Week of Oct 24-30

Doughnut eating contest.

Mon, Oct 24

PM: 8mi, 600' - Rocklin High School
1mi wu followed by 1xmi (5:14), then 3xthunder hill (3:23, 3:11, 3:13), and finished with 1xmi (4:55). 1.5mi cd. Was surprised I was able to move as such, given how beat up my body was from our WS run a few days ago. Haven't broken 5 in the mile in a couple years (nor have I tried) so it felt good to dip under again.

Tue, Oct 25

AM: 9mi (1:34), 2,000' - Robie/No Hands/K2
Same route Joe and I did last Friday, except I ran all the way up the road to the "99mi" sign and back down to Robie Pt. Legs still tired, but able to move ok.

PM: 5mi (:41) - Clover Valley Loop
Sara was nice enough to bike alongside me. Still in the "just ok" range.

Wed, Oct 26

PM: 6.25mi - Whitney High School
1mi wu then 12x400 in 81-82 with 38-39sec rest between each; 1/4mi jog then 8x200 in 36, 36, 35, 35, 34, 34, 33, 32 with 24-27sec rest, 1mi cd (6:57). Still not quite back to 100%, but getting closer. Workout felt smooth. The 200's reminded me of my old track days. Cant believe I used to bang those out comfortably in the 27-29sec range.

Late PM: 6mi (:45), 400' - Through Rocklin
Just cruised through the night - part dirt, part road - being wary of the skunk infiltration in Springview Park.

Thur, Oct 27

AM: 6.5mi (1:00) - Pioneer Express Trail
Jogged slowly behind Sara from Twin Rocks toward the levee and back. More tired than I thought I'd be.

Fri, Oct 28

PM: 14mi bike ride through Rocklin, plus 4xbackside of park (1,000')

PM: 4.5mi (36:36) - Springview
Easy jog plus some form drills and 1/2mi barefoot. Still feel a little off.

Sat, Oct 29

AM: 20mi (3:00), 2,500' - Auburn Canal/Cardiac/Lake Clementine Loop
Easy 8mi run along the canal with WJU (hit Cardiac too). Finally, energy back to 100%. After the run, drove a few minutes to meet Sara at the top of stagecoach. We ran the Clementine Loop, which is pretty sweet btw. Beautiful day in the confluence. After finishing on stagecoach, tacked on another half mile to round the run up to 3hrs.

Sun, Oct 30 - HILLOWEEN!

AM/PM: 28mi (6:10), 14,000' - K2
Celebrated Hilloween (a runners holiday preceding Halloween in which you attempt to amass as much vertical gain as your body or time will allow) on K2 this year. Had 15 repeats in mind, but due to having to work, time allotted for only 14. 4 more than I've ever done in a day and one of the toughest mental runs I've done in a while too. Ran 95-97% of the time and pow-hiked just the 30%+ stuff. Might have to create another event sometime down the road - "12/24hrs of k2". I don't know, I think 30-40k of vert is doable in under 24hrs on k2. Guess we'll just have to see one day.


Miles - 93.25

Time - 15hrs 25min

Vert - 20,500' (1k of it from cycling)
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My body seems to keep getting thrashed, yet coming back stronger and more resilient. I hope I see the fruit of my labor come December 3rd in the Marin Headlands, but you never know. Just trying to be smart, take it a day at a time, listen to my body, and stay healthy. Getting to the start line in one piece with all the pieces where they need to be is my focus. I'm putting in the work, doing what I need to do (I hope) and I figure, the rest will take care of itself.

Also, check out the terrific pics Joe took from our WS run and read the in-depth recap from his perspective. Speaking of WS, lottery season is approaching! So curious if fate has me careening through the canyons or suffering in Silverton; or both or neither, and if so, then what? Ah heck, who cares! Pumped for whatever adventure awaits!