Rick and I volunteered at the Blizzard, the final snowshoe race of the series at Bradbury. Mindy suggested getting in a 3 mile run before our volunteering duties so we met her at 8 a.m. The conditions of the trail were much improved over the day before, but still very slow going. I think the normal chatting had bigger pauses just because the breathing was more labored. When Rick and Mindy turned onto the Link trail to head back in, I decided to take a little longer way back, knowing I was unlikely to go back out later that day to get in the rest of the miles my training plan called for. The garmin read 3.85 miles when I was done.
Rather than change out of the running clothes right away, we went right to lugging stuff from Ryan's and Ian's cars to the pavilion to set up for the race. When I knew I was done sweating, I changed into the clothes that I had brought in an insulated bag with a hot water bottle (good idea, Ian). However, the warm clothes did not make up for my fingers having to handle my frozen running shoes/gaiters. They were painfully cold.
Fortunately, the park let us warm up in their work area with a roaring fire in their huge wood stove. In fact, Tammy, a ranger, watched for signs of shivering people and encouraged them to go in out of the cold, even providing hot coffee.
The race series was a huge success and Rick and I had fun being a part of it. The course was killer (as evidenced by the people wanting to harm Ryan at the finish!)
I am glad to have gotten a run, even a short one, in before; there's no way I would have made myself go out in the cold afterward!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
I'm Not Complaining...Much
My training plan calls for 16 miles today. Seemed like the day to try the Beautiful Loop at Bradbury. Even though we had close to a foot of snow yesterday, I hoped that the snowmobiles would have it packed enough for a decent run.
The roads were slick on the way over. I hoped I wouldn't be too late to catch the group. When I pulled into the lot, I spotted Snowman's bright yellow car right off, but no Snowman. I correctly guessed he was already out on the Blizzard course. No other TMs were there. Seconds later Ian and Emma pulled in. Ian had looked for the snowmobile tracks where the BL would meet up with roads, but didn't see any. He said it looked like maybe one sled had gone out the Link. So he had decided to snowshoe instead. Emma was opting for ten miles on the road. Hmmmmm....I didn't bring snowshoes, didn't want to run roads, and really was unsure I could get in 16 miles on unpacked trails. I formulated a plan. Based on previous runs when the trails were more runnable, I probably would have done 16 miles in just under 3 hours. So I would go for the time instead of distance. Of course, I'd record actual distance, but feel like I'd done the spirit of the plan.
I'm not sure if Zak and his wife, Lenka, pulled in while I was deciding my plan of attack or after. Like Ian and Emma, Zak would be snowshoeing and Lenka would be running the road, but looking for less miles than Emma. Somewhere in here, Ryan came off the mountain, but he wasn't done. We stood around gabbing a bit longer, thinking the roads could have made people late. Nope. We were it.
I started out of the park on the road with the girls, but turned onto the snowmobile trail leading onto the East side. Yikes! It was going to be very slow going. I yelled at myself several times for not bringing the camera. The running may have been ugly, but the scenery was beautiful. I wish Danielle were along so I could read her post describing it. I'll just leave it at "beautiful".
I think, sometimes, I had nearly as much sideways motion as forward. At first I was going with the sugar analogy for the snow, but, it wasn't long till I decided I really was in the desert of Maine. Kind of ironic that the cold snow could make me think desert, especially given all the trees. But I could picture sinking this deeply into the sand. Some places were like dunes. Some point, well over an hour in, the America song Horse with No Name got stuck in my head. I think I could have used some company! (Sorry to hear that Mindy had car trouble on the way to the run...but, given the conditions, probably good for her ITB.)
Soon after the trail exits the park, it makes a left. Today it didn't. The only snowmobile(s) had gone straight onto the Libby Rd. I ran onto the road and debated finishing my run on the pavement. I'm not sure that, if I was certain of which road I was on, I would have opted for that. It was so easy running. No, no, no. I was sticking with the trail.
