Aesthete Runner

One week ago I was sitting on my couch watching the Chicago marathon feeling sore but on cloud 9. It is hard to believe after so many weeks of hard training, my first 50 mile race has come and gone. Running 50 miles is pretty life changing, and it is strange to think that while I was doing something major, the rest of the world just kept on turning.

Week 14 was a big week for me, as it marked my longest training run before the Hennepin 50. It was a week that I was both nervous but excited for as it marked a 50k being a training run distance vs a race that I was training for. While the race itself did not go as I expected, I was able to take away a lot from the run and it still is satisfying to complete the distance especially in less than ideal conditions.

One of my favorite things about Red Rock Canyon is that it is so diverse. From the red rocks of the calico basin trail in last week's Trail Tuesday, to the pine trees and water this week, there is a whole range of beauty to be found depending on which trail you pick.

There are so many amazing trails to explore in Red Rock Canyon, but one that we wanted to make sure we returned and hiked were the Calico Basin trails. These trails run along the red rock section of the canyon, and are spectacular.

Oh Week 11. Where do I begin. I knew this week would be tough, with long back to back runs, but I never expected it to be as hard as it was. I struggled a lot, both physically and mentally and feel a bit raw in the aftermath.

My favorite moment of Death Valley was stumbling upon water in the middle of the desert. It was completely unexpected but so beautiful. We were the only people around besides the wildlife, and it was an incredible moment. I highly recommend the Wildlife Refuge that is on the outskirts of Death Valley. You will not be disappointed if you can find this little gem. 

Continuing the Death Valley journey this week, the next stop is Zabriski point. The photos almost look fake, as the landscape is so surreal and otherworldly. Having recently read more about Death Valley, I was excited to learn that the tall yellow point in the photos is Manly beacon, named after one of the first people to cross Death Valley. 

Artists Palatte was another really neat stop in Death Valley. The higher elevation meant that you could see the Badwater Basin from above, and the "painted" rocks were a surprise in the desert landscape. The short trail in a dry river bed was deceivingly dangerous as my husband slid down a rocky section and cut open his hands. 

Another neat spot in Death Valley is the Devil's Golf Course, which as you can see, is appropriately named. There were signs that warned visitors to be careful when trying to walk out on the salt formations, and it was no joke! It would be so easy to fall or twist an ankle, and I had to test several rocks before putting my full weight on them to make sure I wouldn't break through.

Welcome to the first week of the 50 mile specific training phase! Thankfully Week 8 was a recovery week, so not a bad start to the real heart of the training plan. When I first started working with my coach she asked about any vacations or time off that I had planned and was able to incorporate that into my training schedule. This week happened to be my annual camping trip and rather than try to cram long runs into the week, she scheduled me for recovery.

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. 

The Pierce Stocking Scenic drive is a must-do if you are visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes. We chose to get out of the car and explore a bit more than some may be able to do, but if you are able to hike some of the trails, it is absolutely worth it. The famous dune overlook is simply spectacular and photos do not project the sheer steepness of the incline.