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July 28, 2004

Cold Summer

Well this is the coldest summer that I can remember. I woke up at 6:00 this morning and I was freezing! It is so odd. Right now I'm looking out the window at work and all I can see is haze and clouds. It is also the most humid summer in Colorado that I've ever seen. My hair has become a curly afro. Now, I love hot weather, so this is kind of a bummer, but it is nice to be able to sleep soundly and run almost whenever I want.

I should start with yesterday's workout. I drove up to Boulder and I knew that my stomach would present a problem. Eating lunch is really tricky on days when I have a workout. I had eaten a big spinach salad with raisins, almonds, hard boiled eggs, and bacon. Usually this salad sits pretty well but I could tell that it was not so much. So I was troubled by this and by the fact that my legs felt pretty dead after lifting weights Monday night. We started our warmup and I seriously felt like we were sprinting (at maybe 9:00 pace). Generally a bad sign. Darren was working with some of our runners on the track, so we hung out and stretched for a while, then did strides around the track. It was actually kind of nice to have a longer time to get used to the idea of running. I also think that this extended our warmup by 3-4 minutes which was nice, we usually warm up for about 15 minutes which is not quite enough. The workout involved four sets of fartleks of varying lengths. It was a fun, challenging workout that simulated race conditions really well. The group is so much fun, at present we have runners from about age 17 to runners in their early 50's. This is an amazing dynamic and everyone works really well together.

So that was a great workout and a fun evening. On the way back to Denver I stopped for dinner with my friend M. It was great to see him.

This morning, I got up, wished I hadn't, and started running. I was supposed to run 5-7 miles per my schedule. During the run, I decided to run anywhere from 4 to 8 depending on how I felt at the moment. At the end, I settled on 6 miles. My body felt pretty good although my legs were a little dead and I was hungry through the entire run.

I am trying to dial it back a little bit this week so that for the next two weeks, when I'm unemployed, I can run a lot. I am not good at dialing it back. But I really think it's a good idea and I'd like to take one day off this week which should work out well because of traveling. We'll see how much I can update through the next few days but I'd like to write a few entries.

Posted by barb at 08:41 AM | Comments (0)

July 27, 2004

Weight Lifting

Well I did not go to yoga yesterday but I actually went and lifted weights at the gym for the first time in two weeks. I always dread lifting weights and often plan to and then avoid doing it. However, yesterday it was the activity that worked the best in my schedule in the afternoon, so I did it. I did legs and some arm/shoulder/back stuff. I also biked on a really easy level for about 15 minutes just to warm up my legs and to get some reading done.

That is really all there is to report. I have practice after work today, we'll be doing a fartlek workout. The weather's been steadily warming up lately but it shouldn't be nearly as hot as two weeks ago, thankfully. I think it'll be a good, hard workout. Saturday's workout, which I'm planning to do in California, will be a killer, I believe. That will be fun.

On other topics - counting today, three more days of work. I am very excited about this. I think I can run 70 miles next week and the week after when I'm unemployed.

Posted by barb at 08:42 AM | Comments (0)

July 26, 2004

Lots of News

I kind of hate it when I don't update over an entire weekend, there is always so much to write about on Monday. I usually have three runs and all kinds of other stuff going on. This weekend was no exception.

Friday ended up being a pretty late night. M. and I drove to Cheyenne, Wyoming, to see George Strait play at Frontier Days. Frontier Days is a huge rodeo and is basically the only reason to ever go to Cheyenne. It was freezing cold, believe it or not, and it had been raining on and off all day, so it was COLD and MUDDY. But George Strait is such a great performer that it didn't really matter. Aside from the concert we didn't see much of Frontier Days aside from booths of fried food and a little fair. Because of the two hour drive home and a few detours, we didn't get home until 1:30 am, so I didn't go to practice on Saturday morning.

I woke up around 8:30 and did a slightly modified version of the workout I was supposed to do with my team. I ran from M.'s house, which is almost three miles from Wash Park where I did the workout - which was a combination of a 20 minute tempo run and a short fartlek - so I believe I ran 11 miles all told. I was pleased with the total mileage and proud that I completed the workout, because it was hard and I was feeling spent after the tempo run portion. Overall it was a good workout and although I felt bad about ditching practice, especially since I can't go this coming Saturday, it was for the best.

