training

TRAINING 2008!!! New Year, New Training!

WEEK 12/31/07:
MON: Day Off
TUES: AM> 13 miles, 1:51:22 (OUTSIDE, TEMPO RUN) (Cold day, so I wrapped up good enough to wet the inside of my
clothing w/sweat enough that I was coughing up a lung at the end of the run from being so chilled. Ah, but the beautiful
snow! What a change that is from the 55 degrees and sun we had just yesterday! The weather here sure does change in a
snap! Good push in a 27-degree and breezy day. Started out barely under 10:00 mile pace, but after a few miles warmup,
was well into the low-9's. After the first 5 miles and getting to the University of Louisville track (800-meter laps), wrapped
around it for 3 miles, forcing the pace a little faster each mile down to sub-9's by the last 5 miles of the run! The last 3
miles, was able to hold a nearly 8:00 pace (barely over, 8:10 - 8:20), and running it hard up the hill back into Iroquois Park
(hardly seemed like a hill at this point in the run; just felt good to be almost done)! Thought I'd surely come down w/a
sickness at the end when I was coughing crazy from breathing in all the cold. But I was fine once I settled down and got out
of the weather).
PM> 7 miles, 1:03:48 (INDOOR, TREADMILL, HEAT RUN) (Turned the heat up to 80-degrees and put on a nice fleece
jacket w/black tights. Started at a 9:30/mile pace, and held it for most of the run. After only the first mile, my jacket and
tights were already wet. I burned 880 calories in only 7 miles, to add to the 1486 in 13 miles earlier. I was burning well over
100 calories/mile. Seems that the longer I went, the more per mile I was burning. After the first 3.3 miles though, I actually
started adapting to the heat alright. On the last 2 miles, I ramped up the pace to go sub-9:00/mile, then down to 8:00/mile;
and on the last mile, was going 7:30 and under. Just wanted to get it over with at that point. It was a hard push b/c of the
heat. Will not be easy to try a half-marathon like this, but I do look forward to doing it!)

WED: 14 miles, 1:57:43(the "chill" run); 8 miles, 1:24:35(the "heat" run)
(Runs only 1 hour apart; just enough time to drive home from the park, grab a small snack and some water, send a few
emails, get ready and go onto the next run! Coldest day of the season yet, with temperature of only 18 degrees and a
5-degree wind chill! OUCH! I thought, "Antarctica?" before heading out. But really, just stepping out the door, my first
thought was, "This isn't too bad actually." I was wearing layers, and I mean layers; no more than 2 layers on anything, but
they were the heavy layers. Enough clothing today to still make me sweat through both jackets and through my gloves and
mittens (wore both)! So really I stayed rather warm, all but my face feeling the arctic chill of the wind. Muscles tight some
from yesterday, but felt decent actually, and was able to push a strong pace from beginning to end! Felt the weight of the
clothing didn't bother me, which was nice b/c I had to wear it or freeze out. I suppose the heat training helps w/dealing
w/the extra weight of clothing and sweat. You just get used to running like that. > The 2nd run was a heat run; somewhat
like yesterday, but heavier layers and a little longer. Will have to increase very gradually on this type of training as it could
kill me, literally, if I try and push too long too soon. So I think a mile or two each heat run sounds doable. I did have to
slow the pace compared to yesterday's run, as I knew I would need to go longer on this one and that I didn't have the break
I had between the runs yesterday, so I was still slightly drained from the 14-miler. Able to handle the heat better today than
I was yesterday though, as I knew more what to expect this time. Wore my knee-high OxySox, my Adidas black running
pants, and my UnderArmour black fleece jacket, w/the heat cranked up to 80 degrees. So a bit stuffy, but totally doable.
Had to sip on the water every 1/4-mile or less to handle things better and know I'd be able to keep the breathing good.
Good run though, and pushed strong on the last 2 miles, going sub-10, sub-9, down to sub-8 pace.

THURS: 16.5 miles, 2:19:18 (Felt like sh** the whole time, like I could vomit. The pizza I ate last night didn't settle well and
was still in my stomach, along w/the extra-strong coffee I'd had for breakfast. Just felt yucky. My body moving like normal
though, b/c I'm used to running w/that same stride and form. Strong pace just b/c I had to. I've had a few things going on in
my life outside of running that make me want to brutalize myself from time-to-time w/the running; it helps me deal w/the
stress better. Not good to hurt myself, but I felt that today what kept me going was that I didn't mind making myself hurt;
didn't mind making myself work when I felt bad; that feeling like I could vomit made me push harder cuz I knew I had to
work harder to keep good pace. It's like running uphill; you have to work harder to keep the same pace as you'd have going
downhill. No heat training today, kinda nice.)

