Aesthete Runner

Last week I had an incredible moment where I happened to look up in the trees and saw a hawk chowing down on a fresh catch. I was really surprised at how close I was able to get to him. I tried to keep a respectable distance since I know he was eating, but it was so cool!

I am finally through the third week of this training Pre-50k training block, and into a cut-back week again. I couldn't be happier! Week 7 was both a week of some really great runs, but also one not-so-great run. Nevertheless, it was a week of feeling humble and allowing myself to learn.

I recently was catching up on old episodes of the Trail Runner Nation podcast  and listened to the episode called "Grit: That Space Between Giving Up and Going All In". Not only was I fascinated by the topic, but I really related to much of the dialogue on the podcast.

There is still a lot of snow, but at least some friends came out to enjoy the warming temperature.

With Week 6 out of the way, I am officially one third of the way done with my training. Thinking about it that way really puts things into perspective. A lot of the time during training, especially in the early stages, it is hard to picture race day. I tend to think about all the work that is ahead of me. I can definitely say that continuing with the "Pre-50k" phase has really started to challenge me, but also shown me how my fitness has continued to improve as the weeks have gone by.

In honor of Valentine's day, I bring you my top #RunLove moments of the past year.

Just when I thought that the only trail pictures I would have are the ones in my mind while running on the treadmill, I was finally able to get outdoors for a few runs. The snowpocalypse has made it pretty hard to get outdoors, but thankfully I enjoyed what little time I've been able to have in the winter wonderland.

After a nice cut back week, I was excited to start the next training block. The first 4 weeks of the Glacier Ridge Trail 50k training plan were the "Endurance" phase. With week 5, I began the next 4 weeks of the "Pre-50k" block which is designed to help give me the fitness needed for the more difficult workouts ahead. The Pre-50k phase has a lot of hill workouts, and the ever popular, back-to-back long runs!

With the midwest experiencing the Snowpocalypse, I figured it was a good time to post the 2018 edition of What I'm Wearing. People always seem surprised when I say I run outdoors in just about any weather, but it the clothes you are wearing make all the difference between a great run and a miserable one. With the right amount of layers and key pieces, winter running can be enjoyable.

This week takes you to the Texas hill country, which is beautiful even in winter. Perhaps it is just the different climate, but I love the crooked trees and the small leaves and how they change the landscape.

Week 4 - cut back week! Each 4 week training block of my 50k training plan is a cut back week, where mileage is decreased and I can decide to skip a run and take an extra rest day if needed. It could not have coincided better with a last minute trip to Austin. I was able to take an extra rest day and enjoy my trip.