Last week, it suddenly dawned on me that I only had 5 weeks left to train for the Behind the Rocks 30K. I checked out the course map and mileage and it's actually 19 miles, which doesn't seem like a lot, however, my longest "long run" to date had been 9 miles. Also, it's a race that takes place in Moab and the daytime temps might be as high as 75F with full-on sun and no where to hide, so it'll definitely be a challenge for me. I've been loving the 20-40F morning runs here in Princeton. Last week I did a day of doubles and the afternoon run was almost 70F. It felt terrible. So, last Sunday I sat down and made myself a training plan.
I'm hoping that it will be enough. I don't have any time goal. The goal is just to go out there and enjoy the amazing surroundings of the desert. This weekend I ended up doing 11 miles on Saturday on a pretty hilly course and then Sunday, I did a 5 mile loop with a lot of downhill running. I was surprised how strong I felt on Sunday after Saturday's run. I was able to push the last mile at a 8:39 min/mi pace. On Saturday, the original plan had been to run 12 miles, but my quads started getting really tired at around 10 miles. Next weekend, I think it'll be good if I can get in a good 13 miles- thinking of just doing the Princeton Half Marathon course. I'll throw in a doubles day on Thursday if I can. It's nice to finally be back at over 30 miles per week.
In addition to the race, I plan on getting some climbing in while I'm out there. I finally found a guiding company to take me out on a tower climb (Ancient Art). I'll also definitely hike a bit at Arches the day before the race. There's no easy way into Moab. I'll be flying into Salt Lake City, but then I will have to drive another 4 hours to get to Moab.
Two weekends ago, I did a test run commute to the farm. It's uphill both ways on Mt. Lucas with a very steep climb on the way back. Also, the beginning of the Cherry Brook trails might be very muddy when things thaw out. I'm hoping to get a run commute in soon, although logistically it's a challenge because the day before, I would have to plan on bringing everything I need to the farm and leaving it there so I won't have to carry anything when I'm running there in the morning. I'd also have to make sure that Chris could pick up the kids in the afternoon.
This is week 3 at the farm and so far, it's met all of my expectations. I'm outside for a good part of the day most days and time just flies when I'm there. I'm doing physical work and it's so nice what I can accomplish in a day. Today I spent the morning sowing onion and leek seeds in the greenhouse and in the afternoon I sifted compost and got it on the beds so that carrot seeds can be sown. I also helped patch a hole in the greenhouse so that the cats don't come and scratch up the beds that I just planted. Some other highlights so far have been clearing the walking trails on the land surrounding the farm and spending a day making jam from the organic blueberries, raspberries and peaches that have been frozen since last season.
Neat rows in the greenhouse beds ready for planting
Onion seeds
Can't wait to see what the rest of the week brings! Hoping that my body does ok with using muscles I don't usually use. It's a good thing that I've been running and cross training, or else I'm sure I'd be very sore.
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