After six weeks of consistency, I can finally feel it paying off! As you can tell, I did decide to push the training one more week before taking a fallback week, and I’m so glad that I did. The biggest highlight was getting on some real (non Annadel) trails this weekend. I was so nervous making the move to trails with hills, but it truly reminded me how much more special it feels to have an adventure, instead of just getting in the miles.
The highlight was definitely joining my friend for an 8 mile run in North Sonoma Mountain. I used to be too scared to run here (or even drive here) but the more I go there, the more I love it.
I had such butterflies in my stomach headed to the run, especially when I realized that we were essentially starting at sunrise. But, once we began, my fears totally fell away and I was instead so grateful to see a trail sunrise- something I haven’t done in a very long time.
The weather was surprisingly warm and we took it easy, which was wonderful since I was adding 2 more miles to my longest run AND almost 1,500 feet of climbing.
The original plan was for me to turn around at mile 4, while Simmy would continue another 2-4 solo, but gratefully, she decided to turn back with me.
And in what felt like no time at all, the 8 miles were done. I almost teared up driving home, I was just so overcome by how great it felt to get away from my “easy and safe” runs at spring lake, and do something that genuinely felt special.
The next day was a special one too - Noah turned nine! And he wanted to celebrate in the best way, by going for a family hike.
While we love getting out together, it’s generally quite the affair, and usually ends with one child or the other deciding they cannot possibly go. So today by all accounts was a resounding success. Noah chose Hood Mountain, for its bears and beavers (neither of which we saw) but even without the wildlife, it was the perfect choice.
It was a solid 4 miles and 1,000 feet of climbing, and the kids were definitely worn out by the end, but we couldn’t have asked for a nicer day. I was a bit worried about my energy for more climbing but I actually felt pretty good. Good enough, in fact that I was able to go back out for a 2 mile run in the afternoon.
All in all it was a great week. I hit 3 more miles than last week, and lots more climbing. And the biggest part was just that I was back doing what I loved.
One of my biggest training hack realizations is how easy it is to get “bonus” walking miles on the treadmill. It’s nice to just chill with a show while I walk, and it’s an easy way to add a bit of low impact mileage to my week.
Next week is…drumroll…a fallback week! All the hard work I’ve been putting in has felt great but I’m definitely ready to take a week to recover. I think it’ll feel relatively normal until the weekend, but my longest run will be 4 miles. I might make a midweek run a walk too, depending how I feel. And I’m going to keep enjoying my epsom salt baths.
Also, look at this fitness growth! It’s so encouraging to see my fitness back where it was in May. Every week I’m feeling better and better about the time I have to reach my goals.
Here’s to week 6! Tahoe Rim Trail 100k is officially 6 months from today.
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