Run

Fields loop: still cold, but manageable. Just wanted to take it easy so I decided to see how close I could keep the miles to 8:00 pace. It was harder than I thought as I constantly crept up closer to 7:35. Started getting some stomach issues near the end so the last half mile was under a 7:00 pace. Might run some more this afternoon.

PM  3 Went down to the Altraspire groundhog trail run up to the Bloomington Hills water tanks. I'm not sure what the purpose of this thing was (they advertised it on Facebook), but I entered the raffle and picked up a goody bag (and snagged a few extra gels too). 

Icehouse: last friday after I showered some muscles in my upper back and neck went really sore. I'm not sure what caused it because I felt fine for the run. Didn't run until today because I wanted to let it get better and I was also tired and stressed out about work all week.

Went out about 11:00 after Kami got back and drove up to Green Springs. I didn't even know what or how far I was going to go when I started. Decided to kill myself on the Icehouse hill and it was snowing a bit too. The snow let up by the time I got tot he top, and the sun peaked out so I figured I'd keep going. When I got to the jct with Broken Mesa I decided that I had come this far and might as well go all the way, including the old side road that I'd seen in Google Earth.

I was dead the whole way up and the whole way back, but I made it. The old road took me to a nice viewpoint at the head of Washington Hollow, but I couldn't find any reason why it was built. It was insanely steep and I don't know how any vehicle could make it up that hill.  I'm sure it's been many years since a jeep has been on it.

I could barely run, even on the downhill, for most of the return trip. My legs are just dead. Ended up walking quite a bit at the end. It'll be a long time before I run Icehouse again. 

Washington Hollow: I wanted to see the canyon I was on top of last week from the bottom. Set a limit of 6.5 miles out so I wouldn't kill myself like last week. Started at the top of Green Springs and it takes 2.5 miles just to get to the start of the wash. The wash isn't to bad, but it definitely slows you down dodging rocks and some sandy spots. 

The canyon is pretty, but I don't have enough time to explore around. Lots of small side canyons that looked interesting. Also lots of knolls that would be fun to climb. About 5 miles up there was a cool little slickrock section and I noticed a camp fire.  By this point I could tell I was getting near the back of the canyon because the stream bed was getting smaller, but it still wasn't gaining very much elevation.  At 6.5 miles I climbed out of the wash up a small hill to get a good vantage point and turned around. The elevation difference from beginning to end was about 900 feet, but with some ups and downs total gain (and loss) was about 1,100.

In all, much easier on my legs than last week. Still had enough in me to take the family up Shinob Kibe, including carrying Natalie about half way up and half way down.  It also got me excited for running again. Now if it would just start to warm up.

Fields loop: yea! I pulled myself out of bed and ran in the cold. It just won't warm up and I pretty much gave up on running in the cold. It felt good, even with this slight head cold I've got. Avg pace of 7:30.