An Epic Western States Training Run

Yesterday's Western States Training Run was an epic one at that. It had all sorts of weather from snow on the ground to it actually snowing, to rain, to sun, to numerous stream crossings, and rivers flowing on the trail itself. Epic is how I would describe it.

The day started early for me (like usual), Miss P. was going to pick me up and we were going to car pool up to Placerville high school. As we neared Placerville it had a surprise for us. Snow was on the ground and I am sure the temperatures were in the low 20's. I was expecting snow but I wasn't really expecting snow. If you know what I mean. I immediately hit the Porty john as soon, enough there was going to be a nice line and I didn't want to have to wait in line. Slowly the Fleet Feet Training group arrived.

The biggest decision and probably the toughest decision was what was I going to wear? I didn't want to have to many clothes on in case it warmed up and I also didn't want to have to few layers on in case it stayed cold or rained heavily. I finally decided on a short sleeve with a long sleeve over that and my light weight runners rain jacket, gloves, and hat and shorts.

Before getting onto the warm buses there was a pre-run briefing. Basically the buses wouldn't be able to drop us off at the original starting point and we would be dropped off 2 miles or so up the road. But no worries because we were going to stay on Quarry road instead of hitting the single track which would cancel out the additional 2 miles at the start. Sweet!!!! But that also means the first aid station wouldn't be until mile 15-16. That is a long ways to go, but I had packed enough fuel in my Salomon pack that it wouldn't be a issue.

Pre run briefing

The bus ride was about 45 minutes on a very windy road. Miss P. and grabbed the first row seat as I didn't want to get bus sick on the drive to the start and it was a bit warmer up there sitting in front of the heaters. As we drove to the start we noticed that the snow was getting a little thicker on the ground and it was really white out. This is going to fun. Before arriving at our new starting point I ate a Honey Stinger Waffle as it had been a few hours since eating my breakfast of oatmeal and I knew I needed to get some solid food in me before this run even started.

On the bus

car pool buddies!

Check out that snow!

Once at our new starting point we jumped off the buses. I noticed right away how cool it was and knew that I needed to get moving before I became any colder. I started running on the pavement trying to stay out of the snow that was on the ground, I didn't want to slip and I wanted to try to stay dry before hitting the single track. Soon enough the trees started to drop a few snow flakes and then the snow flakes became rather large and it was then that I realized it was actually snowing. Wow! I felt like a little kid seeing snow for the first time.

Just off the bus getting ready to run

Of course with it snowing and already being cold I had to quickly decide if I was going to hike the road hills or run them. I knew I didn't want to get cold so I decided to run some and hike the others because 21 miles is a long ways to go with some great descents and climbs.

Partner Jim in red! It is white out

Soon enough I came to the fire road which is a bit gnarly. It is an ankle turning for sure, but I safely made it down and onto the sweet single track. I was maybe 4.5 miles in this entire run when I turned my ankle and felt a pop. Immediate pain and then a noticeable limp. Crap!#@$ My ankle was hurting and I had at least 12 miles to the first aid station. I decided to keep running because if I stopped it would probably would have blown up on me. The limp eventually went away but I knew any wrong footing or loose rock could be it for my ankle.

The first hour flew by. I started fueling an hour in, I took in some Gu. I wouldn't have any solid food until about mile 15. The single track was very tricky yesterday. It was mud soaked, where some spots were so muddy I couldn't find a proper footing to climb. There were streams coming down the trail and stream crossing it felt like a few per mile. The terrain could have mentally defeated me, but instead I embraced this new challenge to push myself and see what my legs could do.

One of the many water falls on this run!

One of numerous stream crossings

Just as quickly as the first hour went by mile 10 was upon me. Miss P. and I had been playing hop scotch with each other taking turns on the lead. She is a awesome trail runner and when I run with her she may not know it but she pushes me because I want to keep up. I was in the lead with Miss P. right behind and then at least 5 other trail runners hooked onto us. Miss P. asked if any one wanted by, but they refused saying the pace was good. In this group was Power Girl and her husband. It was fun running with them and it also challenged me again. I challenged myself during this section of trail. I knew this section was very runnable with only a few minor climbs. I tackled those climbs with what felt like new legs. My legs were feeling really strong and my pace felt very consistent. I did walk a larger hill, but I used this as an opportunity to fuel with some Gu. It was time for more fuel and fuel I did.

