Wintertime training

It's not really training, if there's no event on the horizon. I haven't been sharpening this winter so much as I have just been trying not to get too lazy. Cold, windy weather and a new routine in a new house have slowed me down some, but I've stuck with it.

Ups and downs. The bike commute is shorter, but running in the park is much easier. I rode 50 km on the fixed-gear two weeks ago, 100 km last week, but only 20 miles on Monday because it was too cold and windy. Today, had a pretty satisfying 6 mi run. Ups and downs.

I marvel at Stephen's fortitude because he's getting the long runs in and hitting the tough trails. I will to, as soon as I replace my trail shoes. Tomorrow (my birthday), I plan to ride to work and maybe do a loop around Forest Park on the ride home

California dreamin'

Honestly, there's a special place in hell reserved for people that get to run with vistas like these. I've always said the problem with the midwest is that gets cold during winter, but not cold enough to do anything - just cold enough to make you miserable.

Well I'm going to try to work in a groovy trail run while I'm in California next month - the Dipsea trail (actually a double Dipsea because I assume I'll have to find my way back to the start). So I'll have to do a little hill work between now and then. Plus, I want to look good in my bike kit on stage one.

Final post for 2008

It's been a busy few weeks here at UltraScott. We did find a new house and have relocated; still in town, but closer to the park and work. My bike commute suffers from our change of address though, because it takes almost as long to air up the tires as it does to get to work.

I was a little cranky during the move because I wasn't able to ride or run because of all the busyiness and the weather. Sunday, I headed out for a jog and I rode yesterday for a few miles. I want to get in shape for the Tour of California.

My brother invited me to join him to watch the prologue and ride and watch a portion of stage one. It should be a lot of fun. And the timing is perfect. I had resolved to spend more time this winter training for the Brevet series; the prospect of this trip will get me out the door for the next few weeks and stoke the fires for an April campaign.

Goofy weather

Actually, I think that's a Pluto cap. The weather here has been typical for this time of year; nice days and not-so-nice days. Unfortunately, the nice days never seem to coincide with the times I have to work out. Right now, with the wind blowing and light precipitation, I'm debating whether to run or ride the spinning bike. I think I'll do both and run a shorter distance than planned and then ride the bike.

Not much news to report. The TdF route has been announced and I hope to make a return engagement. A woman from my church is running the Boston Marathon and fighting liver disease in the process - you may donate here. And we're still house shopping much to our realtor's dismay.

Recovery week

Not one to let grass grow under my feet, I'm back running. Heartland 50 recovery was quick. After a couple of bike rides, I ran on the South Creek trail in Springfield, MO, on Thursday. Saturday, I rode downtown with an old friend, Rueben, to see Obama at the Arch grounds. And today, I ran a circuit of Forest Park (54:38). My legs feel okay, but they don't have the ooomph for faster running yet.

Heartland 50 Race Report

The Heartland race is complete. All in all, it was fun experience. On the downside, the weather was quite warm (highs in the mid 80's and windy) to run 50 miles and I was a shade undertrained owing to my ankle and general laziness. But on the upside, we didn't embarrass ourselves and turned in a respectable 11:12 finish. Whatever success I had, is largely thanks to Stephen who kept us on task. He certainly would have had a sub-11 finish if he didn't have to wait for my sorry butt.

The Heartland was different from the Brew-to-Brew. At B-2-B, I have had more of a "wall" experience from miles 40 to 43. Saturday, I hit a wall all right, but it was more of a gradual collapse. My spirit never flagged though, I was just discouraged I didn't run more on the second half.

Despite feeling a little hungover, metabolically, on Sunday, I feel pretty good today - my legs just have some mild tiredness. The sunburn is the most uncomfortable reminder of the race. What I need to do for future 50's is a little mild speedwork and more miles midweek.

I'd like to run some more 50-milers; I'd definitely like to run the Heartland 50 again. I almost forgot to mention meeting Michael from Ballwin, MO. Michael kept us company over the last couple of miles of what was his first 50 too. Mike is a very nice guy and strikes me as very dedicated; I hope we'll be able to run again with him.

Heartland training

I've been taking advantage of the milder weather to get a few runs in. I did a 22-miler two weeks ago on Saturday. And today I ran 27 miles under cloudy St. Louis skies. I should be better prepared for the Heartland 50-miler, but I'll show up in whatever shape I'm in.

It's been an exciting few weeks in St. Louis which were unfortunately dampened by a personal low motivation spell. I didn't even run last Saturday or go to watch the Tour of Missouri. But Sunday last, I rode downtown to watch the ToM's St. Louis stage. It was thrilling to see the pro's and think how fit they are. Here's Big George threading his way through the hoi polloi: