Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 38 miles
11/25/12 - 12/01/12

Sun: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 58.10 Avg. Pace: 8.19
-  Felt pretty good today.Weather was perfect. I felt like I could have ran more but I'm still sticking to my plan of slow progression. Spirits are up after today's run.

Mon: 6 Miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 47.45 Avg. Pace: 7.58
- Feeling good about today's run. Spirits are still high. Also did my core workout before hand. I'm starting to get the love again for running I feel. Also, just ordered the AK race vest from Ultimate Direction. Lucky enough to get one since they are selling out fast. I'm pumped!!

Push Ups: 2*10
Claims: 2*15
Planks 2*1 min.
Fire Hydrant 2*15
Ab Routine (8-10 mins.)
Lateral Leg Raise 2*15

Leg Circuit: 1Time
- 20x Front Lunge with Twist
- 20x Body Squat (1/2 squat)
- 40x Step Ups
- 5x Rocket Jumps

Tues: 5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: ? Avg. Pace: ?
- No watch today. Left the house without it. First time I've ran without a watch in a long time. I felt good on today's run even though the weather was ugly outside. Just normal aches and pains that come with the territory or running. Still feeling good. A little sore from m core workout yesterday.

Wed: Off
Time: , Avg. Pace:
- Decided not to run again this Wednesday. If I was to run I'd be to far ahead of schedule and I'm trying to stay on track by taking it little by little especially since it starting to turn cold. However I did do my puny core workout lol.

Push Ups: 2*10
Claims: 2*15
Planks 2*1 min.
Fire Hydrant 2*15
Ab Routine (8-10 mins.)
Lateral Leg Raise 2*15

Leg Circuit: 1Time
- 20x Front Lunge with Twist
- 20x Body Squat (1/2 squat)
- 40x Step Ups
- 5x Rocket Jumps

Thur: 6 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 48.31 Avg. Pace: 8.05
- Felt sluggish today, but still felt like it was a productive run. Everyday seems to get easier and more enjoyable.

Fri: 6 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: ?  Avg. Pace: ?
- God awful run. Didn't help that I only got 2 hours of sleep and had to wake up a 3:45 for work at that. Was very tired and just didn't feel it. Took a lot to just finish what I did.

Sat: 8 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.05.27 Avg. Pace: 8:11
- Wasn't planning on running today, but with the abnormally warm weather it was just a day I couldn't refuse not to go. Overall a way better day than yesterday. Glad I got out and ran and got some extra miles in for the week at that.

Overall a lot better week of running as opposed to last week. I feel like I'm starting to feel the love for running again after several months of a rough patch. Spirits are up and within a few more weeks I'll be looking for some races to do. Hitting 40+ miles next week is the plan with a down week following

January:
Total Mileage: 177 miles

February:
Total Mileage: 193 miles

March:
Total Mileage: 190 miles

April:
Total Mileage: 269 miles

May:
Total Mileage: 234 miles

June:
Total Mileage: 176 miles

July:
Total Mileage: 186 miles

August:
Total Mileage: 185 miles

September:
Total Mileage: 75 miles

October:
Total Mileage: 121 miles

November:
Total Mileage: 107 miles

-Down month but I was expecting. However I did have 2 positive weeks come out of it. On the rebound of getting back into shape. Next month I'll be hitting my 2000 mile mark for the year.


2012 Mileage: 1,913 Miles

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 27 miles
11/18/12 - 11/24/12

Sun: 5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 42.46 Avg. Pace: 8.33
-  Nice easy run for the first day back. I feel like the week gave my body a break. However, after my run my feet were very sore and tender.

Mon: 4 Miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 36.08 Avg. Pace: 9.02
- So slow! Feet were killing me, especially the arch of my right foot. I don't know why this has all of a sudden happen but it's very frustrating. I'm hoping that it is just soreness from the previous days run. I know it's not easy getting back into the groove of running when taking time off but geez give me a break. If it's not one thing it's another.

Push Ups: 2*10
Claims: 2*15
Planks 2*1 min.
Fire Hydrant 2*15
Ab Routine (8-10 mins.)
Lateral Leg Raise 2*15

Leg Circuit: 1Time
- 20x Front Lunge with Twist
- 20x Body Squat (1/2 squat)
- 40x Step Ups
- 5x Rocket Jumps

Tues: 5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 41.30 Avg. Pace: 8.18
- Sore from the small core workout and run. Pains of getting back into shape. Feet still hurt pretty bad. I want to say they felt a smidge better but it is very little. Loving the warm fall weather.

Wed: Off
Time: , Avg. Pace:
- No running today. Giving my feet rest and my right knee has some discomfort while working today. However I did continue to do my small core work out. I'm sore from it also. It's amazing how little it takes to make you hurt when not being in shape.

Push Ups: 2*10
Claims: 2*15
Planks 2*1 min.
Fire Hydrant 2*15
Ab Routine (8-10 mins.)
Lateral Leg Raise 2*15

Leg Circuit: 1Time
- 20x Front Lunge with Twist
- 20x Body Squat (1/2 squat)
- 40x Step Ups
- 5x Rocket Jumps

Thur: 5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 42.28 Avg. Pace: 8.30
- Slow go again. I walked several times, I suck. Now time to eat Turkey. Happy Thanksgiving.

Fri: 8 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.04.55 Avg. Pace: 8.07
- This is my long day for the week. Body felt the best today this week. Feet still a little sore, but I knee did not bother me. I hope it's just the growing pains of of getting back into shape. Also did my core workout before the run.

Push Ups: 2*10
Claims: 2*15
Planks 2*1 min.
Fire Hydrant 2*15
Ab Routine (8-10 mins.)
Lateral Leg Raise 2*15

Leg Circuit: 1Time
- 20x Front Lunge with Twist
- 20x Body Squat (1/2 squat)
- 40x Step Ups
- 5x Rocket Jumps

Sat:Off
Time:  Avg. Pace:
-


I'm trying to start fresh and get back into shape (and actually mean it this time!!). I am an exercise science major and should not have let myself fall into the trap of coming home right after work, eating junk food, and when I do run make it half ass and not have any meaning to it. I am a runner, since the 7th grade I've been running which half my life. I've always considered myself an athlete, and I like to train like one. My current goal is to get a good base of 4 weeks running in and go from there in deciding my next race. I'm starting all over again with low mileage and working my way up, progression is the only safe and pain free way to go....Let's go to work!

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 5 miles
11/11/12 - 11/17/12

Sun: 5 Miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: Avg. Pace:
- Felt terrible. Deciding to take the rest of the week off to see if my feet start to feel better and to basically start fresh from low mileage and try to increase.

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 30 miles
11/04/12 - 11/10/12

Sun: Off
Time: Avg. Pace:
- Not trying to push too hard too soon. Taking the day off. Takes time to get back to the top!

Mon: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 54.45 Avg. Pace: 7.49
- Ok day nothing special.

Tues: 12 miles (Raisin Woods)
Morning: Time: (5)41.03 Avg. Pace: 8.12
- Felt awful today. Stopped and walked several times.
Evening Time: (7)54.13 Avg. Pace 7.45
-Felt better. A little more loose. Feet are still killing me!

