Over the Hills..........


This past Sunday was my Tough Love 20 miler.

Its a course that mimics the effort of a 26 mile run at 20 miles w/ less beating on the body. One thing about hills that I like is that it forces you to slow down.

A few weeks ago I did an almost pancake flat 18 mile run that left me trashed. I went too much over my Z2 pace. My pace management is not quite ready for all flat terrain as I still find myself pushing the pace when I should be holding easy. Mind drift is something I'm still working on.

On a hilly course I find myself saving my legs and energy more efficiently.....especially the downhills which by mile 15 suck big time !

Do I feel progress ??? Hell ya ! Last year, a 18-20 miler was a day of pain regardless of well executed or not.

Now, there's just a little soreness, but I almost always swim 2-3000 yds after my long run. This really helps cool down my inflammation. So much so that I know run 2-3 miles easy the day after the 20 miler.

Its one of the perks of not being a fast runner I guess. At the 9:45-10min/mi pace there's not too much beating going on, and I know I am more economical than last year. My shoes wear more evenly and I no longer blister or get black nails.

I love running ! Woot !

This week I pick up bike volume as well as my push to remod the bathroom downstairs.

Here's my Project List:

-Remodel 2nd bathroom
-Total garage makeover for my car collection
-Office makeover
-Build a deck near the pool as well as a stone fire pit and stone walkpath leading to the pool

- Build a pergola over the garage w/ stone and 6x6 posts and some antique wrought iron.