You can call me many things, and The Inconsistent Blogger is one of them. Obviously, since I occasionally come back for more, blogging is something I like doing. Yet, do I think about it often ....
Sorry, life is filled these days. Especially, as the kids get older. I did promise to post something about my experience with my oldest boys volunteering a race - promise kept.
The view of the boys and our water/aid station - all ready for runners. Yeah! The race was Running with the Devil near Lake Mead (ever getting smaller reservoir behind Hoover Dam). It can be as hot as 110 the day of this race, hence the name. You can run with the evil heat for 50K, Marathon, Half Marathon or 10K distances. We volunteered for the 10K. It was not 110. In fact, at race time I remember it being only 85 degrees.
"Only" is a relative term. Many of the 150 runners we served water to were tourists. The combo of 85 degrees and the many rolling hills over 6 miles was too much for some. Welcome to Vegas is all we could say. My boys had a blast though.
Summer Running -
You know at about my birthday a few weeks ago - I was realizing something important - I hate running in the Summer. 85 degrees is paradise when we can get it here June-Sept.. It has been a cooler Summer overall this year. Yet, still, 103 may not be 110, but it is hot! Anyway, my realization was I needed to do something to jump my running back into gear. So, I went streaking again.
It lasted 15 days. On day 15 was the Mt Timpanogos Half Marathon in Utah this past Saturday. It was the first HM since my first one, that truly beat me up. The race itself was awesome. 7.5 miles of the race was all downhill (or, mountain). Very scenic course down a Wasatch Mountain canyon alongside a creek. All you can hear for nearly 6 miles was the sound of the creek going downhill faster than us runners. Also, maybe the happiest runners I have ever met, along with a really well organized event made it one of my favorite races ever. I will do this again if we are up in Utah for this date.
Yet here is the thing - how does one living in Vegas train for 7.5 miles of steep downhill running? I believe the race starts at 6500 ft. and ends at 4000 ft. With much, if not all that elevation loss in the first 7.5 miles. Plus, even though I spent most of the previous days before the race in Park City, Utah (7,000 ft) - the first few miles I was feeling lightheaded. I live at 2500 ft. So, anything over 6,000 ft was a challenge for me at times. However, the biggie - 7.5 miles downhill. Yep, it was fast - too fast at times. However, this also meant muscles used and pounded on that normally don't. Mainly my quads, and my calves took a beating as shock absorbers through it all. Anyway, it was a great race, but it left me beat up. Needed to end the streak at 15 days with Mt. Timp HM my last run this past Saturday.
Today, legs are still sore - especially my right calf. Plus, a Summer Cold - yuck! I might try for a little 2 miler tonight to gauge where my legs are overall. If they can do it - another HM this weekend is a possibility. E.T. Highway HM and Marathon in Rachel, Nevada.
Again, fellow running bloggers, sorry for the long absence. Since I am down sick with the Cold and legs, I will try and get caught up on many of your blogs today and tonight.
Keep Kickin'!
Cheers.
6 comments:
Running in the heat is no fun. And it must be hard to prepare for a hilly race if you live where it is flat. Not such a problem here! Feel better.
Glad to see you are back :)
That's a lot of elevation loss on a course. And 85 is NOT cool!
Your boys look like they did the job well.
Best wishes in the upcoming race.
Great job Mr Summer Runner in the Blazing Heat! BTW, quad mashing is an acquired joy - that hobbling around like an old man part after is what really gets you!!!
Argh! These summer colds so annoying!!!
Great job to you and your boys for getting out there to volunteer! So glad to hear that you didn't have a 110 scorcher - the would probably never offer to volunteer again if it was!
Shorter races are better for volunteering with kids. Our family volunteered at a marathon last Labor Day and even though we were at the turnaround point (so we'd be done first of all the aid stations) it was a bit long for the 5-YOs. Good for you for getting out there.
I too dread the heat. Can't wait until summer's over.
What a fun experience to volunteer with your kids! :)
I hear you on the summer running. I vastly prefer winter running...especially with the summer we're having. The longest stretch of 100+ degree days in a long, long time. Combined with the humidity--ugh!
Nice job on the 15 day streak. Downhill running is so hard on the legs. Hope your aches and cold are gone soon!
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