Week Ending Feb 25, 2012

The week started with an absolute killer workout. I hate treadmills, but have decided I want to run a treadmill workout about once per month in preparation for Mount Washington. I ran a 4 mile warm-up outside and then started at 6.3mph and 9% incline. I then added 0.1mph every 0.25 miles until I ran at 8.0mph and 9% incline. The 6.3mph was not difficult; the last few stages up to 8.0 were very difficult. Then I tried 8.1mph at 10% and only lasted about 10sec. Those last 6 or 8 minutes were really hard - it was like sprinting uphill. I slowed down and dropped the incline a little after hitting 4.5mi in 38:30 and ran a total of 6mi in 50min. Monday was a long run (2+ hours) in Cheyenne Canon. Tuesday was a moderate 10 on Fountain Creek. Wednesday morning was another 10. I had the not-so-fun experience of having to take a dump while running. There really wasn't a good spot to go so I hopped behind some tall weeds and squatted. Unfortunately I didn't have any leaves or soft grass around to use as tp. Without going into more detail, I used what I found, which was a collection of weeds more like sticks than grass. Ouch. Man, my butt was raw and sore for a few days - lesson learned. Wednesday afternoon was an easy run. Thursday was a long run and it was wicked cold. I bundled up the most I've bundled this year and took off. After battling the wind for two hours, I came home with numb fingers and was definitely happy the forecast called for warmer weather the next few days. On Friday I zig-zagged through neighborhoods. I found an entire new set of streets I had never run and found an elementary school I had never seen. It's amazing to see something like a school for the first time even though it is probably only three miles from my house. Saturday was another long run in Cheyenne Canon. I took a side trail I've seen many times but have not followed. It simply went downhill to North Cheyenne Canyon Road. I ran back uphill and continued my run on other trails. The good news for the week is the toe problem seems to be completely heeled. I still have a corn on my fourth toe, but it is not rubbing against the pinky toe anymore and is not causing any pain. 96 miles for the week.