Running Upswing...again

[caption id="attachment_375" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Top of Walker's Dream trail.  Photos courtesy of Steve as usual."][/caption]

Finally, I seem to have emerged from a drought of lackluster, lethargic running that, I believe, has lasted since March.  On various levels of sloggishness I've felt like I've been dragging a 30 lbs sandbag behind me, no snap, no power, just struggling through most runs with only glimpses of energy.  This week was different and I appreciate the upswing (a lot), considering my next race is in five days (not counting today).

Got down to Morrison and Mt. Falcon's trails yesterday for a nice time with Steve.  Mt. Falcon was one of the first places I ran when I moved to Colorado and was surprized to realize I hadn't been there since August of '08.  The trail gets down to business right from the parking lot at 6,000 ft and climbs steeply for 1.7 miles to the top of Turkey Trot trail, then climbs a bit more gradually for another 2 miles to a series of loops, so the trail system is sort of shaped like a daisy with a long stem.  We took our time just chatting and enjoying the great weather, trails, and views.

[caption id="attachment_382" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="On Walker's Dream trail"][/caption]

Steve's going to be hopping into my North Fork 50 mile race this coming Saturday, joining me when I reach the 30 mile mark to serve as my pacer for the last 20 miles.  I've never had a pacer, so am mostly just looking forward to the company since these races tend to get spread out and I end up running alone for the last 3-4 hours.  He knows the trails and the race course better than probably anyone, so that will be a big help too.  I expend a lot of energy in races wondering how long a hill is, how far to the next aid station, how far to the finish, so it'll be nice having Steve telling me, "Ok, just .6 of a mile to the end of this climb, then a screaming descent!"

This week was (or will be once I get out for my run after this post today) 60 miles with 11,000 ft climb.  I'd really like to pop a good race next week.