Training in Montana

Raining today so treadmill miles. 2% incline, warmed up at 6.0, most of run at 7.0 with a 1/2 mile stretch of 7.5 and the last .25 at 8.0. Afterwards did 3 sets of squats, shoulders, and curls. 1:30 plank, 1:00 bicycles, 25 pushups.

I got into the St. George Marathon! Their system was a bit whacked this morning so I thought I didn't get in but after sulking I quadruple checked different ways of inputting my info (Russ, Russell, Montana, MT) and was very surprised when my name popped up. I'm very excited as I get to go to St. George for the 2nd time this year and am looking forward to running the same course that my Dad did his sole marathon in 1987 (approx). His running inspired me to want to do a marathon but it took me 20 years before I figured out how to act on my desire.

Had to skip yesterday's run to help some friends from church whose house flooded just before lunch. Moved everything that we could from their basement to upstairs. That was fun in work shoes and work pants in 18 inches of cold water. Felt like it does after soaking the feet in an ice bath. 25 of us came back last night and cleaned out the entire basement. Moved out all the carpet and pad and shop-vac'd all the water. Amazing how much work we got done in a couple hours.

The rain has finally stopped so I got in a nice run outside. 5 miles in 51 degree temps with sun. Perfect. AP 8:48, splits 9:17, 8:50, 8:39, 8:38, 8:36. Finished up with 2X1:00 planks, 2X1:00 bicycles, and 25 pushups.

Nice run outside. Beautiful out there, everyone mowing their lawns as the rains have stopped and the grass is tall. Glad I don't have hay fever. Or grass fever. Or tree fever as the blossoms are finally starting. Took it pretty easy, but it was a bit tougher of a run than it should have been. I think my Thursdays are normally only 3 miles or so and I'm guessing that's why it felt tough.

AP 9:01, splits 9:16, 8:57, 8:59, 9:03, 8:39. My HR monitor is at home.

1:00 plank, 1:00 bicycle, 25 pushups.

I finally got a taste of what it feels like to run fast and I liked it! Started off the run a bit sluggish and after the 2nd mile wasn't sure I would make it 5 miles let alone 10. The effects of 3 straight nights of 6 hours sleep wore on me a bit. After a ways scenery changed, slope started heading downhill, and I guess my body was warming up. Kept it at a nice 9ish pace. Got to watch a crop duster make turn after turn for quite a few of my mid miles, so that was really cool. No tripping deer unfortunately. Turned around just before 5 miles as I had to be  home by 7:45. Felt good heading back slightly uphill and kept a decent pace. I realized I might not make my 7:45 time so started picking it up more, and then as I went I felt better and better and picked it up more and more until I ran in the 6s for the last mile. It felt awesome. Good run. Came home & had a nice pancake & eggs breakfast. We all wished Connor a happy 10th with our traditional breakfast in bed then he opened his presents. Star Wars Legos III for Wii and an airsoft pump shotgun. Grins all around.

AP 9:02, splits 9:45, 9:30, 11:00 (fixing clothes & iPod), 9:43, 9:27, 9:48, 8:48, 8:00, 7:11, 6:33.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/85511882