Wed: 6 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 47.51 , Avg. Pace: 7.59
- Slower run. Just couldn't get my turn over rate going. Probably needed a slower day since I've been running harder the last few days.

Thur: Off
Time: Avg. Pace:
- Decided not to run. Feeling tied and fatigued. Legs are sore.

Fri: 5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 40.47 Avg. Pace: 8.09
- Last thing I wanted to o was get out and run today. Forced myself too. Legs just feel dead. I'm really just kind of burned out. I'm still searching for the love but can't seem to find it. It's hard to find it when I have no certain goals or races planned. I'm forcing myself to think small and take it a little at a time. I just want to be where I was back in the spring/early summer getting 80 plus no problem!!

Sat: Off
Time:   Avg. Pace:
- Went to the state meet. Great to see my two college coaches.

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 35 miles
10/28/12 - 11/03/12

Sun: Off
Time: Avg. Pace:
- Not trying to push too hard too soon. Taking the day off. Takes time to get back to the top!

Mon: 6 milles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 46.23 Avg. Pace: 7.44
- Still not feeling like running

Tues: 8 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.03.34 Avg. Pace: 7.57
- Ran faster than I was feeling this morning which is a good thing. Wind and chilly out. Having to put on the long sleeves and gloves!!

Wed: 6 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 47.51 , Avg. Pace: 7.59
- Slower run. Just couldn't get my turn over rate going. Probably needed a slower day since I've been running harder the last few days.

Thur: Off
Time:   Avg. Pace:
- Decided not to run. Feeling tied and fatigued. Legs are sore.

Fri: 5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 40.47  Avg. Pace: 8.09
- Last thing I wanted to o was get out and run today. Forced myself too. Legs just feel dead. I'm really just kind of burned out. I'm still searching for the love but can't seem to find it. It's hard to find it when I have no certain goals or races planned. I'm forcing myself to think small and take it a little at a time. I just want to be where I was back in the spring/early summer getting 80 plus no problem!!

Sat: 10 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.17.01 Avg. Pace: 7.42
- Had to read a blog post to get out and be motviated to run today. Glad I did. Felt great today.

January:
Total Mileage: 177 miles

February:
Total Mileage: 193 miles

March:
Total Mileage: 190 miles

April:
Total Mileage: 269 miles

May:
Total Mileage: 234 miles

June:
Total Mileage: 176 miles

July:
Total Mileage: 186 miles

August:
Total Mileage: 185 miles

September:
Total Mileage: 75 miles

October:
Total Mileage: 121 miles



2012 Mileage: 1806

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 38 miles
10/21/12 - 10/27/12

Sun: 12 miles (Panther Creek Falls)
Time: Avg. Pace:
-  No running just hiking with my dad. It was a beautiful day in the woods seeing all the leaves turning colors.

Mon: Off
Time:   Avg. Pace:
- Still not feeling like running

Tues: Off
Time:   Avg. Pace:
- Went to my brother xc meet

Wed: 5 miles
Time: 43.01 , Avg. Pace: 8.36
- Finally went and ran after work. Slow and easy, of course there is no fast running when trying to get back into the swing of things. I need to make a goal and work towards it.

Thur: 5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time:  43.20 Avg. Pace: 8.40
- Slow go again, just trying to find my legs again. It's going to take awhile.

Fri: 8 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.07.38 Avg. Pace: 8.27
- Upped the mileage a bit in the morning since I didn't have to work. Wore me out! Fastest I've ran all week.

Sat: 8 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.03.27 Avg. Pace: 7.56
- Felt great today. Didn't want to run to begin with but ended up feeling like the best run all week. Going to roll this over into next week hopefully. So much faster than yesterday.

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 12 miles
10/14/12 - 10/20/12

Sun: Off
Time:  Avg. Pace:
- Recovery

Mon: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 59.00 ? Avg. Pace:
- Slowwww! Legs feel dead and sore and I'm not sure why!

Tues: 5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time:40.50 Avg. Pace:
- Another slow day and to add on top of it I stopped early. I just can't get my turn over rate going for some reason.

Wed:  Off
Time: ? , Avg. Pace:
-
Thur: Off
Time: ? Avg. Pace:
- 
Fri: Off
Time: Avg. Pace:
-

Sat: Off
Time: Avg. Pace:
-

Just feel burned out. Been working and ton and not feeling like running at all. Hopefully I'll get the love back soon. Just feel like I need some time to take off.

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 12 miles
10/07/12 - 10/13/12

Sun: Off
Time: , Avg. Pace:
-  Recovery

Mon: Off
Time: Avg. Pace:
- Recovery

Tues: Off
Time: Avg. Pace:
- Recovery

Wed:  6 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: ? , Avg. Pace:
- Happy to start back, but the top part of my foot is hurting!! Hoping it's not a stress fracture. Doesn't hurt bad, more of an annoyance.

Thur: 6 miles (Pinhoti Trail)
Time: ? Avg. Pace:
- Slow and easy. Foot is still hurting and its worse. I can't get ahead for nothing. Taking the next 3 days off to see if it gets better. Hopefully it will.

Fri: Off
Time: Avg. Pace:
-

Sat:  Off
Time:  Avg. Pace:
-

Distance: 31 Miles

Time: 6.08.00

Pace:11.52

Place: 91st out of 409

The StumpJump has come and gone and I'm already ready for next year. This race has brought me pain and discomfort that started around mile 20 and continues 3 days afterward. While I'm in this discomfort and can barely get out of a chair I still can't wait until next year to do it again. StumpJump will always be special to me since it was where I ran my first ultra 2 years ago. Also, Rock Creek puts on phenomenal races that just keep getting bigger and bigger which forces everyone to pay months in advance to be able to run in it.

- Cool Stuff

Going into this race I wasn't expecting much at all due to only getting in 75 miles in for the whole month of September (Could not shake the sickness, had to go to the doctors twice and was put on 2 different antibiotics). I honestly wasn't planning on even running the StumpJump until a week before at the last minute. Funny thing is I decided to run StumpJump while I was running (must have been a really nice day running on the Pinhoti to sway me to run). I figured I had put a lot of money on this and I wasn't going to let it go to waste, plus I knew I could beat 70 percent of the people running in it (I know that sounded cocky but I'm not trying to be I swear!! Just going on facts). My only concern was that my ultrasignup ranking would go down, but it's numbers/ranking are hear-say and I'm no elite athlete so why not just enjoy a day running in the woods I thought. By the way I said I would only run if it was a nice sunny day outside, and it ended up raining most of the day, and guess who still ran! Ha!

It was a wet, muddy, and slippery race! I'm not going to go into much detail about the race because I've already rambled on too much and I've already ran it before so I knew what I was getting myself into (read for Vanessa Hills Blog for course details, she's a pro at this writing stuff), and only a few significant things happened to me on the run.

