A Steady Diet of Government Cheese

Had a nice run this morning DOWN BY THE RIVER!!! However, I could feel the effects of the Mt. Agamenticus repeats yesterday. But that's a good thing. Nice to get in a solid medium-length, general aerobic run on tired legs. Good benefits to that.

Pretty happy with the week, overall. Ended up with 61.9 miles, despite the heat wave for much of the week. Aside from yesterday, everything was easy paced. That's okay for now, but in August and September this kind of mileage will have some harder workouts built into it. But just general aerobic runs with some tough hill climbing yesterday fits in nicely with the base building at this stage.

Major congrats to friend and fellow Trail Monster teammate Joe Wrobleski for earning the silver buckle at the Western States 100 this morning! Huge accomplishment and glad it happened for somebody who is such a nice guy.

Ran 15.3 miles @ 8:08/mile pace.
Paved roads.
Moderately hilly.
Upper 60s to lower 70s, sunny.
Saucony Kinvara 3, shorts, short sleeved shirt, bandana.

Mt. Agamenticus

After sleeping in, I eventually made my way over to Mt. Agamenticus where a big, group run was going on. Within minutes of arriving, Ian, Jeremy and Zak came flying down the mountain and I joined them. They were looking fresh as daisies despite already having over 20 miles under their belts in some very intense humidity.

We set out on about a mile long section on a downhill dirt road. These guys are all doing the Vermont 100 next month and it's obvious they are in incredible shape for it. Very impressive how much energy they had. The Trail Monsters will no doubt have an excellent showing there for sure. 

As for me, I felt great. Enjoyed hitting the trails with these guys and the singular 600 foot climb featured in each 2.9 mile loop was a great workout, as was trying to chase these guys on the subsequent technical downhill. Good times!

Ran 11.6 miles @ 11:23/mile pace (includes stops)

Trails, some dirt roads. 

Mountainous. 

Lower to upper 70s, partly cloudy, very humid. 

New Balance MT110, shorts, cap.

Final Day of the Heat Wave

Finally. A cold front is expected to make its way through this afternoon, hopefully bringing some wicked thunderstorms with it. If so, that would make it seem like a parade of sorts. And while tomorrow and Sunday are still expected to be warm (lower 80s), it'll seem nicer and then Monday and beyond are supposed to be significantly cooler (lower 70s for the highs).

But for this morning, the heat and especially the humidity are still present. Took the pace easy again and the run was short. Thankfully, I was feeling way better than yesterday evening, courtesy of a good night's rest.

No double today, I have too much to do the rest of the day and just five was planned anyway. Definitely leaning towards not racing the 5K on Sunday, and going for some volume instead. Back Cove 5K on Wednesday fits in with the training better. Eyes on the forest, not the trees...

Ran 5.4 miles @ 7:47/mile pace.
Paved roads.
Mostly flat.
Lower to mid 70s, very humid, sunny.
Saucony Kinvara 3, shorts, short sleeved shirt, cap.  

Evening 5K

Another run today. Legs felt pretty lethargic. I think the 21.7 miles over the past two days in the heat is taking its toll a little. Still, nothing bad and I only have one short run on the agenda for tomorrow.

Flip flopping whether to race a 5K on Sunday. On one hand, it'd be fun. On the other, it doesn't really fit in well with the overall running plans. Might be more prudent to get in more volume over the weekend and maybe run the Back Cove 5K on Wednesday evening.

Ran 3.1 miles @ 8:38/mile pace.
Paved roads.
Slightly hilly.
Lower 80s to upper 70s, partly cloudy, humid.
Merrell Bare Access, shorts, short sleeved shirt.

Heat Wave: Day Two

Warmer this morning than yesterday and getting out about an hour later didn't help matters much. Still, all and all not too bad. Yes, the heat sucks, but the body is adjusting to it. That being said, I dare not do any speed work in this crap.

May or may not get out for something short at sunset. A little three miler would be nice to push me over 10 miles total for the day, but we'll see.

Ran 7.1 miles @ 7:54/mile pace.
Paved roads.
Slightly hilly.
Mid 70s to lower 80s, sunny, humid.
Brooks Mach 13, shorts, short sleeved shirt, cap.

Thank You Sir, May I Have Another

Bookended the day with another easy paced run at sunset. Glad to get in 11.5 miles total for the day despite the heat (topped out at 95F/35C). Did the run after I bottled a 5-gallon batch of Belgian White. This one is definitely going to be a winner.

Tomorrow is supposed to still be pretty hot. Not sure if I'll do a longer single or two shorter doubles again. One thing I know is that I will not be on the trails. The deer flies were bad enough on the roads, I can't even imagine what they must be like in the woods.

Ran 5.4 miles @ 7:46/mile pace.
Paved roads.
Mostly flat.
84F/29C to 80F/27C, partly cloudy, very humid.
Merrell Bare Access, shorts.

Heat Wave

74F/23C and 94% humidity at the end of my run. The air was pretty thick and tough to breath, but I was thankful I got out when I did. I installed the portable air conditioner upstairs this morning and have it cranked.

Heat waves make it an easy decision for me to break up workouts into doubles, so I hope to get out for a second similar run around sunset. I am already longing for snowshoe racing season.

Ran 6.1 miles @ 8:06/mile pace.
Paved roads.
Mostly flat.
Lower to mid 70s, sunny, very humid.
Brooks Mach 13, shorts, short sleeved shirt, cap.