I was excited to hear a snowmobile coming. I mistakenly thought that would help the trail. There was no packing this dry sand. If anything, it seemed to fluff it more. Or maybe I was just getting tired. Heading down the snowmobile trail, I noticed that the Old Tuttle Rd had snowmobile traffic. It looked pretty good. I turned onto it and was immediately happy with my decision. I was running almost 12 min/mile! Woohoo! Why was this so much better? As I passed the place where Lanzo changes to Ragan, I wondered how far this went. I couldn't picture where it would come out (I've since looked on the map; it meets up with rte 9). A little further, I decided I better turn back. OH! That's why it was so much easier. I didn't realize how steadily I had gone down hill. Going back up, the trail seemed much like the first one I was on.
I ran all the way down the Snowmobile Trail into the field that would lead to Edna and Lucy's. It was even deeper there. After a short stint in the field, I retraced my steps till I got to the turn off to get to Knights Woods. From there I took the snowmobile trail that branches off and comes out onto Rt 9 maybe 1/4 mile down from the park entrance. I'd gone a measly 6.5 miles in 1:36:something....and I worked for those miles! Lenka was back from her run. She seemed happy with it. I didn't see any sign of Emma.
As I made my way back towards the snowmobile trail to cross over to the East side again, Zak and Ian came in on that trail on snowshoes. They gave me a rundown on their adventure, I gave them one of mine, and I was back across the street.
My butt and lower back were starting to complain. Around 2 hours in I decided I better listen and headed back. I finished up with just over ten miles in 2:32:45. Before leaving, I was happy to count 20 cars in the parking lot. Most were snowshoers. It's nice to see people enjoying the park AND maybe they'll help pack the race course some (it'll have to warm up a good deal for that snow to pack, though).
The roads were slick on the way over. I hoped I wouldn't be too late to catch the group. When I pulled into the lot, I spotted Snowman's bright yellow car right off, but no Snowman. I correctly guessed he was already out on the Blizzard course. No other TMs were there. Seconds later Ian and Emma pulled in. Ian had looked for the snowmobile tracks where the BL would meet up with roads, but didn't see any. He said it looked like maybe one sled had gone out the Link. So he had decided to snowshoe instead. Emma was opting for ten miles on the road. Hmmmmm....I didn't bring snowshoes, didn't want to run roads, and really was unsure I could get in 16 miles on unpacked trails. I formulated a plan. Based on previous runs when the trails were more runnable, I probably would have done 16 miles in just under 3 hours. So I would go for the time instead of distance. Of course, I'd record actual distance, but feel like I'd done the spirit of the plan.
I'm not sure if Zak and his wife, Lenka, pulled in while I was deciding my plan of attack or after. Like Ian and Emma, Zak would be snowshoeing and Lenka would be running the road, but looking for less miles than Emma. Somewhere in here, Ryan came off the mountain, but he wasn't done. We stood around gabbing a bit longer, thinking the roads could have made people late. Nope. We were it.
I started out of the park on the road with the girls, but turned onto the snowmobile trail leading onto the East side. Yikes! It was going to be very slow going. I yelled at myself several times for not bringing the camera. The running may have been ugly, but the scenery was beautiful. I wish Danielle were along so I could read her post describing it. I'll just leave it at "beautiful".
I think, sometimes, I had nearly as much sideways motion as forward. At first I was going with the sugar analogy for the snow, but, it wasn't long till I decided I really was in the desert of Maine. Kind of ironic that the cold snow could make me think desert, especially given all the trees. But I could picture sinking this deeply into the sand. Some places were like dunes. Some point, well over an hour in, the America song Horse with No Name got stuck in my head. I think I could have used some company! (Sorry to hear that Mindy had car trouble on the way to the run...but, given the conditions, probably good for her ITB.)
Soon after the trail exits the park, it makes a left. Today it didn't. The only snowmobile(s) had gone straight onto the Libby Rd. I ran onto the road and debated finishing my run on the pavement. I'm not sure that, if I was certain of which road I was on, I would have opted for that. It was so easy running. No, no, no. I was sticking with the trail.