On Saturday the weather was cold and cloudy again, which is totally odd for July. We decided that the only thing to do was go to the movies. So we went to see two movies - Spider Man 2 and The Bourne Supremacy. I would definitely recommend doing this from time to time. The Bourne Supremacy was way better, I would recommend it really highly. Afterwards M. had a migraine and I was sleepy so we took a nap at 6:00 and didn't wake up until the next morning. I must have needed that.

Sunday morning I had to do a long run. I had been doing most of my long runs with my friend K. up in Boulder, and this weekend I just couldn't handle driving to Boulder, so I ran 14 miles on the Highline Canal trail. This trail goes through all of Denver so it is nice because you can run as far as you want on dirt. In addition, it has mile markers which I like, because I really like knowing exactly how far I've gone. I ran the first mile at about 9:30 pace and then every mile after that was well under 9:00 pace. It was weird, I didn't feel like I was going that fast and I kept telling myself to slow down because I was worried that the last three or four miles would be hell. I finished the run in 1:57, which I calculated this morning to be 8:21 pace. This makes me feel pretty good about running the marathon in October because I felt at the end of the run that if my body hadn't been chafing I could have continued for 12 more miles. It was kind of boring running for almost two hours by myself but it was a really pretty morning and the sun came out for the first time in three days which was nice.

I finished last week with 63 miles which is, as far as I know, the biggest week as far as mileage goes that I have ever done (by .5 miles). So I feel good about that because although I was a little tired this morning overall I feel pretty good. I'll be traveling this week and I think it would be a good idea to take an easier week so I imagine this week will be more in the low 50-mile range.

This morning I woke up at 6:15 and ran 7 miles at a very moderate pace, just to shake my legs out. It was highly unremarkable. The weather is returning to actually feeling like summer which I enjoy. I am planning on trying a yoga class tonight at a studio I haven't been to, just to stretch out and do a little moderate strength training.

That is all the news from the weekend! It was a great week. I'm looking forward to another one!

Posted by barb at 09:26 AM | Comments (0)

July 23, 2004

Sleeping In

It's Friday, I have four more days at this job, I decided to sleep in this morning. It was blissful. I woke up at 7:00, putzed around for a while, and started running around 7:30. Friday is typically my easy/recovery/rest day, so I had four miles planned. I felt pretty good so I added on a bit and ended the morning with 5 miles in the bank. The weather this summer has been so bizarre, it was actually kind of cold out this morning, which is nice for running but not nice when you want to wear cute little summery outfits.

We have a pretty hard workout on tap for tomorrow so I'm actually a little nervous but it should be fun. Most of the team ran the Pearl Street Mile last night - I opted out because I am sick of driving to Boulder. They all ran really well and it sounds like it was a lot of fun, albeit somewhat rainy fun. I chose instead to have a glass of wine with a friend, which is definitely the less sporty choice.

Not much to report outside of that. This week is looking good for about 60 miles. I've schedule a chiropractic appointment for my time of unemployment and I'd like to get a massage in as well. I also hope to have time to do some yoga and of course my favorite activity, weight lifting.

Posted by barb at 09:41 AM | Comments (1)

July 22, 2004

A New Route

I get really excited when I find a cool new route, especially one that starts from my house. This morning I started out on what I expected to be a fairly standard, boring 10 mile run. I planned on running around Wash Park two or three times, and maybe adding on a loop around Cheeseman Park, another park in the area. Since I had run around Wash Park last night during my 7 mile run, that seemed more dull than normal. Not that I don't enjoy running around Wash Park - it is a great park and I feel really lucky to live close enough to run there all the time - but it is boring for longer runs.

So this morning I started running around Wash Park and then decided to run through this cute little neighborhood southwest of there called the Platt Park area. Then I kept going south, through the neighborhood, to the DU (University of Denver) area, and found a trail along a little creek/ditch/gulch thing that I followed for a while. I was having so much fun exploring that I ended up going out for 50 minutes. I decided to come back the exact same way and, although I probably ran a little longer than 11 miles, call it 11 for the day. I ran back a little faster so the total time for today was 96 minutes.

Last night I ran an easy 7 miles after work that was not too exciting. It was pretty hot when I started out but it cooled off nicely and it was really pleasant. Since I still did not feel 100%, I took another Vitamin C packet, chilled out, and went to bed at 9:00. That was probably the best possible thing I could have done as I feel almost 100% today. I'm going to keep drinking the Vitamin C drinks for the next couple of days and possibly beyond that because they seem to be very good for me in general. They have a lot of B vitamins in addition to 1,000 mg of c. They taste pretty foul but I can handle 6 ounces of anything.

