Bear training weeks 1–2 recap

It's time for the first training recap of my 2025 season. I'm training every day, but only running 2-3 days a week because I'm cautious about stressing my Achilles tendon too much. When I do the numbers, I'll report running distance and elevation gain, and the time for all training, including cycling, weight lifting, elliptical or stationary bike, and yoga.

Week 1:

  • 11.3 miles running

  • 5 hours, 40 minutes all training

  • 1,112 ft D+ running

The first week of my 32-week season was a little light. The highlight was running at Cougar Mountain Regional Park in Issaquah, Washington with my sister-in-law. Even in winter, it's green, with moss and ferns everywhere.

Week 2 was complicated by back pain. Instead of skipping workouts, I did a lot of chugging indoors. Going easy on my back early in the week let me recover and get out for a solid long run today at Bobcat Ridge, my longest run in seven months. In all, this was one of my biggest weeks since April, 2024.

  • 17.8 miles running

  • 10 hours, 18 minutes all training

  • 3,199 ft D+ running

As a side project, I'm doing some physical therapy on my left hip flexor muscles, which are much weaker than those on my right side. I do seated single-leg raises, supine marching with a resistance band, and Joe Uhan's skaters. I'm making slow progress.