Repeats

If nothing else, my last three days of training help demonstrate my consistency.  As pointed out in another's blog recently...there are many benefits to training consistency.

Tuesday...6 miles on the trails at Lime Creek.

Wednesday...7 miles on the trails at Lime Creek

Today...7 miles on the trails at Lime Creek

Also good that I'm not building up to a specific race at this time but simply trying to regain a strong base. 

Meltdown

37° out today and the snow cover, that I was so happy about, is quickly disappearing.  A couple days ago what was 6" is now more like 3".  Took a photo across from the slope I run down and around a bed of cattails. You can see the prints in the snow. Noticed by other snowshoe tracks that someone else followed my lead.

Also a quick look across the pond at the cairns someone built this summer when the water level reached its lowest level since I've been running the trails around the quarry.

I used a trick to help keep the snow from packing unto the snowshoes...silicone spray on the cleats.  It was still a chore to run in these conditions and it took a bit longer today.  I took the dog out for a 4 mile warmup then used the snowshoes for an additional 6 for a 10 mile day.

Naughty Temple

Intentions to get in another run on the snowshoes today were postponed at noon in favor of an impromptu trip to the Toppling Goliath brewery taproom in Decorah.  A very rare beer became available this week and I wanted to try it. The owner was in the tap room this afternoon and Cathy and I  had a very educational and enjoyable visit with him.

Snagged a bottle and, soon after heading home, wished I bought two

The drive through Iowa's countryside was relaxing.  For some reason, I've always had an affinity to rock cairns.  Here's some from along today's route...more interesting than the typical pile in the corner of the fence row!

 Put in 4 miles on Lime Creek trails before the road trip. 46 miles for the week.

Knocking the Air Out

Predictions of total snowfall were short but it still snows more at one time than any other this winter.  Around 6 inches and it was basically down by morning...so after clearing the driveway and sidewalks, I hit the trails at the quarry with my Iverson's.  The slightly larger and heavier wooden runners are perfect for self-grooming the trails.  For the most part, I was making first tracks. Also surprised by a Barred Owl that allowed me to make a close approach.

Beautiful day out but very taxing because of the trail breaking.  Today I wore the Dions and held a much better pace.  I saw where a xc skier misstepped and slid nearly 40 feet down a steep slope when trying to walk down that slope...I've often wondered what skiers think they're doing on the more difficult trails!

8 miles on Thursday, 9 on Friday and 10 today.  Today's "reward" was to check out the grand opening of a new local microbrewery...Mason City Brewing...good IPA!

Feels Like A Chinook

The change in weather that I mentioned in Monday's post resulted in a very bitter day yesterday.  The dog would immediately take care of business when I took her out and bee-line it back to the house with no hint of her usual outdoor playfulness.  Temps were single digits and the wind was wicked.

So even with fairly cold temps again today, the wind was down and it was rather pleasant to get out on the trails. Forecasts are once again for snow so I'm once again anxious for the opportunity to get out the Dions for a snowshoe run.

2011 Snowshoe Nationals near Cable, Wisconsin.  

Only 2 miles yesterday but another 7 today.

Coffee Time

A bunch of former Iowa DNR employees, that have retired, got together for a morning coffee today and we talked until noon! So after a quick lunch I needed to be to NIACC for a short "strategy" meeting with the other coaches to help identify the best line-up of qualified athletes for the indoor national meet in Texas on the 1st and 2nd of March.

As a result of the meetings, I didn't head out for my workout until close to 4 P.M.  The weather had changed drastically throughout the day.  Even with the prospect of the icy trails, I chose Lime Creek because of the protection from the wind.  Using screw shoes was of benefit and I put in 6 miles today.

Indoor Regionals ---Storm Lake

Friday was a busy day as I prepared to be with NIACC  at the regional track and field meet held at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake. I did get out for some miles before we left so ended up with 7 on the day.  The evening's events didn't start until 8 P.M. so it was a late night.

Saturday's events started at 10:45 A.M. so I got out to explore the campus a bit and find a coffee shop before the competition began.

This little coffee shop was a few blocks from campus but had good coffee!

There are meeting rooms and shops under the central campus.  Entrance at the domed doors beside the road.

Under the central campus.

Most of Iowa lakes are below normal due to drought conditions.

The athletes ran some good times with quite a few near misses for national qualifications.  We did gain the 4 X 800 relay qualifying, however.  Some are close enough to consider carding in if they happen to fall short at the last-chance event at St. Olaf next Friday.

4 miles Saturday then out for 7 today so the week totaled 45 miles