Posted by barb at 09:05 AM | Comments (0)

July 21, 2004

Feeling Mostly Better

Well I went home from work at 12:30 yesterday afternoon to sleep. So I really did feel pretty bad. I just couldn't function. It was weird. At lunchtime I bought a box of Emergen-C packets and took one, which made me feel better for like 10 minutes, and then I felt worse again. At 1:00 yesterday I didn't think I'd be running at all, much less doing a workout. However, I set my alarm for 4:00 and decided I would see how I felt after a three hour nap. When I woke up, I still felt kind of bad, but I was sick of sleeping and I figured that I might as well drive to Boulder and try to do the workout rather than sit around on my couch or try to run it by myself.

By the time I got to Boulder I felt somewhat better. I told my coach that I would do my best and after the warmup when I didn't feel like I was going to die, I decided to attempt the workout, which was 800m repeats on the track. I love running on the track so I really wanted to do it if I could. I ended up really surprising myself (and my teammates) with how well I did! After about four of the repeats, I felt better than I had all day. The cooldown was a little rough - I just wanted it to be over - but overall it was a great workout and I am really glad I went. It had been raining a lot in Boulder in the afternoon so the temperature was a very pleasant 70 degrees. Based on this workout I am really curious as to what I could run for 5k right now - I'm guessing that even at altitude I am in low 20:00 shape. That would be so cool. Ever since I started running again after college I've wanted to go under 20:00 for 5k - it's been on my list of goals for two straight years. I think I am getting closer. Although my big goal race for this year is the marathon, we've talked about going to Carlsbad next year for the Carlsbad 5000. RRB goes every year and it is definitely a great race for a PR.

I haven't run yet today - I prioritized sleep over running - but I plan to run 5-6 miles this afternoon after work, get Thai food, and go to bed. Not a very exciting night but just what I need.

Posted by barb at 09:03 AM | Comments (0)

July 20, 2004

I don't feel good

I am such a wuss when it comes to being sick. I woke up this morning with a sore throat and now I feel like I NEED to take a nap, RIGHT NOW. Sadly I am at work and that seems impossible.

At this point the idea of driving to Boulder and doing a speed workout seems about as appealing as a root canal. So I am strongly considering changing my workout schedule this week, not going to practice today and running an easy 4 miles and then doing my workout on Thursday. In fact, if I don't feel significantly better by 3:00 today, that is what I'm going to do.

I do not have the energy to think of anything else right now. I am going to go find a bench to nap on. I am really serious.

Posted by barb at 10:06 AM | Comments (0)

July 19, 2004

I love Mondays

So I expected to feel like crap today. And I really didn't. I did really not want to go to work but it happens and I am really on the downhill slope on this now, I have about two weeks left at my job. Anyway this morning I ran an easy 8 miles. I hadn't seen my schedule for the week and I wasn't scheduled for quite that much but it is no big deal, I may switch the Monday and Wednesday workouts.

I ended up spending a lot of yesterday on my mother's couch, maybe that helped. And went in the pool around 8:00 at night, that was great. I have decided that going in hot tubs just isn't worth it, it makes my legs feel awful. Also watched some of the trials in the afternoon which was so much fun. It was taped from Friday so I saw the 1500m semis, the 5000m finals for the men, and the 10000m for the women. Watching Deena Kastor and Elva Dryer is just so inspiring. You could see in their eyes not only how incredibly strong they are, but that they were actually kind of having a good time!

So the next step here is a workout tomorrow, getting some of those little bottles to put around my waist for the next long run, and trying to really focus on good nutrition and fueling my body. And drinking LOTS of water because it is still darned hot.

Posted by barb at 09:26 AM | Comments (1)

July 18, 2004

Marathon Training

Well now I really feel like I'm training for a marathon. Today is Sunday, I ran 16-17 miles with my friend K. I am not sure exactly how far it was which kind of bugs me but I am OK with that. We ran for about 2 hours and 25 minutes. It was a GREAT run. Over 90% on dirt which felt really nice. We started at 7:00 this morning so it wasn't too hot. This is the longest run I've done since I was 19 (Alison if you are reading this, it is since you, Laurie and I ran Bean's and Back your senior year!). It was a learning experience from the perspective that I should NOT eat Raisin Bran for dinner the night before a long run. That was somewhat unpleasant and at about 2 hours and 15 minutes I kind of ran out of energy. I am moving a little slow now but overall I feel pretty good! I think I'll be going to the pool later this afternoon which will be nice.

