Training Log Archive: ebuckley

First warmup.

After a quick break to change into spikes, I ran some of the trails to get a feel for conditions. Not as bad as I had feared. Although not frozen, the greasy layer was quite thin, so the spikes had plenty of traction. Some patches of ice and snow.

Yup.

58:36

After 10 years of trying, the Pere Marquette hour has been busted. 12th overall (of 600); 1st 40+.

Since the Carol's Team site is still down (or, at least, not accepting updates) I'll publish the sappy emotional post here.

One my favorite training books is The Self-Coached Runner by Allan Lawrence and Mark Scheid. What I like about it so much is the way they augment the solid technical material with inspirational stuff like this (from Chapter 4):

For most of us, this stage [the separation of the effort and the perception of effort] will remain merely theoretical, and we will have to be content with relaxation and controlled release of energy. But, if you race enough and not too much, there will be a race or two in your career in which you will glimps something like the elite runner's dissociation, and you will be able to run faster than you have ever run over a given distance, and it will feel easy.

When it happens, remember as much of it as you can, because you will run that race in your mind's eye for the rest of your life.

Today was the day. And thanks, Allan and Mark, for reminding me to take in the view.

C • Sweet! 6

After lunch at the lodge (we couldn't go to Fast Eddies because we had Baby-O with us and, while very tall for her age, she can't yet pass for 21), I dropped Kate off at home and went over to Yvonne Deyo's 40th birthday party. The feature event was a score O in the woods around her house on a 1:720 map (not a typo - 1:720). I ran the first 10 seconds and decided that walking would be a lot more fun. As a result, the prize cache at the finish was somewhat depleted by the time I finished, but I did pick up a hot wheels car for Baby-O. She was pretty happy about that, but more happy about the fact that with the event over, it was time for pie.

Trail Run - Splits

Easy jog on the bike path by Pere Marquette Lodge. Some sleet, but not unpleasant conditions. If it stays cold, an hour is possible tomorrow. If this changes to rain, I could be screwed.

Easy lunchtime jog around SLU and Harris Stowe. Legs feel fine; ankle is improved to the point where I don't expect it to slow me down Saturday. The weather, on the other hand, may be a problem. Looks like the trails could be muddy.

C • PM run 2

In to work.

Back home including 6x90s@threshold with equal rest in the 65. A brisk north wind made it pretty crazy cold even through the ambient temp was above freezing (barely). The good news is that my new gloves are in. I'll pick them up tomorrow.

Took Baby-O skating, which basically involved holding her hand while she wobbled around the rink. Between each lap, she'd want to get off the ice and rest. Feeling that the intervals on the bike were a bit less than what I'd normally do for a final quality workout before a big race, I took the opportunity to skate some hot laps while she rested.

Easy jog round the hood.

Went for a walk at lunch. Not sore, but with PM this weekend, I need a full recovery right quick.

Warmup. Almost missed the start because the potty line was kinda long. Foot and ankle still hurting, but not slowing me down any.

Possum Trot XI. Not a particularly bad run, but less than hoped for. I wasn't able to stay with the leaders even for a few controls. Once in the main pack (roughly 4th-12th places) I shared the lead with Tom Carr, Justin Bakken, and a few others. Things stayed together until the late skips and then Tom and I found ourselves alone duking it out for 4th. It was no contest - I didn't have the legs to match Tom in the fields. One bright spot: moved up two more points closer to the top of the All Time Standings. Still a few years away (if ever) from the top spot, but moving the right direction.

C • all time standings 2

Possum Trot - Splits