For the coming Fridays I'll try to summarize the past weeks activities and workouts. Mostly to keep track of things.
This week stood out a bit, since it was pretty much the first 'regular' week at home since mid-December. So much of it was used to get back into the rythm of daily life.
Despite a cold I managed to go to the gym on Saturday. Did a few climbs -on which I felt very weak, really struggling on a 10c- and 90 minutes of yoga, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I felt the benefits of the core workouts I had done in Germany and New Mexico.
Sunday I did a quick 5.5 mile hike at Wunderlich County Park, which inspired me to watch 'The Fellowship of the Ring'... and that was the rest of the day :-)
Tuesday was the first day of the 18-week marathon training plan. Based on my experience in Las Vegas I decided against going with the Crossfit Endurance plan and for the Inermediate-I Marathon Plan from Hal Hidgeon. Back in Vegas I hit the wall, or better my legs hit the wall, exactly a mile further than my longest run was. I blame to little mileage, hence the plan with a higher mileage. The Intermediate I plan starts with 24 miles/week and peaks at 44 miles/week.
Also I'll run 5 days a week compared to 3 days as I did before Vegas following the RW smartcoach.
Anyway, the first run on Tuesday was a really mellow 3 miles on the SCT. Afterwards I did a short workout on the Rock Rings in the backyard.
Wednesday saw the second run, it called for 5 miles, I did 5.3 on the SCT.
The third run was scheduled for Thursday. I ran the 3 miles on the treadmill at PG Belmont. Something remarkable about this: It was the first run on a treadmill I actually enjoyed! Funny. The second part of the Thursday workout consisted of bouldering. For the first five minutes I stayed on the wall without a break, doing a bunch of consecutive V0's and V1's. Following this I tried to do through problems quickly to work on strength and stamina. The 'Boulder Rating' for the evening was 22 (or 23 don't remember exactly).
Today is a rest day.
The plans for the weekend include a 5 mile run at marathon goal pace on Saturday and a long run of 8 miles on Sunday. The later one will probably be at Rancho San Antonio. I'll also try to get some yoga and climbing in tomorrow afternoon.
Oh, yes, I signed up for the San Diego RnR Marathon in May...
There's also some preliminary talk about a climbing trip to Red Rocks in March.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Back in Cali
I got back from my trip to New Mexico last night, and I have to ask: What's with the weather here?
Wednesday afternoon I ran 4 miles in the mid-70's without a shirt on... I guess Carlsbad is not all bad! On the other hand, the rain here is much needed and hopefully this weather system will bring some snow to the Sierras.
Wednesday afternoon I ran 4 miles in the mid-70's without a shirt on... I guess Carlsbad is not all bad! On the other hand, the rain here is much needed and hopefully this weather system will bring some snow to the Sierras.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Camelback Mountain
While in Phoenix last Sunday, Linda and I hiked up Camelback Mountain. I have to admit that I wasn't too excited about this at first, since other activities, or rather non-activities like sleeping or watching the NFL-Conference finals seemed more attractive. My mood didn't improve much, when Linda almost sprinted up the first part of the trail. Half an hour into the hike a transformation happend though: Not only was the trail less crowded, the weather perfect, but the trail was actually really nice and fun.
Camelback Mountain is the highest moutain in the Phoenix Mountains and great urban hiking. The summit is at 2704 ft and can be reached by two trails: Either from Echo Canyon, or like we did by the Cholla Trail, which is 2.5 miles long (one way) and gains 1275 ft of elevation. The first part of the trail is pretty easy, the second part climbs the ridge to the summit and is a bit exposed in several places. Some people even get of route ;-)
After hanging out on the summit for a bit we retraced our steps down the trail. On the way we saw - according to two girls ahead of us - a huge squirrel, the size of a cat! Well... they must have pretty small cats in Phoenix!
Anyway, I'm glad that Linda dragged out for this hike!
Camelback Mountain is the highest moutain in the Phoenix Mountains and great urban hiking. The summit is at 2704 ft and can be reached by two trails: Either from Echo Canyon, or like we did by the Cholla Trail, which is 2.5 miles long (one way) and gains 1275 ft of elevation. The first part of the trail is pretty easy, the second part climbs the ridge to the summit and is a bit exposed in several places. Some people even get of route ;-)
After hanging out on the summit for a bit we retraced our steps down the trail. On the way we saw - according to two girls ahead of us - a huge squirrel, the size of a cat! Well... they must have pretty small cats in Phoenix!
Anyway, I'm glad that Linda dragged out for this hike!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Hueco Tanks
Last week was really productive at work, what made it possible to take the day off today and visit Hueco Tanks State Historic Site 32 miles North East of El Paso.
The park was established in 1969 to preserve the archeological sites, both pre-historic and historic as well as the unique natural resources of the oasis.
Since the mid 90’s Hueco Tanks has also become a prime bouldering/climbing destination, which is how I learned about the place.
On this trip my only goal was to scope out the area, because I didn’t have any climbing gear on me. I was also pretty slow getting ready this morning, which made me miss the Rock Art tour, offered by the Park Service.
