Pushing It

I pushed my pace a little today. I ran from Far Gate, the furthest north-west end of the Northshore Trail. This is the most technical part of the trail. I am trying to focus my attention here to train for my next milestone race, the Cross Timbers Half-Marathon. The Cross Timbers trail is know as the toughest little trail in Texas. So I am focusing on the toughest part of the Northshore trail in order to prepare for Cross Timbers.

About a mile in from Far Gate on the Northshore Trail.

Anyway, I ran three miles out and back for a total of six miles (Garmin Connect). I was trying to hit around a 10 mpm pace, but the technical nature of this part of the trail (rocks and roots with inclines and declines) slowed me down.

I will say that I am feeling more comfortable with the technical part, getting better with footing and navigating the rocks and roots, but I still have a ways to go, especially on the declines. I know I should run them much faster than I do, but I'm just not comfortable enough going fast down hill on the technical stuff yet.

Example of a sorta technical area.

Tomorrow I will take it easier, probably run a flatter portion of the trail and recover from the run today.

I have decided to reintroduce cross-training into my training, mountain biking specifically. Today I created an account over at the DORBA site and will start connecting with people there. I am also going to volunteer to help with building and maintaining the Northshore trail. DORBA is in the process of building a new section of the trail and I want to help make that a reality. I get so much from my visits to the trail and I need to give something back.

My legs are pain free and I am injury-free, once again thanks to the ChiRunning technique. I am so thankful that I came across ChiRunning.