It's bad!

 The lack of rain or drought, it is getting serious out here! Again I watch as many of my first year saplings die. Even though I water them there is nothing like rain!
  One thing I do know....it will rain again! The concern I have now is regarding fireworks usage. The country is often a gathering place for city folk during this specific holiday. As a runner I have come upon several sites where they have "celebrated" our freedom. Yes we are free to litter! Love the paradox of life!
  It is such a tinder box out here I am greatly concerned about the fire danger. I will be on edge as I hear the bombs burst in air and see the rockets red glare.
  Yesterday I got out early and ran my 9 miles. I am hitting lots of hills and so far the achilllies is holding up. I felt a little sluggish and my pace was a tad slower but that's okay...still averaged 10's. The heat is sneaky and can bite you like a Brown Recluse!
  Today is a rest day...thankfully...it's supposed to hit 102....record setting temps btw..
  Hope you are well! Peace! (praying for rain!)

Extreme run (for me)

  I decided to head for the forest today. This is a beautful area to run...along a creek with beautiful forested hills all around. The gravel road (trail) is rough and at some places smooth, steep, shaded, and very secluded!
  The degree of difficulty is raised because of the steepness of the hills and the rough trail...so 9 miles today! Very enjoyable. I got it in before the oppressive heat and only saw one car (on my road) and three people! I was very pleased with my overall pace and believe I'm on the right track with my training. Now we will see how the achilles will respond to this run. Peace!

Summer is upon us

  It is very hot and dry here. I am losing first year saplings and there is nothing I can do about it....I mulched the remaining ones and gave them some water.
  My heel is feeling strangely better?  I decided to talk a 2 mile walk with Sandy then do my run. I opted for a short run with 4 X 1/4 miles segments with a 1/4 rest. I averaged 1:56's for the quarters. This is a good pace for hills, mid-day sun and heat. I am pleased. So next week I plan on continuing to build, three 9 milers and Saturday speed! Peace!

BD run

Another year of life in the books. I don't mind getting older because it beats the only other alternative! I do enjoy life! Today I enjoyed running. My third 8 miler this week and my best pace speed, too. So I will go out and celebrate by eating some Italian, catch a movie, get some ice cream and start another year! I plan on leading, loving, and racing this next year! Hope you have a good one! Peace!

I tried....

 Famous last words- "I tried". I've always been an adventurer! I love new places, new challenges, and new ideas. I like to give new things a try....you?
  I can't remember where I read this idea but one elite marathoner said for strength and speed training they find a hill that takes 7 minutes to run up at nearly all out pace. Well...that's hard! I have more than enough hills but 7 minutes is an eternity! I managed 3:15 on my first try before I had to pull up...however, that was the best time I ever posted coming up that hill!
  I finished my 8 mile run with my head up and my time down! So two 8 milers this week.....maybe tomorrow off and another 8 miler Friday? Maybe I should run 57 miles in honor of my birthday on Friday?......let me think about that....uh...NO!
  Hope you are well! Try something new today! Peace!

Heat taxes

 Of course this is a no brainer for a veteran runner-heat sucks the life out of you! Yet it really makes you so much stronger, if you survive! Today the temps are soaring into the 90's and humidity is high. I tried to get out early but not too successful with that :)....by mile 5 I was toasting out but held on to get my 8 miles in...it took 83 minutes so my pace was slowed but I am still feeling strong. I really need some focus and a goal because I seem to be building? Hope you are well! Peace!

Summer stride

 Most of you know I absolutely love Summer! Maybe it's because I was born on June 22nd? Often a first full day of Summer. So today it IS Summer out here! Hot hot hot!
   I went for a 2 mile walk with Sandy then took of for a little speed play. Even though I am not training specifically for any event I think it wise to run faster occasionally.
   So one mile warm-up then a 4 X 1/4 mile with a 1/4 rest between...I was managing slightly faster than 10K even with the hills. I have realized a significant and obvious truth in regards to running.....the lighter you are the faster you go!
  I lost those 15 lbs over the Winter and it has made such a huge difference! I want to go lower!!! 3.4 miles today-25.1 this week....I am building but for what? Peace!