February 27, 2009

Western States -- 120 days and counting...

Today I looked down at my watch (which I set to countdown mode) and realized there is only 120 days to go to WS 100. Yo mama! It seems like yesterday when I blogged “I’m In” and proceeded to explain the absurdity of NOT entering this year.

As Kelly said, “June will be here before you know it”. Well, here it comes! I’m frankly very excited to be where I am right now. Training is going well. I have no lingering injuries (knock on wood) and I am looking forward to some hard but fun training ahead of me. Variation baby! Hills, fartleks, tempos, strides, LSDs (long slow distance), more base, race, drills, race again, more base, more LSDs. Bring it on! Did you notice no intervals? I’m still debating that one. I have to consult with the work of endurance gurus Maffetone and Lydiard. Rest assured, I’ll also be consulting my aging anatomy along the way.

Even though what happens between now and June 26th is up for grabs, it's nice to know I’ve been down this road before, despite not making it to the end destination. That is ok though, because, as Ursula LeGuin so poignantly said, it is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end.

Keep on the journey folks!

February 23, 2009

Munro Trail, Lanai

Just a few images from the Munro Trail on Lanai. Lanai is among the smaller islands in the Hawaiian chain. Total population: 3,192. Total runners seen on trial: 0. Maui and Molokai are in the background.






February 18, 2009

Fartleking on my 46th!


I awoke today on the great island of Oahu to celebrate my 46th birthday with family. Wow, what a change in climate! Going from 50 degrees and constant rain (and hail yesterday) in California to 80 degrees and sunny is what I'm talking about!

I stepped outside this morning for a 10 mile run. Unlike the past 6 weeks, this week marks an introduction to fartleking or speed play to help me transition from exclusive slow aerobic work I've been doing to more varied training. I'll be doing these workouts a couple of times per week for the next month or more.

I ran along Kahala Drive from Kahala Beach past Diamond Head to Kapi'olani Park, surging up the hill, down the hill, along the road, through the park, fast to slow and back again. I stopped at 24 Hour fitness at the half way point to hammer out 2x25 curls, tri extensions, and a few other weight lifting exercises. From there I was back on my feet, running fast and slow, over the hill and for just a moment, I stood still to glance across the Pacific Ocean on top of the cliff at Diamond Head. Awesome! Am I really 46? I don't feel like it today!

February 14, 2009

First Race this Season -- Sycamore Canyon 50k


I finally pulled the trigger and signed up for my first race this season -- the Sycamore Canyon 50k at the western edge of the Santa Monica Mountains. Total elevation gain and loss is 8,055’ so this should be a good primer for the big show coming in June. Unless something comes up I’m also planning on running Leona Divide 50 mile and at least one other 50 mile “prep” race in May. I guess this means it’s time to start getting serious again. No more relaxing weekends! I just hope the rain subsides in the coming weeks so I can get back out on those trails!