I was excited to hear a snowmobile coming. I mistakenly thought that would help the trail. There was no packing this dry sand. If anything, it seemed to fluff it more. Or maybe I was just getting tired. Heading down the snowmobile trail, I noticed that the Old Tuttle Rd had snowmobile traffic. It looked pretty good. I turned onto it and was immediately happy with my decision. I was running almost 12 min/mile! Woohoo! Why was this so much better? As I passed the place where Lanzo changes to Ragan, I wondered how far this went. I couldn't picture where it would come out (I've since looked on the map; it meets up with rte 9). A little further, I decided I better turn back. OH! That's why it was so much easier. I didn't realize how steadily I had gone down hill. Going back up, the trail seemed much like the first one I was on.
I ran all the way down the Snowmobile Trail into the field that would lead to Edna and Lucy's. It was even deeper there. After a short stint in the field, I retraced my steps till I got to the turn off to get to Knights Woods. From there I took the snowmobile trail that branches off and comes out onto Rt 9 maybe 1/4 mile down from the park entrance. I'd gone a measly 6.5 miles in 1:36:something....and I worked for those miles! Lenka was back from her run. She seemed happy with it. I didn't see any sign of Emma.
As I made my way back towards the snowmobile trail to cross over to the East side again, Zak and Ian came in on that trail on snowshoes. They gave me a rundown on their adventure, I gave them one of mine, and I was back across the street.
My butt and lower back were starting to complain. Around 2 hours in I decided I better listen and headed back. I finished up with just over ten miles in 2:32:45. Before leaving, I was happy to count 20 cars in the parking lot. Most were snowshoers. It's nice to see people enjoying the park AND maybe they'll help pack the race course some (it'll have to warm up a good deal for that snow to pack, though).
Friday, February 25, 2011
Prints
Today's run was pretty much like the previous two as far as trail conditions and where I ran. I just added 3/4 of a mile, bringing the run very close to seven miles. This time, though, I saw lots of animal evidence. The coyotes seemed to have been very active since my run yesterday. The firmly crusted snow topped with a dusting of powder provided the best canvas for all the footprints. I noticed many rodent prints, too. I hope the coyotes fill up on mice, squirrels, and rabbits so they don't need to come close to the house looking for kitties.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Plus One
Today was yesterday plus one. I went out about the same time. The trails were in the same condition. The temperature might have been a couple of degrees more and the wind speed a couple of mph less, but really close to yesterday. I just ran a mile farther. Felt good.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Firm Trails, Recovered Legs, and Fat Ass Numbers
Before the running stuff... when I asked Rick what he thought of my new header and color scheme, he joked that the picture would make people think I was a triathlete. I just liked the shot. It's not very representative of my running. But that's the look till I get another running shot I like a lot. My next race will not be a flatter, faster course : )
Now on to the day's run....I waited till 4 pm to head out (I'm sure I've mentioned loads of times how I prefer running later rather than earlier, especially when I don't have to avoid the heat of the day). The trails were ideal for someone that has screw shoes otherwise they'd be quite slick. I almost fell earlier when I was walking Spot on the very same snowmobile trail. The best stretches were shaded from the afternoon sun. They still had the dusting of snow from the morning before giving a nice little cushion and extra something to grip. Got in 5.2 miles in just under 53 minutes. Not fast, but not slow for the what it was. My legs seemed totally recovered from my longest run since the Stone Cat Marathon in November.
Here are the numbers from the February Fat Ass:
Now on to the day's run....I waited till 4 pm to head out (I'm sure I've mentioned loads of times how I prefer running later rather than earlier, especially when I don't have to avoid the heat of the day). The trails were ideal for someone that has screw shoes otherwise they'd be quite slick. I almost fell earlier when I was walking Spot on the very same snowmobile trail. The best stretches were shaded from the afternoon sun. They still had the dusting of snow from the morning before giving a nice little cushion and extra something to grip. Got in 5.2 miles in just under 53 minutes. Not fast, but not slow for the what it was. My legs seemed totally recovered from my longest run since the Stone Cat Marathon in November.
Here are the numbers from the February Fat Ass:
Monday, February 21, 2011
Big Fat Ass Weekend
Now that my Pineland training has officially started, Fridays are nearly always a scheduled day off. With the fat ass on Saturday, that made it a good fit for the week. Well, I didn't run, but I certainly used those same muscles probably much harder than if I had run.
