Trudge 2013

Since I first ran this race in 2009, the race-day conditions have been exponentially worse year after year.  What took me 1:51 in 2009 took me 3:33 last year.  Snow levels have been higher and the wind has typically been fierce.  We actually delayed a week last year because the road conditions made it nearly impossible to even access the course.  Thankfully, one of the benefits to the lack of snow and warm winter we have had this year was a course that was not inundated with snow and race day weather that was mild.

Five-year veterans of this race get an Official Masochist jacket courtesy of Alec.  I never had any intention of running this stupid race five times, but a jacket is a worthy goal for a materialistic and ego-driven man such as myself.  So, this being number five in a row, I got to start the morning by receiving my commemorative jacket.

The infamous Horsecow came up Friday night and bunked at mi casa.  He, Elizabeth (official Trudge first-aid guru/legal adviser), and I hopped in Chuck the Truck and got to the start/finish area.  This was the first year since 2009 we were actually able to get into the Blair picnic ground.  That was great.  It's a much nicer place than up the road exposed to all the wonderful wind.

I was signed up for the 22-miler, but I figured to drop down to the 11 since I am just starting to get back from my injury and I haven't had the opportunity to get in many long runs.  I thought that if I was feeling totally amazing after the first lap, I would go out for a second.  An absurd pipe dream I now realize.

Alec's pre-race sermon is always enjoyable.

I do not know if it is just this race, or racing in general as of late, but I felt like garbage right from the start.  I had not slept well during the week, and I was not hungry before the race, so I started with nothing more than a granola bar in my stomach.  I'm not sure if it is physical or a manifestation of my lack of desire to race.  Whatever it is, I just was not feeling it on Saturday.

Coming into the aid station.  Photo by Wendy Perkins.

Leaving the aid station, microspikes on-foot and Sherpa John in pursuit.  I would finish before Sherpa John, who then went on to do a second lap and made me feel like the little girl I am.  Photo by Wendy Perkins.

My race essentially consisted of going through the motions.  I walked up hills and in deeper snow, ran the dry sections, ran and chatted with Jefe for a bit, and let others go, even the Horsecow.  He is now 4-0 against me.  I am not flying the Hungry Dog flag very well lately.

Done.  Photo by Elizabeth Spaulding.

I finished 8th overall in 2:01:49, my second fastest time on race day and over an hour and a half faster than last year.  We had speed records all around, which means I really should have gone out on a second lap, but dry, warm clothes, my camp chair, and a PBR tallboy sounded like a much better alternative.  Plus, it gave us a chance to get up to the Bear Tree for a little bit of live music after the Un-Run (formerly known as The Poker Run).  Nothing like a packed house, a few beers, and a large green chili pizza.

The usual.

Where do I go from here?  I am not sure I really want to run this race again. Alec always puts on a great race and kudos and thanks to him and the crew for their hard work. The issue I am having this year is that it is so undesirable to try to run or do any significant training this time of year.  The weather has been total shit the last couple of weeks, and I simply do not want to run in that crap anymore.  It probably means I am being a giant sissy la-la, but I am tired of being injured all the time, and slipping on the ice and busting through drifts will only accomplish exactly that.  I am to the point where I am going to start heading south on the weekends in an attempt to get in some trail miles.  I hate February, and every year gets worse.  I feel my time in Laramie may need to come to an end sooner than later.

Last Couple Weeks Quantified

I'm still keeping track of statistics.  They are merely a gauge for a very progressive build-up concerning mileage and the ever essential "time-on-feet" that I am focused on this spring.  I have a schedule drawn up.  I think it will work.  I am still very paranoid about injury.

 I am running more and biking less.  Here's what 2013 has looked like thus far:

Week of Jan. 14 - Jan. 20
45 miles (4' 34") - 22 bike, 23 run

Week of Jan. 21 - Jan. 27
31 miles (3' 21") - 11 bike, 20 run (was under the weather)

Week of Jan. 28 - Feb. 3
49 miles (5' 51") - 11 bike, 38 run

January: 208 miles (21' 15") - 107 run, 101 bike

Week of Feb. 4 - Feb. 10
55 miles (6' 00") - 10 bike, 45 run

Gear: Asics SpeedStar 6 (203 miles), Asics 2000 Trail (107 miles)

I am currently in a down week.  I'm doing a two-up, one-down cycle.  I have never been able to make it through a third up week, so this will be more beneficial.  This is all very gradual.  Injury avoidance is paramount, especially on these cold February days consisting of snowed-in trails and icy streets.  February is the worst.  C'mon, Spring.

Band of Horses - The Funeral

This is my current theme song.  I am always trapped in February.  Come the end of winter, I think weekends in the mountains are in order.  Me, Chuck the Truck, and trails.