FRI: AM> 10 miles, 1:22:23 (Speedwork. Tempo Run. Started out at a good pace, 9:21, and just got stronger and stronger as
the miles passed. Last 3 miles very strong, pushing an 8:05, 7:35, and sub-7:30. Shorter run, but very nice pace. Hit the miles
hard, and think that if I start putting in track workouts along w/these tempo runs (starting next week), I should be able to
work a really good marathon time in February, though the marathon after the 50k will be an experience in itself! Will have
to taper some in advance for these upcoming races. Has been awhile since I've actually raced (mid-October).
PM> 5 miles, 45:56 (Easy run, but still strong pace. Nice and relaxing end to the day. Was a bit tired from the run
earlier...it was a tough pace for me...so I needed to relax on this run. Has been awhile since I've actually had a light run;
this was nice! Tomorrow, will work distance, straight distance, as was last Saturday.)

SAT: AM> 18 miles, 2:57:15 (Comfortably fast pace today. Not too crazy a push, last 9 miles negative split from the first.
Ran part of the run w/one of my very best friends, and it was relieving to have someone with whom to carry on a nice
conversation; really made the miles pass by. He sure can talk my head off; and I talk A LOT! It is great to laugh and talk
while running though; it makes time just fly by and really did make me forget about the steady rain! I'm not much on
running in muddy grass though; never have been; though it made the run a bit more interesting!)
PM> 6 miles, 52:19 (Still keeping a decent pace on this run, though I ate too much after the last run. I was so starving at
the end of the 18-miler, and only 1 1/2 hrs between the 2 runs, so I really should've kept myself from eating sweet bread. I
was feeling it so much on this run, and just felt like about to vomit. Was fine once I stopped running though. The feeling of
about to vomit isn't my favorite, but it's good to learn to run through it! Can make you push a bit harder just to get it over
with!)

SUN: 13 miles, 1:36:09 (A push to even get outside running today. My legs are feeling the "no day off since Monday". Just
running 6 days in a row is difficult, especially at the paces I've been able to keep all week. The miles have not been "easy"
miles; some of them have been really hard. This hard half is a bit slower than last week, most likely due to the miles this
week being a little more, a little harder, and no days off since Monday. It taxes me; to run like this, but that is the idea.
Tomorrow, after a speed day today, I will push the hills of Iroquois in the heat (temps will be 70-degree+; that's the
forecast anyway; so it should be good heat training if I wear a little extra gear!)Looking forward to better overall mileage
on next week, and will only take day off if my body and mind force me, which let's pray doesn't happen. It is good to
push; it is good to see how far and how long my body and mind can hold out!)

WEEK OF 1/7/08:
MON: 20 miles, 4:06:27 (HEAT TRAINING ON HILLS). (Tough run out there today. After yesterday, and just the past week, I
didn't start out fresh. I didn't feel too bad, even though I was pretty hot after just the first mile. Didn't do overkill on the
heat gear, but not slacking either. 70-degree day, wore thin "Chicago Ultra" shirt, black fleece UnderArmour jacket, North
Face black gloves, black Run131 hat, black Nike earwarmer, black Injinji socks, and black Nike running skirt. The running
skirt was what gave me good vent. Yet it was definitely warm out today, no doubt on that, and like I say I was hot after
just the first mile, so it didn't get any cooler. There was a good breeze on the last straightway of each lap that helped me
start into the next lap. Ran the Iroquois loop 6 times. That is actually only 19.8 miles if you want to get technical, but I
was satisfied w/it. Iroquois is hilly which is why I chose it for this run. Makes it more extreme, more difficult. Great
weather for a run, even a heat run I suppose! Nice start to the week. Can't wait to go from the "heat 20's" to the "heat
marathons". It will get tougher I suppose, but that is all part of the plan!)

