Back on the Run

As the weather is warming up, I'm getting more excited for a spring and summer that will likely be full of running. I went on a five and a half mile run yesterday, and there were still several patches of ice, snow, and puddles, but I don't expect that stuff to get in my way too much longer.

The last few runs I've gone on have had included several "pick-ups", never too scientific, though. Oftentimes, I will run faster until the next patch of ice, or one block, or until a sign or a tree. I usually try to do this around five times per run, but I'm not really counting. I'm not too serious right now, but I have been there in the past.

In 2007 and 2008 I was much more serious about doing a certain number of miles, at a certain pace, with a specific amount of intervals, etc. I always wore a stop watch, and made many trips to a local track. Naturally, in both of those years I had some of my greatest running achievements, running my first 10k, 10 mile, half-marathon and marathon, and also PR-ing in a 5k. In 2008, while training for the marathon, I became a very efficient runner, and was definitely at my peak. One time I went to the track to see how fast I could run one mile, and broke my old PR.. even though I didn't have competition! It didn't surprise me too much, as I knew I was in good shape, but I didn't think that training for a marathon would also help me in the one mile.

I don't know if I'll get back to that level again, but I'm already more serious about running than I have been since 2008 (October 2008 was the Twin Cities Marathon). Maybe I'll do my first ten mile run since then, or do some new races, there are certainly plenty of options!

Indoor climbing: new routes

I've continued to go climbing at the local climbing gym in St. Paul. I find that it is often a young, excited crowd. I must admit, I'm usually pretty excited, too. I feel my strength and confidence in my climbing have both improved significantly since I started going a couple months ago.

I usually go with one or two other friends, and we definitely push eachother. Naturally, we also make fun of eachother about as much as we can. Keeping it fun is what we want to do. Just today, we found time to laugh at ourselves after seeing a much more experienced climber make some of the stuff we were trying look easy. Did I mention he was 12? The gym has people of all ages, which is great for the sport.

I know I have improved, if by no other reason, there is a rating system in climbing where the easiest routes are rated 5.6, then it goes up to 5.7, 5.8, and so on. I now find myself mostly trying 5.10 routes, and not struggling much with 5.9 and below. The first few times I went, though, though, that wasn't the case. I was stuck on at 5.9 for a while, and was challenged by 5.8 routes.

I have been going 2-3 times a week for the past few weeks, so I hope to see even more gains in the future.

Torrey Pines State Reserve

It's been an active, successful winter for me so far. I tried out broomball, I went on some very chilly runs, went snowshoeing several times, starting rock climbing, and even went camping on a cold night. It felt good, but no matter how active I am in the winter, there is the occasional spring and summer wish that comes to me. That wish came true last weekend as I went to San Diego. One of my favorite parts of the trip was a run/hike through the Torrey Pines State Reserve.

The Torrey Pines State Reserve borders a famous golf course, and offers some beautiful scenery. There are several trails that lead to cliffs along the Pacific Ocean. Also, there were plenty of plants that I'm not used to seeing. The most interesting, the Torrey Pine tree, only grows in two places: the state reserve, and on a nearby island. Of course, the weather was wonderful for a hike, the first day I've experienced over 65 since October probably.

It wasn't an easy run, though, as you had to watch your step with the trails being slightly uneven in places. There were also many switchbacks as they go downhill towards the Pacific Ocean. Of course I had to touch the ocean, so I went all the way down, which involved going down stairs as well.

I stopped to take pictures in several places along the trail. The bluffs along the ocean, the trees, the flowers, the outdoor workout, it was just a great feeling. Ah, it's no wonder California is the most populous state. I was almost sold on living there over just 4 days!

I'm really looking forward to making the spring of 2011 as great as the winter has been. I've got plans to make that happen, too: I'll be ramping up my running, climbing, hope to find some cool events in the twin cities, and possibly even go on a road trip or two!