Bethany and I set out to mark the course around 3pm, armed with orange spray paint and pruning clippers. I knew the two days of very warm weather and slight rain would have taken their toll on the trail, but...YIKES! Just 3 days earlier, the single track leading from our houses was very runnable. I'm sure it would have eventually broken down with lots of loops by lots of Monsters, but, it would have been good for most of it. We found ourselves breaking through almost every step, with snowshoes on! So we stomped and retraced our steps as best we could to get it packed. We'd gone just 1/2 mile in an hour.
At least we were to the snowmobile tracks and could stop our stomping. I had planned to run a bit between marking to finish faster, but we sank too much if we ran; I didn't want to make deep holes everywhere. Bethany had wanted to start spray painting in the driveway, I think! She was happy to finally start. We did an awful lot of laughing during all of this. It might have been a miserable task without her.
By the time (almost 3 hours in) we got to the last leg of the course , which was again single track and in very bad shape, we were just done. We pretended we were packing it, but never went back over it at all, let alone multiple times like we did on the first leg. The arrows that we sprayed at the driveway drained our two cans. Done. Now we just had to hope that it would cool down soon enough to firm things up.
I set my alarm for 6am and actually needed it! It was time to get all the hot stuff on the stove and then out to put the flags on the portion across the street (that's right, those 3 hours yesterday didn't include that mile). I think Rick, Linda, Bethany and I had just finished all the little details by the time the first car rolled up the driveway.
People and goodies just kept pouring in. I felt the excitement building. It's so cool to see everything coming together after all the planning and (needless) fretting. Bob Poirier brought another Adirondack chair he'd made as well as his odd friend, "Jacques"! I was really overwhelmed by the chair; what an amazing gift (he makes them himself along with lots of other amazing lawn furniture and such). He'd brought one last year, too...but that was my big 50 (still an amazing jesture, but a bigger event, sort of). Maybe my overwhelmed-ness accounts for me thinking Bob was actually going to run in that crazy get-up and humongous snowshoes.
After the race instructions (thanks to Jim and his big mouth for getting everyone's attention for me), we were off. I lead the way out onto that first stretch of single track. It had indeed firmed up, but people would sink deeply if they even hinted at not being squarely on the track. I heard a collective "yay" when we reached the well-packed and, apparently, recently groomed snowmobile trail. It was here that the faster runners went ahead. I was relieved not to have to push myself to try to lead the group through the first loop, knowing Beth and I had marked it well enough they wouldn't get lost.
About 1.5 miles in, Dora and I started running together : ) We chatted away, appreciating the day and all our Monster friends. A few times she slowed her pace when I was lagging. We finished up the first loop with Rick and George right on our heels.
Some food, some visiting, a change of shirts for me and then back out for the next loop. This time Mindy, Dora, and I set out together : D (see, an even bigger smile). I can't wait till we get our chick run (with all of us there) AND an Edna and Lucy lunch...oops, stick to the fun at hand!....More chattering, appreciating the day, cursing the wind, loving being a TM. I'm glad I was with Mindy and Dora; this was my toughest lap.
We stopped in one of the fields to talk to Linda Raymond and her friend, Amanda. They'd gotten lost on the way so weren't there for the group start. We realized we could gab all day, but should get going (they were headed the opposite direction). Unfortunately, Linda and Amanda were done and gone before I got to see them again. That's how fat asses can be.
Mindy and Dora were happy with two laps and headed in for well-earned food and visiting. I did a little of that, changed again and headed back out. Most of this lap I was on my own. I felt pretty rotten for the first 1.25 miles, but a bio-break got me right back on track. Ran solo till I met up with Zak Wieluns for the last mile and a half. I'd never met Zak and enjoyed getting to know him a bit. He'd run with Jim at Pineland the last two years and has just moved back to Maine from the Boston area. I hope we see a lot more of him. As we chatted, we got into "what-a-small-world" territory. He grew up in Friendship, ME and was home schooled. The woman that does our home school reviews for the state was his neighbor and also did his reviews! Wow! That lap was his final (4th) of the day. My 3rd and I felt better than I had all day. I knew I had another in me.