TUES: 15 miles, 2:46:50 (Slightly shorter distance, more heat. Funny how my body is getting used to the training. Able to
keep a better pace today, with more gear on. Helpful that there were not many hills on this run...in contrast to yesterday's
mostly all hills at Iroquois. There was some definite strong wind at 15 mph w/30 mph gusts! The wind was helpful to take
some of the heat away. Still 68-70 degrees but cloudy, which helped. If sun would've come out, definitely would have been
a lot more miserable. Wore good deal more clothing today, since I was taking shorter anyway to hold off for longer run
tomorrow. Black running capri tights, Nike sweatshirt hoodie (w/hood up), waterproof jacket (w/hood up and sleeves
pulled over hands closed w/velcro), black Nike earwarmer, black Injinjis. The capris helped give me a little vent, and the
wind was helpful, though running against it was a little difficult. Water in high demand today; even when I didn't want to
drink, I still drank at least every 10 minutes, just thinking what could happen to me if I didn't! Picked up the pace the last
2-3 miles just to get it over with. At that point was really sweating in buckets. Was so hot after that I had to remove the
sweatshirt immediately or I would vomit. Really felt like about to pass out or vomit or both, but how funny, I didn't feel
that terrible til after I stopped running!)

WED: 20 miles, 3:43:28 (HEAT AND DEPLETION RUN). ("Do not try at home, or ever...unless you want to brutalize
yourself! Keep away from children; only experienced beings or those who have a death wish need apply!" This type of run
is something I do not wish to do often. It is the most difficult run I've done in a very long time. Not only did I increase the
heat gear by a large portion today...was 50-52 degrees w/sun, and I wore: fleece UnderArmour sweatshirt w/hood tied
close to face and black Nike earwarmer, fleece black UnderArmour jacket, fleece black UnderArmour pants, Injinji socks.
Then there was also the increased caloric expenditure per mile due to the heat; burning much more calories each mile than
I would be without it. I was hungry by only 3 miles into it, and starving by 6.6 miles into it. Yet I did not eat, nothing, the
entire run! I said to myself, "You must drink a lot of water to keep going on this. If you're not eating, you must drink!" So I
kept drinking, but the last 5 miles or so was really low on the water and didn't want to stop b/c I was at that point going
for a sub-4:00 to break Monday's time. Plus I knew that if I were to keep stopping for water, I would want to stop
completely so badly that I might not finish. So I had to keep going, regardless of less water. I'd found a surprise box of
all-natural oreo cookies in the trunk of my car before starting the run, and just kept thinking that when it was over, I could
eat oreos! That helped me keep going, though on that last lap I was definitely out-of-it. Going on only 5 1/2 hrs sleep and
no food, I sometimes felt myself swerving like a car! I just kept drinking what water I could and thinking of it not being
much further to go! When I finished, I was happy to see the time, and walked slowly to my car to scarf down 6-7 oreo
cookies, soon after eating very nice meal. Took me awhile to get full, but so good to eat and to have gotten through
today's run!)

THURS: 13 miles, 1:55:07 (Felt FANTASTIC today! One day where I REALLY did not want to walk out the door and start
running. Pouring down heavy rain made me think, "Ah, if I could just lie here on this couch and take a day off running, my
body would be so glad!" Then, my mind telling me, yelling at my body, "It is raining out there; you must get out and not be
weak. If you don't run b/c the rain, what kind of a runner are you!" Quickly, I jump off the couch and think, "I must start by
2:30." And there I go, running in the pouring down rain, and feeling wonderful! I felt so good today, not being in that
suffocating heat. I wore enough to keep warm no doubt, but definitely not hot. Such a good feeling not to be so hot during
the run. Even "crucifixion hill" (Peterson Ave between Grinstead and Frankfort Ave) was run much more comfortably than
the usual. I thought, "This hill felt good today!" All the hills I ran felt good, to the point I said to myself, "WHAT HILL?!" I
was not pushing a pace whatsoever; just running faster and not breathing hard in the least! Could heat training actually
help? It sure helped on the hills today. They were just so much easier than they ever have been before. You would think
after no day off in so long, my body would be ready to give out. But no, felt stronger today than I have in a very long
time; as I didn't push at all and it used to be a push to run this type of pace!)

