 Feet

The Bad:

Racing - I've never cared to race much but have found it to be a necessary evil as I prepare for certain races.  Now don't get me wrong, I love to race.  What I don't like is how at it effects my current training pattern. 

Going into the Quad Rock 25M, I hardly let the race impact my training from a mileage perspective.  However I did pull back on intensity on a few runs.  Specifically a mid week tempo run which I'm finding to be one of my most important workouts along with my long run.  After the race, a rest period was just needed.  I felt great but pushing the effort over the next week just seemed like a bad idea.  Therefore miles and effort were sacrificed.  And at what cost?  Hopefully the effort exerted during the 25M was worth it over the long haul. 

The Good:

Running - Other then taking more rest days then I care to take, I continue to see improved consistency on the quality of my runs week in and week out.  The rest days stem not from a need to recover but rather a need to rest the left calf.  A left calf that continues to get stronger but on occasion is quick to let me know when I might be pushing it a bit too much.  Thankfully a day off is all that is needed.    

Workouts - Second month in a row in which I avoided the gym.  My days off have been both physical and mental breaks.  There were mornings where I was ready to hit the weights and found that getting a bit more sleep was more beneficial.  Sleep is something I do poorly so when the opportunity arises, I try to take advantage of it. 

Randomly over the month, I continue on with my push ups, sit ups, planks, rehab exercises.  The toughest workout of the month continues to be my time spent in the backyard as we are in the middle of complete make over of the outdoor living space.  2 projects down, 1 more to go. 

Memorial Day Weekend - With summer now here, I'm making it a goal to get the family up into the high country on the weekends.  On Sunday, we spent a good part of the day in Salida.  Enjoying good food, beer and music at the bluegrass music fest.  And exposing monkey to one of the coolest things she had ever seen.  Bouncy Cow Castle!!!

Looking Forward:

My injury that occurred Feb/Mar is something I'm starting to view as a blessing.  Had I not been injured, then there is a chance I might have been burnt out by my training.  Instead I enter June feeling fantastic and looking forward to building upon the foundation laid down over the past few months. 

Goals are pretty simple this month.  Run more miles, run more time, run more elevation gain and run more up in the high country.  Junes going to be a busy month.

Busy and highlighted by a long weekend trip spent in Lake City running the SJS50.  I know, I just spent some time bitching about racing during my training.  At least this necessary evil is spent on 50 glorious miles around the most beautiful mountains this country has to offer.