Running Wild

Went out for a short run yesterday afternoon wearing my Vibram FiveFingers Treksport.  I started the run chilled and just relaxing into these minimalist shoes.  I was running on gravel/soft packed farm paths and trail; the sun was just right...  At about 5KM something clicked.  

I'm not convinced it was the Fivefingers, but they certainly had something to do with the energy and freedom I felt.  It was one of those moments when the environment was perfect and I felt great.  I pushed the last three or so kilometers to the limit and enjoyed the simplicity of being connected with the environment and my running.

A great experience - one that keeps me running over and over again...

Been a While

Since I last posted something here...  You know how that goes with work, travels and all of the other things that occupy our lives.

This time of year usually marks the slow down of my running season.  In the past couple of years I've been headed to the last race of the season with the Alb Marathon.  For 2012 I've decided not to run the Alb again.  Am now headed towards the Roentgenlauf on 28 October and then hopefully if we can get spots the annual Nikolauslauf in Tuebingen.  These two races will wrap my season up for 2012.  Lots planned for 2013, but we're not quite there yet.  That said, much to plan and train for.

The challenge in the fall as things wind down is to stay focused and sharp with my training.  Planning the next year plays a big part as well as I try to de-conflict work and family requirements.  Truthfully, I enjoy this bit almost as much as the training and racing...

Stay sharp out there...

   

The Path

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail...

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Into the Woods...

Almost forgot this...

TrailRunner Magazine recently published a great article by Amy Clark that I thought I'd share here.  Amy's article shares the joy and essence of trail running:

Into the Woods:  Henry David Thoreau Would have Made an Excellent Trail Runner

Have fun out there!

Lass die Sau raus...

Another good training week this past week.  This week's focus was on speed work mixing fast 10Ks with hill work and Farleks on Tuesday and Thursday.

The ankle injury I was dealing with from the TU seems to have resolved itself.  The plan for the coming week is to concentrate on distance and endurance.

I've missed this carving that is located in at the southern tip of the Kasparsbrunnen-Ried-Binn forest near Aidlingen almost all summer.  She is well hidden in the bushes just off of the trail.

55 Things

Chris Kostman is so right...

Have an amazing day!

Recovery

Have not posted much here since the thüringenULTRA.  You know how that goes with work, family and all of the other "important" things that can occupy so much of our time.

The last couple of weeks have found me recovering from the TU and a twisted ankle which continues to bother me a bit.  At the time that I torqued my ankle at the TU I didn't think that it was that big of deal, but it has slowed me down a bit since.  The way I see it, it's all good.  I needed a bit of a break.

All that said, this past week was a pretty good training week.  Am now concentrating on a slow build towards either the Voralpenmarathon in late September or the Roentgenlauf in late October.  I'm registered for the Roentgenlauf and just may turn this into a back-to-back goal.

I capped this training week off with an excellent 16KM this morning.  You can't beat getting out in the woods early around here...