Training Log Archive: Tundra/Desert

The hike for the abandoned unit. Took a bus to Santa Cruz in the afternoon, it was dark by the time I got to Aptos. I had been planning to start the run up the hill around 6 pm, but there were cops in Aptos, more than usual. So, I wimped out and decided to wait until things calm down. The last thing I'd need right now (and BAOC's reputation would need) is a ticket for me running after dark... probably around $150.

So, I got a room in Aptos. Got a wake-up call at 3 am and headed up the hill. No cops this time, just a really early newspaper dude in the park—he was the only person I saw. Thinking about it, he was the only living thing I saw—Nisene Marks doesn't have much wildlife because it is so dark.

The headlamp worked OK, except one segment of it kept blinking. I must have been a really weird sight... I felt OK but not great. My liver noticeably hurt. All that solvent spilled on Friday... it's a long story. Hit a few patches of fog, but otherwise a clear and cold night.

Took the fire road al the way. I made it up to the overlook around 6-ish, it was still dark.

From home to the Safeway at Almaden Center.

Warmed up at De Anza. The track was a zoo, with DACA Phys. Ed., TITs, soccer players, sprinters, and what looked like a little-Mexican-kid running group.

I started the 4×3000 with 200 rest Ti workout early, so that I would make the last bus to Almaden. Eric and Tapio showed up as I was finishing the second Ti. Eric was good company on the 3rd Ti, and Tapio ran all-out on it, trying to beat 12:00. But he couldn't. On the 4th Ti, I slowed down, but we sped up in the end.

I had 11:20 11:25 11:18 11:32. Tapio was 12:25. Eric ended up with 11:18 11:32 11:22.

I was supposed to run with Eric, Tapio, and Steve Gregg on Sawyer Camp Trail, near Terry's house. Terry and Eric waited for me at the BART station... but I got held up in San Francisco. So, I got to Millbrae and begged Terry for forgiveness. She dropped me off at the trail.

I ran the 12 miles of Sawyer Camp at my projected marathon pace as a tune-up. An awful hangover from last night provided a simulation of the first half of the marathon. I maintained 6:35/mi for the first 9 miles, but with the last 3 being a crazy uphill, averaged 6:47. I now understand that I should plan on running the marathon at 6:50. The 6:40 that I had been planning on will not work.

Passed Eric and friends around my Mile 9.

Jogged with Eric to Terry's house from Sawyer Camp trailhead.