Monthly Summary – December 2013
End of the month, end of the year, end of my serious training for Brazil 135 (which is less than three weeks away now).
At the beginning of December, my goals for the month were to have a big month of running, get in some cross-training and make it to the sauna and steamroom on a regular basis. I ran 368 miles, which I think is my second biggest month ever and sat in the sauna and steamroom at least 3-4 time each week. I never made it to yoga, didn’t get in the pool a single time, but did do some strength training in the gym. I’ll call that 2.5 out of the three goals. And I hit the most important ones, so I’ll definitely consider it a success.
Here’s December:
For the last three full weeks of December, I wanted to run 100+ miles the first week, then take a small step back the second week and then run 100+ miles the third week. I was also hoping to average 100 miles for the three weeks. I knew that would set me up well for a nice 19 day taper. I ended up running 108.2, 86.8 and 102.3. I accomplished the first part, but missed the second by just a few miles (three week total = 297.3; average 99.1/week). For a few minutes I thought about going out for a short run Sunday evening, then I got comfortable on the couch watching football and eating dinner and decided that I didn’t need to chase numbers like that.
December had some pretty great runs all over Los Angeles. I ran in the San Gabriels (Mt. Wilson and Mt. Lowe):
The Santa Monicas (Temescal, Backbone, Westridge, Dirt Mulholland):
West Hollywood and Hollywood (neighborhood streets, Runyon and Griffith Park):
And one fun sunset run in the South Bay:
I also got in a couple good runs in San Diego, when we went down there to see my parents and go to a really fun Chargers game.
For the next two weeks before I leave for Brazil, I’ll try to get in some consistent running with a little intensity here and there. I don’t really have any specific mileage goals, but if I run 45-50ish miles this week and 30 or so next week, that would seem to be about right. If I run less, that’s fine too. I’ll continue going to the sauna and steamroom, do a little strength work and maybe even swim once or twice. I also have a lot of organizing and packing and a little shopping to do.
2013 Annual Summary to come soon!
Happy New Year!