Noquemanon

Today was my first SKI workout - easy 5-6 miles running with poles. Time to start thinking Noquemanon. I've registered already and it will probably be my only ski race of the year. I used to race EVERY weekend. Not so any more. Just lotsa skiing and a trip to Marquette for the Noque. Nice course, great area, beauty 'eh. Plus, going up with Jerry is a treat.

I've got rougly 2 months to prep - hopefully we get snow early and I can get my Hanson Hills pass and ski ski ski.

Why working out is so good.

After a great XC season (my boys placed 6th in the state and girls 17th) its time for ME. I put so much into my coaching that i have little testosterone left for myself from september through october. But, now that it's mid November i'm back at it. 4 miles yesterday, 6 today, maybe 8 tomorrow, then gradually work into skiing.

It is simply amazing how quickly the body de-trains itself. Little training leads to lapses in dietary regimens (called junk food binging) and its a downward spiral. Get back on the fitness train and you eat healthy and think good thoughts. the whole word needs to get on this idea.

Off and runnin'.

time time time

Well, CC season is in full swing at GHS. This means no time to train for me and severe competitive burnout. Seems i put all my competitive juices into the fire up speeches and kids races that there's nothing left for me. Oh well, its over on Nov. 8th and then i'm back at it - this time on skis!

crap

after my last long run i got sick, 9 days of no running means no trail 50 miler. crap.

18+17 North Country Trail 50 prep

I've had a pretty good summer of running and I'm ready to take the plunge - the North Country Trail 50 miler is on my calendar. The Grand Island Trail marathon was my first prep, followed by the Marquette 50k, and now an 18 mile and 17 mile run the last two days. After this its time to taper and just relax, the work is done. Been getting some coaching from Nick after his Leadville 100 2nd place ( http://ultrarunnerdude.blogspot.com/ ) and coach Dean Hebert ( http://coachdeanhebert.wordpress.com/ ).

Marquette 50 mile and 50k

Brutal! That was my only word I shouted as i crossed the finish line. The low key Marquette 50k was brutal. Hilly (4000+ feet of elevation gain), rocky (granite outcroppings galore with lots of talus), rooty (thick nasty roots to twist your ankle on), and beautiful (along the shore of Lake Superior up Sugarloaf, Top of the World, through Forestville, and lots of the North Country Trail.) Joe Jameson worked his tail off to mark the full course VERY well (I'll admit i was a bit skeptical of getting lost) and had a great inaugural event. I'll post more pics tomorrow and a link to results - I'm still a bit tired!!

Miles 1-10 Easy start, followed by some gnarly rock areas, then nice trail, then hills, then road crossing then Sugarloaf. First Aid station, water, Gu, etc. About 1:32 for me.

Miles 10-20 amazing trail along Lake Superior out to Little Presque and beach, back across road through Harlow Lake area. Another 1:34.

Miles 20-25 BRUTALLY tough this took me about an HOUR !!

Miles 25-30 BRUTALLY rocky rough terrain after easy Forestville roads along the North Country Trail.

Miles 30-32 Easy finish, smoother trail, under the bridge and done.

TOO TIRED

4 days of fun in the UP, waterfalls, hiking, running, beaches, great food, late nights, early mornings.

check my "other blog" and you'll see why. http://gaylordxc.blogspot.com/