The house was beginning to fill up as more people finished up for the day. Ian and Emma had already done their four laps (it was so good to see them out there running together : ) I wish I could remember everyone. Ann and George were done and spreading their usual cheer. The beautiful cake they'd brought was untouched... I should have cut into it just so people wouldn't hesitate to take a piece; it was (is) yummy as well as beautiful.
So after a bit of visiting, a half of a beer, some time trying to shame Jim into joining me in a 4th lap,and another change of clothes, I was back out. Wow! That first single track was fairly un-runnable now. The crust had broken through over most of the entire length. I think I spent a little too long inside, I was stiffening up. Two miles in I also realized I should have had something more than 1/2 beer; I was starving and probably a little low on fluids. Still, the middle miles went quite well. I saw Bethany on her way to her longest run in her life!!! She was tired and happy. We laughed about trashing our legs the day before. She looked good. I thought we might be the only two out there. Then I saw Nate and Joe. They were going to get in all 50k+ (Those were TM miles...always a little more, rather than less!).
The last little bit of single track was even worse than the first (not surprising, given it was worse to start). I didn't even make an attempt to run it and walked the best I could. I did run to the finish up the drive to be cheered in by Jerry, Linda and Ann! Rick came out to greet me too.
I was happy to find TMs strewn around the living room,still enjoying hot food and goodies. Ryan and Jamie had run 5 laps (marathon distance) with hardly any breaks between laps. In fact, that seemed to be what all the runners getting in the most laps had done. Great job on a challenging course (wind and single track making up for a fairly gentle elevation profile)! I wish everyone could have stayed all day. I never want the party to end. I barely got to visit with Danielle with adorable baby Sam, Kate, my friend Judy and too many others. Oh well, thank you everyone!!! As Mindy puts it, I feel like a have a TM family.
I did very little else the rest of the day. I had talked about a moonlit final lap with Bethany, but we both bailed. Bethany drove down to Philly. I slept. Yay!!! I never sleep. It was good.
Sunday, I did the rest of the clean-up and then headed out for a run with Rick. We did the fat ass minus the messed-up single track. I was thankful to have flag picking up to do on the hill across the street; it gave me an excuse to walk it. We both felt good to loosen up. Then I was on the couch, under covers, drifting off for little catnaps the rest of the day.
PS. Pictures and mile totals to come
Bethany and I set out to mark the course around 3pm, armed with orange spray paint and pruning clippers. I knew the two days of very warm weather and slight rain would have taken their toll on the trail, but...YIKES! Just 3 days earlier, the single track leading from our houses was very runnable. I'm sure it would have eventually broken down with lots of loops by lots of Monsters, but, it would have been good for most of it. We found ourselves breaking through almost every step, with snowshoes on! So we stomped and retraced our steps as best we could to get it packed. We'd gone just 1/2 mile in an hour.
At least we were to the snowmobile tracks and could stop our stomping. I had planned to run a bit between marking to finish faster, but we sank too much if we ran; I didn't want to make deep holes everywhere. Bethany had wanted to start spray painting in the driveway, I think! She was happy to finally start. We did an awful lot of laughing during all of this. It might have been a miserable task without her.
By the time (almost 3 hours in) we got to the last leg of the course , which was again single track and in very bad shape, we were just done. We pretended we were packing it, but never went back over it at all, let alone multiple times like we did on the first leg. The arrows that we sprayed at the driveway drained our two cans. Done. Now we just had to hope that it would cool down soon enough to firm things up.
I set my alarm for 6am and actually needed it! It was time to get all the hot stuff on the stove and then out to put the flags on the portion across the street (that's right, those 3 hours yesterday didn't include that mile). I think Rick, Linda, Bethany and I had just finished all the little details by the time the first car rolled up the driveway.
People and goodies just kept pouring in. I felt the excitement building. It's so cool to see everything coming together after all the planning and (needless) fretting. Bob Poirier brought another Adirondack chair he'd made as well as his odd friend, "Jacques"! I was really overwhelmed by the chair; what an amazing gift (he makes them himself along with lots of other amazing lawn furniture and such). He'd brought one last year, too...but that was my big 50 (still an amazing jesture, but a bigger event, sort of). Maybe my overwhelmed-ness accounts for me thinking Bob was actually going to run in that crazy get-up and humongous snowshoes.
