Blog Post

I am in the second day of my 2014 season of training.  Not because it is the New Year, but this start date sequences right with my Summer and Fall run projects.  During the holidays we had warm temps and some snow (never enough), but today I welcomed back cold, arctic air which brings great snow running conditions and blue skies.

I decided to hit Game Creek trail today, just 3 miles South of home, for a nice 3 mile gradual climb and gives way for some faster running back down.  I was first tracks today with a nice 5 degrees F to keep you awake if the mountain lion warning did not do the trick!

Today's workout plan was to climb 3 miles at a low heart rate.  The snow got a little soft in the sun, so I just ran nice and comfy in zone 2, allowing me to train my early season aerobic strength and power.  This trail is groomed for nordic skiing which is also a great time for me to use my very minimal shoes, using the B2R Moc prototypes.  These are my favorite winter snow shoe when traction is not needed.  Great for total foot and leg strength building.  Today's conditions were like running on firm sand - almost better than summer trails!

Yesterday I did 8 X 30" hill repeats, so I really felt good and strong today even though it was important to keep the HR low and easy for today's run.  It was just great to get some sunshine on the face and take in some great views.

You think running downhill on trails is fun, well, it doesn't get much more fun than downhill on snow.  Imagine every step a soft pillow, embracing all of your foot and leg muscles with the blue sky so perfect, it is fake.  And then you come around the corner and spot a Spring time climbing project.  Run on, climb on!

I hit the trail head at 6 miles and decided to finish with one hill repeat on the hill just above the parking lot.  A nice 4:45 steep climb to cap off the day.