FRI: 16 miles, 4:00:00 (INDOOR,TREADMILL HEAT RUN) (77 degrees; black fleece UnderArmour pants, black North Face
gloves, fleece UnderArmour sweatshirt w/hood tied close to face, 2 black earwarmers, black North Face Apex jacket, rain
jacket, Injinji socks. This is more than I've ever worn in this type of heat, so was definitely an experience. That is why I
didn't push a pace though; b/c it was so hot. Actually started out w/less gear, and just kept adding more and more as the run
went on and my body was handling the heat better. Was tough (not easy) to go 4 hrs like this; even the first mile was hot
or hotter than normal heat runs I have been doing. The thing w/the treadmill is there is no wind/no breeze for relief. That
could be why after 2 1/2 hr or so, I would try to wipe sweat off my face and it burned (like a sunburn)! It was a weird
feeling I've never had before. Was burning 140-150 calories/mile, according to the treadmill, and was simply starving after
the run. But didn't eat right off. Instead, I forced myself to experience the heat a little longer by a 20-minute hot bath. It
was a lot of sweat today; so much that the few times I had to urinate, I was staggering back and forth a little. When I was
running, I didn't feel as dizzy; not dizzy at all until the 3-hr point, at which I was dizzy off-and-on but nothing too scary.
The last 30 minutes was difficult but lovely. Just knowing I would get through 4 hr like this felt great and getting done
w/the run was definitely something to look forward to!)

SAT: 31 miles, 5:15:06 (A pleasant start w/my best friend Brad helped me realize just what a beautiful day it was outside
and made the miles just fly by! Once Joe, a friend of Brad's I'd met during the marathons and a new friend of mine, joined
in we were off running at a fairly fast clip! My goal for this run, once I realized I was close, was 5:15 or under. I wouldn't
have been as close possibly if I'd not run the first 16-17 miles w/two of my good friends. It is fun to talk when you run, and
I mean me and Brad REALLY talk, so the last 2 laps (14 miles) were rather lonely, but the idea of getting through a 50K run
on no rest is what kept me going. I would've gone longer today if I'd had the time. Next Saturday, if I get started earlier, it
should be a good run. I like this loop, and there are some good hills on it as well which keep me strong! My best 50K time
by far; of course it was on the road vs. the trail, but it was still a great time and the last 2 miles I was able to really push it
in (meaning I could've gone longer b/c I still had something left!)

SUN: 18 miles, 3:01:55 (The most difficult part of today was just deciding to start this run. Last night at work, I was so sore
it hurt to sit...on a cushioned chair...and every movement did not feel good. Today, walking down the stairs to grab some
coffee and breakfast was not an easy task. My first thought was, "Do I have to run today?" (My answer: "Yes, you lazy
SOB!"). My second thought, "Why not just run on the treadmill?", as it was cold rain/snow outside. (My answer: "If I were
to run on the treadmill, I'd feel guilty not doing a heat run. I've already done 4 heat runs this week; save that for later. Get
out and deal w/the weather!"). The first few steps were not easy today, but I just laughed and said, "Hah, tough start, eh?" I
expected to be hurting pretty good today, so no surprise. Started out on an uphill, and there were some definite hills on
this course, but also plenty of flatland. At only a little under an hour into the run, I had this terrible hunger! And what had
I forgotten to bring...any kind of fuel whatsoever, but just plain water. So I had to drink the water, what I could. At barely
over an hour, a lower back pain like I'd never felt it before that just wouldn't go away...at least I thought it wouldn't. Only
took another 1 hr 15 min to finally leave my presence. Glad that came AND gone! Actually just painful all over today, but
nothing too excruciating, and got to the point where I was 'comfortable w/the pain'! Actually felt better at the end of
today's run than after the run yesterday. Hoping that I RAN THE PAIN AWAY, if there is a such thing as that!)
*[133 miles total for week]*

WEEK OF 1/14/08:
MON: 21 miles, 5:00:00 (INDOOR TREADMILL HEAT RUN) (Fine start to the week I think. Started where I left off on
Friday to add another hour to today's run. Took things better today than on Friday. Also, did not start adding an extra
layers until the 3:20 mark. Wore only the one layer on my legs (fleece), two layers on my upper body (one thin, one
thick), and the earwarmer along w/gloves. At the 3:20, just added one extra long-sleeve shirt and an extra earwarmer. At
that point, trying to make things a bit more grueling since I knew I didn't have long to go and could handle it. Lost no
weight on this run, yet still the same weight as I was at the end of Friday's run (how could I GAIN weight? but at least no
loss). Ate good amount of food on the run b/c I was hungry so often. Also drank plenty of water, though no more than the
run on Friday (65-70 oz). Took one 3-minute walk break right before heading into the last hour. Really helped, as did the
1/2-banana. I will try eating bananas on the runs more often, as it is good source of potassium. I've experimented before
w/eating a banana on the run, and it didn't settle well at all. But I do think that might have just been that one day; possibly
my stomach was a little upset to begin with. Today, not so, and I took in food really good actually. Only 4 GU energy gels,
1 Power Bar, and 1/2-banana. That is far more than I usually eat on any given run, but my hunger was enormous! Good run
today, though my legs quite sore right after, especially the right knee, though everything felt fine after applying
pain-relieving cream and taking a hot bath. I think these past 3 days in particular have not been easy. I don't plan on
taking this entire week the least bit easy, not the least! But I do have a good taper coming up next week for a VERY long
training run I will soon run and complete! It will be an experience, the taper and the long run, but it will be so worth it
and very much a challenge to look forward to!

