Traprock 50K, Winter training, and random thoughts

So, I finally cracked 45 miles for a week this year. The crazy thing is that it was only 3 runs - 11, 23.5, and 10.5-11. I'm pacing the Goat at the Vermont 100 this summer, and am trying to help him get ready for the big show. Goat actually put in 50+ this week by getting in a 7 miler on Thursday. Nice. I'm feeling pretty decent despite feeling stretched to my limits with work, teaching at night, and trying to pull together details for the Traprock 50K. Oh yeah, I have 2 daughters and a granddaughter who also need my attention from time to time. Try babysitting an 11 month old after running 23 miles. It's not a pretty sight...until you both get to take a nap!

So, the Traprock 50K is coming together. We have a great logo, a great course outlined, and ideas for some cool awards. We just need to get the MDC folks to respond to our request to hold the event. We have to get it done this week, so we can get stuff done before our ski trip to B.C. Yes, that's right...the Goat, EuroMan, and Grover ride again! We'll be at a backcountry hut for a week skinning and skiing the Pow-Pow. I can't wait! I will be so happy to be out of cell phone and blackberry range for a whole week!

I've been giving some thought to workout quality. When I ran Vermont 2 years ago, I concentrated on mileage and the long run, and it worked well. I had incredible endurance and was light as a feather. Unfortunately, I lost a lot of muscle and felt weak. I also wondered if I could have done better if I had done more speedwork. I had done some great tempo runs in the 17-19 mile range. In fact, I'm amazed at how fast they were given the terrain. It will be interesting to see how the training progresses for the Goat. I'd like to get more strength training and speedwork into my routine. Yoga would be nice too.

It's been great to hear from so many people who are interested in the Traprock 50K! We're trying to get the plans under wraps and get moving on it.

So, give us a shout if you are running the Traprock 50K. Check out our Facebook page or the beginnings of our website at www.traprock50.com. Share your thoughts on the race or come join us for a training run on the course!

Have a great week everyone!

Steve