Mt. Lemmon Marathon Training Run #4

Back in the saddle again! After another 2 weeks off of running, I felt like my legs were feeling better, so I jumped back in with a vengeance. I sported my new hot pink compression socks to protect my shins.

A bunch of us Tucson Trail Runners started at MP 0 on Catalina Highway at 5am (it was dark!) and most of us ran to Summerhaven (with a short out-and-back on Ski Run Rd.) Mike went to Windy Point and back down, for a total of 28 miles, and Chase and Ken went up and down shorter distances.

Joe, Steve, me, Tom, Mike, Ken, Gene and Chase

Total distance: 26.5 miles

Dallas was our roving aid for the day. I had crewed him up the route the week before (he finished in 4:48!!!), so he was returning the favor and helping us out. We had aid stations at about miles 6, 12, 18, and 23. I just carried a hand-held bottle and refilled at each aid station. Dallas had turkey wraps, Nutella wraps, cookies, watermelon, peanut butter pretzels, soda, chips, all sorts of yummy stuff! Thank you Dallas!

What an awesome crew!!!!

That being said...I over ate at the mile 18 aid station and felt sick for about 3-4 miles. I came into Butterfly aid station feeling awesome, though! Huge smile on my face. I was so happy to be out there running a long distance!!! :)

Dallas got pics of me on my final descent into Summerhaven. I was pumped up!!!

I'm yelling, "Woohoo!! Sub-6!!!"

Total time - 5:58!!!!!!

Tom, Gene and I made it to the top. Joe made it to mile 18, and Steve to mile 17. The new guy to our group, Rick, did about 14 miles starting at the 12 mile aid station.

Rick, me, Joe, Steve and Gene.

Well, I now have 2 full MLM course training runs and 2 shorter Catalina Highway training runs under my belt. My goal is 5:30 for the marathon. I hope I can do it!

♫ "I feel the heat comin' off of the blacktop

And it makes me want it more

Because I'm hyped up out of control
If it's a fight, I'm ready to go
I wouldn't put my money on the other guy
If you know what I know that I know..." ♪
~ Sick Puppies

Renee - 2 (2 full trips!) 
Catalina Highway - 0!!!

Mt. Wrightson - one RT only!

One RT for me - Old Baldy trail up and Supertrail down for about 14 miles and about 4,000 feet elevation gain. I was supposed to do multiples, but I have been battling shin splints, hip pain, ankle pain and IT band pain and I'm trying to heal all of that up.

Tom and Mike did two round trips with one Supertrail return (25 miles), and Dallas did 3 round trips with one Supertrail return (36 miles). Good job guys!

Dallas and I went up together on my first trip and his second. We have fun together, that's for sure.

"A good companion shortens the longest road. " ~ Turkish Proverb

We saw lots of wildflowers because of the summer rains...

They were all on their 2nd ascent when I did my trip to the top (they started 3 hours earlier than me), so we all at the top of Mt. Wrightson (9,453 feet) at about the same time.

 

Victory is ours!

Saw a cool lizard at the top and we were attacked by lady bugs as usual (you can see them on the rock in the picture).

 

Ran down Supertrail instead of the standard 'Old Baldy' route.

I jumped the gun a bit on the running - my shin is still sore, so I'm taking a few more weeks off of running and cycling. :(

 

Trying to be smart about things, but I surely miss running...just part of being a long distance runner - that fine line between fun and injury.

 

My friend Becky was asking me why we do some of the things we do (multiple Wrightsons, marathon runs up Mt. Lemmon) and I said...

"Brace yourself. Because we can."

To run or not to run...that is the question!

Been on the DL for almost two weeks because my right leg had shin pain! No running, but I've been cycling, doing weight workouts, hot (Bikram) yoga, spinning, and....

Aquajogging!!!

Having fun and being a ham!

I'm tired in this picture. Aquajogging is hard work!

Dallas was a good sport as always and went aquajogging with me, even though the 'floaties' look like 'special needs' vests.

I did a test run on the legs today. First time in 2 weeks - 2+ miles. It's a go. I'll be doing Mt. Wrightson tomorrow, but taking it easy...really!