Running for Schroeder

Bo and I went back to Crowders Mountain again this weekend and I got my first real taste of trail running. Last time out we ran the 2 mile Tower Trail, but I am really not in good enough shape to get the full benefit of the last half (20% grade or so I think, darn steep) so Bo suggested we try some of the other trails. So we took the left cutoff onto the Rock Top Trail and then made our way back home on Crowders Trail. Loads of fun! Rock Top was a bit rough to actually get much running on, but we are going to start running Crowders Trail quite often. Bo and I turned back up Tower Trail for a little bit of added running, but I bailed out before it got too steep and made my way back to the car to change clothes. Bo pounded the mountain and made it all the way up and back in awesome time. I was out for about 1:20 and Bo did 1:45 or so. It was a great day of running, even if the weather didn’t cooperate. The rain just added to the fun. We only saw 3 other people out on the trails and one of the park rangers as we left.

I ran 3 miles on the treadmill this morning. I believe I am starting to get over the hump I created when I stopped over Christmas. Still 220, 10 pounds heavier than I was for the last 1/2 marathon, but I signed up for my next one March 10th. I did a hard 1/2 hour yesterday on the eliptical and was all set for another but I just felt like running this morning. Looking forward to another trip to Crowder’s this weekend. I am going to make it to the top this time without stopping. Slowly, but without stopping.

Oh, the reason I gave myself for skipping anything over the weekend or Monday or Tuesday was the pain in my calves. I had trouble walking when I got up on Sunday after the hour on the eliptical Saturday. Different program than the one I did yesterday. I am going to hold of on doing that one again for a while .

It is very cold and I didn’t feel like stressing my legs on the treadmill so I did 45 minutes on the elliptical trainer yesterday and another hour this morning. I am not getting the same level of work out, but I am able to get my heart into my work out zone and keep it there.