Mile Test!

So after setting it as a monthly goal early on this year (I think it was a February one), we finally found a track that wasn't locked up and went to see how fast we could run a mile.

Strange to be going for a run with so little gear! With good luck wishes from J and kisses from Rocko TD we were ready 

We jogged around to warm up and measure the track since Mendocino is in it's own happy little world. First was T's turn and I would run with her and measure with my watch. She did great. I failed. I ran two laps, sat out the third, and then as I jumped back in for the last lap I realised that by not running #3 I had totally messed up her timing. Bad bad friend. So we need to go back again and properly time her. The fog was starting to come in - pros and cons to an oceanside track. By the time she'd sat and waited around for me , she was cold and stiffening up.

For my mile, I measured myself with my watch and T sat at the line to measure with my phone. Even after going to the gym this morning, my legs felt great. My lungs are a huge problem - I really had nothing more to give at the end, no breath left at all. But I smashed my goal of under 8:00!

Love how close laps one and four are. I think this is a good starting off point to work on speed! 

Noyo River Run

This morning was one of our local races (we only have two). The Noyo River 10k/5k run/5k walk is a fund raiser for the Mendocino Coast Hospital and the kick starter to 'Wellness Week'. I decided last night to set an alarm to get up in time to register if I wanted to go. Getting up felt like a drag but since I was awake I might as well run. I got to registration early and got my bib:

I had an hour and a half to kill so zipped over to my friends place to take care of her dogs while they're out of town, back at the race by 8.30. I looked around but didn't see anyone I know so spent my time wandering around and even did a (half-arsed) warm up. That felt strange. Soon it was time to go, and we all set off from the hospital parking lot. Mostly everyone self seeded well though there was a little jostling for position as we turned onto the road. Most of the race is on the A&W road, and old haul road along the Noyo River. I left my phone in my truck for safe keeping so didn't take any pictures during the race. While far from what I'm used to, it was hillier than I remembered from doing the 10k a few years ago. But that didn't stop me from setting a PR of 27:31! Yeah I know that's slow, but it's positively tearing along for me :) And it was still good enough to take 2nd in my age group (of six, not two). 

Not bad for having not had any short fast training! My sprint finish even made it down to 5:11m/m (not that I could ever sustain that lol). Avg pace 8:55, fastest mile 8:18. 

Forest Trails and a Pony Ride

I've only had four runs back from my race, and this morning was a good test to see how truly I'm recovered. The answer is pretty well, if not 100% yet. I have tight tight hamstrings, enough to feel the odd twinge in my lower back - definitely need to get back on my foam roller. Also pretty sure there's an ITB something going on, maybe fascia related since after the first mile today I mostly didn't feel it. I was feeling brave and headed out to Jackson State Forest by myself today. I have seen a bear out here on foot (luckily spotted by my dog before I tramped right on up to it) and nearly got between a mama and her cubs out on my mare a couple of years ago. Also a stalking mountain lion incident - very unusual behavior, yes it was late but we were three adults on horseback and it followed us a little over two miles back to the truck. It's such a great area to run and ride in, some good hill climbs, nothing really technical (although that's fun too), hopefully I don't scare myself out of there. 

There are miles and miles and miles of trails out here, mostly old logging roads. Some are more road-like than others (some have recently been regraded - very disorienting). There used to be a 50 mile endurance ride in the area I've been running. The trails for Chamberlain Creek endurance ride all connect, also. There's so much that I don't know about. I need to find someone who wants to run crazy long distances with me so I can learn more! If only running and riding paced better together, it would be much easier to find a buddy. 

Very basic map at the trailhead - it won't help you get anywhere!

If you're missing out on single track, at least pick a pretty dirt road :)

Managing to avoid wet feet

Extra colourful today

I have at least got somewhat closer to a riding buddy for taking Bugsy out without tagging along with a guided trail ride. My friend is leasing another friend's horse and while it does take a little while to for us both to get to the meeting point, it's plenty feasible on days we want a longer ride. I borrowed M's other horse (my mare's sire, though gelded long ago) this afternoon to show A how to get to the meeting point, and show her a decent loop she can ride by herself until she learns more trails. We had a great ride!

Zydeco/Baby Z/Markov Zorro

A on Maggie