The group and I made good timing from mile 10-15. We hit Quarry road and the group split up. Around mile 15 I ate my first solid food of the day. I enjoyed a honey stinger waffle. It tasted really good, I knew the aid station was near but I also knew that I needed something in my system before I arrived at the aid station. I hiked and ran Quarry road but I was finding it hard to get any sort of rhythm. I continued on just knowing the aid station was near. I wasn't sure where, but I had to be getting close. Just as I started to have doubts go into my head a group of hikers gave me the greatest news, the aid station was near. Yeah!!!! Just as I crested over the hill and rounded the corner, there it was, the tents and the aid station. Here I had 2 cokes, the best thing ever, a quarter of a peanut butter sandwich and a handful of gold fish. I didn't stay too long just long enough to get some solid food in me.

Aid Station #1

After leaving the aid station I had a new life. Sometimes it is the small things that can brighten any run. It made me feel happy, I had enough fuel on me but there is something about the aid stations.

Look the sun came out

I continued on Quarry road and after a few rollers my legs started to ache a little bit. I took in a salt and that seemed to help. I arrived at the 49 crossing and I saw 2 crossing guards. No need to be the unofficial crossing guard today which means no whistle. I safely crossed and had just a short distance until the no hands aid station #2. I arrived into this aid station feeling really good and grabbed a square of peanut butter sandwich and walked and ate. Just 3 short miles to the finish at placer high.

Aid Station #2

I had a challenge this section of the run I wanted to own it. I wanted to run as much as I could including the climbs. I did a pretty good job with Stan's help. He is running States this year. We both tackled this section and ran as much as we could before we had to hike. The water fall was unbelievable and was flowing heavily. I could hear it before I even came to it. Just a few more miles, but first the climb up to Robbie point. Then it is all pavement from there. I hiked the first initial hill as fast as I could. Then I started running, then another hill and I hiked and then I was running. I wasn't going to stop running I could smell the bacon and pancakes I was close. Stan passed me which sparked another gear in  me and I was off.

I finished this run 30 minutes faster then last year. I know that bypassing the 2 miles of single track and staying on Quarry road had something to do with it. But for the trail to be as tough as it was I was excited with my time. It was an epic run indeed.

Captain Kirk and Coach Nikon waiting for the group to come in.

I feel that I fueled properly. I probably could have drinking a bit more water but overall I was pleased with my fueling. I am definitely working on the getting the fuel in because without fuel I wont make it very far.

Thank you to all the volunteers for being out there today. It was a great day had by all but especially by me. Here is to proper fueling, an unbelievable run and to enjoying the day and trails with some great ultra runners.

Photo by Kathy AKA Boss

Feet Feet ultra Trail Running 2011

Fuel

I touched a little bit on this in my last post, but what does proper fueling feel/look like?

In some of my past races, AR50, TRT50k, and SNER double I had major issues with getting the proper fuel into my body for one, and two keeping my stomach settled.

AR50 last year solid food became an issue. I still ate the peanut butter sandwiches but it was not settling to well in my stomach. I drank coke which by the way is the best thing ever during an ultra run. I also fueled with GU. Maybe because I so new to running and fueling that I has having some of these issues. GU at that beginning tasted good, it was doing it's job, but later on it became very hard to suck it down. I learned a lot during this race, that my body can not handle solid foods like others.

TRT50k was a totally different ball game, as in I had major stomach issues from the start and the first piece of solid food I ate did not want to stay down, and then it got worse from there. I couldn't keep GU down. By the time I reached my awesome crew of three I was in bad shape. But here is where it all turned around, Captain Kirk made me take a salt, I drank some coke and I was off. In a few short miles I was able to keep GU down and during the six mile red house loop I inhaled my GU like it was candy because I was so behind on fuel. I flew through the aid station because I didn't need anything, no need to stop for solid food if all I am going to do is not keep it down. By the time I returned to my crew I was looking really strong, and the rest of the field was looking a bit like carnage. Even though I was feeling good I still had my issues with GU, I didn't keep one down at one point. My stomach wasn't feeling too great but I finished the race without eating any solid food, just GU and coke. (probably not the smartest thing to do)

SNER double I learned from my two previous races, solid food doesn't always settle right in my stomach and sometime GU can be my enemy. But during my training for this race, I experimented with different flavors and found one my body liked. Raspberry cream, ummm umm good! But the heat became my enemy, my ribs were my enemy, I mean I had a lot of things against me at the start of this race. I went as far as I could, but I do believe that fueling was one issue along with the heat, ribs, the fall ohh did I mention the heat.

