Too much, too soon - caution to the wind!

I am an all or nothing kind of guy, and it has probably created some serious problems in my life. In fact, I know it has. This characteristic has pushed me to sign up for my first race after my injury, Collegiate Peaks 50 mile. I know that with the right training I can run the race, the problem is that since the gun goes off at the beginning of May I may not be able to get the training mileage in. Oh well, here we go again!

Finally getting healthy

My ankle has healed up to the point where I can run again - thank god. It is still stiff, but no debilitating pain. I was starting to seriously slip into a nasty depression/funk brought on by a lack of movement. The cycling just didn't fill that need for some reason. Of course biking through the city doesn't provide the same feeling as the exertion and joy brought on by pounding out the miles.

I'm going to start putting something of a race schedule, and hopefully that will include an attempt at 100 miles. I'd like to hit Greenland 50k and Run Rabbit Run 50 mile again this year to see if I can better my times. Outside of those 3 events I may look at a 100k or even Death Race 125k in the Canadian Rockies. Who knows, it is possible that with school being a bit more involved this semester that I may not get the necessary training in - studying is my priority.

As the mileage begins to push past 80/wk and I get some good trail time in (photos to come), I'll begin to post that mileage breakdown. Not that anyone out there probably cares too much, but it does keep me motivated.

First come first serve

I have a waterproof ipod nano case that I'd like to give away to somebody who can really use it. Unfortunately I left my ipod in a pants pocket and it got washed in the laundry. I'm not going to be investing in another one as I have found the joy of the silent trail again. However, if you really like your tunes while on the go, and don't want to risk ruining your cherished ipod, I have the perfect gift for you. Oh, and it's FREE. I paid around $80, and it is a quality case. Let me know if you want it.

**** IT HAS BEEN CLAIMED ****

Giving in

Ok, my ankle is fighting back. Will have to take a considerable amount of time to let this injury heal. Probably until at least the end of the year. On my run to work on Tuesday it got pretty painful. That'll teach me...probably not. 

You ever kissed your shoes?

I did yesterday. I missed them so much. I must say though that mag chloride tastes like shit. I decided to go ahead and run to work yesterday despite the fact that my ankle isn't 100%, it's more like 70%. I know, rookie mistake but I simply can't deal with the torture of not running any more. Not to mention that riding my bike in the snow is kind of a major pain in the ass some times. It took me 45 mins to ride home the other night, and only I live 4 miles from work. Could have run in under 30, and done it much safer. I love to ride in the snow, but it can be dangerous. It's not the falling that bothers me, it's the possibility of falling and then having a car run over me that kind of makes me nervous. So I ran the 4 to and from work and felt ok. The only real issue I was anticipating was the cold, you know what I mean if you made it outside at all last night. It did seem to warm up slightly when I left work at 11 pm, or maybe that was my imagination. According to wunderground.com it was at around -1 faranheit. Hmmm, seemed warmer; in fact, at the end I was actually a little too hot (lots of layers). My ankle is a tad sore, but feeling good. Going to run again today and re-evaluate if I should take a bit more time off. Time to go. It's a tropical 5 degrees out.

Time on the couch means time spent planning

Since I can't really run, and probably shouldn't, I've been hitting the couch pretty hard when I'm not at school or work. So instead of just laying here collecting dust (instead of dirt - DAMN IT!) and watching The Daily Show, House, and 24 online (no t.v.), I've put together a tentative racing schedule for next year. Drum roll please...

- Mohican 50k (Apr 19, this one's a big maybe)
- Miwok 100k (May 1-2, if it's not filled yet) OR Collegiate Peaks 25m or 50m (May 2)
- San Juan Solstice 50m(Jun 20)
- Cascade Crest 100m(Aug 29-30)
- Run Rabbit Run 50m (Sep ?, I'd like to break 9:30 here. This year's time was around 10:30)

Will have to try to work in a 100k somewhere; it's not necessary, but I'd like to race that distance. If I don't get a 100k in before the Cascade Crest, or whichever 100m I choose, it won't be a big deal. I'm comfortable skipping that milestone. If anyone has any suggestions of great races I should try, or wants to carpool to any of these, shoot me a message/comment. Keep in mind that I don't own a car, but would be providing funds for gas and help with driving duties (I do have a license). Cheers.

Spare parts

I've checked ebay and craigslist, but nobody seems to have a spare ankle to sell. Damn this ankle sprain! I guess this will force me to recover from a serious case of burnout, and actually get some core work in. I'll be back though, just you wait and see.