Race Across the Sky, Week 9

Sunday January 29th.

"Somehow it happened... Hard to say when. But one look in the mirror and it was obvious. Life had caught up to you. So you did the only thing any self-respecting adult could do. You ran away. Only this time it worked. And the farther you ran, the better it worked. So you've never stopped running. And you've never seen that person in your mirror again."

Today, or shall I say yesterday as I'm a day behind I headed down to Boulder to help out at the Fast and Furry-est race. Though I would have love to have done it as the course was a true Cross Country course, my help was needed as a pacer for the races. Pacers as in on a bike as there was no way I was about to hang with either of the womans or mens race leaders. The kids race...maybe. The morning dawned cool but clear and beautiful. Needless to say some of the course consisted of a couple inches of "thick" grass which I have to say kicked my ass (and I'm in pretty good cycling shape folks) but it was like riding through sand!! it certainly worked me over and then some!

And after almost getting "chicked" the girl who took it out right from the start (Lauren?) I definitely made sure I had a gap for the guys if you know what I mean! none the less, it was good to see some of the Boulder peeps which I hope to be joining soon. My house went up and on the market (finally) this week. Now, if I can get a buyer...stay tuned.

This week also marked week number two at 70 miles. Needless to say, I don't know what hit me yesterday but I slept 10 hours last night and struggled to get out the door (2 hours) but once out, I got going. 11 miles on foot, 48 on bike and not a damn thing around the house with the exception of ironing some things for the week! Oh well, that's why I'm looking to downsize so I don't have to do anything!

All in all, a good week and a pretty good month to start the year! week total: 70 Total total: 259 for the month. Still seems like a small amount...RunStrong,

~Eddie

Race Across the Sky. Week 8

This week marked a first. In the 30 years that I've been running I don't ever recall going 50 day's straight with out a break from running. And while I know a couple years ago I went three months straight that was either a run ride or swim. And while I never set out to do this...oh well!

This morning Abbey and I did a jaunt up Tower Rd at O'dark thirty (actually 6:00a.m.). For some reason, though it would have been lighter out there but it took a good 30 min's before I could make out the trail! On the way down I ran (no pun intended) into a group of the FC women trail runners, as well as a phenomenal sunrise (pic to the left). Still one of my favorite things in the world. This coupled with 3 miles before gave me 70 for the week as well. Again, don't think I've ever pushed that number at this time of year! but, I'll take it. Everything so far feels good. Woohoo! Afterwards I hooked up with my friend Carlos and his peeps for a good solid 52 miles on the bike. I have to say that the first hour or so was sooo miserable as I froze my A** of and cursing the damn clouds blocking the sun. Needless to say, the sun did peek out every now and then which felt soooo nice!

Ok, well, guess I need to get something done around the house as it's listed to sell. Weekly total: 70. Total, total: 400. doesn't seem much does it? RunStrong,

~Eddie

Winter wonderland....

Leadville, Colorado.

Hi all! I came across this picture of Leadville as it appears in the winter time. Truly beautiful stuff, but don't kid yourself as they have long ones. This mid-week report with 213 (if my math is right) days to go!

Monday marked somewhat of a "milestone" of sorts as it was my 50th day straight of running! Now, not that I haven't had longer streaks but...they consisted of either riding or running or some sort of calorie burning endeavor. How much longer will it go? No idea. However, as long as I'm feeling good and nothing is busted, we shall see. That is all for today folks. Runstrong,

~Eddie

Race Across the Sky; week 7

The other day that I wrote I'd been somewhat mentally beaten down by the weather. Cold, grey, overcast. Today (or, yesterday as I write this Sunday morning) you could not have asked for a nicer day from sunrise to sunset. One word. Perfect.

This morning as with every morning the first few miles were with Abbey. After dropping her off at the house I know I only needed ten for the day to put me at 60 for the week. But as the sun was coming up and I kept going it just felt better and better. The thought of Thursday was but a distant memory. I've learned throughout 30 plus years that not every day will be 'great' but if somehow you can just grind through them the sun as it has for millions of years will come up tomorrow, and with that, another chance.

And today was truly it. I ended the morning with a total of 12 Great miles! everything clicked. After a quick breakfast, it was off to ride with the group from Peloton. Today's route was counter clockwise of what we normally do, i.e. we'd hit the hills first instead of at the end, but that was ok, I was warmed up, pumped up so either way worked for me. A few hours in the saddle under some of the nicest conditions (at least on the bike) capped off a great morning! so good that I didn't take my usual nap as the Olympic Marathon trials were on t.v.

From there, it was over to Shannon & Megs to pick up "Unbreakable" (Western States 100) followed by a couple glasses of vino with Danny & Diane. Great day. Week total-62 Total-330.

Runstrong,

~Eddie

(Un)Breakable...

Ok, so, it took 45 days straight that when I got home from work, I hit the wall...That is 45 day's straight of running AND riding or sometimes two'fers a day running. Oh sure, I was up today and out the door at 4:30 this morning as usual, and never mind that it was 7* as well when Abbey and I hit the road. But today...just mentally I said to quote Roberto Duran, "No mas!" mentally, I just said screw it! (No mas). Maybe it had something to do with it still being butt cold, cloudy and overcast which really was the the reason no doubt.

I have gone 45 days straight (running)and have only had two days' off (I know one for sure as I was driving to the Rim Rock marathon on Nov 11th) and two total since September! I know, what is he thinking! So yes, today, mentally I was broken as far as going out for a "twofer". And while Abbey was somewhat bummed, I promised her that come tomorrow morning after a good nights sleep, we will be out there for day 46.

Runstrong,

Eddie.

Race Across the Sky, Week 6

Saturday, January 7 2012...

Hi all. Ok, well first week of the year in the books and it's been a good one. We actually hit 60/61 degrees on Thursday, and while I hadn't 'planned' on it, I took off of work at noon for a massage (long over due. Thanks Tish) followed by a run over to a Friends house to check up on their puppy then by a bike ride. Now that would be my kind of triathlon!

I got in a so~so 12 miler this morning. It was one of those runs that when you decide to do something like clean the house at six in the morning (procrastinating of course)that it could be a long one. But, eventually I got my lazy butt out the door and took Abbey out for her 4miles before heading out for 8 on my own. I've realized and have before that not all days will be stellar and it's day's like this when even if I walked they have to be done as no doubt I'll run, or walk into these same situations later on this year. It's all good mental training as far as I'm concerned.

On a non running note, I heard back from the folks at Boulder Affordable housing (it's a program for those NOT making a million dollars or more) that I actually qualify for middle, not low, but middle income housing! wow, thought with my income I would barely qualify to live under a bridge. So, I guess it's time to get moving - no pun intended, on what is way overdue. Overdue because while my address has been Ft.Collins my heart has always been Boulder. Now I just need to sell & move all at the same time! stay tuned. Ok, looks like the clouds are breaking up now, time to hop on the bike. Total this week: 57. Bike 115, Run Total -268. Runstrong all,

~Eddie