So my quest this season is to figure out what works best for fueling. So far I have experimented with a flask to hold my GU which I water down so it is not as thick and goes down smoother. The few long runs I have done this I haven't had any issues, so I will be sticking with that game plan. I also have experimented with new solid foods by the way of honey stinger waffles. It taste like a Churro and has 160 calories in a very tiny waffle. It is fantastic and with 160 calories worth it. That has stayed down so far. I have also tried some watermelon chomps that Miss P. uses and those actually tasted really good. Not to chewy and full of flavor.

During this weekends 20 miles with the Western States Training run I will continue to experiment with my fuel and try to find the right mixture that will help keep me going. I also understand that proper fueling during a run is vital just as it is vital pre-run.This also includes proper hydration pre, during and post. I will be focused on proper hydrating and fueling pre run as well.

What do you use to fuel properly pre, during and post?

Twin Rocks 18

Yesterday was a beautiful day. The sun was shinning, the trail was filled with not only runners but horses galore and did I mention the sun was shinning!

The goal for yesterday's run was 18 miles starting at Twin rocks. We met earlier which was a good thing because the dirt parking area was pretty full at 7:10 when I arrived. Glad I was early. Captain Kirk and Wonder Woman had started earlier to mark the trail. Coach Nikon gave us the pre-run briefing, stating that there was aid up at Sterling in case anyone needed water or Gu. Just like I promised I wore my Salomon pack which means there would be music on the trails to lift the spirits but mostly just for fun.

Pre-Run Briefing

We left a few minutes after 7:30, it was a tad bit cold at first my fingers were freezing but I knew that it would warm up soon enough, so I was wearing a short sleeve. Glad for that decision as it warmed up quickly.

As I started moving it seemed that the first mile never came. It seemed it took forever, I wasn't alone in that, Miss P. was Glad once Garmin beeped saying we had hit one mile. If the rest of the miles were this mental it was going to be a long day on the trail. But it wasn't, I settled into a nice pace and led the pack for a good portion before the turn around. I even had the pleasure to run with Coach Nikon. I hadn't run with him in a long time. The miles ticked by and soon enough we were nearing Buzzard Cove. Here is were things get really technical, with a ton of rocks. It is hard to find a rhythm and it took a lot out of my legs as the terrain broke up my pace. Basically it was run 10 yards, hike some, climb over rocks, run a few feet, hike up the huge step ups, tip toe down and repeat the process.

But eventually the terrain became runnable again. It was tacky and the footing was great. Hollywood and Coach Nikon took off just after Buzzard Cove, and it was just me and Miss P. Who was quickly to ask where my whistle was. With my first request I tooted her a quick song. Which made me smile as I am sure it brightened her run as well.

We were almost near the turn around when we saw Wonder Woman fast approaching. I tooted her a welcome song on my whistle and we all laughed a bit. She would run with us to the turn around. It was great the three Amiga's on the trail. We chit chatted and enjoyed each others company as it had been awhile since I have run with Wonder Woman. Good Times. Wonder Woman showed us were Captain Kirk almost biffed it, a tinny tiny little tree root covered up by the leaves. It was pretty funny because as she was explaining it she almost fell.

As we were nearing the turn around I thought I would make our presence known by tooting my whistle. We hit the turn around and there I ate a Honey Stinger Waffle which tasted so good. Coach Nikon also helped me get the air out of my pack. I had to do the "lazy mans drinking way." This is where I bent over and the water just comes rushing out, but I also had to suck to get the air out. It was pretty funny and reminded me of my runs with Trailmomma.

Trailmomma!!!!!

After about 15 minutes at the turn around Miss. P, Wonder Woman and I headed back, but as we left I tooted my whistle for a bit for Captain Kirk.. By now it the sun was shinning down on us and it had warmed up significantly. I took the lead and ran a comfortable pace, or more conversational pace as the three of us were exchanging stories. We saw our fellow runners and said hi and offered encouragement and when I saw Lily and Boss I quickly tooted a song for them. I think they appreciated it as Boss smiled!

The return trip my legs started to ache a bit, I thought maybe I hadn't eaten enough but on the way out I had at least 2 gus, and at the turn around the waffle stinger and salt. As we hiked the bigger hills I took in at least 2 more Gus and started to feel stronger as my legs weren't aching as much.

