This is what it's all about

(25 Jan 2010)
This was a great running week despite rain and even a little snow. Actually the clouds enabled some great sunset shots that I hope you will enjoy. I'm working to improve my photography and after leaving work one afternoon I noticed a sort of haze in the air. In addition, clouds were present so I decided I needed to lace up the running shoes and hit the trail with my three dogs. I knew there would be a nice sunset so, as usual, brought the camera along. These are the results of my evening run.

West, East, West Traverse

This morning I’m on my way to the tin mines in Franklin Mountains State Park. I would start my run from the park, but it doesn’t open until 8:00 am and I like to get an early start. It’s below freezing this morning and my fingers, ears, and face feel numb. I can’t wait for the sun to come up over the mountains to warm my bones.

Back-to-Back Long Runs

18 Jan 2010
This week I did two long runs in a row known as back-to-backs (B2B). The idea behind this training strategy is to wear yourself out the first day and then run on tired, and possibly sore, legs the next day. This simulates what it feels like during an ultramarathon when you are already whipped but still have to keep shuffling along for another 30-50 miles.

Sunday I ran 20 miles through the city to the Rio Grande levee trail and back home. The run was mostly flat except for the last 5 miles where I had to slowly climb back up from the river to home. The last mile was brutal as I had a very steep climb.

Baylor Pass Hike

15 Jan, 2010.  On today’s adventure I am graced by the company of my lovely wife Cara, her charming sister Adelle, and 4 of our four legged BFFs. Running up a mountain is not really the girls’ style, so I left my trail running shoes at home and opted for my hiking boots instead. We are on our way to Baylor Pass in the Organ Mountains of New Mexico. The trail head is about 10 miles east of Las Cruces and the weather is perfect for our 6.5 mile round trip. I was going to say 6 miles, but I was reminded all day about that extra quarter mile (each way).

River Ramble

I decided it was time to knock the cobwebs off my ultramarathon legs and get busy training for the ambitious goals I’ve set for 2010. I spent the fall maintaining my base mileage of 4-6 miles 5 days a week with an occasional 2-3 hour run. This recovery period was both mentally and physically beneficial after running 50K, 50 Miler, and 100K races in the first half of last year.

Having run/hiked to the top of two mountain peaks in the last month, I decided a nice flat 15 miler would be best this morning. I’ll be able to keep a steady running pace instead of the usual power walk up hill, run flats and downhills. Today’s adventure takes us to the Upper Rio Grande Valley (W. El Paso) where we will run along the river levee. I’m accompanied by Lucy, Sierra, and Taz who is wearing his “cape” to battle the low 20s temp.

Running With My Dogs Not Dawgs

You could say we are a dog family. The women in our family have a habit of bringing home the homeless or perhaps the homeless just know where to show up and look cute. The men just take it all in stride because what’s a guy to do? My in-laws have 5 dogs, my sister-in-law has 2 and my wife Cara and I have 3. When we have family gatherings at the BR ranch (Neely Homestead) there are upwards of a dozen dogs hangin’ 'round. When the gangs all there, the neighbor ranch dogs like to come over and play too.

To keep things sane around the ranch, my job is to exercise the dog pack so they are good and tired out by the end of the day. This is good for both me and them. I run almost every morning that I’m at the BR with anywhere from 5 to 10 dogs. We usually run along a very secluded desert road where there is no traffic thus no need for leashes. Today I would like to introduce you to my running dogs and tell about their roles in the pack.

North Franklin Peak 20 miler

This morning’s adventure begins with a wakeup at 6:00 am, because what better to do on a Saturday morning than run to the highest peak in the Franklin Mountains? I know what you are thinking, but sleeping in is overrated. I’m a morning person. I love being out and about before anyone else wakes up. It makes me feel like the world belongs to me.

It’s a chilly 25 degrees this morning, but the winds are calm. While lacing up my brand new pair of Montrail Streak running shoes, I decide to wear my ankle brace because my ankle is still a little tender from a twist I suffered a while back. I grab my Camelbak and take a short drive to the start of my run. When I park, I notice the almost full moon is still shining and the dawn sky is gorgeous. This is going to be a great day.