July 21st 13.3 miles around Gaston MS
July 22nd 14 miles around Gaston MS
July 23rd 13 miles Ranch Road 341 to 340 in Marble Falls TX
July 24th 13 miles Ranch Road 341 to 340 in Marble Falls TX
July 25th 13 miles Ranch Road 341 to 340 in Marble Falls TX
July 26th 20 miles Around WRL and Santa FE trail
Mileage 86 MPW (Garmin app got hacked and not working so just rounded the miles)
So this week overall was good! I've increased my allergy medication again and my fatigue has gotten better. More energy in general and was able to hand the heat better. During the week we took a trip to Marble Falls TX, where we stayed in a tiny house and was able to run in country Ranch Roads 341, & 340. As it was the hill country the course was up and down and at first seemed intimidating, but now looking back at it I am very glad that I was able to run on the course. The course had a great deal of wildlife saw bobcat, snake, deer, wild hog, cows, skunks among other animals. The course also had some great elevation changes. The first two miles were uphill with some of them being very steep. The next two miles it was going downhill from the same long hill that was up. The next two miles it was uphill again. These were looong hills and at times seemed never ending. On the course many times I thought about just turning around and cutting the course short. At miles 6.5 like luck would have it I saw a water fountain and thankfully it was working. This made my run as I had to run to the water fountain to get a drink and that would be perfect for the 13 miles I was originally shooting for. In central Texas the humidity wasn't as bad as Dallas, at least it didn't feel as bad to me, but the sunshine definitely hit on the run. After running the hills, and coming back to Dallas I certainly felt the difference and the 20 miler today seemed about as difficult as the 13 on the hilly course.
The Hills
So Dallas is relatively flat and I can say most of my runs have minimal elevation. Sometimes I go to Norbuck park to get the elevation change. But in the hill country the hills were not an option! These were long hills of more than one mile long and some of them had some sharp incline sections. But like with any out and back course you also get the same downhill parts. At first I would just focus on the hills and try and get up the hills as soon as I could. Then on the downhill I would rest and go down while observing the views. After I while I started to dread the long and winded uphill, which seemed like it took forever to get up them.
Then I realized that I had to change my mindset and make the best of the run. I decided to use the uphills as my slower sections and my downhills as the sections that I would concentrate on. I took my time going up as I was 'resting' and then on the downhill I would go faster and make up the time. After implementing this approach the uphill that were 2 miles long seemed more manageable and I actually looked forward to getting to the uphill parts. The runs in the hills of central Texas made me realize the importance of the changing terrain and how elevation change can certainly affect a run.
Overall I liked the change in scenery and after running today in Dallas, I certainly felt the difference in how it affects your running. It was also a reminder that if I focus on the difficulties of something it takes joy out of doing it.
The Bats
One of the reasons for going down to the hill country was to go check out of the bats. If you haven't been to Old Tunnel State Park, highly recommend it. Close to a million Mexican Free Tail Bats, exited the tunnel and although they all stayed together once they flew they were on a mission individually to go and eat. The bats reminded me of the importance of these animals for the habitat, as they eat pest that in turn help the agriculture of the area. The whole system works in unison and when one system disappears it affects the whole. This is similar to running, you need the different ingredients in order to enjoy it and by focusing too much on one thing it takes the joy from the essence of the activity. Being in the area was a good reminder of the importance of enjoying things and being in the moment instead of focusing on distractions.
Final Thoughts
Overall the week was fine, was able to go past the 80 miles this week and had more energy. The change in scenery was very welcomed and it was a good reminder about the importance of enjoying things and being present in the moment. The hills were a good reminder of the how enjoyable running is and can be enjoyed in different places.
