Three strong training weeks ~

I don't have much to write about, except for the fact that I've been running a bit more lately, in an attempt to get three weeks in a row of 40 miles.  And guess what?  I succeeded!  I only have to walk the dogs when I get home from work tonight and I will have it in the bag.

My body has held up well with my increase in mileage.  I've only had a few small aches and pains.  I've transitioned to my Altra Torin shoes completely and have been totally pleased with how my feet and legs feel.

I've also been trying to eat a little better the past few weeks.  I have to admit, on Fat Tuesday I had a bit of a binge on the sweets, but have now given up all chocolate, cookies, cake, donuts, candy, etc until Easter ~ 40 days hath Lent!  I was a bit shaky the first few days, but I think my insulin and glucose levels are figuring things out.  Now if I want something sweet to eat, I have a bowl of cereal or a piece of fruit.  I'll feel a little better physically after the challenge as I have done this every year for the past 5 or 6 years and I always feel better mentally as it's quite a sacrifice for me to give up my beloved sweets.  I have quite the sweet tooth!

Friends of mine tell me that if I really wanted a challenge, I would give up coffee, but I'm afraid that if I tried to do that, I wouldn't have any friends left come Easter (I tend to get a little crabby without my coffee).  And besides, when I give up sweets, I tend to lose at least 5 pounds in the process as well!

Lots of road miles the past few weeks, but that's ok, because things in Salt Lake are still really snowy.  I have put together a great route that loops around the north and east benches of the city, half on road and half on the Shoreline trail.  It's a really nice loop, and the last bit is all downhill back to the house.

Skiing is only mediocre right now with variable conditions (wind and sun crust and wind-affected snow) so I haven't been all that motivated to get out and tour.  It's ok.  Only 4 more training weeks until the Buffalo 100 on March 22nd!  I was more nervous a few weeks ago, but now that I've strung together some good training weeks, with a couple of long runs (a 20-miler and a 16-miler with lots of 8- and 10-mile runs in between) I feel much more confident in finishing.

I have not completely neglected the dogs, either!  I've gotten them out to romp on the Shoreline or take a leash-tour around the 'hood most days of the week.

On the east-bench Shoreline
on my 20-mile day ~

Franklin feeling frisky at
Bonneville golfcourse ~

Artie on the old bridge at
Bonneville golfcourse ~

Dogwalk near Mt. VanCott above the University ~

Franklin, enjoying the view from the east bench~

I wore my red shirt on the Valentine's Day 16-miler ~