A Setback

Nothing major, I just ran up against a wall recently and had to slow down and reconsider my running goals and the realities of what I will be available to achieve this summer. It finally got hot yesterday here in Vegas, 98 degrees yesterday, and my 10 mile run turned into a sauna. Lots of salt streaks on the Nike cap and tech shirt ;).

For the immediate future 7 minute miles are going to be a much more realistic goal for me than 6:30s.

I've enjoyed reading about the really fast elite runners at the Boston marathon - Ryan Hall was close to being the first American in decades to win it all - as well as the extremely strong efforts by the Laminator, Bill Carter and copia verborum. Good job you guys! That's a real milestone!

15 miles through the Desert

I've wanted to run through the desert dividing east Vegas from Lake Las Vegas for a while now. It's about 7 miles across sand dunes and ATV tracks and I finally did it today, although at a slower pace than I'd hoped - I'm not sure whether this was because I hadn't hydrated well before the run, or if it was the elevation change, or if my recent focus on speed workouts has caused my endurance to drop off some. Also I was uncertain about the exact route so that made it more challenging, almost adventuresome, in a way. The last 3 miles were quite difficult. Regardless, I'm glad to have finally made this circuit happen, and I will keep the run in mind as a good marathon training route. 15 miles at 7:42 pace.

Garmin Connect



Lake Las Vegas - like its namesake, an oasis in the desert

12 miles at 7:27 pace

Long run through the eastern Vegas desert between Wetlands Park and Lake Las Vegas - at one point I could have sworn I spotted a group of nomads plodding along on camels, there was that much sand - at a 7:27 pace. Very windy and significant rolling hills, otherwise I would have managed closer to 7 minute pace.

Garmin connect

Also the two previous days were hard workouts so I wanted to take it easy on my body. I realize my posts have been dry and perfunctory of late, hopefully I will have more time to be more creative and interesting soon. Lots of overtime at work lately.

9 miles at 6:31 avg pace

Started with 12 400's at the track - the goal was at 1:30 each but it was more like 1:35 or so. Then a fast tempo 10k with the running group at 6:30 avg pace. A good workout. Today I hope to follow this up with a long run.

Garmin connect

Ten 400s at 1:35 avg pace

Track workout yesterday, the goal was to do those at 1:30 but it was very windy.

Ultimate goal is 12 and half 400s at 1:30. Doable.

Garmin Connect

It'd be nice if the wind would stop blowing so hard around here. At least it's been a warm wind...

39:53 10k a new PR

I finally broke the 40 min barrier on a regular training run with the running group. 6:25 average pace with a 19:20 5k split. I have to attribute it to no wind and the effect of the track workouts - thank you 400s. Also thank you Garmin:

Garmin Connect

11.5 miles at Wetlands Park at 7:13 avg pace

A solid run, I felt good afterwards, perfect temperature of about 68 degrees despite some wind - as always the park greenery was refreshing:

Garmin connect