3/23/13 - Training

Better Get Some Training In

It was a real nice day today so after some errands, I decided to pack up and hit the road going out for something in the neighborhood of 14 miles.  I had done this route a while back, so thought I would do a repeat.  Last week, I had a good week with a couple of 8 milers and a 9 miler, but it's time to think about stretching it out.  My main concern is getting my feet in shape.

Preparation began as the previous hikes - vaseline [actually I used Bag Balm], a silk sock liner, and a heavy outter sock.  This time I used the Asics Gel Liner and my orthotics.

In spite of the snow earlier this week, it was sunny and the roads were clear.  Unfortunately there was very little space on the side of the road or in the gutters, so this was almost exclusively "on pavement," not what I am looking for.  But, the snow is here too!

I took it easy with lots of hills facing me ... of course, you go up, you must come down.  I stopped every hour or so, took off my shoes, and massaged my feet.  That felt good and there was never any sign of a blister or any hot spot.

At the half-way point, my right hip did begin to feel some stress.  I think that was due to the macadam, because when I did get some relief, it felt better.

I stopped to eat at lunchtime ... barely able to find some dry spots on a broken stone fence beside the road.  With a brisk wind blowing all day, I couldn't stop long as it gave a chill to an already sweating body.  The wind forced me to use my hood as well.  Lots of water - two bottles of ~1 liter each.  I carried my old back pack which weighted in at 10 lbs plus water and lunch ... probably carrying about 13 or 14 lbs or so.  And of course a winter jacket, extra winter layers, gloves, my Garmin tracker, and a cell phone.  Drinking the water naturally caused me to seek trees and out of the way rest facilities along the way. 

Evaluation of  my overall condition would be a B+.  For the last mile or so, I was really finding it tough and had to watch my step.  My legs, feet, and of course the hip were tired.  But, the big plus is the feet.  Great going there.

Sure hope this snow melts soon!