Did That Dog In

We finally got some well needed rain yesterday, so I decided to take the day off from running after running 3 in a row.

I am going to try and take my camera with me on the occasional run so you all can get an idea of where I live and my surroundings. This morning I took the dog for a hike/run and snapped some photos and shot a few 5-10 sec videos.

I ran 2 miles in about 30 minutes, which included the occasional stoppage for "snapshots" and the dog stopping to sniff every other tree. One of the things that I find exciting is the fact that my dog can't keep up with me!! After the intial 1/2 mile sprint by the dog, he had to stop frequently. Few photos:

Can you tell that I am breathing harder on the last video?

Trailing It

This is my 2nd post of the day. I didn't want to take away from Michael "The Man" Phelps.
I just going to comment on my good trail run today. After the last 3 weeks of "lousy running", I couldn't be happier with my running this week. I almost got to 20 miles for the week - 19.15 to be exact. I had 2 easy, 1 medium, 1 tempo, and 1 interval run. I've not been able to do that in a while. When I got more chances to run, my attitude, my strength, my patience, my energy is so much better.
I ran again in Panther Creek State Park while knocking out 6.65 miles in 1hr 19 minutes. That's a 11:52 avg. Well normally I would be upset with that kind of pace, but the massive amount of hills that I have to ascend makes it okay. In fact, my HR pretty much stayed in the 170's the whole time. When I run the mountainous trails, I shoot more for a time running than a mileage. Lots of pliometrics during these runs. Tomorrow the quads, hammies, and gluteus maximus will be sore. LOL!!
Finally, took my youngest after church to another park (Fred Miller) and let him play in the water. Whilest I walked another 1.5 miles. My son is such a stud!

Trails here I come

I was able to get another great day of trail running in. With the heat @ what it is and my lack of ability to get up before 9 am on my days off, I find that running under the cover of trees is the best way to run. Rather hot today - 85 deg/75% humidity/sunny. I tried 3 new trails today, ran a little bit farther, and on a better pace. 6.05 miles in 1hr 10mins 17 seconds. I stopped a few times to drink water. I wasn't concerned about my pace at all, but I was looking to get in at least an hour of running. The amphipod has saved my life.
The time goes by so much faster while running in the park. I find myself looking around and enjoying the scenery. For the second time this week, I didn't bring my mp3 player. Very enjoyable. I also felt a little more confident about opening up my stride - I was afraid the other day, for fear of twisting an ankle. You see, I have bent my ankle over on so many occasions( at least 20,) that my tendons and ligaments in both ankles are like loose rubberbands. Why? That would be due to many years of basketball.. If you have played any "real" basketball, you know that it is inevitable.
I really need to start carrying my camera whilest I run. I see much wildlife on my treks.

Trail Run

I haven't posted in over week. Sometimes in becomes difficult to post if I don't do it after an activity. I sorta lose my momentum..
My running has suffered lately due to the heat, work, and family summertime. Each are good causes, but they are still excuses - I can always find time, a little tired lately. Less than 10 miles, each of the past 2 weeks. I did go on a great WhiteWater Rafting trip last week though!
About today : I had a great trail run today in Panther Creek State Park. I had no plans as to where to run. I just hit trail after trail. Very challenging trails to say the least. Rolling terrain with many hills of 20 - 200 feet. A few steep grades. I ended up running for approx. an hour - a little bit over 5 miles. I took it slow, for fear of a twisted ankle. Even @ the slower pace, my HR climbed many times into the 170's. I was exhausted afterwards. I chose to run in the park instead of the roads because of the heat. The trees protected me from the sun, for the most part.
I did meet a friendly deer while running. I past in once and it jumped into the woods. On the last mile of the run, I ran into it again and this time it let me get close. About 5 feet. I kept thinking it was going to turn into " Samurai Deer."
LOL, but it never did. Work the next 3, probably won't run until Sunday.
I am doing well, with 100 pushup challenge. I am @ the start of "Day1 of week 2." I'm up to about 15 @ a time, with 5 sets. TOUGH!!! Can I do a 100 straight? We'll see.....