I've been so busy lately I haven't had a chance to check in... I'll have a more detailed update soon but until then here is a quick recap and some shots of my "river runs"...
As I'm writing this I'm at the peak of my training 15 weeks in to my 18 week marathon program and so far everything is going as planned... I've been hitting my marks on my workouts and have no injuries or major complaints at all other than the recent heatwave that hit our area. I've been much better on nutrition lately thanks to a great meeting I had with a nutritionist who came to speak with the Dubuque Running Club recently; based on his recommendations I've increased my H20 intake substantially while on my long runs and it has payed off big time on my long run performance and post run recovery.
I've finished my mileage build up to a peak of around 70ish miles per week and after this morning's last 20 miler I'm going to start to taper off for the big race just 3 weeks away! I'm both excited and nervous for the taper and race ahead but I have confidence that my much more controlled training cycle will pay off in the end.
I'll have a more detailed post soon on my training soon but until then here are some shots of my recent runs around the Mississippi River and some of the older parts of Dubuque...
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The old train-bridge behind me was built in 1868 still crosses the river to the Illinois side today, commonly blocking my way and creating some random bonus miles from time to time.
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The Dubuque Shot Tower built in 1856 to make lead shots for the cival war, now hidden between the Port of Dubuque and the warehouse district it is an awesome piece of history.
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Dubuque's Coal Power plant recently switched to natural gas and scheduled to close by 2019.
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Entering the Warehouse District I love the contrast of the blue pipes against the brick
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Used to be such a shady part of town, now one of my favorite places to run though, love the new street design!
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Reminds me a bit of the brick road finish at Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN
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Pretty cool piece, wish Dubuque had more artwork... one of my favorite parts of this area of town.
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"The Great Mississippi River Bluff" on the other side of the tracks... about 300 feet tall and stretches far beyond our city limits in both directions.
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Crossing under the IA/IL bridge just 5 miles after passing under the IA/WI bridge, one of the perks of living in the heart of the tri-states I can run through three states in 10 miles!
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Not what I wanted to see while working on my breathing technique!
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Enjoying some vitamin D along the riverwalk in my favorite hat!
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Finally the lower sidewalk by the lock and damn is out of the water... barely!
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