After the race instructions (thanks to Jim and his big mouth for getting everyone's attention for me), we were off. I lead the way out onto that first stretch of single track. It had indeed firmed up, but people would sink deeply if they even hinted at not being squarely on the track. I heard a collective "yay" when we reached the well-packed and, apparently, recently groomed snowmobile trail. It was here that the faster runners went ahead. I was relieved not to have to push myself to try to lead the group through the first loop, knowing Beth and I had marked it well enough they wouldn't get lost.
About 1.5 miles in, Dora and I started running together : ) We chatted away, appreciating the day and all our Monster friends. A few times she slowed her pace when I was lagging. We finished up the first loop with Rick and George right on our heels.
Some food, some visiting, a change of shirts for me and then back out for the next loop. This time Mindy, Dora, and I set out together : D (see, an even bigger smile). I can't wait till we get our chick run (with all of us there) AND an Edna and Lucy lunch...oops, stick to the fun at hand!....More chattering, appreciating the day, cursing the wind, loving being a TM. I'm glad I was with Mindy and Dora; this was my toughest lap.
We stopped in one of the fields to talk to Linda Raymond and her friend, Amanda. They'd gotten lost on the way so weren't there for the group start. We realized we could gab all day, but should get going (they were headed the opposite direction). Unfortunately, Linda and Amanda were done and gone before I got to see them again. That's how fat asses can be.
Mindy and Dora were happy with two laps and headed in for well-earned food and visiting. I did a little of that, changed again and headed back out. Most of this lap I was on my own. I felt pretty rotten for the first 1.25 miles, but a bio-break got me right back on track. Ran solo till I met up with Zak Wieluns for the last mile and a half. I'd never met Zak and enjoyed getting to know him a bit. He'd run with Jim at Pineland the last two years and has just moved back to Maine from the Boston area. I hope we see a lot more of him. As we chatted, we got into "what-a-small-world" territory. He grew up in Friendship, ME and was home schooled. The woman that does our home school reviews for the state was his neighbor and also did his reviews! Wow! That lap was his final (4th) of the day. My 3rd and I felt better than I had all day. I knew I had another in me.
The house was beginning to fill up as more people finished up for the day. Ian and Emma had already done their four laps (it was so good to see them out there running together : ) I wish I could remember everyone. Ann and George were done and spreading their usual cheer. The beautiful cake they'd brought was untouched... I should have cut into it just so people wouldn't hesitate to take a piece; it was (is) yummy as well as beautiful.
So after a bit of visiting, a half of a beer, some time trying to shame Jim into joining me in a 4th lap,and another change of clothes, I was back out. Wow! That first single track was fairly un-runnable now. The crust had broken through over most of the entire length. I think I spent a little too long inside, I was stiffening up. Two miles in I also realized I should have had something more than 1/2 beer; I was starving and probably a little low on fluids. Still, the middle miles went quite well. I saw Bethany on her way to her longest run in her life!!! She was tired and happy. We laughed about trashing our legs the day before. She looked good. I thought we might be the only two out there. Then I saw Nate and Joe. They were going to get in all 50k+ (Those were TM miles...always a little more, rather than less!).
The last little bit of single track was even worse than the first (not surprising, given it was worse to start). I didn't even make an attempt to run it and walked the best I could. I did run to the finish up the drive to be cheered in by Jerry, Linda and Ann! Rick came out to greet me too.
I was happy to find TMs strewn around the living room,still enjoying hot food and goodies. Ryan and Jamie had run 5 laps (marathon distance) with hardly any breaks between laps. In fact, that seemed to be what all the runners getting in the most laps had done. Great job on a challenging course (wind and single track making up for a fairly gentle elevation profile)! I wish everyone could have stayed all day. I never want the party to end. I barely got to visit with Danielle with adorable baby Sam, Kate, my friend Judy and too many others. Oh well, thank you everyone!!! As Mindy puts it, I feel like a have a TM family.
