Tired

Since coming out west to Colorado I've run 85 miles in 8 days. Everything is now catching up with me. My body is able to take the physical demands placed on it day in day out. Like I mentioned in my first post, running is about so much more than going out and putting in the miles and workouts. Being great at anything is about being comfortable, finding the right combination of things that work best on a individual basis. So many things have been on my mind, which over time, wheres the body out. Trying to adjust to different sleeping schedules, not sleeping in my own bed, dealing with injuries, missing my girlfriend, staying at different places and living under different circumstances all take a toll of the body after a while. Don't get me wrong, I'm truly blessed to have the opportunity to train in a running mecca such as Boulder. Life is about making adjustments. This is not a vacations for me. Coming to Colorado is one part of the process that will help me become the runners I want to be, as well as helping me grow as a person.

After taking it easy on Monday I woke up bright and early on Tuesday for an easy 4 miles. The temp was a bit chilly but I enjoyed running slowly in order to loosen up my muscles for my workout in the afternoon. Around noon I went into town for some coffee and to relax before hitting up the CU track. I couldn't believe how warm it was. I sat outside of Buchanan's coffee pub enjoying the beautiful weather. I brought my training log and began to plan out my training for the next several weeks. My new internship starts when I get back at Endorphin Fitness, so I'm trying to plan my workouts around when I'll be needed, as well as two other courses I'm taking. Getting in a routine that works best for me is key to limiting stress and achieving my goals. Anyhow, I heading over to Potts field for the planned workout of the day. It goes as follows- 15-20 minutes of warming up + strides/drills + 20 minutes tempo + 4 x 200 @ repetition pace (fast) + cool down. When I arrived at Potts field a few runners were doing workouts, so once I did my drills and strides I decided to do the tempo on the Boulder creek path. The track would have been nice to start out on but I didn't want to get in the way. Plus more runners were warming up on the path, so the track was about to be packed. I was soon off, probably a bit too fast. I passed the distance guys warming up. They seemed rather impressed with my pace and said hello as I went by... I turned around 10 minutes in, making for an out and back. I felt uncomfortable but then again I always do during tempo runs. I do them because they have helped me tremendously, but it the same time I despise them... I don't know what pace I was running. If I had to guess I'd say, 5:10-5:25 pace. I was hurting the last 5 minutes, which is not a good sign. Tempo's should be controlled yet fast. Once again the altitude was kicking my ass. Not as bad as the 400's and 200's the other day, but I was feeling rough. I jogged back to the track for some 200's at repetition pace. The track was packed so I did them in lane 6. Taking 200 meters jog between, I was hitting 30 seconds. On the recovery I was watching the distance guys do their workout. The top group was moving quick, with the Legendary coach Wetmore clicking off splits. On their recovery jog they smiled and said hello on the way by, as did some members from the girls team. Everyone on that track was all about business and it made me wish I could have been a part of something special like that, or even a part of something like that now. Oh well, I'm very fortunate to have the talent, ability and drive to train alone. Not many people do 400's at race pace by themselves. If things go according to plan, maybe I'll be training with a good post collegian group this fall. The 200's were tough, especially after the tempo. It amazes me how long it takes to recovery after each rep. I was soon off for an easy (very easy I might add) cool down on the Boulder creek path. Today's workout posted below.

Am- 4 mi in 27:00
Pm- 2.5 mi warm up, drills/strides, 20:00 tempo @ 5:15 average + 4 x 200 in 30 sec + 16:00 cool down. Around 9.5 mi total and 13.5 mi for the day!

The night Life!

Once returning home I relaxed for a while, then made Enoch and myself a pasta dinner with chicken and corn.... It was alright but not the best I've ever made. Not cooking in my own kitchen has a bit to do with that. Anyhow, we were soon out the door, making out way into Boulder to visit Enoch's cousin, staying in his dorm for a few days. Sounds like a great environment for training. Yet sleeping on another couch in an unfamiliar place. His cousin is a really nice down to earth guy, but his roommates are a bunch of idiots. Nothing like being around a bunch of college freshman. First we had to make an alcohol run for them. Once we returned the entire place smelled like weed. So much in fact, that I caught a contact buzz. Seems like everyone that's not involved with exercise in Boulder likes to toke up. I have no problem with that, but this is all these kids have been doing since staying with them. Enoch and myself split a 6 pack before heading out to a local bar. Finally, time to get out of that fucking dorm! The down side was I was exhausted and I could tell Enoch wanted to have more than a few beers. When we first arrived, we sat down at the bar and ordered a drink. After two or so drinks this place was packed! I had no idea a place could be poppin so much on a Tuesday night. I didn't feel like drinking so I sipped very slowly. I still got tipsy as most of the place was hammered. Enoch was nice enough to pay for the drinks... That boy likes to have a good time! Nothing wrong with that, tonight was just not my night. We left around 1am, so 3am eastern time. On the way back Enoch was trying his karate moves out. We passed a pizza joint while walking back. I figured I could use some extra carbs so I grabbed a quick piece to go. It was pretty damn good, especially at 1am. Soon we were back at the dorms. I was so tired I don't remember passing out. Above is a picture of me on the top on Magnolia road just outside of Boulder.