-Going into mile 19.5 into the the aid station

I started off putting myself into cruise control, but I ended up putting my cruise control a little higher than I should have to start. I knew I did but it's a hard thing to control and judge, and when you realize that you've messed up it's already too late, and the only thing to do is suffer and continue on. However, that is where you can improve your mental state of being and from mile 17 on I was working on it hardcore! I felt pretty normal for the first 17 miles and after mile 17 I started to cramp in my hamstrings and quads. Luckily I already knew in my mind what pain I was going to feel because it happened to me 2 years ago when I ran and I will never forget it. So I just trudged on and walked when I needed to and ran when I could. I almost was seriously injured running along the ridge around mile 11. My foot caught a rock and instead of falling I caught myself but my body continued to propel myself through thorn bushes towards the end of the cliff. Luckily God had placed a small tree for me to grab onto to stop me. If it hadn't been for that "so long Cody" I say. When it happened another runner shouted, "Are you OK?" and I replied after taking a breath. "oh yeah, fun stuff".

Once I started to cramp around mile 17 I slowed down tremendously, and I base that fact off of the numerous people that passed me from there until the end. It was just a slow go from then on. Around mile 29 I tripped and fell again and my legs locked up and there was no way I was able to get up on my own. Luckily 2 guys help me get up to which I am very thankful for. It was a sight to see I bet. One grabbed my hands and pulled and the other picked me up under my shoulders. One said, "take a deep breath" and boy did it hurt getting up. Then I trotted the last few miles to the finish.

Overall my time was really slow for me, but it was expected. I ran faster two years when I was younger, weaker, and inexperienced. However, I still had a great time. Before I got sick and was basically out for a month I was wanting to run around the low 5 hour mark, but that's what comes with the territory of life. I will say it was probably one of my favorites due to the fact I wasn't trying to beat anyone, finish in a certain time, or stress about it. I was able to run free and it was very enjoyable. My only complaint was the weather. I could have gone for a sunny day. Now I'm looking forward to November and running the Duncan Ridge 50K on the 17th. I should be in better shape by then, however it's a very very tough course and will be expecting an even slower time. I say bring it though, it's all about running tough courses and challenging yourself and bringing your body to a breaking point and pushing past it to find out what you're made of.

One last thing I'd like to mention is that my friend Josh Holloway, who runs for Half Moon Outfitters Endurance Team, finished his first ultra and did it in a studly time of 4 hrs 54 minutes placing him 7th overall. He did a fantastic job and has a bright future in this I believe!! Others to mention that I know of locally: Vanessa Hills (mentioned earlier) and George Kopcsak, both had unbelievable times for the 1st time running!!!!! Awesome Job!

 Photo courtesy of Kenny Sheppard

 

- A BIG THANK YOU goes out to my dad for being there for me at the race and having my supplies at aid stations ready for me when I got there. Hopefully next year he will be back in the running game and able to participate in the future. He says he's finished with racing, but I don't believe him and I don't think he believes it himself!

 

I've had a very up and down racing season so far this year. When I've been hot I've been hot (3 Day Mountain Stage Race) and when I've been cold I've been cold (so cold I've had to drop out of a race, a puny half marathon at that). I will say I've probably brought a lot of it on myself due to being stressed to the max about my future, applying to physical therapy school, waiting to hear answers, and worrying about what I will do if I don't get in. (Kept me out of running for 3 and half weeks worrying about that). Now that I found out I've been accepted. I feel like I can relax and live a little easier. That is at least until school starts in May. Haha! Good thing running is my outlet.

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 49 miles
9/30/12 -  10/06/12

Sun: 10 Miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.20.35, Avg. Pace: 
-  Great run, no complaints.

Mon: Off
Time:  Avg. Pace:
- Rained all day long.

Tues: Off
Time:  Avg. Pace:
- Worked all day then went to my younger brother xc meet. Not to concerned. Taking it easy for StumpJump Saturday.

Wed:  5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.15.20, Avg. Pace:
- Nice easy run to keep the legs loose. Probably do one more easy run tomorrow and take off Friday. Nice and cool outside.

Thur: 3 miles (Pinhoti Trail)
Time: 29.08 Avg. Pace:
-  Slow and easy. Legs feel tired and sore. Hoping they will be fine Saturday.

Fri: Off
Time:  Avg. Pace:
-

Sat:  31 Miles (StumpJump 50K)
Time: 6.08.00 Avg. Pace:
- Tired and Sore!!!

January:
Total Mileage: 177 miles

February:
Total Mileage: 193 miles

March:
Total Mileage: 190 miles

April:
Total Mileage: 269 miles

May:
Total Mileage: 234 miles

June:
Total Mileage: 176 miles

July:
Total Mileage: 186 miles

August:
Total Mileage: 185 miles

September:
Total Mileage: 75 miles



2012 Mileage: 1,685

Poor showing in the month of September due to being sick and not being able to get rid of it for several weeks. I'm feeling better and ready to put some miles in. 

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage:  41 miles
9/23/12 - 9/29/12

Sun: Off
Time: ?, Avg. Pace: ?
-  Plan is to start tomorrow!

Mon: 6 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: ? Avg. Pace: ?
- Felt pretty good for the first day back in a while. Weather was awesome in the 70s. Started to feel fatigued towards the end but it was expected.

Tues: 5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 40.40 Avg. Pace:
- Tired, slow, and sore. Its so easy to lose than too gain. Hoping I can get back in the game for Duncan Ridge 50K.

Wed:  8 miles (Pinhoti Trail)
Time: 1.15.20,  Avg. Pace:
- Actually felt good today. I honestly thought it was going to be bad. Given I did cruise and take it easy but I did get some good trail running in today with lots of hard hill. I have a feeling I'm going to be sore tomorrow. Thoughts came into my head to just run Stump Jump 50K as a training run and make my own goals that I can for it. However if it's pouring down rain I won't do it, but if not it will be a nice run in the woods in preparation for Duncan Ridge. Also, plan on running on the Pinhoti more so I can get used to the slowness and toughness because Duncan is one tough race I hear!

Thur: 8 miles (Pinhoti Trail)
Time: 1.18.08 Avg. Pace:
-  Slower today from the day before, but I was expecting that. Still felt pretty good and great weather outside.

Fri: 14 miles (Pinhoti Trail)
Time: 2.? Avg. Pace:
- Planned on running 21 but cut it short due to nutritional difficulties throughout the day. Worn out afterwards

Sat: Off
Time: Avg. Pace:
-


Great week of running afterward basically 4 weeks off!!!! Felt great to get back into it. Just easing back in and going to ease through StumpJump Hahaha! We will see how it goes.

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 11 miles
9/16/12 - 9/22/12

Sun: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: ?, Avg. Pace: ?
-  Actually felt ok.

Mon: 4 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.08.23 Avg. Pace:
- Slow go. Felt terrible. Horribly humid outside. Just decided to stop early.

Tues: Off
Time: Avg. Pace:
- Feeling Sick Again!!!!!

Wed: Off
Time: , Avg. Pace:
- Sick!

Thur: Off
Time: Avg. Pace:
-  Went back to the doctor again to get more powerful meds.

Fri: Off miles
Time: Avg. Pace:
- Feeling better today.

