11-16-13 18 miles down, 26.2 to go

Scheduled Distance: 36

Actual Distance: 36.29

RPE AVG: 4.125

Black Torins: 184.64

Blue Torins: 123.34

I first want to thank Lisa Messinger for the running analysis she did with me, and the coaching on correct form. Right now my left IT Band isn't bothering me in the slightest. My swollen feel are what's bothering me, but ibuprofen is assisting in that department (and if I had clean compression socks they would be to).

Vivian Park where I was going to start my run

It took me a while to get out today. I missed all the time I planned on working on my illustration projects, and eating lunch. But I ended up spending my morning finding pants I could use to run in the snow. I wouldn't have worried about if I were only going on a short run, tights and shorts would have worked then. But I intended on being outside for at least 4 hours... so I am now the proud owner of a very warm and fairly water repelant pair of running pants. Oh, then need for them. It's been snowing almost all day here in Orem, a wet snow. As I went up the canyon the snow was coming down a lot harder, and was sticking to things very effectively. Vivian park was going to be my starting spot for my run today, and if I would have left earlier it still could have been. I got there and they had about an inch of snow on the ground (again wet slushy snow), and one of the parking lots full of cars of people fishing. Those fishing people... if only they understood how much fun running in the snow is.

I got out of my car, started my GPS on my phone and on my watch, and walked over to the running trail entrance and was met with the following sign. My run was hampered by avalanche danger... great, now I would have to make a new route in my head. So I did. I drove down the canyon and found a spot of the trail that was less covered with snow and not near shear walls like Vivian park is. So my revised plan is, run the canyon down to where I head towards BYU's football stadium and go down until I get to the major road by the stadium (it ended up being 5.5 miles). I then turned around and went back to where my car was with the intention of going up the canyon another 3.5 miles. By the time I got to the major road by the stadium I was so wet it was slowing me down as I rang out my gloves and skull cap every few minutes. When I got to my car I was drenched and freezing. I was in the little mess of cold because I grabbed the wrong jacket to run in. This is another testament to wearing the right gear. After I got to my car I talked to my wife who was all encouragement. I made it home and changed clothes, heading out again to the gym. My wall cam around mile 11 today Silvia helped me past it, then again at mile 14 and determination to finish got me past that. So my last 7 miles I finished at the gym (it wasn't as interesting as running in the snow, but it was a lot warmer).

So here I am after making it a total of 18 miles... my back is sore, my feet are swollen, and I feel good. Silvia made me a pasta dinner which I am going to go devour right now. So have a good night and thanks for reading.

-Riley