August 2009 is here. Since Jan 1, I have run a total of 339 miles. How small that figure seems considering how much time and effort it has been.
The upcoming month will be fun. I have decided to add swimming a few times a week. Mainly, just an excuse to use the jacuzzi at the facility I use. However, I can put in 20-30 minutes of lap time, then some all important muscle happy time in the swirling hot water. Whenever I pick up a bike I will add this at least once a week as well - maybe twice?
The bike hunt has turned interesting. I left my Bike in Topeka, KS. It was an older bike and a tad heavy. However, really nice ride on long ones and it fit my body well. My 5' 5 1/2" height is making buying now a fun hunt. Not many manufactures make a bike for my inseam. I like that part of my anatomy. I would like to protect it and keep it safe. Trek has one, but, it is actually a Women's frame. Which I find ironic given what I am trying to preserve and protect on my male anatomy. I really like good ole fashion steel frames as well. I just like the comfort on long rides, so this might put the Trek off the list? We will see. If there is anyone reading out there with buying advice - I could use it. Any Bianchi fans out there who know of a good steel frame in the 43-44 cm range? Any advice on components? I doubt I will be racing any Tri's in my life. It will be more for my personal Tri's or should I say cross training reasons. A break from my slomo, but happy running pace.
Running? Ran my 4.5 mile Hill run Saturday AM. Fun run in that I ended up doing most of the uphill portion with a man named Dave. Nice guy who turns out is running the Disneyland Half Marathon as well. He did it last year with two of his kids and had a blast. He put away some worries I had about the time limits. So, I should be in good shape to finish - I hope. I need/must have that Castle Medal! Anyway, his daughter actually run/walked it last year, and he said their are a number who walk it and finish it. So, what do I have to worry about? Plenty. I still come across a fast walking geriatric with their four legged Grankid keeping up with me. Yeah, generally that is after I have already run about 6-8 miles in 90 degree heat though. Race time temps should be in low 60's.
Anyway, it was nice running with a fellow Halfer trainer. We talked about the great things of desert rat running and the one thing we hate the most - summertime heat. Okay, I have bored most already to the boiling point on this subject. I even got the Midwest Humidity v. Desert Dry Heat challenge from Coleen Voeks, the Cynical Dirt Doll herself. It is just that it is always 108 - 112 from end of June to end Sept. It is relentless. Dry heat is great in the low 90's and 80's. Yet, 110? Is 110 no matter how dry. It is hot! Plus sun is extremely bright and penetrating in the SW desert. I love ya Coleen and think you are a Star, and I know the Ultra Trail Running world will know who Coleen Voeks is after Leadville.
Ran this AM. It is my grass/hill repeats. Feels so good on the legs running on grass. This AM run was at 6:00 and only 85 so the dry (smile) heat was comfortable. Actually it is. 80's are very comfy here and my favorite temps in SW. Tonight, I will get in some fish time doing laps for 30 minutes. Tommorrow, a 6-7 mile run. Wednesday day off. Thursday, another 6-7 miler and swim. Friday, a tempo 3.5 miler. Saturday, 13 miler.
I have no set monthly mileage goals for the month. Will take it week by week as I build up for the Half Labor day weekend. So, for August - adding swimming, cycling (if I find a Bike), running 5 days a week for at least the first two weeks of the month, 2 runs at Half distance before the race, and - yes - sorry folks - another month of my rants on Vegas Stupid Heat.
Keep kickin' - Cheers!
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