Stopping at the park entrance to get a permit I felt as if I were in Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley: Tons of climbers, either surfing the web on the wifi, or preparing for the day.
Since the park’s popularity increased dramatically during the last few years access is restricted to 200 people at a time. Also, only the North Mountain area is accessible for self guided hiking or climbing.
I was lucky to get a permit without prior reservation!
After a 15-minute visitor orientation I started a Self guided walk in the Northern part of the preserve. Leaving from the Interpretive Center I took the Eastern path around North Mountain. The trail leads to some pictographs, most of which are unfortunately buried beyond graffiti,,, But who thought that graffiti was a modern phenomenon is wrong: Some of the inscriptions were dated 1884, and even earlier... I guess the white settlers wanted to show their „superiority“. So sad!
A climbers trail leads to the summit of North Mountain at 4800ft. The rock reminded me of Joshua Tree, but it has more pockets and is less slabby.
Folowing the trail further to the end I came across a group of climbers working on „the hardest V1 on the planet“. The problem looked quite nice! Too bad I didn’t have my gear with me... I’ll have to get back for this one. Just around the corner was a perfect finger crack, which would be worth a shot too!
Too soon I reached the entrance to the East Mountain area, and had to retrace my steps beck to the Interprative Center. From here I started around the North side of the mountain to the Western side. Again: here are plenty of nice lines waiting to be climbed! I even tried one problem in my sneakers and got a good start... It would be super nice to spend more time here! Walking along the trail I heard some noises in the brush to my right. On further investigation I saw two, what I would call wild boars, but what apparently is locally known as Javalinas, munching on the cacti... They were perhaps six feet away! Amazing!
Even only a couple of hours made it clear: Hueco Tanks is definitely worth going back to!
What was slightly disturbing though was seeing a Pittbull (or something similar, I am not an expert on fighting dogs) chewing up some roadkill on the street to the park. A pretty gross sight! What was even more disturbing was that it apparently dragged ist prey across the street, because it lay on the opposite site of the road when I went back... Crazy! The deer was a few times bigger than the dog!
Off to Phoenix now...
The park was established in 1969 to preserve the archeological sites, both pre-historic and historic as well as the unique natural resources of the oasis.
Since the mid 90’s Hueco Tanks has also become a prime bouldering/climbing destination, which is how I learned about the place.
On this trip my only goal was to scope out the area, because I didn’t have any climbing gear on me. I was also pretty slow getting ready this morning, which made me miss the Rock Art tour, offered by the Park Service.
Stopping at the park entrance to get a permit I felt as if I were in Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley: Tons of climbers, either surfing the web on the wifi, or preparing for the day.
Since the park’s popularity increased dramatically during the last few years access is restricted to 200 people at a time. Also, only the North Mountain area is accessible for self guided hiking or climbing.
I was lucky to get a permit without prior reservation!
After a 15-minute visitor orientation I started a Self guided walk in the Northern part of the preserve. Leaving from the Interpretive Center I took the Eastern path around North Mountain. The trail leads to some pictographs, most of which are unfortunately buried beyond graffiti,,, But who thought that graffiti was a modern phenomenon is wrong: Some of the inscriptions were dated 1884, and even earlier... I guess the white settlers wanted to show their „superiority“. So sad!
A climbers trail leads to the summit of North Mountain at 4800ft. The rock reminded me of Joshua Tree, but it has more pockets and is less slabby.
Folowing the trail further to the end I came across a group of climbers working on „the hardest V1 on the planet“. The problem looked quite nice! Too bad I didn’t have my gear with me... I’ll have to get back for this one. Just around the corner was a perfect finger crack, which would be worth a shot too!
Too soon I reached the entrance to the East Mountain area, and had to retrace my steps beck to the Interprative Center. From here I started around the North side of the mountain to the Western side. Again: here are plenty of nice lines waiting to be climbed! I even tried one problem in my sneakers and got a good start... It would be super nice to spend more time here! Walking along the trail I heard some noises in the brush to my right. On further investigation I saw two, what I would call wild boars, but what apparently is locally known as Javalinas, munching on the cacti... They were perhaps six feet away! Amazing!
Even only a couple of hours made it clear: Hueco Tanks is definitely worth going back to!
What was slightly disturbing though was seeing a Pittbull (or something similar, I am not an expert on fighting dogs) chewing up some roadkill on the street to the park. A pretty gross sight! What was even more disturbing was that it apparently dragged ist prey across the street, because it lay on the opposite site of the road when I went back... Crazy! The deer was a few times bigger than the dog!
Off to Phoenix now...
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Why?
From the Mountain Athlete front page:
"WHY CLIMB"
by Mattie Sheafor-Hong
You get to explore beautiful places with an intimacy that only a bird, a spider or a lizard might ever get to know...and maybe not even another living thing.
