Month End Report; Pre-Race Week

The Slice of Slomohusky Happiness List:

1. Having a great night at the Movies with my wife. Avatar review: 3 Slomo Stars out of 5. Good movie and spectacular to look at. Yet, it really could've been a great movie.
2. My second oldest making his Dad a very functional and stylin' Race/Running Medal Holder. My little girl for running neck and neck with her speedy older brother in their 1 mile training run. My oldest for doing everything his Mom and Dad ask of him and more. My youngest for making our babysisters night and wanting to come back for more.
3. Popcorn
4. Vivaldi's Guitar work, Bach's Brandenburg Concerto's, Morrisey, The Smiths, Mark Almond, Aimee Mann, The Replacements, Bob Mould, The Posies and Moby.
5. Saturday Boys Basketball Games.
6. Sunday AM Political Talking Heads.
7. Family Game Day.
8. Helping Out a Friend.
9. My kids practicing the Piano.
10. Reading

The month of January totals have me still short of the century mark at 97.1 miles. Yes, I could lace them up and just run a quick three, but I don't want too. How's that for answer :)? It is Sunday. I really try not running this day. It is day for all things family and attending Church. Plus, my wife and I take turns giving each other 90 minutes quiet time on Sundays. She spends it looking over anything not having to do with work online or in magazine form. I spend it reading or napping. I did both today.

Anyway, running for this past January. No complaints with 97 miles put in, with one HM in Phoenix. When I put my race year together, I was thinking 4 months in a row of HM would be doable and fun. Thus, far, I was right. The only drawback is the 3 days off prior and after each Race. It is needed. I like fresh legs going into an event and I need the recovery time after. I am finding it takes me 48 hours to decide if I REALLY liked any race/event. So, now after two weeks out from Phoenix Rock and Roll, I can say I liked it. Still not sure If I do it next year? MLK Weekend is a four day weekend for our kids Schools. The previous ones we spent in San Diego. Chances are we do that as a family than me running Phoenix again. Although we did have fun time in Phoenix this year.

I am growing to like trail running more over the roads these days. However, I still like doing both. Yet, if I had better (more scenic) trails to run living in Vegas, I would primarily be a trail runner. I like the ever changing challenges it gives. The trails are always changing it seems even if I have run it before many times. While the roads, well? Enough said when it comes to that comparison. Yet, my road runs still give me what I need in life. I also liked the two a day runs this past week. Well, I did it at least once. As my schedule allows I will keep that up once a week, maybe twice.

Pre-race week it is. I have a race event next Sunday. It is the The Huntington Beach, Surf City Half Marathon. I am ready for it. Had a really nice 11.5 mile run yesterday afternoon. Nice feel to it. Plus, I am getting used to the Hammer Endurolyte Pills and Water in the Camelbak. Seems to be a much better hydration option over straight Gatorade. It also keeps the Camelbak cleaner with less cleaning needed.

The race prep will focus on praying for no rain and having fun with my family and friends. I am not trying to blast any PR times, but once I start running? If the feel or force is with me - I will go for it. If not, I will have a fun event and weekend. It will be great seeing and running with my Sisters Family again. This will be a first since a 10K in Salt Lake City 16-17 years ago. Her boys I will be running with this weekend, were just that back then. Now they are all grown up with kids of their own. Fun.

All I got today. Hope everyone had a great weekend and a great week. Next month will focus more on trail runs near Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. St. Patty's Day 6 Tunnels HM will be a challenge. Maybe the biggest since my first HM in 13 years this past Labor Day Weekend.

Cheers!