Sat: Off
Time: Avg. Pace:
-

Well didn't get to start this week due to my illness. I think I can say that I'm feeling better and will restart back again next week. I'm just glad this series of antibiotics is working. All I can do is start fresh and easy and just try to enjoy it

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 13 miles
9/09/12 - 9/15/12

Sun: 5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 41 something, Avg. Pace: ?
-  Trying to start back. Slow and easy pace.

Mon: 8 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.08.23 Avg. Pace:
- Still slow. Feeling like Fall outside which is good. I feel better but not 100 percent yet. I feel well nut not well. Hard to describe. I probably need to get some blood work done and get to the bottom of this.

Tues:  Off
Time:  Avg. Pace:
- GRE Test

Wed: Off
Time: , Avg. Pace:
- Interview for Physical Therapy School

Thur: Off
Time: Avg. Pace:
-  Just do not feel like running today.

Fri: Off miles
Time: Avg. Pace:
- Wedding activities (I'm a groomsman)

Sat: Off
Time: Avg. Pace:
- Wedding

The goal next week is to completely restart again, working the the hospital with sick patients just kills my running. I hope I an find some drive to run next week. I am probably going to drop out of Stump Jump and try for another race. I'm pretty bummed about it, but I don't want to go into a 50K not ready. Not even sure what race I will be doing next. The next 2 races I wanted to do already filled up while I was sick so who knows. Not very excited about it all. I'm not going to let this keep me down though. I feel like I've had too many set backs this year. All I can do now is start fresh!

Weekly Mileage: 0 miles
8/2/12-8/8/12
- Took the whole week off due to illness. Finally went to the doctor and got some medicine. Hoping it works. Just really tied and fatigued.

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 33 miles
8/26/12 -  9/01/12

Sun: 8 miles ()
Time: ?, Avg. Pace:  ?
-  This was more of a hike/run. Wasn't feeling too good after throwing up from being car sick on curvy roads. So I lost my lunch and fluids that was in me. Also, I've started not to feel so hot today. I believe I may a some sort of stomach virus.

Mon: 5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 39.47 Avg. Pace:
- Still having stomach issues and feeling very fatigued. I've never felt this way before. Had to cut my run short.

Tues: 10 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.19.45, Avg. Pace:
- Got 10 hours of sleep in. I felt good for the first lap but the second I started to feel tired and week. However, on a good note I believe my stomach virus has passed. Going to try and get some good sleep in and hope for a feeling less fatigued tomorrow. Probably should not have ran!

Wed:  Off
Time: , Avg. Pace:
- Sick

Thur: Off
Time: 49.07 Avg. Pace: 8.11
-  Sick

Fri: 10 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time:  Avg. Pace:
-  SHOULD NOT HAVE RAN!!! FELT HORRIBLE! I'm stupid!

Sat: Off
Time: Avg. Pace:
- Sick

Of course I would start to come down with something while Stump Jump is around the corner.

January:
Total Mileage: 177 miles

February:
Total Mileage: 193 miles

March:
Total Mileage: 190 miles

April:
Total Mileage: 269 miles

May:
Total Mileage: 234 miles

June:
Total Mileage: 176 miles

July:
Total Mileage: 186 miles

August:
Total Mileage: 185 miles


2012 Mileage: 1,610

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 55 miles
8/19/12 - 8/25/12

Sun: 10 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.20.34, Avg. Pace:  8.03
-  Great run. I ran a little conservative and felt great doing so. My legs were not sore or tired from my long run. I'm trying hard not to push it too much and add a lot of miles because I don't want to overdue myself and get hurt.

Mon: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 57.14 Avg. Pace: 8.11
- Sluggish this morning. Hard to get my motor running, but I'm not freighting over it. Very slick and muddy from yesterdays rain. Beautiful weather outside today to enjoy the run.

Tues: 6 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 47.27, Avg. Pace: 7.55
- Weird thing is I ran the exact same time I did last Tuesday. I want to add mileage so bad sometimes when I have the time and it's beautiful outside, but I'm holding back so I don't injure myself. Felt a little fatigued this morning and hoping it wear off before tomorrow.

Wed: 8 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.04.16, Avg. Pace: 8.02
- Legs feeling fatigued today. Kind of tired and worn out feeling and I'm not sure why. I haven't been doing anything strenuous or anything and getting good sleep. Plan to take it easy tomorrow to prep for Friday,

Thur: 6 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 49.07 Avg. Pace: 8.11
-  Sore and slow. However, it's fine I needed to take it slow before tomorrows early morning long run. It's going to be nice to get on a legit trail.

Fri: 18 miles (Pinhoti Trail)
Time: 2.59.09  Avg. Pace: 9.57
-  Boy I forgot how brutal the Pinhoti can be!! Legs started of feeling tired and sore from the weeks runs but I just felt like I couldn't get much a turnover at all. The trail is very rocky and technical which is expected to bring the time up, but I just felt kind of slow. I'm not upset or anything, it's a good thing. I need to add this trail to some of my shorter runs to build my strength back up to where it was this spring when I was training for my marathon. Beautiful morning to be running though. I do wish it was a little cooler, I swear I sweat off all the fluids I put into my body. Bring on next week!!

Sat: Off
Time: Avg. Pace:
- Recovery Time

Another week in the books. I'd have to say that it was a little slower than last but that's fine. For the most part I feel fine, just a little muscle fatigue and tiredness. Just one more up week before my down and I'm already ready for it especially after my long run.

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 50 miles
8/12/12 - 8/18/12

Sun: 8 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.02.23, Avg. Pace: 7.47
-  Felt really good today! Broke in my new Kinvara trail shoe and love them! Weather was great again. I hope it stays this way and not another heat waves come through.

Mon: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 55.20 Avg. Pace: 7.54
- Feeling pretty good this morning. Trying out compression socks and my feet didn't hurt this morning when I woke up. I hope it's not a fluke. Still loving the Kinvaras! I believe this running early in the morning is working out. Only if it was easy to get up! So far so good though.

Tues: 6 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 47.27, Avg. Pace: 7.55
- So far this week I am running much better. It seems things are coming around. Ran easy. A little hot but not like it has been. Wanted to run in the morning but had to run in the afternoon because I had been called into work.

Wed: 8 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.03.43, Avg. Pace: 7.58
- Felt better today. Best I have felt since last Saturday. Still a little tight, just a slow process of getting back to where I need to be. If I didn't have to use the rest room half the time I feel I would have been even faster.

Thur: 6 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 46.58 Avg. Pace: 7.50
-  Tired from standing and working all day. Surprised what my time was to be honest. Tomorrow is the long run.

Fri: 15 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 2.03.49  Avg. Pace: 8.15
-  A sold long run for me. I can say its been awhile since I had one of those. Felt pretty good out there. I feel like my body is finally starting to come around. Great week of running, Tomorrow is national trail running day and I was planning to take it off. Might have to squeeze in a few mile for say so. Only complaint is my feet hurting a little but other than that I'm slowly getting back into the game. Feeling good a bout StumpJump!

Sat:  Off
Time:  Avg. Pace:
- Recovery Time

Overall, it was a great week. The best I have had in awhile.

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 46 miles
8/05/12 - 8/11/12

Sun: Off
Time: , Avg. Pace: 
-  Very tired and sore from my dehydrated lack luster race. My hamstrings and calves fell like I have ran a 50K and I only ran 6 miles.