You get a window into yourself. You cannot hide, not really, and not for long. It is humbling, consistently demanding, and ultimately richly rewarding--sometimes briefly satisfying--when you meet the challenge to the best of your ability. Climbing asks everything of you mentally and physically: problem solving, creativity, full on-all out-effort, and self possession, sometimes all at once. Sometimes fiercely. It is absorbing, cleansing, pure. It is a crucible to make yourself stronger (not just physically), richer (not even monetarily), broader (in every good way).
Climbing often requires keen partnership and sincere, even if brief, communication. It tends to breed deep friendships, indelible memories, and a rich respect for the present.
Climbing is a refuge. A place where gravity prevails, where the elements are master, and if you r-e-a-l-l-y listen to what they tell you, and use your tools and judgment well, you just might get to be a part of it all, for a little while. Plus, on occassion you get to feel like your 6 years old again.
I can subscribe to that!
"WHY CLIMB"
by Mattie Sheafor-Hong
You get to explore beautiful places with an intimacy that only a bird, a spider or a lizard might ever get to know...and maybe not even another living thing.
You get a window into yourself. You cannot hide, not really, and not for long. It is humbling, consistently demanding, and ultimately richly rewarding--sometimes briefly satisfying--when you meet the challenge to the best of your ability. Climbing asks everything of you mentally and physically: problem solving, creativity, full on-all out-effort, and self possession, sometimes all at once. Sometimes fiercely. It is absorbing, cleansing, pure. It is a crucible to make yourself stronger (not just physically), richer (not even monetarily), broader (in every good way).
Climbing often requires keen partnership and sincere, even if brief, communication. It tends to breed deep friendships, indelible memories, and a rich respect for the present.
Climbing is a refuge. A place where gravity prevails, where the elements are master, and if you r-e-a-l-l-y listen to what they tell you, and use your tools and judgment well, you just might get to be a part of it all, for a little while. Plus, on occassion you get to feel like your 6 years old again.
I can subscribe to that!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Weakness
Ohoh... One resolution for January was not to drink any alcohol during the month.
Well, I am weak! As long as I was in Cali it was fine and easy to stick to the resolution... But: I can't stand Carlsbad, NM without beer... I tried... it doesn't work :-/
Well, I am weak! As long as I was in Cali it was fine and easy to stick to the resolution... But: I can't stand Carlsbad, NM without beer... I tried... it doesn't work :-/
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
PG session
Last night I had a great climbing session with Dan at Planet Granite in Belmont. It was almost a month since I had climbed last at PG, and only once in Germany. As a consequence my expectations were pretty low, since I was also still sporting a jet lag from coming back from Germany.
Accordingly I started out on a 5.9, went to a long 10a, a long 10d, a short 11a, an attempt on a 11c, some 11b's... It felt really good! Especially since I felt strong. Usually I can tell when I gain some weight. Not this time though. I guess the weight work outs I did back home worked! They constisted of the Mountain Athlete barbell complex. I found this to be an easy but efficient whole body workout.
Accordingly I started out on a 5.9, went to a long 10a, a long 10d, a short 11a, an attempt on a 11c, some 11b's... It felt really good! Especially since I felt strong. Usually I can tell when I gain some weight. Not this time though. I guess the weight work outs I did back home worked! They constisted of the Mountain Athlete barbell complex. I found this to be an easy but efficient whole body workout.
Monday, January 5, 2009
A Change of Mind
Yesterday I had a kind of epiphany: Reading a blog post about trail running at Point Reyes National Seashore was one part, and kind of set the tone. The author described a 22 mile run through the Southern part of the park, and posted a bunch of really great pics...
Later that day I went for a short hike at Castle Rock State Park. Now, I've been to Castle Rock countless times... exclusively for climbing though. I've been to Goat Rock, Castle Rock Falls, Castle Rock proper, etc. But I never ventured further down the trail... Yesterday I did. It was amazing! And it struck me: Just do trail runs... Not as a means of training, but as means to go to places! Just enjoy being out there... I guess that's what 'Mountain Running' and 'Adventure Running' is all about: One can get to really cool places by really simple means...
Expect to find me on trails in the hills more often instead of the Baylands in the future!
Later that day I went for a short hike at Castle Rock State Park. Now, I've been to Castle Rock countless times... exclusively for climbing though. I've been to Goat Rock, Castle Rock Falls, Castle Rock proper, etc. But I never ventured further down the trail... Yesterday I did. It was amazing! And it struck me: Just do trail runs... Not as a means of training, but as means to go to places! Just enjoy being out there... I guess that's what 'Mountain Running' and 'Adventure Running' is all about: One can get to really cool places by really simple means...
Expect to find me on trails in the hills more often instead of the Baylands in the future!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Trans-Atlantic Airtravel...
... can be pleasant, if one gets upgraded.
As it happend to me on Thursday.
Back in Cali now, figuring out how to go about the goals of 2009.
My marathon trainings schedule starts in 4 weeks. Most of the time until then I'll probably spend in New Mexico.
As it happend to me on Thursday.
Back in Cali now, figuring out how to go about the goals of 2009.
My marathon trainings schedule starts in 4 weeks. Most of the time until then I'll probably spend in New Mexico.
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