TUES: 24 miles, 3:30:33 (Pacework/Tempo Run) (Everything felt alright starting out, my legs and feet feeling much better
than I expected. Started out an easy 11:00 pace, yet after 8 miles, was warmed up well and could jump down to 10/sub-10.
By the last 6 miles, was able to push a strong sub-9:00 pace, and started really hurting at that point. Wasn't sure how I
would hold out. Really wanted to end it early, but just kept hoping everything would be okay. I knew I had the endurance
to go the distance, but the pain just kept stabbing different parts of my body like a knife! I did not slow down, not at all;
instead tried to keep speeding up w/the thought that "The faster I run, the sooner this will be over! Get it over with!" I
really do not know what tomorrow holds, but for now am doing what I can to recover, and the main thing is that long run
on the weekend, AND to stay injury-free is a must!)

THURS: 26 miles, 3:53:22 (After a nice day off, my legs and really my entire body felt better! Only one day off; just think
what a REAL taper will do! This run felt too good. Able to go hard and long today, but not too hard. Like I wasn't really
pushing, just keeping smooth and graceful w/my strides. The knee was a slight bother after the first 40 minutes, but as I
remained focused on relaxing and keeping my running form as such...less supination, soft landings, and letting my feet feel
the ground (not just bouncing up and down)...I was able to keep everything feeling decent and just run! The weather, not
the greatest (had to throw my water bottles and go w/o water the last 2 hrs, as it was just making my hands too cold to
hold onto them...should've worn the Camelbak, so now I know), but I have a bad feeling that will soon be even worse in a
couple days! Three more days I will push hard, and harder, but the taper starts soon...very soon...and should feel
ABSOLUTELY fresh going into my first extreme-distance training run!)

FRI: 16 miles, 3:31:27 (HEAT AND DEPLETION RUN) (Slower pace, yet faster than on most heat runs. The idea on this was
to add more layers, sweating more...once again to the point at where my face felt sunburnt...and to not eat...before or
during. I did have a snack 2 1/2 hrs before starting, but that was out of my system at the start. After the first hour, got an
emergency phone call...friend locked out of her car...and had to stop the run for awhile to go help her; then an hour later,
was back into the run, doing the last 2 1/2 hrs. Difficult to get started back running after having ended it earlier; especially
on this type of run, b/c I just really really wanted to eat (and my friend was eating there at my place while I was running),
and b/c the heat was just SO terrible! I felt as though I could just fall over at any point! Very difficult on the last hour, as
the 10-minute intervals seemed to go by so slowly...til the last 10 minutes, where I picked up the pace and took each
minute faster than the last! Down to 9:00 pace by the end, and that is good for me on a run like this! Just felt good to be
getting it over with and be able to take a cool shower and eat something! Walking outside, even though it was definite
cold air, felt fantastic!)

SAT: Run 1: 28 miles, 4:52:51 (Nice run, nice pace, nice weather! Temperatures around here sure do change fast, huh! 75
degrees on yesterday's run, and 21 w/a 10-degree wind chill on today's! Wore less clothing, less layers today! The head buff
sure did save my life out there; I could run for long, long times w/that on! The water in the Camelbak froze, yuck! Did not
freak out. It was cold out; I would get water however I had to when I had to. I've got to figure something out w/that! I
need more water on a run like this, and ones that are even longer, in this extreme coldness! Felt good today on the run;
not sore at all; did not tighten up much. The knees were back and forth for awhile, but soon it was all over, and the pain
was nothing to worry about! Had 3 energy gels and a little water...that's it; just ran and ran! I look forward to, forcing
myself into having some energy, after work feeling the absolute crazy cold of sub-0 degree wind chills! Wow! That would
be nuts, but then I suppose I am a little crazy! I do wish to get in as much as I can before I must FORCE a taper for this
amazingly long training run a week from Tuesday!)
Run 2: 10 miles, 1:39:31 (Now THIS was cold; 8 degrees w/-4 degree wind chill! I most likely would have slept through the
morning if it weren't for this though, b/c extreme weather is cool; forcing the stuff most people would not wish to try! I
was not the only one to brave this madness, however; Louisville has some dedicated runners, and a few of them actually
didn't look completely miserable! Running can put a smile on one's face definitely!
It was only 10 miles, but a cold 10 it was, and not a bad pace considering the layers I had to wear to stay reasonably warm.
Was actually quite warm all but my upper face and my feet...which I could not feel after the first 30 minutes so that didn't
bother me. NO SLEEP WHATSOEVER before this run. It was a 7 a.m. run, but I'd been up since 7 a.m., so now it's been over
26 hrs no sleep. Nice practice, as I need this for the 100-mile distance runs. FINALLY, a taper! My body and mind wish to
relax this week, and that I will do! A few light runs and some days off. Should feel wonderful going into this LONG training
run, and am looking forward to it greatly!)
          *{125 miles total for week, 5 days}*