Did you see all the water near Rattle snake? We did

Coach Nikon caught up with us and he took the lead from me which was great because he brought this awesome energy which I felt and caused  me to find another gear. As we neared Sterling point, Coach Nikon climb the hill while the three Amiga's fueled a bit more. Here I shared my Sharkies with Miss P. I am trying to eat different fuel on the trail and hoping I can find the right mix as sometimes my stomach goes south. I think I have found a good way to get Gu in my body. I am using a flask now and adding water to water it down, which in turn doesn't make it too heavy when I eat it. I am able to control how much I need a bit easier and the so far the solid food I have tried is working pretty good as well.

Once we fueled at Sterling Miss P. and I took off as Wonder Woman was staying behind with Coach Nikon to ensure the rest of the team knew where the fuel was. We were also nearing Buzzard Cove where it would again be hard to find any sort of pace or rhythm. And just like coming out it was hard and took it's toll on my legs as they started to feel achy again. But we made it through and only had a few more major climbs before twin rocks and our cars.

As we were nearing the end I had to quickly step off trail to allow some horses to pass. There were a ton of riders out today and if I had a horse I probably would have been out also with the gorgeous weather. A few more miles down the trail more horses, and then a few more miles there was a train of horses. This large group though was having some trouble needed to stop. Only they didn't wait until they passed us runners they stopped in between us. The riders also mentioned there horses have never been on the trails before, great I hope I don't spoke them. I cautiously walked up a bit. Finally they started moving again, and as the last rider passed I asked "Are you the last rider." "Yup" is all she said. Miss P. and I started to sprint the last little bit back and as I rounded the corner to my surprise there were 2 more horses. I quickly called to Miss P. 2 more horses and we both jumped off trail to allow them to pass. The riders laughed and trotted past us. And we were sprinting again, the end was near we could see the cars and then we heard" Run Forrest Run!!!" and run we did. We finished our run, looking strong.

Parking area was full when I finished. The cars just keep going and going

It was a great day on the trails with great company. My legs were a bit achy the rest of the day but the rest of day I spent with traildog and Lil Man playing in the backyard and at the park. Here is to the ability to run each day, spend time with family and traildog and too good friends on the trails. Enjoy!!!!!

Captains Log

Captains Log
Star date 02112010

This weeks voyage finds me up and about this Friday morning enjoying some coffee which was followed by playing with Lil Man and cleaning his room, then a quick vacuum of the house and breakfast all before 8:30. Pretty busy morning, but it wasn't over yet.

I quickly looked for a new route to run. I found one that looked intriguing and I was ready to try it. I memorized the streets I needed to turn on and off I went. The reason for the new route was because sometimes I need to venture off course and bring a little excitement to my runs. I know I can always run by the river as it isn't that far from my house, but sometimes I want to be able to log the miles with out having to do multiple loops or drive down to the river.

Today's run was a voyage into the unknown. The unknown being I had no clue how many miles this new route was, but guess what that actually wasn't a problem for me. In the end the new voyage added an extra mile to my normal six which if I readjusted the route it could add maybe 2 more miles. I think finding new routes today is helping to keep my mind busy.

I mean yesterday on my short drive to work I came up with a brilliant idea on how to increase productivity in my back room. I had brainstormed about this for a day or so before and couldn't come up with any ideas and BAM just like that the idea hit me. It was so simple that I was surprised that I didn't think of it before. All I had to do was make one move and my stock levels were so low in a certain department that I wouldn't need to use a ladder, which in turn increased productivity.

So my mind has been wanting to find solutions, and I guess I needed to find a new route today. Or maybe my mind needed to be occupied. Whatever it was it worked. Not only did I have a productive morning but I also had a very productive afternoon/evening. I made chocolate chip cookies, and I spiced the batch up a little bit by adding dried cranberries. Lil Man said "Hmm, mmm, mmm good in my tummy." I thought they tasted pretty good. I also made dinner. I have been cooking dinner about once a week or so. I enjoy cooking/baking I find it relaxing and I enjoy experimenting with new recipes. Tonight it was chicken cooked in a vinaigrette with mushrooms and green pepper cooked in balsamic vinegar wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla with beans. It was pretty tasty, it must have been as the family it every last bit, even Lil Man.

Here is to productive days, new voyages into the unknown and new adventures to come. Ohh and for the Top Chef fans next weeks episode takes place at a P-fresh Target!!!! Should be exciting....