Yesterday (Saturday), had a workout with RRB that went all right, nothing great. It was really humid and I kind of bonked in the middle of the workout which leads me to believe I still have much room for improvement in the areas of hydration and nutrition. After the run, I went to breakfast with a friend, bought new running clothes and shoes (my new outfit is SO cute, I wore it this morning), and then met M. He works in Broomfield and had to go in for a little while so it worked out really well. We hiked Mount Sanitas and went to lunch. It was a really nice hike.

So overall my mileage for this week (57-58 depending on what today was) is not stellar but I am fine with it. Looking at my training log, if I were to add a little bit on Wednesday, a recovery day, and Saturday, a workout day, I would be getting well over 60 per week which would be nice at least 3 weeks out of 4. During my upcoming period of unemployment, I think I can hit 70 once. That is the plan for now.

Now I'm off to visit my brother at his new job, my puppy, and my mother - looking forward to the rest of the weekend!

Posted by barb at 11:59 AM | Comments (1)

July 16, 2004

Running Late

So I am kind of bored by myself right now. It is so hard to come up with titles - I ran today, I ran yesterday, etc., etc. Yet again I planned to lift weights and didn't. Whoops.

So I accepted a new job offer yesterday. This is my latest excuse for not lifting. It was truly exhausting. So I went home and crashed on my couch. I could have as much as a month off from work which I would be SO excited about. I think if I did, I would try to run 70 mpw for a few weeks. I might do it anyway because if I give two weeks notice, I won't be working all that much for my last two weeks.

I ran 4 miles this morning with D. Fridays are my optional day off. I had actually considered taking the day off but I have a trip to California in two weeks, so I think I'd rather take a day off there or during the travel sometime, when I may have to. I felt kinda rough earlier this week but I'm feeling pretty good now. Stretching is so important. I've been focusing on it a lot more the last few days and I think it's really helped - also I've been making it a priority to get enough sleep. I am feeling pretty good now! And I'm definitely less scared about Sunday morning's long run. That is just kind of a funny thing. Running 10 miles is no big deal right now, and after running 4 miles this morning, I feel like I've hardly done anything. Kind of a nice feeling occasionally. But that is why I don't like taking days off.

I'm so excited to be in town this weekend. I have a workout tomorrow morning and then the long run on Sunday so it should be busy. On Saturday I really want to go for a hike as well, and shop, and go to the pool. And possibly take an ice bath.

Posted by barb at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)

July 15, 2004

Slacker

Yes I am a slacker. I was supposed to go lift after work yesterday and I didn't. I am actually kind of glad. I've been dragging a little bit and I kind of think I needed a day where I didn't do very much. So I went home after work, cleaned my apartment a little bit, and then my mom and my dog came over for a while. It was a really nice, mellow night. However, I ate saltines with peanut butter on them for dinner which is probably somewhat non-ideal. If I had unlimited funds I'd really like to see a nutritionist. I am really curious as to what I should be eating. Probably not saltines with peanut butter.

So I went to bed reasonably early last night. It has been so hot that it's hard to go to sleep too early, and I haven't been sleeping as well as I would like. I got up at 5:30 and ran 10 miles for a mid-week, mid-long run. It felt pretty good and I am generally feeling more efficient when I run. I am also making a concerted effort to stretch more when I finish running, especially when I start that early and I'm a little stiff.

I'm already a little nervous about this weekend. I have a 14-16 mile long run scheduled for Sunday. I really feel that if I'm going to do well in the marathon in October, I should run 16 this Sunday if at all possible. I've gotten to the point where running 10 miles is no big deal but I think 16 will be kind of hard. I'm going to try to run most of my long runs on dirt just to be easier on my body. My current plan is either to drive to Boulder to run with people, or to run on the Highline Canal trail, which is all dirt with mile markers. We'll see how it goes. I'm fairly certain I can at least finish 16 miles right now, although it might not feel great. After that I really want to do an ice bath. And stretch a lot, and have some pancakes.

Posted by barb at 08:42 AM | Comments (1)

July 14, 2004

Hot Weather, Hard Workout

So yesterday it was 100 degrees when I met with my team to do a fartlek workout. That was interesting. It actually wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. The workout was partly at 5k pace and partly at 10k pace, and for about the first half of it I felt great and comfortable. For the second half I felt like I was running through molasses which is to be expected in that kind of heat.

