Train in the Rain for Run Number 5

Thursday, February 25, 2010

The overnight conditions dropped a few snow pellets across the area. I almost thought I would scrap the outdoor run and flip back to the tread-mill for today. But, the conditions improved enough by mid-morning; so, I strapped on my shoes and hit the road. Today, I again ventured into new territory, both for the year, and also, for the entire time I have been running training runs here in NW Montana. It seems amazing to realize that I have been running in the same general area for over five years, and, this was the first time I had run as far as I did north on Kienas Road. This road is just about a mile down the hill from the ranch. Managhan Lane is the road name at the intersection going to the south, and Kienas Road is the name given to the northbound road. The road was blacktop for the full distance I ran. It is flat for the first three-fourths of a mile or so followed by about a half-mile of uphill. Today, I just ran until my GPS mileage meter showed I had passed the 2-mile mark. It was where the road had gone slightly downhill again and was going to head around a sharp turn to the left. Since I'll be doing longer runs on this route in the future, I now look forward to seeing where the road will lead me. The return run started with some hints of sunlight to the south near the Blacktail Mountain ski area. But, by the time I got down the hill near Batavia Lane, it was raining. I continued the run the rest of the way back to the ranch and by the end was thoroughly soaked. But, it was a good run and after a quick change of clothes part of my training was done for the day!

Training Continues - Run No. 4

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

I am still continuing the routine of running every other day. The distance now is the 4-mile run. Today, in keeping with the new plan of varying the route, I ran down the road to Managhan Road and headed toward highway 2 from there. The turn-around showed 2.11 miles. I decided to go up Danielson Road instead of battling the sand hauling trucks that continue to take gravel/mix up and down Batavia Lane. During the trek up Danielson I cut back to just a walk while climbing a big hill. That turned into a try to keep my balance skate on a combination of ice and packed snow for the rest of the way back to the trail that leads to the ranch. It was a good outing -- just not very fast.

Training Run Number 3 - Up the Hill Again

Sunday, February 21, 2010


The outing today was up the hill again to check out the condition of Sherman Road. Sherman is a gravel road and depending on the snow/melt and runoff conditions, it can be quite mushy. Today, it was cold enough that only some of the outer edges had a bit of softness. With light traffic up that road, I usually run in the lane or middle and only needed to run the edge when a truck was coming up the road. It was a good running day again with sunny conditions and good running temperature. Near the turnaround, the view was over frozen Sherman Pond to a small ranch near the lake.

On the Road Again ... I Can't Wait to Get on the Road Again!!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Well, after a false start a few weeks ago, I pulled it together today and went 'on the road again!'. This was my first official outdoor training run for 2010. So, marathon training began today with a 4-miler up the road in the direction of Ashley Lake. Nice temperatures, good road conditions with very little traffic, and the legs felt great! LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Friday, February 19, 2010


I am doing a little different training plan this year. Last year, it was 3, 3, 3, off, 4, 4, 4, 4, off; etc. until I was doing five days of 8-milers or so. This year, I plan to do more cross-training using alternate days for running then bike training with push-ups, sit-ups and some weight work. Still indoor on the biking part until the outdoor temperature warms a bit. (Still struggling to get out of the 30's most days). Also, I plan to mix up my training routes somewhat. Today, I ran down the road to the biking trail.
(Interesting Montana collectibles scenery along the highway down by Kelley Rae's!) Clear sky did make views of Glacier Park to the northeast (look way over on the left side of the first image, to the left of the Swan Mountain Range...GNP is just barely visible) and Blacktail Mountain ski area to the south visible during the run, too.









Marathon Training Plan for 2010