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Friday, March 9, 2012

Running In 74 mph Wind Is Less Than Awesome

Monday, March 5th 2012: 5 miles. I ran the first two on the dreadmill. I am jealous of people who are okay doing their runs on a treadmill. It seems like my perceived effort is much higher and my pace much slower. After two miles on Satan's Sidewalk I decided I'd just go run the last three miles outside and finished with a 9:07 pace.

Tuesday, March 6th 2012: Rest.

Wednesday, March 7th 2012: 10 miles @ 12:37 minutes per mile pace. I had the chance to do a longer run with Mel which was fun. It was bitter cold and more windy than I have seen in quite a while. One website said there were gusts up to 74 mph, and of course you can believe everything you see on the internet. My wife is smiling somewhere underneath her layers:


I took her to a trail she hadn't been on before which included one of my favorite trail views ever:


There was quite a bit of elevation gain which Mel wasn't used to so she had a hard time getting her pace up but still had fun, despite the fact that we were seriously running in a tornado.


Thursday, March 8th 2012: 5 miles @ 8:41 minutes per mile. I am in charge of marking the course for the Zion 100 from mile 56-66. I went out with RD Matt Gunn to have him show me some of my area. We even had a mile @ 7:55. The last time I ran a mile that started with a 7 was....um....I don't remember when. The views were, again, incredible.


There are some sandy sections here and I'll definitely be wearing my flashy gaiters during the race. My favorite part was coming up to a windmill which I wanted to get silhouetted against the sunset. I am nervous and excited for the big race.


And today we're leaving for the Virgin Islands! I'm excited for the trip, but less-than-excited for the flights. I have a slight (or not so slight) fear of airplanes. (CLICK HERE to read why.) If I could take a Greyhound to the Virgin Islands I think I would. I have a few guest posts lined up for the next week. Enjoy and see you soon!
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8 comments:

  1. ChristiMarch 9, 2012 at 8:24 AM

    The windmill photo is so very cool. I think I love it the best of all your photos I have seen. You have tremendous talent!

    Have a great vacation!

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  2. MichaelMarch 9, 2012 at 9:55 AM

    Agreed....I second Christi's comment. You have a real talent for taking great photographs, and the silhouetted windmill is one of the better ones. Enjoy your "time in the sun". :-)

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  3. Rachelle WardleMarch 9, 2012 at 10:40 AM

    Amazing pictures and nice job with the speedy paces. That is sure to make your ultra pace feel incredibly easy right?

    I freaking hate flying too. Glad I'm not the only one. Have a fun trip!

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  4. BeckaMarch 9, 2012 at 11:03 AM

    Always amazing pictures. Have a great time on your vacation!

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  5. Britt @ Chicago Runner GirlMarch 10, 2012 at 7:21 AM

    Your pictures always are fooling, you would think the desert would be warm and cuddly but you are always bundled up. Were there 74 mile winds, how did you keep yourself grounded?

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  6. Matthew SmithMarch 10, 2012 at 9:52 PM

    I hope you guys have a blast in the Virgin Islands. I'm sure you will. That picture with the windmill is SWEET! Nice work on all the running. In Michigan, we get those crazy winds too, so I know what it's like to run and ride in a tornado...

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  7. Coy MartinezMarch 12, 2012 at 12:46 PM

    Lemme tell ya! If there's a Greyhound that goes to the Virgin Islands, I'm ON IT! I hate flying too. I can white knuckle with the best of them.

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  8. Will CooperMarch 12, 2012 at 11:40 PM

    You guys are nuts! That kind of wind would make me want to go kite surfing (actually just flying a kite would suffice). Nice pics as always!!!

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