Progression Daily

I had zero expectations for this race. I knew I wanted to compete and race well but was also fearful that I wasn't ready for the mileage.  

Loop 1 (4.3 miles): I took no hydra pack with me because it was a shorter loop.  The start of this loop (2 &3 as well) was basically all down hill.  That gave me a false sense of hope...I ran with the top 5 in my group for about the first 2 miles. Eventually the hills got ugly and I had a hard time breathing. I was still competitive and survived. My calves were getting really tight on the uphills in my speed instinct 2.  I've loved these shoes but they don't have the hoka cushion I have loved in the other models. As I transitioned into loop 2 I had Marieta help me with a hydrapack and I switched into the more cushioned Napali.  Running Time: 43:57

Loop 2 (8ish miles): The shoe change was an amazing idea! No more calf problems.  I ran smooth for the first 4 miles. I ran with a guy named Ricardo for maybe 2 miles.  He told me how sucky our current loop was going to get. I was not excited for the horror that lied ahead. Following a sandy dried up creek bed then some eventually tough climbing.  I had no energy when I got to those places. My overall mentality changed.  I went from being competitive into safety mode.  I didn't want to burn out after only 8 miles into the race so I slowed my roll. For the last 2 miles I cruised into the last leg.  Running Time: 1:30:38

Loop 3 (5ish miles): The last leg was mainly a hike.  I ran smooth on anything flat or downhill.  This race was brutal on my legs.  Even on the downhills my knees were getting beat up. I ran with some shot bloks last week and those seemed to work well for my energy. The running center did not have any this week so I settled for honey stingers. I don't think those sat well. I felt nauseated and light headed.  I knew I was going to pass out or throw up.  I didn't know which was going to happen first. For about 2.5-3 miles I walked.  I eventually feel to my knees and start throwing up all over the place. A runner came and helped me but I didn't want that.  I think throwing up actually helped me feel better.  I slowly toughed my way through the last 2.5 miles, running where I could.  My IT band was giving some problems on this last leg too.  In the back of my head I just kept thinking don't push anything that will do some damage and ruin xc practice.  I think I found a good middle ground. So I finished the dang race! Nothing amazing to report, other than I finished my first trail race. Running Time: 1:17:53

Total time: 3:28:02

Great first day of xc! Ran a little with the Wilsons, Carter, Hadlock, Kase, and Stacy. 3.95 miles 

AM- Tuesday grass with striders. 4.01 miles 

PM- 2 miles then some river swimming with family. 

AM- Out to Desert and back with Gage, Caleb, and Carter. Got some Jason minutes as well. 4.03 miles 

PM- Got bored so I went out in the heat. My legs feel better running than walking/sitting thanks to lunges. 2.5 miles 

I hurt my ankle playing basketball last night so I tested it out today on the run. Then on the run Caleb H hurt his ankle so I walked with him back to the school. 3.24 miles 

AM- Sullivan to Dam road. Ran with a good group. As we headed back Gabe and I picked it up and ran low 7s for the last 2+ miles. 5.73 miles 

PM- 2.28 miles around the hood. 

Took Prospector out 3.75 miles then flipped back. To add some mileage and for Jason and giggles I tried to go to Snake Tunnel. It was closed off so I hit Dino Cliffs instead. Ran with a hydra pack again. About 5 miles into my run I heard the voice of what appeared to be Carson Wentz. Some how my phone opened the ESPN app. The last 3 Saturdays I have covered 40+ miles with a pack. Steve Wallenfels would be proud. 10.02 miles 

Just ran around 25 with some beginners. 3.13 miles 

AM- Half road half grass. 4.13 miles 

PM- 3.03 with Metler in 100 degrees. 

AM- Dog pound with Gabriel Holt. 4.13 miles 

PM- Double date with the Metlers again. Ran the same loop and Maritza ran a portion with us. 3.07 miles 

Out towards snake tunnel. I lost the nose guard to my glasses. Kenneth Nosewater, Bryan, and new Zack passed me as I was searching. I finished off my pick ups to catch up with them. Then I ran the 4 pick ups with them. 6.01 miles 

Running in the ghetto streets of Vegas. No actually it was decent. 6.22 miles 

Start of VRRT to Willis Creek all the way to cabin. George ran with me and eventually got worn out. First time in my history being faster than George. Probably says more about his lack of training than my training. 11.91 miles 

I was all over the place running with people. It was great! 7.10 miles 

Half road/Half grass. Ran with Isaac mainly. 3.77 miles 

AM- Ran 10 with the big group then dropped back and turned around to catch some other runners. Ran with Gioni and Brooklyn. Then I extended looking for the big group with no success. 6.38 miles 

PM- 2 miles with Marieta and 2 on my own. Heat wasn’t terrible! 4.10 miles 

AM- Hell hole. Started out with Isaac, Nic, and Nathan H. Then worked my way to the top guys. 5.11 miles 

PM- Late night jog in some windy weather. 3.81 miles 

Part of the Mayors Loop with Isaac and Kaden. Extended to find the main group but only found Jason. Did some strides then ran home with Metler. 8.44 miles 

Willis Creek to Broad Hollow loop to cabin. Willis was 5 miles of gradual to steep uphill, took a lot out of me. The rest of the run was chill. 13.03 miles 

Water Tank with Gage, new Zack, and Keaton. 5:17 up and 2:45 down. I really enjoyed this route. I was mentally prepared for Sandhill but glad I did this one with some of the new guys. Then I cut across the desert to find the real sandill crew. I’m glad I was able to run with the big group. We have a fun team! 10.02 miles 

AM- Half and Half. My grass half I spent with Nathan Hadley. He was an awesome student and I’m glad he’s putting in good work at xc. 5.26 miles 

PM- Weights and 15 in the heat. 1.77 miles 

AM- Out to the fields! I ran with Keaton, Zacks, and Leslie on the way back. Keaton pushed the hills and we all went with him. Good run but I’m feeling a little worn out. 4.93 miles 

PM- Out towards the sewage treatment place just to see what it’s like. The smell scared me away. 3.09 miles 

AM- 7 2 minute tempos with Ethan, Elijah, and Bentley. I ran 4 1/2 of them. Nathan B and new Zack also were mixed in. 6.52 miles

PM- Mayors Loop with Metler and Derek. Great catching up! 5.03 miles 

Uphills kicked my butt today. Ran with Dalton for 15 then tried to group up just to have everyone leave me on the hill. Finished with Elijah then 6 striders. 6.21 miles 

I finally got out to run the complete prospector trail. Marieta ran with me for the first 1.5 miles then turned around. I loved every minute of the trail! Then once it ended I continued to the Green Springs desert and did some climbing to get up to those neighborhoods. Carried on to my parents. 13.62 miles