Six Miles of Hills

It's time to step up my game, less than a month left until half marathon No.1. I bumped my mileage up to six miles this weekend to push me a little bit closer to the 13.1 mile mark before the race.

I set out on my run early afternoon Saturday, hitting the road before the temp. got above 80 degrees. Pretty much the only direction from where I live in which to run is up, so off I went to head for the hills and run the trails in the industrial area of Interlocken.

Top of hill #1 at the Rocky Mtn Airport.

What goes up must come down, unfortunately the downhill ended much faster than the agonizing trip up.

...and back up the hill.

Really? Who thought this was a good idea?!?

Finally, the top of the last hill. Down hill the whole way home, what a relief.

My six miles of HELL hills proved to be challenging, but a good training run. It's always better when it's over though, right?

More hiking fun tomorrow, Yay! Hope I'm not too sore from the hills.

Half Marathon Crazy

Two half marathons in less than a month, that will be the longest race distances I will have done consecutively in such a short period of time.

Race #1:
My fabulous co-workers and I have eagerly signed up two teams to compete in the Harvest Moon triathlon relay on September 11th. Stu and I will be the anchors, rounding out the running legs for both teams, the distance:13.1 miles.

I figured this was the motivation I need to get serious about training again and gear up to shatter my time from last year's not so stellar performance at the Rock 'n' Roll Denver half marathon.

Race #2: Rock 'n' Roll Denver, October 9th.

Now, all we have to do is actually get on the road and start building our miles. My current base mileage should allow me to reach 10 to 12 miles comfortably in 33 days, which will bode okay for the 13.1 mile race, just don't expect a personal best from me this time since I will be focusing more on distance than speed for the Harvest Moon race.

Enjoy the next few weeks as we embark on our quest to 13.1!

It should be fun. The fiance will be here in one week to join me on my long runs and Mars, our dog, to keep us company on the regular short runs. Can't Wait!!!!

The Temp is Too Damn High!

I've been eagerly counting down the days until I return to Texas for my grandma's 85th birthday, and to see Stu and Mars (its been more than a month now). However, the extended heat wave has killed a bit of my enthusiasm to head back to south. Really, 34 days above 100 degrees with at least 50 percent humidity, I don't remember buying a plane ticket to Hell! The added humidity makes the 70+ days of 100 degree and above summer temps in Las Vegas look like a cold season.

Poor Mars trying to stay cool in 

the brutal summer heat.

Enough ranting, I've been spoiled by the cool Colorado summer weather and am whining about the three days I'll spend in Texas. Not only will I be cranky from the excruciating heat, but the lack of running is going to add to my unpleasant attitude beginning when I land at DFW. For once I'm making a wise training decision, I will be leaving my running shoes in the Mile High City and taking a brief hiatus, because the temperature is just too damn high!

Looking forward to seeing the fam, fiance and the pup, but will be anxiously awaiting my return trip to 60 degree mornings and cool breezes with the afternoon rain storms.

Stay tuned for pictures from Hell!

Running Break: Sunday Morning Hike

I decided to give myself a break from my usual Sunday cross training workout and head up to the mountains for some hiking. Three hours up and down the mountain proved to be a great time, I'm sure I'll be feeling it tomorrow!

Already looking forward to the next one!

Wear your Sunscreen!

My current product of
choice when out for a run:
Coppertone Sport SPF 100+

I'm fortunate for not having developed much of an interest in sun tanning. For one, I've battled skin complexion issues since my teenage years and was always warned against spending excessive amounts of time in the sun as it would have negative effects with the treatments (which is really a challenge when you're a cross country runner in Las Vegas, that's like saying to a fish 'you know you really shouldn't spend a lot of time in the water'). This shaped the healthy sun habits I still practice to this day.

From a young age I've been pron to lathering on my SPF 5000 before heading out of the house, whether to go on a run or run an errand.

I consider myself an advocate for skin care and promoter of sun protection, which is why I feel the need to share some tips as someone who spends a considerable amount of time in the sun. I am no stranger to the affects prolonged exposure (think lifetimes) can have on an individual, as I have witnessed family members in ongoing battles to keep cancer at bay.

Skin cancer is a growing concern everywhere, and more people should be working on prevention, rather than having to take a reactive approach later in life.

There's nothing wrong with a healthy bronze glow to your skin, as long as you are mindful of the time you spend in the sun. Here are a few of my tips I've integrated into my daily routine for skin protection.

• Get to know yourself. Make a note of any freckles, marks, bumps or moles you may have and regularly check to see if anything changes. A small growth is enough reason to visit a dermatologist. 
• Cover Up. I always lather on some SPF 50, minimum, before leaving the house on a run and use make-up with at least SPF 15 to protect me during the day. Especially at high elevations, you're closer to the sun. For the men out there, grab some lotion with SPF 15 to do the job.
• Don't forget your ears. The ear is the third most common area for skin cancer to appear, and is often overlooked when applying sun block. 
• Lather, Sweat, Repeat. If you're going to be swimming or sweating don't forget to reapply if you're outside for more than a couple of hours.

Check out this list from Competitor.com for sun protection products catered to the endurance athlete.

What are some of your favorite products and skin protection tips?