WEEK OF 1/21/08...TAPER WEEK!!!
MON: 11 miles, 1:35:15 (Ah yes, finally a taper! Resting my body feels SO GOOD! Legs nice and fresh today. Felt good to
take yesterday off; definitely feel tons better already! Will keep running much of the week, though there will be a few
days off. Don't like taking days off, but could be very beneficial, considering the intensity at which I've been training, to
rest my body to that same intensity! The extra sleep is definitely nice I have found!)

TUES: 8 miles, 1:09:29 (Once again, just breezin along, not a care in the world! Nice and snowy w/a bit of a chill in the air,
wind chills under 30 today, but kept fairly warm w/plenty of gear! Felt I could run this loop over and over again today, if
only I could have! Yet less than a week now and I will be running miles and miles, and will feel so good just to get out
there and really break into it! Wish I was traveling to Atlanta today, and running the 25-hr tomorrow morning! Yet if I feel
this good now, just imagine what will come w/more rest!!!)

THURS: 12 miles, 1:43:31 (Just long enough to be counted a run, and short enough to feel like I hadn't even run! Didn't feel
like I was running; just moving w/the breeze, like the wind! It was a chill today, only 19 degrees and 9-degree wind chill,
but didn't bother me as I've ran longer in colder weather! Not sore whatsoever after; felt so good to get out and run today
though considering day off yesterday! The snowy grass was beautiful as well; what an experience; actually enjoyed running
in some snow today! The grass is lovely anyway, and running on it feels good to my joints, but it's not too often I get to
experience running in white grass! I only wish I could've run longer today! Soon it will be, very soon!)

FRI: 10 miles, 1:32:19 (Short running still; wanted to go longer but must wait and be ready for very very long training run
very soon!)

SAT: Day Off...(After much thought, have decided not to do the 100+-mile training run, and be healthier going into the
McNaughton 100-Mile in April. I want to do my first 100-mile as a race; just feel it would be less stressful w/the extra
support and the motivation of other runners. Going to Atlanta for a training run of 100+ miles, I do think it sounds
wonderful of course, yet possibly just a dream. Am I really ready?)

SUN: 2 miles easy (This is it. I am removing all self-doubt in my mind. I know I can handle this; I know I will
conquer the distance; I know it will be painful like none other; I know I like pain, love it! The anticipation of
this event has placed multiple thoughts in my head going all directions, but it is what I feel ready to do and I
must get out and do it! Less than 2 days til the run, and my mind is calm about it. I know this WILL happen!)

WEEK OF 1/28/08: LONG RUN WEEK!
MON: Day Off, rest

TUES - WED: 25-Hour run. 95 miles. (Read a full report of it on the Whatzhappenin page!)

THURS: Day Off, rest

FRI: 5 miles, 55:41 (Felt good today; muscles extremely heavy but able to lift my legs some, and not much tightness in the
least! My immune system is very down right now but am doing okay. Not pneumonia or anything, I hope anyway; just
really really tired. Hope to get more sleep the rest of the week to make up for the lack, and get started back into more
normal training by Monday or at least Wednesday of next week. Will try for 10 tomorrow, as long as I can get some
decent sleep after work tonight!)

