Up until now, my blog posts could be collected and aptly titled "How Not to Train for the Triple Crown," but with the Garden 10-mile under my belt, I'm ready to start really preparing for the Summer Roundup and Ascent. First, though, one more Triple Crown Don't: Don't decide the morning of the 10-miler to wear a pair of shoes you've worn twice and have never run in (I'm sure all you runners are wincing at my naivete right now). Black/non-existent toenails are not a great summer look.

What's done is done, though, so after a brief mourning period for my toenails I'm going to get back out there and get ready for the Roundup. One thing I am certain of is that I'm going to run the race course before the actual race this time. I realized when I started the Garden that I had absolutely no clue what I was actually in for, and while that definitely added some mystery and excitement to the race, I think a little preparation would have been beneficial. 

I decided to start my Summer Roundup/Ascent training off with a bang and hiked Missouri Mountain, Mt. Oxford, and Mt. Belford today. I have a feeling I'm going to pay tomorrow, but it was totally worth it. It was incredibly peaceful up there, and a nice, long workout. After the Garden (never have I seen so many well-defined calves in one place - props to you, fellow runners), I realized I really need to work on my uphill running. That's going to be my main focus, so come the Roundup you will all be ogling my calves like I was yours. 

On my way home, I stopped for some sushi and sake with my mom, both of which she assures me are crucial for any good training plan. 

Technology is awesome - I figured out how to take a panorama on my phone!!