Training in Montana

5 miles this morning, and first time running since Wednesday. Weird to have such a layoff. It hurt as I bruised my tailbone on Saturday trying to do a cannonball into a river that I thought was 3 feet deep but was only about 3 inches deep, and landed straight on a rock with my tailbone. Ouch. It could have been much worse as it doesn't hurt to sit, but definitely a strained muscle. Running this morning was uncomfortable at times but not painful so I continued and it warmed up so I was fine. Not sure I can do the full 44 miles this week that my plan calls for, but I'll do as many as I can.

Slept in today. Went to bed late plus felt tired plus feeling the strain of my bruised/strained butt muscle. I felt it yesterday pretty good when lifting a few heavy-ish items that I put back into the Scout trailer. I guess my longest mileage of my plan week isn't going to happen. That's okay. I will go easier this week than planned so I'm ready for the Grand Teton Relay next weekend and my training plan doesn't get totally derailed.

Butt feeling much better today so I got out for 7 miles in a nice cool morning. Amazing how just a one day layoff can help the body so much. I'll keep watching the strain and lay off as needed butt hopefully it's nearly mended. Whew! I was worried it might be a long healer. On another note, hands were cold at about 1.5 miles. Excellent. Fall is just around the corner!

Not sure of average pace as I stopped to tie my shoe and forgot to hit Start... oh well. Nice morning for a run - kept up a decent pace, likely in the 8:50s overall.

Got out for 8 this morning. Supposed to be pace miles so I did my best to keep up the pace but I am tired and I ran an uphill course today so I'm happy that I was able to keep an 8:37 pace (down from my 8:15 MP). Slowest was in the 11's up the steepest hill, fastest was 6:30 heading down the hill. Going backpacking tonight with my 10 year old boy so likely won't get in my 18 miles tomorrow. 2 weekends in a row of missing my long run? I'll have to find a way to at least sneak in 10 miles tomorrow. My butt was feeling pretty good. Hopefully lifting the backpack on/off won't strain it more, but oh well - he's way excited. Should be fun.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/105896440

Evening, backpacked 6.8 miles up 1894 feet, topping at 9000 feet. Felt good. Only struggle was the few times I carried my 10 year old son's backpack for 1/2 mile at a time. Did that a few times. Beautiful spot! My new favorite. It's only 6.3 in there but we took a little detour of 1/2 mile.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/106299689

Active day for me. Backpacked back to the car 6.3 miles. For the last 2.6 I carried my son's backpack also and booked it. Averaged 18 minute miles carrying both packs - my son had to run to catch up every now and then. Dropped 1650 feet - I can feel it in my quads and hammys, carrying about 50-60 lbs that fast. It was good. Finished up in Red Lodge at the Boxcar burger joint and shared a large strawberry shake, cheeseburger and fries with Connor.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/106299676

Had to get my long run in, so after coming home and cleaning up headed out for 12 miles. It was tough. Temps were 86 when I started, but it felt much cooler than that. Ran shirtless and that was tough to handle all the crap from people out on a Saturday night. Was going to run to the pool to meet the family but that closed at 8 so I ran into town and met them at a park. Tough run, but glad to see what I have in me. Today felt like a marathon day. I think I'll be less sore after St. George than I am today.

AP 9:31, splits 9:35, 8:32, 8:22, 8:45, 9:03, 9:49, 11:19 (water break), 9:39, 10:40 (stop light), 9:44, 9:14, 9:26.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/106299667