I did very little else the rest of the day. I had talked about a moonlit final lap with Bethany, but we both bailed. Bethany drove down to Philly. I slept. Yay!!! I never sleep. It was good.
Sunday, I did the rest of the clean-up and then headed out for a run with Rick. We did the fat ass minus the messed-up single track. I was thankful to have flag picking up to do on the hill across the street; it gave me an excuse to walk it. We both felt good to loosen up. Then I was on the couch, under covers, drifting off for little catnaps the rest of the day.
PS. Pictures and mile totals to come
Friday, February 18, 2011
Twice Around
Thursday I ran the Fat Ass course again, tweaking it as planned. Again, great conditions and the best weather. Then, after 9 pm, I headed back out with Bethany to walk the finalized course. Originally we'd planned to snowshoe it to pack it down more, but it had firmed up enough I didn't think the shoes would do anything...Well, they would at least have kept us from all the post holing we did! If you stray off the track at all (especially the single track stuff we made and not the nice wide snowmobile trail), even go on the margin of the trail, BAM! You're sunk! We laughed. A lot. Walking it took us two hours. Didn't plan on that much time.
I was surprised to find it drizzling this morning. Oh, I'm aware it was forecasted, but we mainly had moonlight last night. I thought we escaped it. Now, looking at the weather report, it could get sloppy out there. I'm not sure what time would be the best to go out and mark...I don't want to make a mess of the track.
I was surprised to find it drizzling this morning. Oh, I'm aware it was forecasted, but we mainly had moonlight last night. I thought we escaped it. Now, looking at the weather report, it could get sloppy out there. I'm not sure what time would be the best to go out and mark...I don't want to make a mess of the track.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tweaking the Fat Ass
Very nearly got the Fat Ass course down. Looks like we just need to cut a teeny piece off to get the mileage to 5.17 so that 6 laps makes 50K. I wish I could save the conditions of today for Saturday; it was very close to ideal. Linda and Beth also ran the course today. Linda reports it's way easier running compared to the bare fields last year. I can see there's probably 3/4 to a mile that could become the post-holing hell area, but, we'll see what happens with the weather. Trail Monsters can take it any way!
Tomorrow we'll tweak the mileage. Then, when it warms way up, go back out on snowshoes to pack the potential problem area a bit more. Here's what it looks like and the elevation profile:
Tomorrow we'll tweak the mileage. Then, when it warms way up, go back out on snowshoes to pack the potential problem area a bit more. Here's what it looks like and the elevation profile:
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Best Day Off
Is a run with friends on good trails instead! I used to be pretty rigid about following the training plan exactly. Over the years, I've been able to be slightly flexible. It is easier to run and not take a day off than the other way around, though.
Mindy, Danielle, and I met at Bradbury at noon. The heat of the day hadn't really built in, but it was in the mid-30's. We found a slightly soft surface, but the base was very solid. It was actually perfect conditions for the type of run we had in mind...one filled with lots of chatting; there was no crunch, crunch of the snow to talk over. The trail was groomed well and wide; we could even run three abreast.
The temperature must have risen a good deal during our run. When we turned around after 3 miles, the edges of the trail were becoming soft enough that I dropped behind rather than risk post holing or sliding in the loose snow. Still, with the quiet snow, I could hear and chat with no problems. That was the shortest six miles I've run in a long time : )
In the parking lot, we drooled over which sandwich we might choose at Edna and Lucy's. Though this run didn't really need a reward, we were heading there anyway for yummy refueling and continued talk. Unfortunately, none of us realized that they are closed Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter. Gritty's would have to do.
Thanks, Danielle and Mindy!
Mindy, Danielle, and I met at Bradbury at noon. The heat of the day hadn't really built in, but it was in the mid-30's. We found a slightly soft surface, but the base was very solid. It was actually perfect conditions for the type of run we had in mind...one filled with lots of chatting; there was no crunch, crunch of the snow to talk over. The trail was groomed well and wide; we could even run three abreast.
