Aesthete Runner

I was in Badwater, CA only a few days after the Badwater 135 race ended, and I was simply amazed at how anyone could walk, much less run, anything longer than a mile at a time. I walked the mile and a half to the edge of the basin and back, and it was otherworldly. The dirt turns to salt, and the hot wind stings your eyes. Despite all of this, it is truly beautiful in it's own way.

Week 7 of 50 mile training was the last of my "Introductory" phase. From here I move on to the 50 mile specific phase, which will focus on the runs that will prepare me to run the Hennepin Hundred. So far I have really enjoyed how gradual my training has been in terms of adding mileage and speedwork. While at times I see how far others are already running for the Chicago marathon which is the day after the Hennepin Hundred, I also fully trust my coach and the plan. My coach knows what is best for me in the build up to this distance, and I still have 10 weeks of hard work to go.

Another rainy week, but the rain brought out a few friends on the trails.

I am in still in the "Introductory" phase of training for the Hennepin Hundred- my first 50 mile race, and Week 6 was a bit of a recovery week after the Waterfall Glen Xtreme 10 race last week. My coach advised me to run easy and gave me some options for additional recovery if needed. Recovery was difficult this week, and it was one of the few races that I have really struggled to come back from.

This week's Trail Tuesday is a roundup of a few pictures I've taken over the last few months while out on the trail. Despite the heat, the scenery and wildlife has been well worth getting out and sweating the miles away to take it all in.

Week 5 of training for the Hennepin Hundred also coincided with the Waterfall Glen Xtreme 10 race I run yearly. I haven't missed the race in 5 years, and while each July I always worry about my fitness level, I keep coming back. Not only did I have a solid week of training, but I also had a great race.

It's July and that means fireflies! Last night I hit a local trail with some friends at dusk to watch the fireflies come out and it was pretty amazing.

Recovery week! It also happens to be the start of the next training phase - the Introductory Phase. My coaches notes are to be patient. My mileage is still low, workouts haven't become too difficult, and it is easy to want to jump ahead and do more. However, just because I know I can do more doesn't mean that I should. To get to the start line healthy and ready, I know I need to trust my coach and plan and get my body ready to where it needs to be.

Another amazing moment from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was seeing a perfect beach sunset. Even though the sky was a bit overcast, it was still stunning. We had the beach to ourselves and it was a serene way to spend the evening listening to the waves. 

It was another hot week of training. I complain about the heat every year and miss it in the winter, but it really does make training for a fall race infinitely more difficult. Thankfully it also prepares you well for what's to come.