Mon: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 58.56 Avg. Pace: 8.25
- Just a slow run because that's all my body is allowing for some reason. I'm just frustrated because I can't seem to get going.

Tues: 6 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 49.57, Avg. Pace: 8.20
- Felt terrible out there. I ate to close before my run so I was bloated and wasn't feeling it at all. Hamstrings are still very tight from Saturday. All I can hope for cooler weather and Fall cannot seem to get here soon enough. Just trying to run through this yuck stage that my body seems to be going through for some reason.

Wed: 8 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.04.59, Avg. Pace: 8.07
- Felt better today. Best I have felt since last Saturday. Still a little tight, just a slow process of getting back to where I need to be. If I didn't have to use the rest room half the time I feel I would have been even faster.

Thur: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time:   58.49 Avg. Pace: 8.24
-  I feel like I'm back to square one from Saturday. I just hope tomorrow get better. So humid outside this morning. It's just killing me out there.

Fri: 12 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.36.12  Avg. Pace: 8.01
- Felt pretty good today considering yesterday was so bad. Feels good to have a good run on a long day. It makes me feel like things are coming together.

Sat: 6 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 47.24 Avg. Pace: 7.54
- Could have ran faster today but did not want to push it to hard since yesterday was my long run and its been awhile since I've had a long run. Everything feels good. Weather was great. Starting to feel like Fall. Hoping it comes early.

Still Hollow Trail Half Marathon

Distance: 13.1 (completed only 10K of it)
Time: N/A
Place: DNF

As you can see from my big fat DNF that I dropped from this race. Not what I wanted to do, at all, since I have never dropped from a race ever in my life. It was a tough but smart decision to make midway into the race. Also, it has taken me awhile to write this because to be perfectly honest with myself who wants to write about dropping from a race. Also, I don't want to sound like I'm making excuses. Don't get me wrong there are legit excuses out there in the world, but I hate it when people do it and constantly talk and talk about why they did horrible. So I hope not to sound redundent and just explain what happen and what I think went wrong.

To start off, I honestly did nothing out of the ordinary the night before my race. I chilled at home, listened to music to pump me up, ate dinner at a reasonable time, and drank plently of fluids (mostly water). The only thing that went differently that I can think of was that I didn't get a wink of sleep. I went to bed but never fell asleep, and it wasn't because I was nervous of the race. I was thinking more about my future whether I'd get into physical therapy school or not and what I would do if I didn't. Staying up all night ended up making me pee every 45 minutes or so for some reason and with that I became dehydrated. Also, if I'm completely honest with myself I'd have to say that my head was not honestly in it. I mean yeah there were several people I was wanting to beat, but for some reason I just didn't have it mentally. I am a little more concerned with Stump Jump 50K in a few months.

Start!

The race started off great. I felt great taking off and feeling strong for a whole 1 mile and then around mile 2 my hamstrings started to cramp and tighen up. And when I say tighen up I mean tighen up! My hanstrings hadn't felt like that since 2 years ago when I ran my first 50K around mile 26 with minmal training for my first ultra. So when that happened I knew something was up with my body. I progressively got slower and slower. It didn't help that the course was covered with mulch. It almost felt like I was running in sand.  When I would run around tight turns and downhill my hamstrings felt like they were in overdrive. Around mile 4 or 5,  people were passing me that shouldn't be passing me and I was sweating profusely non stop.  I knew I was probably going to drop and where I could do it I couldn't get there fast enough.

I did wrestle with dropping or not. I thought about reading Anton Krupicka's blog (his race report). In his lastest race Speedgoat 50K, he just wasn't feeling it and his legs felt dead (of couse his world class slow is on a different level than mine), but he pushed through it to finish 4th in this race right behind Max King if that tells you how fast those guys are out West. Then another image/reminder came into mind. I'm currently reading Alberto Salazar's book 14 Minuters (so far is a great read) and I just read the part where he pushed through a race and did finish. However, he pushed his body toward heatstroke and almost died and in theory should have had brain damage because his body temperature was 108 for so long. At that moment in time when I thought about that, I was hurting and know what the symptoms are for heat stroke and the lesser heat exahustion. I knew what I had to do and that was drop. Once I dropped I kept sweating profusely and didn't stop. Also I started to get cold chills and a woman ask me if I was ok. I said yes and calmly sat down and ingested fluids and waited and watched as everyone finished.


I'm a little bummed but not too much. I'd rather have things go wrong and drop this race instead of it happening to me during Stump Jump. My eyes are looking towards that race anyway. No matter how much we do things right sometimes our body can decided otherwise. Now it's time to buy some new shoes and put the mileage in. I'm pretty excited about Stump Jump and my goal is to cut an hour off my time from running it 2 years ago. Fall weather is just around the corner and I'm so glad. This hot weather can almost make you hate running. Onward to Stump Jump 50K!!!

Right Before I Dropped

Thanks for reading!

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 28 miles
7/29/12 -  8/04/12

Sun: 6 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 45.09, Avg. Pace: 7.32
-  Felt pretty good and I was kind of an effortless run which is good for me.

Mon: 5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 40.16 Avg. Pace: 8.03
- Not the best feeling but I ate not to long before. Just taking it easy before the race Saturday.

Tues: 6 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: , Avg. Pace:
- Lost my data but remember mileage

Wed: 5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: , Avg. Pace: 
- Lost my data but remember mileage

Thur: off
Time: Avg. Pace:
- Was a Warped Tour all day

Fri: Off
Time: Avg. Pace:
- 

Sat:  6 miles (South Enterprise Park)
Time: Avg. Pace:
- Ended up dropping out of my race. Talk about it more in my race report.


January:
Total Mileage: 177 miles

February:
Total Mileage: 193 miles

March:
Total Mileage: 190 miles

April:
Total Mileage: 269 miles

May:
Total Mileage: 234 miles

June:
Total Mileage: 176 miles

July:
Total Mileage: 186 miles


2012 Mileage: 1425 Miles

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 46 miles
7/22/12 - 7/28/12

Sun: 10 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.19.09, Avg. Pace: 7.55
-  The best I have felt in weeks!!! Might be because of the two days I took off prior. I hope my body is starting to come around. Wasn't too hot out either. Great day!

Mon: Off
Time: , Avg. Pace:
- Had to work all day, and was worn out and didn't feel like running at night.

Tues: 10 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.18.11, Avg. Pace: 7.49
- Felt even better than I did on Sunday. It was hot outside but I somehow just felt the love today which has been rare these past few months due to the heat. Also, I did an hour SUP Boarding on the Tennessee River today. I would like to do this at least one day out of the week. It's a great workout for my weak upper body! It's also preety fun and relaxing also. It is just a nice break from running all the time.

Wed: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 58.43, Avg. Pace: 8.23
- Much cooler today but my body is still not feeling this running stuff. Hopefully tomorrow I will feel the love.

Thur: Off
Time:  Avg. Pace:
- Was a Warped Tour all day

Fri: 6 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: Avg. Pace:
- Walked instead of running, but hey it's still something and not sitting doing nothing.