I should probably note here my approach to talking about specific workouts. Because I have a coach and pay him to give me workouts, I kind of think that they are his intellectual property. So I'll basically say what the workout is but I don't feel comfortable giving specifics. That is why when I describe workouts it is a bit vague.

Anyway overall I am really pleased at the shape I'm in right now. I am kind of considering running one of the Boulder Road Runners track races this Thursday. They have a 5000m this week, which I think could be fun, and I am curious as to what I can do. I kind of think I am in about 20:30 shape right now. I am undecided and it will probably come down to two things: first, weather; and second, if I feel like driving to Boulder again on Thursday. Wow, I guess that's tomorrow.

This morning I got up kind of late (6:30) and ran an easy 5 miles. It was SO pleasant at that time of day, I think it was about 70 degrees. My whole body is kind of tired right now and I keep wanting to go back in Gore Creek so I am considering buying a bag of ice tonight after work and taking an ice bath, after I lift weights. My friend C. has just strongly encouraged me to lift twice a week so I want to try that this week. I think if I go today and either Saturday or Sunday it is doable.

I think that is all for now.

Posted by barb at 08:46 AM | Comments (0)

July 13, 2004

HOT

There is really not much else to say. It is hot now. I love it!! We had a really cold June this year, and now finally it is summer. Yesterday I think it got up to about 95 degrees and apparently today it's supposed to be close to 100 degrees. I didn't run until after work yesterday and I waited until about 6:15 to run so it would start to cool down a little. I had always been skeptical when people said there was a huge difference between humid heat and dry heat, but there really is. Running in 90 degree dry heat is easier than 85 degree humidity, like I had experienced in New York. I honestly didn't think it was that bad.

I was supposed to run an easy 6-7 miles yesterday. I really thought I would feel like crap due to a high week last week (and two 11 mile days to end the week) but I actually felt pretty good. I rarely run with music, but last night I did, and that could have helped. I like doing it occasionally. So I finished what I believe is a slightly long 7 mile course in exactly one hour. Afterwards I went immediately to the pool and stretched, soaked, and aquajogged for maybe 5 minutes or so. I'm going to try to do that occasionally because I think it's good for my legs. Darren wants me to be lifting on or near the days when I do workouts (which are Tuesday and Saturday) so theoretically I should have gotten up early and lifted this morning - I have practice tonight - but I didn't. He really wants me lifting twice a week, which I'm going to try to do, but for now once might just have to do. I'm planning on trying to go tomorrow.

I loved New York but it is good to be back!

Posted by barb at 07:40 AM | Comments (0)

July 12, 2004

NYC

So I got back from New York last night. It was such a busy weekend that I don't know how I will write about everything in one shot so I may break it up and put in another entry later today.

So I left for NYC Thursday night at midnight, flew overnight, and got in at 6:00 am. This was brutal. I would definitely not recommend it. I took a cab to B.'s and passed out for a while and she went to the DMV, then we went shopping for a few hours, and I finally got a short, easy 4 miles in late in the afternoon. Running in New York is fun and there is a lot of scenery but I really feel that it beat up my body - it's all pavement or concrete and it beats up your lungs what with the pollution. But that was a nice run, I went over through Chelsea and along the Hudson (?) for a while.

Saturday morning I was suppoosed to do a workout that would give me about 10 miles for the day. We got up around 10:00 and B. ran to Central Park with me as a warmup, which we thought would be around 2 miles and ended up being more like 2.5. Which means that by the time I did the workout (about 6 miles of tempo-paced running) and ran back, I ended up running around 11 miles. I honestly did not feel like the sea level helped me all that much but that could be because it was already pretty warm by the time I ran each day. So that was a pretty good workout, I missed running with RRB but I got through it.

On Sunday I was supposed to run 14-16 miles. This is embarrassing but B. signed me up for a half marathon in the Bronx, which started at 8:00 am, and I just didn't go! We stayed out pretty late Saturday night and I just couldn't handle getting up at 6:00 am. So I got up at 10:00 and ran 11 miles. Although I was technically supposed to run farther I am not worrying about it. I ran 60 miles for the week which I am really happy with, especially considering it was all in singles. I rarely run doubles anyway but all the times in the past I've reached the 60 mile mark I have done at least one or two.

