Down, But Back Up

This past week of training was up and down, but started down and became up. So technically, down and up. Out of the first five days of the week, Tuesday was the only day I felt good. That was also the only day it rained last week and I was able to enjoy a nice trail run in a lightening storm. Normally I would be a bit scared in this circumstance, but I was just so relieved to be out of a hot sun and in refreshing spirits. The rest of those first five days were hot, humid, and some more hot. Temperatures were constantly lingering around 95 degrees and even pressing 100 or more with the heat index. I couldn't escape it! I settled for some slow paced runs and a few two-a-days.

Finally, by the time Saturday rolled around, I was feeling better and ready to get some good runs in. I ran 5 miles in the morning and my night 10 miler was great. I felt like I was back to normal. Then, Sunday's long run was perfect.

Monday 7/19
12 miles (1:26:30). The start of a long hot week. Made it up to the Fire Tower and around on the shaded trails as much as possible.

Tuesday 7/20
AM: 5 miles (37:30).
PM: 10 miles (1:13:00). Headed over to the Main Trailhead at the Shawnee Park. Much to my surprise, it started storming 5 miles in and I was glad for it. Was right on step with the technical running and going at a quick pace by the end of the run.

Wednesday 7/21
16 miles (2:01:00). Met Reece at Scioto Trails at 3 in the afternoon. I wish I would of not even did this. I could of ran on my own later in the day. We explored some trails around the forest and suffered through some intense heat. Still, got a long run in.

Thursday 7/22
13 miles (1:38:48). Went to Hangover after work at around 7 pm. It was still hot. I went out 6.5 miles and back the same way. I usually start out slow and roll into a 7:10-7:20 pace here, but by the end I was barely cracking 7:40! Hangover truly humbles a man, but it only makes us stronger.

Friday 7/23
AM: 10 miles (1:15:30). Went up to the Fire Tower and down the road a bit.
PM: 5 miles (35:42). Started to feel a little better on this run.

Saturday 7/24
AM: 5 miles (35:30). A;ready 90 out this morning, but felt so much better!
PM: 10 miles (1:10:00). Recovery in the process. Back to normal feeling wise. Set a new record up the Fire Tower Hill even, in 4:34.

Sunday 7/25
~16 or 17 miles (2:08:00). Met Joe Jinks and Keegan out at Great Seal at 7 am for a beautiful long run. I look forward to these runs week in week out. We definitely went faster than last week. We went up Sugfarloaf on the Rocky Side, that was a test. We also went up Mt. Ives at the beginning. Great Run!

Total Miles: 103
Total Times: 12:41:30

So, what started out as a rough week, turned into a good one overall. This heat is just frustrating sometimes, but I need to get over that. I suffered my first injury this week too: I cut my finger while cutting peppers Saturday night. It bled for a good 3 hours that night and bled again when I took the wrap off in the morning. I was scared I needed stitches but it seems okay now. I have settled into nice mileages the past several weeks and will likely continue running 100-105 for a long time. I won't be going much over that.

Run On

WMO