Sat:  13 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time:  Avg. Pace:
- Felt aweful today had to break it up into 2 runs and I lost my info on it

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 41 miles
7/15/12 - 7/21/12

Sun: 12 miles (Chattanooga Riverwalk) (walking)
Time: , Avg. Pace:
-  Spent most of the day with a friend and ended up walking the Riverwalk. Also, I barefooted at least 50% of it due to my Chacos giving me a blister, and let me say I got a workout my just walking barefoot. Need to do it more often.

Mon: 5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 41.04, Avg. Pace: 8.12
- Ran with my younger brother today and wasn't feeling it. I was bloated from eating an hour early and it felt like that I had a slight fever due to the fact I got sun burnt.

Tues: Off
- Got to try some stand up paddle boarding this afternoon. I really enjoyed it and can see myself getting into it if I could come up with the funds to buy a board. It's nice to take a break from trail running so much. Try it out at L2 Boards, the people there are great!

Wed: 16 miles (Raisin Woods)
AM - Time: 1.20.13, Avg. Pace: 8.01 (10)
- Since I didn't get a run in yesterday I decided to run this morning and will try to later this evening. Felt pretty good today, hoping to keep this train a going.
PM - Time: 49.41, Avg. Pace: 8.16 (6)
- Talkative easy pace with an old friend. Body felt great.

Thur: 8 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.04.56 Avg. Pace: 8.07
- Felt ok. Had to use the restroom half of the time so I couldn't get a great pace today, but overall I think I'm starting to come around.

Fri: off
Time: Avg. Pace:
- 

Sat: off
Time:  Avg. Pace:
-

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 45 miles, 40 miles running
7/09/12 - 7/14/12

Sun: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 58.20, Avg. Pace: 8.20
-  Not necessarily feeling it today.

Mon: 8 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.04.49, Avg. Pace: 8.06
- Today I didn't eat any meat or animal based products, trying to flirt with a plant based whole grain diet. I have to say that I felt fine running if not a little better. However it is still hot outside, but I know it is supposed to a little cooler. Only time will tell how my body will react to this diet. Go is try to do it for a week.

Tues: Off
-tired and sore

Wed: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 59.42, Avg. Pace: 7.32
- Much cooler today but my body is still not feeling this running stuff. Hopefully tomorrow I will feel the love.

Thur: 8 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.08.00 Avg. Pace: 8.30
- 75 degrees outside, and cloudy brings some good running weather. If only my legs and body felt better today. Just had to cruise because I was sore.

Fri: 5 miles (Dalton)
Time:  Avg. Pace:
-  Walked instead of running, but hey it's still something and not sitting doing nothing.

Sat:  10 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.23.46 Avg. Pace: 8.23
-

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 37 miles
7/01/12 - 7/08/12

Sun: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 59.11, Avg. Pace:
- 

Mon: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 58.23, Avg. Pace: 
-

Tues: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 56.35, Avg. Pace:
-

Wed: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 56.11, Avg. Pace:
-
Thur: 4 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 29.56 Avg. Pace: 
- Got caught in a wind storm. Almost had a tree fall on top of me, my dad, and brother. Let's just say we had to end the run early due to stormy conditions coming in.

Fri: 5 (Raisin Woods)
Time: 40.15 Avg. Pace:
-  Too hot outside, had to end early again.

Sat: off


Overall for the week I am getting really frustrated with my running and how my body is feeling. I don't feel that I am getting good recovery in and my body just aches in the morning when I wake up. I can hardly walk barefoot in the mornings, and it's not like I have been putting in any kind of major miles at all. I am hoping that it is just this heat that is bothering me too much, and hopefully is will subside here a least a little. The dog days of summer is upon us. So ready for Fall weather. I'm just struggling to survive on my runs. I need to focus because I have 3 training weeks and 1 down week until my next race which is only a half marathon.

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 32 miles
6/24/12 - 6/30/12

Sun: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.01.48, Avg. Pace: 8.50
-  My plan was to run slower than usual to see how the top of my foot reacts. To my surprise, I really didn't bother me at all with the exception of the normal aches and pains. However, even though I was tempted to pick the pace up I did not to play it say. I plan on "playing it safe" for the whole week, and then it will be time to pick it up and log in the miles once again! I really don't have a plan to how much mileage I will put in this week. I guess I will have to wait and see! It's an all week based on feel type of approach.

Mon: 5 miles (Cloudland Canyon)
Time: ?, Avg. Pace:  ?
- No running just hiking. At least I was still moving around. Had a friend text me today and we decided to head over to Cloudland Canyon State Park and hike around since we have no been there in a while. I was also in the hunt for some new trails to run. However, I would have to make a special trip since it's longer than just a short drive over there. Had a great time. Enjoy the pictures at the bottom. Mainly work my chacos then switched over to my minimus shoes due to the fact I was starting to get blisters.

Tues: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.00.47, Avg. Pace: 8.41
- Another nice and easy slow planned slow run. Ran with an old high school friend today. It was nice to catch up with him. Hoping he will take me and some other friends down the Ocoee this Saturday. Also, ended up getting burnt today outside by the pool today by accident. This fair skin can't take much of it!!

Wed: 8 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.06.37, Avg. Pace: 8.20
- Nice and easy run. Legs are feeling great along with the top of my foot. I plan on picking the pace up next week. Who knows, maybe I will tomorrow. I almost ran 10 today but decided against it at the last second. I have pleantly of time before my next serious race.

Thur: 5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: ? Avg. Pace:  ?
- Felt aweful today and it wasn't because of the heat! My legs and body just didn't want to go. I stopped my watch after about the 5th time that I had to stop and walk. Just didn't have it at all today. Hoping tomorrow will be better. On a lighter note I am going to a cencert tonight to see Saving Abel!

Fri: off
-  Dissappointed in myself for not running today. Luckly it isn't the end of the world or anything. The dog days of summer are in full force and it's hard to get out there. Just have to overcome it and show how bad I want it!

Sat: off

Cloudland Canyon

Brandon's idea not mine

The Pack

Bummer that there was hardly and water

Everyone has a Chaco picture

January:
Total Mileage: 177 miles

February:
Total Mileage: 193 miles

March:
Total Mileage: 190 miles

April:
Total Mileage: 269 miles

May:
Total Mileage: 234 miles

June:
Total Mileage: 176



2012 Mileage: 1239 Miles

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 30 miles
6/17/12 -  6/23/12

Sun: 20 miles (Signal Mountain, Day 3 Stage Race)
- See Race Recap

Mon: off

Tues: off

Wed: off

Thur: off

Fri: 10 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.22.12 Avg. Pace:  8.14
- Decided I should try and get back into the game again. I thought that I would have felt better since I had taken 4 days off, but apparently my body was still tight and sore and recovery is not over just quite yet. Also, the top of my left foot was hurting. It is probably due to the fact that I ran so many miles so close together. So I will be watching and icing it because I do not want a stress fracture in the future. That could set me way back. My plan is to maybe take a few more days off and slowly run get back into it. I have some time before my next race the StumpJump 50K, and in between that a new race called the Still Hollow Half Marathon.