My legs feel pretty good, just a little tired. M. picked me up from the airport yesterday and I stayed over and just wanted to sleep in this morning so I haven't run yet today. It is supposed to be 95 degrees here in Denver today so I'm going to try to wait until around 7:00 to run, it will be hot nonetheless. I only need to run 6-7 miles thankfully.

Posted by barb at 08:22 AM | Comments (0)

July 08, 2004

Runners' Paranoia

I don't know if all runners are like this but whenever I get a little twinge I kind of freak and think that I am definitely injured and I have some terrible thing that will prevent me from running for 6 months and require surgery or something. So last night I ran an easy 6 miles, which was nice - it was really hot out for the first time this summer. I was a little sluggish at first, which probably had something to do with the hot weather and the hills I had run on Tuesday, but it was a decent run. Afterwards I took a shower and walked to the dry cleaners, and I felt this weird feeling on the bottom of my left foot. This was odd for two reasons - first, because nothing on the left side of my body ever bothers me; and second, because it just felt WEIRD, like it didn't hurt when I put pressure on it or moved it in certain ways, it just hurt. So based on that I figured it was definitely a neuroma and it would require surgery.

Luckily when I woke up this morning my foot felt fine and my fears have been quelled. I also, however, wanted to punch someone because it was 5:15 and I really wasn't ready to get up. But such is life. This morning I ran an easy 10 miles which felt pretty good, although I still felt tired when I ran uphill. If the rest of the week goes like it's supposed to, I should run about 62 miles this week which would be great.

I guess I should also mention that at this point I am trying to lift weights about once a week. Twice would be great but there are only so many hours in the day. I am also trying to stretch more. I probably stretched for about 10 minutes this morning which is good for me.

I may not be updating for several days while I'm in NYC but hopefully I will be running!

Posted by barb at 08:29 AM | Comments (1)

July 07, 2004

A Busy Week

So I just got back from the mountains and tomorrow night (late tomorrow night) I am leaving for a weekend in New York. It is exhausting. In addition to that, if this week continues to go like it has been going, this will be one of my highest-mileage weeks ever. While I'm in New York, I am supposed to do a long interval workout and a long run of 14 miles or so. At least it's sea level and I'll get to see a lot of Central Park!

Yesterday I had practice with RRB up in Boulder. We ran hill repeats at Mount Sanitas, which is a trail that goes up a small mountain. I had heard a lot about this workout prior to actually doing it, and it honestly wasn't quite as bad as I expected. After the workout I pretty much ran to the car and drove back to Denver like a maniac to see M., I hadn't seen him for days. I was a little stiff last night from the workout but this morning I expected to be sore and I really wasn't. I'm supposed to run an easy 5-6 miles today, I probably should have gotten up and run this morning but I really didn't feel like it so I'll do it after work. I'd like to do a little trail run but I'll most likely go home.

I have also started a two-week no dessert challenge after my weekend in the mountains. M. and I have a bet and if I do it, I get a nice dinner - if I can't do it (more likely), he gets a nice dinner. Kind of a win-win, really. I wanted to quit boozing for two weeks but what with the trip to New York that is just not realistic.

I really miss being up in the mountains in certain ways, and I especially miss being able to take a natural ice bath in Gore Creek after every run!

Posted by barb at 08:08 AM | Comments (0)

July 06, 2004

Back from Vacation

This is my first entry for several days and a lot has happened. I got back last night from Avon, Colorado, where I spent the Fourth of July weekend. It was really fun and I am happy and pissed at myself at the same time! I am happy because - I ran a lot. And exercised a lot in general. I drove up with my brother, S., after my first workout with RRB on Saturday. That was a good workout although I went out too fast (especially after drinking a lot and eating a lot on Friday night) so instead of running negative splits, I ran the workout very even, which was not the objective. But it was really fun and I love the group.

After we drove to the mountains, we checked in with our friends. We stayed with them in Edwards, Colorado, which is about 5 minutes from Avon (where the Beaver Creek resort is) and maybe 15 or 20 minutes from Vail. I've spent a lot of time in Vail in the past but not much in Avon. Turns out I like Avon A LOT! It seems like more of a real town than Vail and it is more quiet. Beaver Creek is a beautiful resort. So we had brought our mountain bikes and on Saturday we decided (after S. took the seat of his bike off trying to fit into a parking garage with the bikes on the roof rack) to ride our bikes up the 2.5 mile hill to the resort. That was fun but biking is hard. I am such a bad biker that a lot of times I feel like I could be running faster than I bike, but it was fun.

