I’ve run 100 km this week, which I’m pretty happy about, given the few days I was interstate for work. And I’ve felt pretty good in my runs the past few days, although not so good in general (I feel like I’m lacking sleep).

This coming week should be a bigger one, as I start to gear up for the 50 km I’ll be attempting on April 30. Tomorrow I’ll start my speed work in earnest.

Here’s another photo from when I was running in Spain during the world run. These were the types of roads I most enjoyed.

On This Day

Mar 20, 2012

Distance today = 61.09 km; Total distance = 3761.86 km; Location = Williams, Arizona – 35 15.077′ N, 112 11.045′ W; Start time = 0858, Finish time = 1752

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/159981010

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/159986002

Had a huge day, with 61.09 km of running, almost 1000 metres of ascent, and a new altitude record for the world run of 2,130 metres (7,100 feet). The high altitude, combined with running uphill for 60+ km, all takes it toll, and I’ll sleep well tonight.

The highlight of the day was watching big clumps of snow, too heavy to cling to the branches of the trees any longer, continually falling and hitting the ground in an explosion of white powder.

I’ve been running on Route 66 for the past 30 km or so, and we’re staying right on an authentic part of the road tonight. The town of Williams is a real classic. It sustains itself with Grand Canyon tourist traffic, which allows it to maintain the original Route 66 feel. If you’re ever visiting the Grand Canyon, make sure you include a stop at Williams.

As has become usual when I have a long day, the GPS watch battery wasn’t up to the task, and I stopped it at 53.5 km, just before it ran out. It doesn’t seem to last as long in cold weather. I had my spare Garmin with me, and engaged it immediately. Therefore, you will find two Garmin links at the head of this blog.

Mar 20, 2013

Distance today = 50.20 km; Total distance = 18,220.85 km; Location = Longevelle sur Doubs, France – 47 27.146′ N, 06 39.439′ E; Start time = 0845, Finish time = 1700

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/286748126

More rain today, but it was relatively light. At around 10 C, the temps haven’t been too bad either.

The whole day was essentially alongside the Doubs River. I believe this is pronounced ‘doobs’, as in the shortened version of ‘fadoobadahs’, the saggy bit of skin and fat that hangs from the back of the upper arm if you hold your arms outstretched with palms facing up. That’s if you have fadoobadahs. Anyhow, it’s a very nice river, with high cliffs along much of the banks, which are heavily forested. I even saw a deer swim across the river this morning.

The first 16 km of the run was on very quiet roads or bike trails, although the remainder of the day was on much busier roads. The final 6 km was really busy, with no shoulder, and I did not like finishing the day that way at all.

We were not sure where we’d find accommodation, and expected to have to drive into the small city of Montbeliard. However, at virtually the exact spot I’d nominated to finish at, Carmel found a gite (B&B). She was very pleased, after yesterday’s difficulties. It’s a great place, with a very nice proprietor, Jipi. Our room backs on to the river, with a balcony and all. What a stroke of luck!!!

This region used to be part of Germany, until Napoleon re-annexed it in 1793. It was also the centre of the German Renaissance in the 16th and 17th centuries. The landscape is very German looking, and the architecture is looking more German all the time. I should actually reach Germany the day after tomorrow.