06-12 Apr

06 APR -- 20:36 -- 2.45 miles -- 563 elevation gain (hill sprints)
              -- 38:00 -- 2.85 miles -- 201 elevation gain (family run/walk)
07 APR -- off -- 55 pull ups
08 APR -- stationary bike 10 miles
09 APR -- off -- stretching
10 APR -- 17:22 -- 3.00 miles -- 161 elevation gain (Physical Fitness Test)
11 APR -- 8:34:15 -- 46.85 miles -- 4089 elevation gain (Bull Run Run 50)
12 APR -- 1:47:51 -- 5.07 miles -- 296 elevation gain (family run, then mowing the grass)

TOTAL -- 11:38:04 -- 60.22 miles -- 5310 elevation gain

Unfortunately, I had to run my Physical Fitness Test (pull ups, crunches, and 3-mile run) on Friday before Bull Run.  It was either then or the Monday after, so I chose wisely and knocked it out on fresh legs.  The obvious drawback: I felt it on Saturday morning, particularly in my groin. 

Bull Run was awesome!  Greatest race on the east coast!  I was a little slower than I wanted but who cares.  I ran the last 15 miles with a friend who was struggling, which made it more meaningful and enjoyable than running alone and trying to hang onto a specific finishing time.  I think I may have squeezed into the top 10 at some point, maybe at the start of the do loop around mile 30-ish, but I never asked the question because I didn't care.  Once I ventured into the do loop I hit a wall anyway and got passed by a platoon of runners.  In the end, I'm grateful for the beautiful weather, superb trails, camaraderie, and the challenges that always present themselves during ultramarathons.  I'm very fortunate to have a healthy and happy family, and to be able to race and enjoy the trails.

In other news, I'm almost complete with my 10,000 Hours write up.  Currently, it's an 11-page Word document.  It might take you 30 minutes to read, but I've put some good thinking into it and I hope it serves our community well.  I'll post it this week - I promise.