Run

Club run on the Majestic View loop. Was all over the place on pace because I started running with one group and then slowed down for another and then we pushed it in hard for the last mile.  Felt fast and full of energy the entire run. 7:32 avg

Buena Vista. It's been a while since I've done this run, or even run up the 300 East hill and it kind of did me in. Felt crummy most of the run and got a bad side ache at the end and even had to walk some. The setting moon was huge and cool. Also passed a huge pack of ladies out running; someone's put together a big group there.

7:35 avg 

Abraham Lincoln 4th of July Run with Steve Hooper and the running club from Enterprise Reservoir to Veyo. Woke up at 3:00, got picked up at 3:30 by James and rode up with him, Tom, Lindsay, Brian, Bree, Jenna and Jaimie to the end where we caught the shuttle vans to the start. Ended up on the same van as Dave Holt and Lyle Anderson and we had some good stories on the way up.  

Started out quick (probably too quick) with James Holt right behind Dave and Steve.  I ran with James for the first 6 miles until the big hill when I couldn't keep up with him. Good conversation and fun to get to know him. Was alone for about 6 miles when I caught up with the 3 speed demons at the water drop around mile 12. James and I kept on Steve and Dave for a mile or so then lost them.  I let James go after another 2 miles or so and struggled to finish the last 2. Left knee started hurting pretty bad plus my legs were just shot by the last three miles or so. Soaked in the stream at the bottom and I think it helped my knee feel better.

Two big hills, one a climb of 730 feet and the other only 270, but it was pretty killer. Total time was 2:18, or 8:00 min pace. I'm actually feeling a little discouraged about how hard it was. This was the furthest I've run since I've run the marathon in 1999 and it was harder than I thought it would be. I'm a little worried thinking that it's another 9 miles to do a marathon; can my body go that distance? I've got 3 months to build up to it. 

20 E 5 mile loop: slow as I'm still recovering from Wednesday. My butt was pretty sore the first couple of miles, but it loosened up. Focused a bit on a slower pace with a high cadence. 7:46 avg

Kolob Arch: I've been wanting to see this arch for years, so why not another trail run. Got a parks pass for Fathers Day so I though I'd put it to use. Turns out no one is awake at 5:50 am at the Kolob visitors center so I just drove through and to Lee's Pass. Started running at 5:54 and the first mile was steep downhill, then gentle downhill for another 2.

Saw a skunk on the trail and patiently let it move out of the way before I tried to pass. At the first campsite I was looking at the sign and almost missed the skunk lying on the trail right there. Fortunately that one was dead! Also saw some frogs, lizards and a deer. I tried not to let my imagination get too creative about what might be making all the rustling in the leaves and bushes trailside.

Crossed the bench down into LaVerkin Creek turning east and made it to the junction of the Kolob Arch trail right at 7:00 at 6.5 miles. Scrambled up the half mile to the viewpoint, rested a bit, ate a gel, and started back at 7:17. Enjoyed the run back down LaVerkin Creek, but had to walk some of the hill up the bench over to Timber Creek.

About halfway back I felt an immediate sharp pain on the front of my right arch.  It felt like a really sharp rock or stick. Took off my shoe, but didn't see anything so I figured it was a blister popping. I didn't take off my sock, but when I got home, sure enough, a small blister in a tender spot. Must have had a pinch in my sock or something because I've never had that problem before.

The last mile coming out was crazy slow (14 min pace). Made it back to the car at 8:39, so total time of 2:45 including stops, 2:26 moving time makes for avg moving pace of 10:27. Passed 3 occupied campsites and 2 backpackers just starting right before I was done. Also saw a guy and 2 girls just pulling up to the trailhead when I was finishing going out to do Icebox Canyon. Always nice to get in a tough 14 miler before most people even get going for the day.

This is a great trail for trail running.  Not too much scrambling, sand, or overgrown bushes. Really awesome scenery; I especially love the deep red of the soil up in Kolob. Also hit 50 miles for the week, which is a first for me. I probably need some recovery now. Next week I'll be in Vegas Friday and Saturday so I won't be getting in any long adventure runs.