SAT: 12 miles, 2:03:54 (The recovery from this past long run is going so good, almost too good! I feel better after running
95 miles than I did after my first 50 or after much of my 50K's last year! The only pain I dealt w/today was toward the end
where I experienced a burning sensation in the inside of my right quad. It was good pain, though; not the kind of pain I
dealt w/at mile 80.6 of the 95 miles. I wouldn't say any pain is bad, but some is more bearable than others. Woke up really
sick today, did not want to get out and run. I'm taking medicine though and getting more rest, so should be better soon!
Look forward to getting back into the training before a slight taper for the Lovin the Hills 50K in 2 weeks!)

SUN: 16 miles, 2:34:13 (Feeling crappy w/the sickness; if my immune system would cooperate, I would feel so good running
right now! Started feeling a little muscle tightness during today's run, not much though and felt good. I am ready to get back
into the training! Bring it!)
*{ 128 miles for week }*

WEEK OF 2/4/08:
MON: 16 miles, 2:31:27 (Not tiring at all to my legs; would have gone longer; would've been SO glad to. The sickness was
just way too much to handle today. I had numerous coughing spells, congestion like none before (affecting my breathing),
the headache, sore throat, both eyes burning like growing flames, my entire body felt like I was moving a dead person! So
yeah, 16 miles was good for today. Though I can't wait to get this immune system back to normal; hopefully I will be good
by tomorrow or Wednesday. Finally a day off work today, so that should help, and then I can also get extra rest that I've
needed!)
TUES: Day Off! (The Sickness).
WED: Day Off! (The Sickness).
THURS: Day Off! (The Sickness. Am feeling much better since I've been giving my body some time to heal. Should be ready
to get out and run some tomorrow! I do hope it will be a good run though, and not something too short; though I don't
plan on going a full-out long run yet. I'll just be glad to run and not feel like total death out there like I did this past Mon!)
FRI: Day Off! (The d**n NyQuil! I know I needed the stuff, and it helped, but I need to get out and run and this rest is
driving me to a new level of insanity! Tomorrow, I will wake at 10 a.m. and no matter what, I will be running by 12
p.m...though of course I do hope I feel better. Today, don't feel too bad; not completely over it for sure, still congested
w/clogging in my right ear. Otherwise, why not run? So tomorrow it is, I won't die, and I WILL RUN!!!)
SAT: 1.5 miles, 16:28 (Tried to run today, but a constant cough to the point of nearly vomiting took over. That is when I
decided to see the doctor, getting frustrated that I didn't know when I'd be able to run again! He said I had sinus infection
and ear infection, so now I am on antibiotics and will be better in 10 days or less! That is good news, but I just wish I didn't
have to wait 10 days! I will try running when I can though. I simply can't bear the 'not running' thing much longer!)
SUN: Day Off.

WEEK OF 2/11/08:
MON: 20 miles, 3:19:58 (In temperatures of 21 degrees and wind chill of only 11, w/a clear sky turning into winter
wonderland, I came alive again! At the start, after not coughing once for the first 1/2-mile, I knew I might be able to hold
out for at least 3 hrs today! This was magical, though! The weather was frightening, but I loved it! Nothing could've kept me
inside on a day like this! I was out there, not coughing much, and able to run again! I felt strong; full of energy; and when
the snow came pouring down covering the road and grass w/sheets of white, I could only smile! I loved the feel of the
pavement, the feel of the grass, just the pounding on my legs and feet! I can feel this is going to be a very strong week, and
I'm FINALLY feeling much better and ready to force some tough runs!)

TUES: 13 miles, 2:28:18 (Sure a 1/2-marathon sounds easy, but try the terrain! Nearly the entire first hour was hard-packed,
thick, clumpy snow w/a few mounds of snow so high that when I'd jump over them I'd scream thinking I was going to fall
forward! Yikes! There were a few times where I was just like, "I HATE this!!!" The clumpy, nearly impossible to run on
snow seemed to be never-ending! The few times that I did get off the hard-packed, thick clumpy mess, there were flooded
roads...as it was a very cold rain going on outside melting the snow but leaving the roads w/VERY cold water!!! Yikes! I'd
rather run on the flat ground though, as the hard snow, especially the mounds, were hurting my muscles to the point where
I could go no faster than what I did today. Good cardio workout, much harder than if I'd just gone for a 1/2-marathon on a
warm, sunny day! Wore my insulated Camelbak for hydration today; very, very good idea! Will continue to use this on
these yucky extreme, cold weather days!)