Sunshine and a run with Traildog

This weather has been absolutely fantastic and a breath of fresh air. It is hard to believe that it is only February with weather this good. It makes running that much more enjoyable. I enjoy running don't get me wrong but when it is raining and freezing cold it makes it especially difficult to get up out of bed and out the door for any sort of run, hills, tempo, recovery doesn't matter when the weather is crappy it is hard.

 So, this sunny weather is awesome!!!!! It is motivating and warms me from the inside out.

It seems that every sense I returned to nights back in late October after a 15 week remodel project which was day side I haven't adjusted. My sleep cycle is crazy as in I am not sleeping, which in turns means I am to exhausted to run and not motivated to keep any sort of training program.

But even with all of that I still managed to keep with the training program but it was just adapted to when I was capable to run and sometimes that was only 3 times a week sometimes 5. But I did find the inner strength to keep going and train even if most of the runs besides the long run where by myself.

I have goals this running year and the only way I am going to achieve those goals is to focus on my training program, but also focus on what my body is telling me. I have to listen to my body. And today I was feeling good. I decided I would run 10 miles on the trail by the lake.

Of course Traildog was very persistent and wouldn't let me leave with out him. This would be the longest run for him in a long time. At first I was a bit concerned with if he would make it but then I remembered what his vet said "He will run and run and run, you will have to stop him." And that is just what he did. He ran all ten miles and loved every minute of it.

I think that running with traildog was not only a special treat for him but for me. The trails by the river were very beautiful and not overly crowded. There were a few runners but it also felt like we were all alone. Traildog kept a fabulous pace, I didn't need Garmin, only to track the miles. If I could of traildog would have run faster, but I was a bit worried with letting him off leash. I did let him off leash for a bit and he did great with coming when I called and not running too far ahead or falling too far behind, but he is still young and sometimes that ADD kicks in and he doesn't listen.

I wish I had my camera today because at the turn around we stopped and I gave him some water and doggy snacks and then he walked right in the river with no hesitation. He really seemed to be enjoying himself. On the return he was so focused that I bet if I let him off leash he would have just kept running. I had a blast on this run, it was great running with traildog on the trails even if he keeps me on my toes. The best part was when we got back to the car as soon as I opened the door he jumped right in and layed down as if to say thanks for the run now it is time for me to rest. Right now he is relaxing in the sunshine and resting up for his next big adventure, which I bet will be when Lil Man gets home this afternoon.

Today's run my legs felt alive. They haven't felt that way in a few weeks. It is probably due to the down training week last week and allowing my body to rest and recovery and I bet it also has a lot to do with me recovering from my cold I had. Having legs that are alive is fantastic, it feels like I could have kept running today. Looking forward to what this week has in store for me.

Here is to legs that were alive, sunshine, and running with traildog!!!! What more could I ask for?

Around the Lake

This week has been a very low key running week for me. In fact I think it has been the lowest recorded mileage week for me in months, probably since October. I do believe that my body needed it plus I was sick for most of the week so it worked out great, well besides the part about being sick. I don't think I know a single soul who would choose to be sick. Anyways back to my low mileage week.

Today's long run was around the lake. The Fleet Feet ultra group met at our usual spot in Old Folsom right across from Karen's Bakery. The plan was to run a easy 12ish around the lake. An easy pace is suppose to be conversational. Keep it nice and easy so you can easily hold a conversation with your running buddy. This pace will vary depending on your speed and fitness. For me that is around 9:15-9:30.

The sad news today was that I didn't bring my Salomon pack which means the Famous whistle was at home. It seems that some team members missed the whistle, but don't worry the Whistle will be back next weekend!

Off we went, I ran with Miss P. or I should say that I kept Miss P. in my sights. At the start my legs didn't feel as heavy as the day before which is good and I was able to get a nice pace going. Miss P. and I decided that since we were in hostile territory on the bike path we would run on the trails to be out of the way of any bikes and any runners as it was 8 am on a Saturday and there were a ton of running groups one of which was from Kaiser. Interesting, I thought.

I hit the trails and ran from within today, not really paying attention to Garmin but rather running by how my body felt. The only reason I had Garmin on today was to track distance. It has been awhile sense I have actually run these trails, almost too long. It was beautiful and peaceful with plenty of greenery every where I looked.

As I neared Hazel and made my way to the bluffs I noticed that I could no longer see Miss P. Wow, she must have turned on the speed and took off. I started climbing the bluffs, I ran about half of it and then I power hiked and took an a Gu. I was feeling a little low on energy, probably because my appetite hasn't been 100%.