Sat: off

Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race

60 Miles in 3 Days

Raccoon Mountain
Day 1 - 18 Miles

Time: 2.23.03

Avg. Pace: 7.56 mi

Place: 22nd

Woke up at 4:40 this morning to eat breakfast and to make sure that I wouldn't be late to the race since I had no support crew a.k.a my dad (family is heading to Florida for the whole week). This was the first race I have gone to by myself. On the way over I realized this race was lower key than the others since there were not as many people but the runners are way more serious. People that were here have done this before and I could tell it from my lower ranking on Ultrasignup.

Started off pretty fast and that's when I realized that these runners meant business. I eventually settled into a pack until the aid station at mile 8 to refill my bottle. Before the aid station at mile 6, I was "chicked" (From Eat and Run - Girl catches you in an ultra) and I couldn't believe it happened so fast and she was hauling!!! After I left the aid station, I ran to catch up with Rock Creek Race Team Member Lance Steele. I cruised with him for the rest of the race until probably about 2 miles left when I let him go on. The exciting part happened at mile 15 when I "unchicked" myself and passed the leading female to retain my manhood which is hard to keep in these long races. I finished smooth and strong around the time expected.

The true test will come tomorrow and definitely Sunday since the trails will be longer and a lot tougher. Overall the legs are currently a little tired and sore. I'm just hoping to survive tomorrow, taking it day by day; it's all I can really do!

Miles Lookout Mountain/Lula Lake Land Trust
Day 2 - 22 Miles

Time: 2.48.35

Avg. Pace: 7.40

Place: 19th

Overall Place: 18th

The alarm went off this morning and I thought to myself "what am I doing?" I was sore and stiff. However, once I got to the race I started to loosen up and started to feel normal. I was just hoping that once I started I wouldn't feel like crap.

Once the countdown hit zero we were off. I started off slower than yesterday and I cruised until the aid station around mile 10. Within the 1st mile, there is a rope that you have to hold onto while climbing up the side of the mountain, and on the way back I took it a bit slow going down it. For the first 6 miles, 2 female runners were ahead of me. I passed the 2nd place female around mile 6ish and caught up to Rock Creek Race Team Member John Wiygul. I followed him until probably a little before the 15 mile aid station and he went on. At mile 10, I picked up the pace along with Wiygul and we headed back down the mountain. The nice easy pace was over and it was race time! Once I hit the last aid station around mile 15 ish I passed right through it and started up the other side of the ridge and did not walk at all going up. I ended up passing the 1st female (wooo, just don't choke tomorrow!) and caught up to Rock Creek Race Team Member Lance Steele and passed him also. Once I ran through the creek that was knee high deep, I ran strong to the finish. Once I finished, I made a B line to get my chocolate milk from my car and headed to the creek and laid in it for 20 minutes (nice and cold).

I honestly cannot believe that I felt so good today. One of the big factors had to be the temperature. It was way cooler in the higher elevation. Also my plan to take the first 10 miles easy (training run pace) worked to perfection for me. I was even more in cue with taking my fluids. I basically felt like a machine out on the trail today, I was just so in tune and focus that it was almost ridiculous. Every person I passed I was feeding off of their energy. My only hope is that it continues tomorrow. I am feeling great and confident about tomorrow!!! Bring it!

 Signal Mountain

Day 3 - 20 Miles

Time: 3.17.34

Avg. Pace: 9.53

Place: 16th

Overall Place: 17th

The third and final day is over with! No more waking up at 4:40 in the morning. I woke up and realized that all the excitement of running really well yesterday was gone. I was a little sore and stiff but not too bad, but it was my ankle that was really stiff from rolling it the day before. Basically just had the aches and pains of running 40 miles and to my surprise it wasn't all that bad.

With the countdown hitting zero I only had 20 miles to go and it would all be over with. The first 6 miles I took pretty slow at 28th place(I know because the first 3 miles were out and back) and once I got back to Mushroom Rock I started to pick the pace up. I ended up catching the lead female rather quickly and stayed behind her until around mile 10. I wanted to get around her before, but it ended up working in my advantage that I stayed because the trail would get very technical soon after I passed her. Once I got to the top of Signal Point I got my second wind but it would not last too long because of more rocks and roots to come. Once I hit the aid station around mile 15ish the trail opened up and I started to push the pace (it was nice to finally get a rhythm going). I finished really strong all the way to the finish.

All I can say is that if the first 40 miles do not kill you, the last 20 will! The trail today was so technical it almost wasn't fun at certain points. It was a good feeling to cross the finish line today. The weather was not as cool today and for some reason I decided I would wear a shirt. My plan worked well and I'm very pleased how my body felt. No cramps at all!!! Just a sore ankle is about it after putting in work in today. Overall great day!

For the race overall it was awesome. I definitely plan on doing it again next year if my life will allow (honestly I’m hoping to be in PT school next summer). I am extremely pleased of how I felt considering I hadn't ran as much 3 weeks prior and was fighting lack of motivation. This race really pumped me up. I can honestly say I won't be running for the next several days, oh recovery! Great race, great weather, and great people make for one GREAT trail race. I am also very pleased with my results since it was my first time doing this race. Each day I raced, I improved my ranking which I am very proud of. I highly recommend this race. It is very achievable to do this race and the volunteers are top notch!

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 69 miles
6/10/12 - 6/16/12

Sun: 11.2 miles (Cloudland Canyon Connector Trail on Lookout Mountain)
Time:1.34.49 Avg. Pace: 8.29
- My dad and I had an amazing run on the Cloudland Canyon Connector Trail on Lookout Mountain at Nickajack Gap near Lula Lake land trust. It’s an awesome trail especially during a light drizzle and must do for all you trail runners or mountain bikers. I plan on definitely doing it again. The trail is very well maintained plus it’s has mile markers every half mile. At 5.6 miles one way you can get in a good 11.2 mile run or any distance in between. It took me 50 minutes to get to the 5.6 mile marker and 44.48 to get get. I was a little conservative on the way out since it was my first time out there. Great run and it was really nice to finally get away from Raisin Woods. Bring on this Stage Race!!

Mon: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.00.23, Avg. Pace: 8.37
- A little sore from yesterdays run but not too bad. Ran late in the evening due to it raining all day. It was a hot, wet, and muggy run.

Tues: 5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 42.13, Avg. Pace: 8.26
- Was not feeling the love at all today. Too hot and humid outside this afternoon. Had to cut it short. Also was rather sore today.

Wed: 6 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 47.33 Avg. Pace:7.56
- Felt really good today, but didn't want to push it too much. Hoping I feel like this for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Getting pumped for this Stage Race.

Thur: Off
- The calm before the storm.


Fri: 18 miles (Raccoon Mountain)
Time:  Avg. Pace:
- See Race Report

Sat:  22 miles (Signal Mountain/Lula Lake Land Trust)
Time: Avg. Pace: - See Race Report

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 33 miles
6/03/12 - 6/09/12

Sun: off
- Should have ran, but decided not too.

Mon: 11 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: ?, Avg. Pace: ?
- Feel like I'm in a rut. Just looking for some motivation.

