Peak Run Check!

24.5 miles 5:09:12, 12:37 pace

Well the peak run is over with. With every mile I struggled. My energy level was not up to par so it made the 5 hours harder than usual.

Friday for dinner I had some chicken, mash potatoes, and steamed veggies. I don’t think I had enough carbs because when I got up I was more hungry than usual. We had a 4am start time because it’s been unusually warm and we all had things to do after the run on Saturday. I dropped the aid bag off and met up with the Marine and Iron legs for our “4am” start… little did I know they had conspired and started at 3. Yeah 6min miles my foot! Hahah They had about 4 miles on me when we met up.

We took off at a easy pace, head lights shining bright and nice conversation. It was a little unnerving running that early and at the brink of spring. SOOOO many bugs and creepy crawlies were out. A spider that eyes glowed in the dark that apparently get huge stayed in front of us most of the morning, I want to call it a monkey spider but it’s not… they looked really creepy and fuzzy. We kept hearing noises in the distance but only once figured out what it was. I learned that running in the winter is so much better because everything is dead and also armadillos carry leprosy (random fact of the day).

We hit the first aid station at about mile 8, filled up for a bit and took off. Our next one was another 8 miles and once we made it to this second aid station we all felt the need to sit a while and recover. The sun was finally coming up and it did bring a since of rejuvenation to us. Every time we took off I really thought ok I’m going to tell the guys I’m taking the roads. This is happening.. of course I never did. Leaving this last aid station we took two new trails back, they were shorter but would get us where we needed to go.

Not my Photo but PM at sun rise.

Boot top trail was hard at first, had a good switch back climb and then was some nice running and took us back to our first aid station, Mollyhugger. The Saw tooth trail was about the same, had a couple of rough climbs and then was nice easy running. If you’re ever on these trails just go right. Saw tooth splits off and if you go left you’ll see a sign for water about a quarter of the mile down.. that’s the wrong way. Also eventually we made it to a split. If you go left it’ll take you to Fox Den, go right and back to Buzzard Roost (our starting place for the day). Iron legs kept saying, just up here, just around the corner, we are almost there. HA! When we finally got to the sign I swear It was the happiest moment because it meant we weren’t loss and we only had just under three miles to go.

Over all it was a very fun day. I always enjoy being out there especially with my fellow runners. We all experienced good and bad days this week but it’s just refreshing to come back, once a week, and suffer together. To my surprise at one point or another both men were looking like they were having to work somewhat hard. I guess it’s true, these long runs aren’t 100% easy for everyone, all the time. Even the strong have to work hard. I’m so glad they were out there. They kept me going even though I wanted to stop about 6 miles in.. what a out and back would have put me at 12 hahaha.

Saturday ended with four hours at the pool (I know it’s only March and I’m sooo burnt)! I took a hour nap and headed out for another successful Green Holiday! I love St. Patrick’s day, it’s another excuse to dress up and not feel guilty about drinking beer! 24 miles=24 beers. I think I ended on 15 and a couple of shots, one being Jello. I was in a great mood and had a great time with my friends.

If only I had more $$$ in that pot of gold.... oh the races and places I'd visit

 

Sunday I didn’t feel so bad but was really tired. I guess not sleeping long after my run will do that to you.. but it was so worth it. Walking Dead ended until the Fall.. guess I’ll actually sleep on Sunday nights now!

Off to the gym!

Happy running!