I'm back after a hiatus I guess.

                     

And I'm truckin' along. Been running more for a while which has been enjoyable, mostly because the weather has been warmer and the days longer. Super easy miles with no pressure to start. My piriformis seems alright but I'm continuing with the strength routine just in case. I've also added some other prehab exercises as preventative maintenance as well. Something we all should be doing but never do! I officially dropped out of any ultras this past spring and kind of started from scratch. The only ultra I have planned is Autumn 100 in October outside of London. It's nothing special but will get me in the Western States lottery again so the goal will be to finish.

overlooking Whiting Bay and Holy Isle                     

After a few weeks of easy miles I incorporated some informal speed work which has taken effect as I'm comfortably running faster now. I actually ran a 5:09 mile a couple weeks ago! My best being 4:50 from high school. Piriformis is ok so far with the different stresses. I'm slowly becoming less concerned about it but that worry will return as I increase my mileage.

Glenashdale Falls trail

I think my current focus is to get faster. A sub 5 minute mile would be super cool at the age of 41! I think with specific speed work I can do it. Other than that probably the Wyre Forest Half Marathon in July and I'd like to do a shorter ultra before fall but we shall see. I really enjoy the community around these races but unfortunately with family it's difficult to be a part of it other than racing.

Runnng has been very enjoyable lately. Likely due to the longer days, you just can't beat running very early in the morning before everyone is awake. It's so peaceful and meditative. 

                                    

   

We're currently in Scotland as I type this visiting my wife's family. I've gotten in a couple really good runs so far and am hoping for more before we leave on Saturday. The terrain is very hilly and the scenery very nice. I'm hoping for a day in the bigger mountains here too. I feel at home out away from it all. It makes me really happy. All the photos are from mainly running. I'd caption them like in the past but my iPad app won't allow me to. 

The selfie above I laugh at. I'm not a selfie person but always wanted to get a fun photo of myself running but hate stopping! Yep. I did it. Set up my phone with the timer and ran back and forth! I feel stupid for doing it. All so people can look at me running. Ha ha ha! 

       

    

A big bonus was my parents were touring Scotland and fortunately were able to stop by my mother in law's house for a super short visit.  I hadn't seen them since last summer, sure wish we lived in the US and closer to family. Even with cool places nearby where we live, travel is difficult with little kids, and family has seemed to take priority as I've gotten older. 

So anyway. I'm back. Hopefully blogging more. Running. I fucking love it. No one will take it from me. 

This past week I began running after a solid week off. Only easy running and low low miles. It's surprising though how fast my easy pace is. I guess it's reassuring after time off and a lot of easy low mileage weeks. The piriformis is ok. It's noticeable so I'm hesitant but I can easily run low miles with little repercussions. My strength work continues. I am on the fence about going to the PT to get it checked out for peace of mind but is it worth the cost?

I officially dropped out of Thames Path 100. The refund cutoff was getting close and I gave in to any hope I'd be able to race it. It's flat but probably best to cut my losses and refocus.

It was an odd week not running. I was definitely more awake and likely in a better mood. Pre-dawn running is great but it definitely wears on me. It's really the only available time I have though so I'll take it. Night has always been an option but then I have to deal with traffic, heckling, and of course the wife. I also am all wired up and rarely sleep well. Some days I just want to stop and give in, become like everyone else. Why do I even care about my health, no one else really does, and they sure seem a lot happier than me? I slashed my cholesterol by a fucking third by changing my diet and no one really gives a shit. They just find it funny I'm a "vegan." Well if you listened to what I say I'm actually NOT a vegan. I eat a plant based whole foods diet. I guess everything needs a label though these days doesn't it?   

Running is seemingly the only aspect of me personally that still exists since moving here. The list of things I used to do that defined me is long, most of those things people here have no idea about. My secret past I guess. I find it amusing when people boast about skiing and anything pertaining to winter or the outdoors here. I just keep my mouth shut and agree, "that sounds great, yep!" I miss being among my tribe of like minded individuals. People who appreciate the sunrise and sunset, see the beauty of the outdoor world. 

Anyway, on to yet another shitty Sunday. Hopefully I can escape tonight for a little peace of mind.