Our friends live in Edwards and both work in really amazing restaurants on or near the mountain, and both of them were working Saturday night, so that night we went to dinner at the restaurant where our friend C. works. It was really nice although he stuffed us - four appetizers, dinner, and dessert - and they gave us a great bottle of wine. This is the beginning of why I am pissed at myself. I ate SO MUCH this weekend. And drank SO MUCH. So now I need to detox for a week or two. After dinner on Saturday we watched a great fireworks show over the lake in Avon and then I went to bed.

Sunday morning I met one of my friends from Boulder Striders/RRB for our long run. I am pleased to say I ran about 12 miles - I am calling it 12, we ran for an hour and 45 minutes. It felt really good in spite of the altitude, and we had a really good time. Sunday afternoon we rode our bikes for about an hour as well. Sunday night we ate at our other friend's restaurant, Splendido. This is by far the best restaurant I've ever been to. It was amazing. However, we ate A LOT again, and drank quite a bit as well. Even though Sunday was July 4th we didn't see any fireworks, just hung out in the restaurant for quite a while and walked around the resort afterwards. I was meeting my friend K. again in the morning and wanted to go to bed fairly early again anyway.

Monday morning, I met K. and although we planned on running 7-8 miles, I added on at the end because I felt pretty good and ended up with 10 miles. Afterwards, and after soaking in the frigid Gore Creek for a natural ice bath, I went to the gym with our friends and lifted weights. So overall it was a good weekend and I ran a lot, making it up to 59 miles for the week, but I still ate and drank way too much. I'm only 5'1", and I seriously think I put on 2 pounds this weekend. That is just not good behavior. And it is NOT good for my running. But today is a new day and all I can do is treat my body as well as I can from here forward.

Posted by barb at 07:38 AM | Comments (1)

July 02, 2004

Some Running to Write About

Well I actually have some running to report. So that's exciting. Yesterday I was completely exhausted due to not getting enough sleep. So after work I did an easy 4 miles with D, my most consistent running partner. That run was basically all about survival. We have had a really cold June here, and yesterday was one of the first days of the summer where it was actually warm and sunny after work, which was really nice. We went to the pool after our run and soaked our feet which felt great. For the rest of the night, I got a salad at Whole Foods and hung out on my couch. It was so great. I went to sleep at 9:15 and didn't get up until 6:05 this morning so I feel human again.

This morning I met D (again!) and ran about 9 miles. I was really sleepy when I woke up and for the first 15 minutes or so I seriously wondered if I was still sleeping.... and if I was in serious danger of getting run over because I just couldn't pay attention. It was nice, and I was glad to be running in the morning again, but my legs still feel kind of dead. On Tuesday I ran a double including a workout and I think it kind of killed me. Won't be doing that again for a little while.

I am going a workout with RRB tomorrow morning, then heading up to Vail, and as such may not update this for several days. Running a long run on Sunday morning at 9,000 feet will certainly be interesting but it should be a really fun weekend.

Posted by barb at 08:54 AM | Comments (0)

July 01, 2004

Not Much Running

Well this is interesting. I have had my running blog for two days and since I got it, I haven't run! I ran yesterday morning before I got the blog and I didn't run this morning, I'll go after work. Last night M. (I am adopting this boyfriend-naming convention) and I went to dinner and saw Fahrenheit 9/11, so I didn't want to get up at 6:00, I am exhausted after getting up at 7:45! I am supposed to do kind of a mid-long run today, I may switch that to tomorrow which is supposed to be a short and easy or off day.

I have been awful lately about getting enough rest which is SO BAD. I think that things should improve in the next few days, though - so far on Friday night I have no plans which I am so excited about, especially considering that I have to be up in Boulder for RRB (running republic) on Saturday morning at 7:30 am and then I need to drive to Vail immediately afterwards for the long weekend.

Overall, my running has been going really well lately. Last week I ran 55 miles which is a good total for me, and the month of June I ran 235.5 miles which I believe is a lifetime high. So not only have I been running more, I've been feeling better and I know I've been running faster on my easy runs. I honestly think it's taken over a year to get used to running at altitude - but now that I'm used to it, things are much easier.

That is all for today. I will update later tonight after running, possibly or tomorrow morning.

P.S. I would highly recommend 'Fahrenheit 9/11'.

Posted by barb at 10:42 AM | Comments (0)