Tues: 14.5 miles (Raisin Woods), (Downtown Dalton)
Early PM:Time: 1.20.00, Avg. Pace: ? 10
Late PM:Time: ? (4.5)
- Forgot my watch today. I know that I ran 10 and that's about it. Hot and Humid and it's not even the dog days of summer yet

Wed: Off
Time: ? Avg. Pace: ?
- Had to work all day. PT Aid, Cardiac Rehab, and then fitness floor!

Thur: 7.5 miles (Raisin Woods)
Early PM Time: 40.01 Avg. Pace:  (5)
Late PM Time: 19.26  (2.5)
- Starting to feel like I back into routine. Still not where I feel like I should be but I am doing the most I can. If anything I feel like I am maintaining.



Fri: Off

Sat:  Off


Really bad lack of motivation this week. Hoping this stage race will give me a boost coming up!

Weekly Recap
Total Mileage: 50 miles
5/26/12 - 6/02/12

Sun: off
- Should have ran, but instead I just enjoyed my Memorial Day activities with some friends at a pool.

Mon: 10 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: ?, Avg. Pace:  ?
- Feel like I'm in a rut. Just looking for some motivation.

Tues: 10 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: ?, Avg. Pace: ?
- Forgot my watch today. I know that I ran 10 and that's about it. Hot and Humid and it's not even the dog days of summer yet

Wed: 7 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: ? Avg. Pace: ?
- Worked 10 hours today, luckily I was able to squeeze in 7 miles. Almost stepped on a snake today, luckily the "root" lifted its head up right as I was about to step down and I somehow added a jump into the mix. Still hot and humid.

Thur: 11 miles(Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.27.02 Avg. Pace: 7.55
- Starting to feel like I back into routine. Still not where I feel like I should be but I am doing the most I can. If anything I feel like I am maintaining.




Fri: 12 miles (Raisin Woods)
Time: 1.39.33 Avg. Pace: 8.18
-  Felt a little sluggish today running, I didn't realize that I ran pretty fast yesterday. I have to work all day tomorrow, but I am hoping to get something in. I'm just doing what my schedule is allowing me to do.

Sat: off

January:
Total Mileage: 177 miles

February:
Total Mileage: 193 miles

March:
Total Mileage: 190 miles

April:
Total Mileage: 269 miles

May:
Total Mileage: 234 miles



2012 Mileage: 1063 Miles

Last 2 Weekly Recap

5/13/12-5/19/12
Total Miles: 50 miles (Including Marathon Race)
- Wasn't much to keep up with since my race was at the end of the week


5/20/12 - 5/26/12
Total Miles: 23 miles
- Worked a lot this week and due to that I wasn't able to get much running in. 50+ hours of work. Have

Just having a short write up so that I can remember my total yearly mileage. I'm hoping to be back on schedule my next write up. Currently trying to fight lack of motivation and I need it because in 2 weeks I'll be running my first stage race.

Race Report: Scenic City Trail Marathon

Time: 3:34:25
Place: 23rd out of 215 + (originally 300 but people dropped out, stopped at the half, or didn't show)
Pace: 8:11 mile

Lessons Learned
To start off, I'd like to say that I didn't do what I wanted to, but it wasn't a complete disaster. My goal today was to run 3.15.00 to 3.20.00, but as you can see i did not achieve that. I believe in my heart that I would have ran this if not beat it, but you live and you learn and turn the negatives into positives. However, considering the events that took place I am very pleased with my time considering this was my first marathon ever (even though I ran Stumpjump 50K several years ago)

I woke up at 4:50 this morning to make a good breakfast for myself to get some much needed calories inside me. I made scrambled eggs, peanut butter toast, and turkey bacon. I was ready for this race and pumped so I wasn't really tired even though I wasn't able to get much sleep. Once I arrived I went to use the restroom, grab my bib, and sat down for the next hour and half or so before the race started, everything was going smooth with just a bit of nerves. I got on the line near the front due to the fact that there was 600+ (full and half ) and I didn't won't to get caught up in a bottleneck before we hit the trail.

Once the countdown hit zero I was off! For the first mile I settled in nicely and ended up falling in behind Rock Creek Race Team member Lance Steele, and followed till around mile 14 and that's when all Hell broke loose for me. However, the first 13.1 miles I was feeling awesome, nothing could stop me. I was cranking up the hills like it was just child's play. I hit the around halfway point (12.8 I think) around 1.28.00, feeling great! There was no thought of going out too fast or anything. In an ideal perfect world which probably would not have happened even if my events did not take place (I know I would have slowed down some with the trail breaking you down), if you add say (strictly estimating now at 13.1, there was no marker) 1.33.00 + 1.33.00 that's 3.06.00. I cannot express how good I was feeling, almost euphoria like or super human, at least for me anyways.

BUT, and there is always a but right???? it was around mile 14 that I started to not feel so good, no aches and pains with my legs, but something wasn't right and I started to slow down a bit, and it all came up around mile 15. I started to puke and puke and finally stopped, and I continued and felt a little better but was still running slower than I was wanting to go. I was trying to catch back up to Lance and had him in eyesight reeling him back in, but it was to no avail to which I started taking the hills slower and also I ended up puking again. By that time I stopped taking gels/heed completely with 9 miles to go in the last leg of the race in which you need those much needed calories and electrolytes. Around mile 18 I puked again and was on the verge of pulling myself out, all of the bad thoughts and emotions were going through my head that usually seems to happen in the last half of long races such as "I'm never doing this again" "Running is stupid" "I don't even know why I signed up for that stage race 4 weeks from now" "I'm just ready to get off this trail" "I suck" I even teared up a bit. It was scary just drinking water and nothing else, and not to mention dangerous with the heat, and worse humidity!

Somehow with what little composure that I had I tucked my head down and I trucked on having to walk most of the hills. I know in my mind I wanted to quit but quitting is really not an option to me especially when it comes to running unless my life is in danger. Getting passed by people you know you could beat does not do the mind any good but everyone was very encouraging. Also, the dreaded moment when the first female passes you can suck the life out of you. To add injury to insult (literally) within the last 2 miles I ended up falling and when I fell my hamstrings tightened up and I shrieked a little and laid on the ground a couple of seconds. The most important thing/best thing that happened though was that I finished was very glad to have done so with a not too shabby time considering and having great support from friends at the finish.

Once the race was over my puke fest was not over yet by any means. On the way home I started to feel woozy again! I luckily had a goodie bag and dumped all the stuff out of it and filled it back up with my insides. So here I am in a single cab small Ford Ranger with my dad driving with my head buried in a plastic bag driving down the interstate. Other people driving probably thought I was huffing glue or something haha.

So in short I learned my lesson today. Just because some people do certain things in races doesn't mean you should. I decided that I would take my gels every 20 minutes as opposed to 30 like I do in practice and I believe that it all caught up to me and upset my stomach forcing everything to come back up. And it mixed with that nasty heed that they give out is not a good combo at all. After discussing with Johnny Clemons (overall winner/beast) that was the conclusion and that whatever you do in practice you should do in a race. Just too many gels to quick and it cost me for sure. Other than all that I'm happy and healthy and it was great to be running out on the trails today!

Happy Trails