Sunday, June 25, 2006

Tracking and a High Mileage Week...

I love the tracking systems that let us follow athletes as they hammer out the big ones! Yesterday I kept an eye on Olga, our Russian Bear, as she ran the Western States 100. Olga finished in 28:25:05, which I know is not what she wanted, but I still find amazing. Today, we are tracking two friends at Ironman Coeur d'Alene. It is the first Ironman for both of them, and is actually the first tri ever for one of them. Isn't that nuts? We got to go to Coeur d'Alene a couple years ago when Darcy was participating - it is incredible to watch. The effort of the athletes, the coordination of an event that size, the thousands of volunteers and spectators (plus the beauty of Coeur d'Alene) made it a memorable day. I wish we could be there to see it today, but tracking from home is the next best.

Well, remember how I was worried about the trip north messing up my training? Not. Last week I had a 29 mile week, including the race. That was good - it was a planned cut-back week. This week I racked up 37 miles of running, plus an additional 6 of hard hiking. Yee-hah! Here's what it looked like:

Monday - 6 mile hike
Tuesday - 7 mile run
Wednesday - 9 mile trail run (Eric says it was probably longer, his Garmin dropped part of the wooded section).
Thursday - rest (flying home)
Friday - 6 mile hill run
Saturday - 4.6 miles
Sunday - 10.4 miles

Today's 10.4 was my longest run since the half-marathon in April of 2003 (it was during training for that race that my heart problems started). I felt good today, and though I was glad to be done, I could've cranked out 3 more miles. Plus, it was 82 degrees when we got home from coffee, so it was pretty warm during the last five miles. I'm not worried about the relay at all, and I know I can do the mileage of the half, but am a little worried about the altitude and the heat. Jenny, Sonya and I are planning to run together and take it real easy. It is a trail run, and the first eight miles are uphill (1300 foot elevation gain). Bend, Oregon is at something like 3600 feet elevation - I ran the Tahoe 10K in October at a much higher elevation and it was tough. Oh, well - I'll just call it an adventure and it'll be good.

It's been a great break - but tomorrow it's back to reality. Eric goes back to work, Riley starts his summer schedule of work and play, and I start the summer course I teach.

I've got one more picture to post from Alaska - it describes our feelings about the whole trip and is my favorite:

9 comments:

Unknown said...

I like that picture of Riley. Nice job on the 10.4 miles today. You're an animal.

Anne said...

Isn't the Internet great when the mass media drops the ball on coverage of sporting events?!

I love the picture. Action-packed, spontaneous and very Alaskan.

E-Speed said...

awesome job on the long run! Wonderful pic!

matt said...

what a strong week, michelle! all of that and you had a great time, too :) that picture looks like one that you all will remember for a very long time to come. you really made that trip sound like the vacation of a lifetime. and i love to take vicarious vacations through my friends. thanks for great photos and wonderful posts. uggh, i wish you all didn't have to go back to the real world :(

psbowe said...

Maybe you should come along with us on our vacations too, I need to help me get my butt out there and run like you are on your trip! Nice job!

Those are awesome pictures in your previous post!

onepinkfuzzy said...

woo hoo, way to go on that mileage!!!

I love that picture of Riley. It gets me all misty-eyed thinking of Ash growing up :)

Dori said...

Congratulations on your longest run in THREE years. Way to go!

That's a great picture and your Alaska trip sounds wonderful.

Dawn - Pink Chick Tris said...

That is one great picture. Looks like some fun trails to run on.

Thomas said...

I love that picture. He's flying, he's flying!