WED: 15 miles, 3:30:00 (Indoor Treadmill Heat Run) (The main difficulty of these runs is the mentality of them. It is just so
difficult to get through them b/c of the heat; oftentimes you feel you want to vomit or pass out, and to keep going when
feeling like this is not easy. I always just take 1/2-hr at a time, then 10 minutes at a time; whatever seems most simple.
Even though feeling like I'm going to vomit during the run, I always end it extremely hungry, w/so many calories burnt
during the run it takes plenty to replenish. My mental state was good today, and is what got me through this. My right foot
hurt in two different places, and at only 1/2-hr to go, went through a few excruciating periods, but I took a slight walk
break and got things back together. The last 20 minutes were all about just keeping it going. Good run, good to be done
w/it. Now I must get ready for work!)

THURS: 20 miles, 3:05:41 (Nice, strong run today; felt literally GREAT the whole time! Mix of trail and road today; mix of
snow and VERY ICY spots on the road! Had to keep a decent pace, not to slip and fall; did have a few slides here and
there...fun actually! Legs felt amazingly well! These compression tights ARE what they say they are! They do help delay
muscle fatigue, they make your legs feel lighter, help you keep a smooth, graceful stride...they are really nice! I had to stop
by Fleet Feet and get another pair for Saturday's race! Excited definitely! It will be an interesting race, especially w/the
snow-packed trails adding to the challenge!)

FRI: 8 miles, 1:13:36 (Cut the 2nd run from yesterday when I got home from work around 5 a.m. and crashed after downing
tons of coffee; sometimes the stuff works, but not always all that's necessary; sometimes the body and mind just need
sleep...yikes! So yeah, got 5 1/2 hrs sleep and woke up to a nice light run in preparation for tomorrow's race. Took it quick
pace today of course, as I wore my compression tights and my legs are feeling super strong anyway! Will be a challenging
course to an extreme tomorrow morning, but ABSOLUTELY look forward to it! Plus, only a 31-mile; will seem much shorter
in comparison to the 95 only 2 1/2 weeks ago!)

SAT: LOUISVILLE LOVIN THE HILLS 50K RACE!!!; 34 miles, 8:08 (That's right, 34 NOT 31! I let the guy in front of me
lead me down the wrong path after the last aid station! BAD IDEA, btw! I was sssooo mad when I found we'd been
going the wrong way for like 40-45 minutes! I was literally going to stop at mile 32 cuz we'd already done our 50K+
for the day! I seriously thought about not finishing it at that point! But thought about it, and this course was sssooo
tough, sssooo challenging, I couldn't just end it here! Plus, WHY NOT get in a few extra miles; good training run!
    Did I mention the course was TOUGH! What do I mean by tough? Well first off, every hill was at least 1/2-mile long,
most of them 1 - 1 1/2 mile long, and they were steep w/slushy snow and VERY muddy! The hills were continuous; very
little flat areas. There were a few times I had to put my hands down and grab the ground a bit just to get through a
climb! The downhills were so slippery, you had to just let your feet slide and run as fast as you could; they killed my calf
muscles (trying to keep a balance) and quads (just cuz they were sssooo steep and narrow)! Also, on top of the mud and
slushy snow were numerous creek crossings; got my feet and legs wet before the first 10 miles; and it was COLD water!
Later, I got a blister on the inside of my left ankle but it didn't bother me much. Very narrow at times, and I often felt I
would fall off the trail and down the ridge into the trees and everything else, as my feet just slid all over the place! I
need to get better shoes for running in the snow obviously! Legs felt strong all the way through, amazingly so; the
distance itself did not bother me much; the course was the difficult part of the race; could've ran 50 miles today if that
was the race; was able to run much of the hills toward the end (as so many were just non-runnable; you could walk
them as fast as you could run them and cut down your risk of falling and having to start over on the hill)! People told
me I looked very strong out there, and I know my time would've been much better had I not gotten lost (b/c of the guy
I'd not even met before; taking his advice cuz I was so out-of-it anyway), but it was all good cuz this way I got in a
better run actually; AND there were still plenty of people behind me who hadn't gone the wrong way for 40-45
minutes!)

SUN: 11 miles, 2:02:02 (This is what pace I could handle today, everything just sorta aching; I didn't mind; pain is good and I
was glad to be out there and running decent. Can't wait to get back into the training hard this coming week! Tomorrow I
will force a 2-a-day; off work anyway and will have plenty of time; not sure what my legs will be able to handle, but that
is the fun in it; finding out what you can do! Plus I do have to get back into the training hard soon to prep for the LBL
50-Mile only 3 weeks from now!)