Weeks 9 and 10... an easy 6, and a challenging 8

Wow, has it really been 2 weeks since my last update? Time flies when you're running like mad! :)

Let's start with last weekend (training week #9). The schedule called for a 10 mile run, but I was still recovering from the half marathon, so I decided to do 6 miles instead. It was a cool, beautiful morning in Peoria Heights. I decided to run the Edgewild Loop, since it had far fewer elevation changes than the Bishop Loop. It was, dare I say it, an easy run. Very enjoyable!

I got back into my regular training schedule last week, despite the fact that I had to travel to Colorado for business. I ran Monday morning before I left for the airport, and again on Wednesday afternoon shortly after I returned home. I replaced my Friday run with a bit of cross-training, by taking a Body Attack class at the gym. It was a fabulous workout, and the plyometrics are great conditioning for running power.

On Saturday morning, for my week #10 long run, I tried something completely new - I ran a trail race! I ran the inaugural Farmdale 8-mile Trail Run. It was a very brisk morning, and standing around waiting for the race to start was, well, chilly. But once we got going, I warmed up quickly and was able to take off my gloves and jacket and roll up my sleeves. The trail was simply beautiful. It was also very hilly and tricky to navigate at times. I tripped several times over rocks and tree roots, but managed to keep from falling all but once. My fall didn't bruise anything except my ego - I picked myself up, brushed myself off, and kept going. :) And, eventually, I finished the race. I was presented with a lovely finisher's medal, and found out that had even won a "door prize" - a nice, red visor. The trail race was a wonderful experience and I can't wait to do another trail run!