Rockledge Rumble 50k - Total Wreckage

This past weekend was the Rockledge Rumble 50k and by far my worst race experience to date.  There really isn't a lot to say.  I kicked the crap out of a rock around mile 6 and spectacularly laid out on the trail. I could never really get back into things after that an my left calf kept cramping up, which was incredibly frustrating.  I was thinking that 5:30 would be a solid time and that 6:00 would be my fall back time (the course record is around 4:30 - I think).

I finally had enough around 20 miles, laid down on a bench, watched clouds race by and enjoyed the roar of 50 mph winds.  I laid there for about 20 minutes contemplating dropping before finally deciding to finish what I started.

Everybody is Blogging!

I haven’t been overly motivated to blog as of late and seeing as how not many of the bloggers that I follow were blogging, there seemed to be no urgency to blog. However, that has recently changed and pretty much everyone that I read is blogging again! BG broke off a BF marathon, Doom is in love with shoes... again

Runner with an Appetite set a new PR at the MCM, The Ale Runner has your pumpkin beer covered, and JScott is always blogging.

I have not really been doing anything note worthy but do have a 50k coming up. I’ve been pretty unmotivated since pulling out of Cactus Rose and have just kind of been cruising along clipping off 40-50 mile weeks. I did manage to recently get in one 27 mile run and some shorter runs in the 16 – 20 mile range. I’ve also been grinding out a couple of hours of stairs each week and hitting the gym for heavy lifting. However, I don’t really have a good feeling for where this has put me physically and I am not expecting a powerful performance at this upcoming 50k.

 I have been drinking some great beer, and always, try to drink local!

I love this version of Little Talks

Week Ending 9.30.12

Monday - AM - 30 min stairs, PM - 4 miles

Tuesday - 1 hour stairs

Wednesday - AM - 30 min stairs, PM - 4 miles

Thursday - 6 miles

Friday - 16 miles, NB 110, Rowlett Creek Preserve

Saturday - 4 miles - Wanted to get in more than that but it was pouring down rain and 4 miles was more than enough.

Sunday - 6 miles

Total - 40 miles plus 2 hours stairs

Pretty lack luster of a week but it felt good to get out and do something each day after taking off two days last week.  I'll probably push the miles out to 60+ and still try to get in a couple of hours of stairs this coming week.  So Doom reminded me this week that we had talked about doing the R2R2R in the spring of '13.  Well, that is closer than it seems and now is the time to start planning for '13.  I am leaning towards Grasslands 50 in March, Hells Hills 50 in April (WS Qualifier), R2R2R in May, El Scorcho 50k in July, Leadville 100 (travel for R2R2R might make this unlikely - so probably only one of these two), and Cactus Rose 100.

Week Ending 9.23.12 - A Reset

Monday - AM - 30 min stairs, PM - Gym - Press, Bench, Squat, Dead

Tuesday - AM - 1 hour stairs, PM - 4 miles

Wednesday - AM - 6 miles, PM - 6 miles

Thursday - 1 hour stairs

Friday - Off

Saturday - Off

Sunday - 12 miles, NB 110, Rowlett Creek Preserve

Total - 28 miles plus 2.5 hours stairs

Car Parked in the Woods?

I did something to my left foot while fishing in Oklahoma but didn't think anything of it until it was still bothering me on Thursday.  I slipped in a creek, stepped awkwardly on a rock and ended up with deep bruise or something.  So I decided to take a couple of days off this week, given that there is no race looming.  Things felt fine on my run this afternoon but it was hot as hell and I am tired of running in the heat!

Life Calls - No Cactus Rose 100

There are things in life that are bigger than races and once such event has come calling on the same weekend as Cactus Rose 100.  I will not be at this years race but plan to be there next year....

Rack 'Em, I'm Done

I've decided to step away from the gym and take a break from lifting until after Cactus Rose 100.  I've been very pleased with my the progress I made in the gym.  I'm lifting more than ever and feel that my core is stronger than it has ever been.  I'll be grinding out the miles over the next few weeks and will probably even hit some triples.

Attacked!

I got attacked by a dog tonight and, needless to say, my run got cut short.  Luckily the dog managed to rip my shorts up pretty good but some how was able to avoid actually biting me.  The owner was holding a leash in his hand but for some reason the dog wasn't on it....

Anyway, that gives me a bit of extra time this evening to enjoy a nice brew