2 posts in 3 months

2 posts in 3 months.....

Like my training runs I like to start slow; in this case it's been a crawl. So I guess I better get my Headlands race report up. It was a wonderful experience but I had to take some time off after the race to regroup mentally more than anything else.

Don't get me wrong, I've been running. But without a formal goal in mind it's been freeing; a vacation of sorts. I have been focusing on running fast and easy - getting back to that feeling that got me hooked on trail running to begin with.

My "vacation" couldn't have come at a better time. I've been asked to join Team Traverse Trail Running. I know that some will question my decision and the team in general. But I do believe the motives of the team are good and direction Brad and Josue are taking it will benefit the trail scene in central Texas in many ways. I have promised myself not to let it get to my head. I support the team and our actions will prove themselves. Hopefully we will do well in races but more importantly I hope we are able to help give back to trail running and the communities who graciously allow us practice our sport.

That being said, I have to make some decisions soon regarding my plans for this winter/spring season. Fuego y Agua is weighing on my mind but I've got to make sure it fits in with the family and work plans. Plus if I do it, I don't have long to get ready for 100k with 2 3,000' climbs.

Well that's what's on my mind... next up... Headlands 100 race report.

Welcome to my blog. I know it's about time I put one up but better late than never. I am preparing for my first 100 Miler - Headlands 100 in Marin County California. I did my last long run this weekend with Ryan Beard. We did almost 30 miles Friday night from 10-4, starting at Powerline and hitting HOL on our way to Lady Bird Trail, stopped off at 6th street for a slice of Pizza at Roppolo's (we checked out all the partiers who were checking us out too... that was interesting to say the least). We went to check out the full moon drum line in the pedestrian tunnel over by Austin High and it is either not really going on anymore or we were off by one day. There were a few guys, a bongo, and a fire but they weren't really groovin' while were there. We then did a number of hills in Rollingwood on our way back to HOL. Ryan said we hit 9700 feet of elevation gain..... pretty good considering we only ran a little less than 30 miles. I felt pretty good on this run and hit it a little hard for the last few miles.

I then went out on Saturday at 1:30 for another 10-12 miles of heat training. It was hot, hot, hot! Katie, my Springer Spaniel, was certainly feeling it. We hit the secret watering holes about every four miles to make sure she was hydrated and wet but she didn't want to get out of the water. That's unusual for her because she is the most running centric being I have ever encountered.

Anyway it is taper city for me from here on out.

I am really looking forward to Headlands 100. I am wishing it was sooner, but I am well trained and will be well tapered by the time it comes around. I think I will do really well, Meredith Terranova kindly hooked me up with Steve Ansell from out there to pace me for the second 50. He seems like a great guy and had a great race last year despite getting some bonus miles in. Hopefully he will keep me going and keep us on course. I am so thankful for his support.

Will post more later.... we have a lot of catching up to do!
-John