At the top of the bluff I went right and then back down and I reconnected with the bike trail. I wasn't on the bike trail too long as the fire road was just around the corner. I hit the fire road and followed it to the horse stable and the awesome tacky single track. The single track on this portion of AR50 has a few nice rollers which is great as the first part of the AR is on the bike path and once I hit this single track it really helps my legs because I can open them up a bit and stretch them out.

The single track continues for a few miles. I enjoyed it, it feels like I am back in the middle of the woods when in fact the bike trail is very close. As I emerged from the woods single track I saw Miss P. and together we continued on the trails.

We climbed up the bluffs again and ran on top for a bit before the short descent back to the bike path. Miss P. shared some chomps with me which I enjoyed three of them. Thank you Miss P. for my snack!!! We hit the bike path and only had a few more miles to go and one last little hill to climb to the black bridge.

I crossed the black bridge and then it was only a short distance to the light. Miss P. hit the light first and made it across while Tony and I sprinted across before the light changed colors. I knew I didn't want to be standing there waiting for the lights to circle back through so I took the chance with only 3 seconds left and yelled to Tony that we could make it. And we did!!!

It was a nice easy run around the lake. Very peaceful and quiet and just what I needed today. After the run the group decided to head over to Karen's Bakery and enjoy a post run meal/coffee. It was great to socialize with everyone and the other great part was it was nice and sunny out.

Overall this run my body felt it this week with not running. I was bit a tight on yesterday's run with dead legs, but today the legs felt good with only the feeling of low energy. Glad that I was able to run today, glad I was able to enjoy the sunshine and glad I was able to enjoy every one's company post run. Here is to running relaxed and listening and sometimes just being! What a great start the day!

The whistle will be back next weekend to be the unofficial crossing guard, motivator or just to bring a smile and chuckle to the group.

To Rest

This week has not been a strong running week for me. The training schedule called for a down week but it didn't call for a sick week. Which is what happened this week. I have been sick. I went out and ran Sunday morning in the pouring ran. But I am sure that is not why I became sick.

It all started last week, Friday to be exact, but it could have started sooner as Lil Man has been sick for a couple weeks now. But on Friday is when the snot and runny nose started rolling down his nose and then soon enough his little hand would wipe it and then that gross little hand with all the millions and millions little germs would wipe the couch, or the remote control or God forbid me. UGH!!!! Germs everywhere, everywhere I tell you. A snotty three year old who doesn't know how to blow his nose means germs. It was so disgusting that I literally thought he should be quarantined in mommy and daddy's room, but what can I say. I love him so much that I ended playing with him and watching a movie. Him and is snotty dripping little nose with germs EVERYWHERE!!!!

So of course Saturday was the epic long run of 23.5 miles which probably spurred on the germs to attack when my body was trying to recover, then Sunday and the pouring rain. Germs again said ATTACK!!!! And attack they did, it started with a little sore throat and then a few hours later a small sniffle followed by head congestion. UGH, not good. I have to a meeting on Monday morning which I can't miss, but the little germs don't care about my time frame. They only care about making my life miserable.

I woke up Monday at 2:30 to head to work, with major head congestion, a sore throat, runny nose, cough and even severe loppyness if that is even a word. But I made it to work physically but mentally I was curled up back in my warm bed. Physically I lasted all day at work, yes I didn't make any sense and I was having trouble following basic conversation but I was there. As soon as work was over, I was back in bed where I belong and that is where I stayed. Sick and in bed.

Tuesday came and I was still not feeling 100%, I made it to work that night but didn't last very long. Only long enough to ensure everything was taken care of and on track, but my head felt like it was going to explode, cough and my nose was still congested. Once I made it home I was back in bed and stayed there until I went to work on Wednesday. When is this going to end.

Wednesday night I was feeling a lot better. So much better that I made it through work and I was actually functioning and making sense. Just a few lingering side effects, but feeling so much better.

With all of that I didn't run, I don't think I could have. Maybe this was my body's way of saying slow down, rest, sleep. It slowed me down all right. I rested all right. Now if I can only find that balance when I am healthy. Rest, eat right, run, work, spend time with the family, run, run, run. Sure I can find that balance, I hope.

Today I headed out the door with Traildog and we both went for a nice 6 mile run. My legs felt supper heavy, lungs felt like I didn't have any and we walked some here and there. But we did it, 6 miles so far this week. So glad it was a down training week because my body needed it. Here is to finding that balance and staying healthy.

Here is too rest!!!!