Red Dirt Harriers

There are a lot of things that pass through my head on any given run, in fact scenarios probably get more bizarre the more miles I'm doped up on. This little voyage to the desert has been a really enjoyable time, made better by the number of friends who have passed through, were already posted up here, or who are in the process of getting things set up here. There's a definite attraction to the "altitude effect" which I'm going to suggest is both real and percieved. We've done a pretty good job, Jerry and I, of setting ourselves up for the best training we can manage for three weeks and having that little glimmer of belief that the altitude will help play a roll. I really am pretty over the fact that THIS is an altitude destination, I think it's a great place to train because of the venues available, the low humidity, and the availibility of quality beer in a 5 block radius. There's also an appropriate level of eccentric behavior and other recreationa...

The work continues to be done around these parts- and others. We're still feeling better by the day, with the help of some clutch nap sessions. I expected to feel really rough yesterday, but it really wasn't the case and by the time we doubled back for yesterday's pm session in the foothills, I was feeling pretty good. These trails are amazing, for anybody uninitiated, we ran 80 minutes out on a single trail just covering territory, being entertained with epic vistas and the occassional wildlife or biker. I will note that I find it surprising how many women run out on the trails by themselves with headphones and without a dog. I will say we see more ladies than dudes working out, period, but I just found it to be an odd decision to be out there solo and then setting a barrier between yourself and what's going on around you. I mean, if you want to race you need to at least hear me coming up behind you so I don't get the jump. But seriously, there are enough bikers ou...

What a week. There's alot of ways to induce self-loathing and I've selected a more scenic way to do so. We've been secluded all week, surrounded by mountains and premium cable. What's not to like? Well there is a certain sacrifice I'm feeling being out here, which is tough and my blackened soul will be tested. I do feel the transition beginning for me and as long as I perform in a couple key workouts per week, I think by this time next week I will be able to tell if I'm benefitting from this little endeavor and workload. I have had to be creative with calories, trying to get the nutrition needed while staying fueled for my workouts. I was kind of concerned at the end of yesterday's run when I felt utterly depleted and knew that I was running 21 miles this morning, but we made it through and now my body will hopefully allot a bit more glycogen for future use. The food has been good, as have the beers and I think we will take a few road trips to look a little ...

Jerry and I got cracking early this morning for a uptempo session on the river, no thanks to Rookie the cat who was walking all over me throughout the night. It was still pretty cool and I didn't feel like the temps were an issue whatsoever, I even warmed up in a long sleeve and tights. However, it was dry enough that the exertion elicited a little workout stomach. All that means is that I had to have a beer with my breakfast tacos, post-run, and while tuning into the 2nd half of the WC opener. I think things are going swimmingly and despite running some of the more undulating foothill trails last night, my glutes and climbing muscles were only mildly sore and didn't limit my acceleration over the last mile of this mornings run. We'll return to the river for the 19 miler on Sunday as we think the odds of us getting out over our heads will be less but we're going to try to go run up on the top of Sandia peak tomorrow. Since everyone and their dog (hopefully) are heading ...

For better or worse our presence has been noted by some of the locals in town and so now we're hoping to get linked up with the group for some long run action on Sunday. Jerry and I felt pretty good this evening, which is a beautiful thing considering the amount of work we've put in the last few days. The weather is sooo much more tolerable than in Norman and so like this evening for instance despite having moved pretty well through a 90 minute run this morning, I wanted to add miles tonight, but alas we opted for some photo journalism. Today was an 18 mile day for me and I think I can keep it going this week and maybe build on these numbers before I have to head back to the swamp. Not to be left out of the tales tonight, we had a little New Mexico surf and turf tonight and it was solid alongside a salad straight from the backyard. I'm worried my beard is going to be no match for Jerry's and this is kind of demoralizing but I will run him harder to try to deplete him or...

Broadcasting from the Duke City, aka Albuquerque. Jerry and I have made a pact to do what we can to up the training stimulus by training here and at a few choice alpine destinations in hopes of reaching beyond our existing bipedal powers. Henceforth we will refer to this training stint as the Barbaric Chamber, which involves a very specific manifesto and schematic. The plan is certainly not without sacrifice in many ways, but in the wake of suffering shall come greater passion, I hope and believe. The highly thought out and scrutinized ruleset goes something like this (taking into account it was jotted out on a bar napkin last night): 1. No shaving/personal grooming. No exceptions! 2. Minimum of 10 miles/ day 3. At least 1 beer/ evening (NO AFD's!) 4. All meat products should tend towards the red varietal 5. If significant predatory animal is encountered it must be subdued in 6. Grilling multiple times/ day intended 7. Drinking beer in the shower encouraged 8. Green chile pre& ...