The temperature must have risen a good deal during our run. When we turned around after 3 miles, the edges of the trail were becoming soft enough that I dropped behind rather than risk post holing or sliding in the loose snow. Still, with the quiet snow, I could hear and chat with no problems. That was the shortest six miles I've run in a long time : )
In the parking lot, we drooled over which sandwich we might choose at Edna and Lucy's. Though this run didn't really need a reward, we were heading there anyway for yummy refueling and continued talk. Unfortunately, none of us realized that they are closed Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter. Gritty's would have to do.
Thanks, Danielle and Mindy!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Two Great Days at Bradbury and Then Some
Saturday, Rick and I headed to Bradbury looking to run 10-12 miles, hoping that would get us some miles with other TMs. As I dressed, I knew full well that I'd be too warm before the run was over. It was a chilly start, but the temperature was to rise fairly fast.
Snowman and gIANt were out marking the course for the 2nd of the snowshoe race series when we pulled into the parking lot. Jamie, Jim, Stephen, Mindy, Rick and I almost headed out before Erik and Django pulled in to the lot just in time to catch us. Jamie, Jim, and Stephen were running the Beautiful Loop. Erik was running something short of that. Mindy wanted to get in eight. Rick and I decided to turn around at 4 miles, keep with Mindy, and then finish up on the mountain side.
WOW! The trail conditions were absolutely perfect. I don't think Mindy and I could count on both our hands how many times we commented on how much easier the run was compared to last week (maybe, we actually said how much harder it was last week). The trail was not only firmly packed, it was groomed wide enough to run two abreast easily.
Back at the parking lot, with eight miles done, we said bye to Mindy, then Rick and I headed up to the summit. Even with the great footing, with eight miles under our belts, we felt the climb. Heading down, we just let it fly! Rick was happy with the ten miles that gave him. I decided to go for my upper goal, but back on the East side. I headed back out the Link to the snowmobile trail, but, instead of heading left as usual, I took a right back down the snowmobile trail. Instead of turning down Knights Woods towards the Scuffle start, I kept going into the field (Rick thought I was being pulled by Edna and Lucy's when he saw the map of where I ran). When I turned back, I did head back down the Scuffle start. The snowmobiles turn off from the Scuffle path so I ended up on a snowshoe path for the last half mile. I think I needed to run at least some on a challenging surface. I post-holed and slipped-slided. It made me smile.
Back in the parking lot, Rick had changed clothes and was waiting for me. Ian was packing up, but not before he offered us the most yummy cookies - exactly what I needed.
Today, Rick and I headed back to Bradbury, but this time as volunteers for the White Out. We had a good time helping out. One of our duties was to direct the racers onto the Tote Road just before the summit. We headed up the Summit trail to get in place before the racers got there. The steep trail was pretty slippery. I wished for my screw shoes, but we made it up by sticking to the edges of the trail. On the way back down, I slid on my butt (purposely) almost the entire way. What fun! Ryan must be happy with such a successful 2nd race : )
Back home, I went out on the snowmobile trails to get in eight more miles and to recruit snowmobiles to go over out snowshoed path. I hadn't gone 3/4 of a mile before I flagged down two sleds. I could tell the guy wasn't really enthused about helping, but he did any way. I told him to just follow the snowshoe path and he'd come back out in the field we were in just on the far side. Then I ran to where they'd come out...Waiting, waiting, waiting...I headed back to the start of the path. I couldn't hear a machine at all. Back to the other side of the field. Finally I heard a sled. He stopped. Again, I'd say he wasn't all that happy that he'd been recruited. The snow was much deeper than he realized off-trail AND he hit a tree. Of course, I felt terrible and looked at the front of his sled... "No, it's fine." Well, either he nearly hit one or he hit one of the sapplings a bit. There was no damage. OK, thanks again. I had planned to ask any sled I saw, but that stopped me.
During my run, I came across Linda on her run and then, later, Rick on his. I finished up with 7.6 instead of eight. Close enough.
Really looking forward to running with the girls tomorrow at Bradbury. Probably the only way I'd not take my scheduled day off!
Snowman and gIANt were out marking the course for the 2nd of the snowshoe race series when we pulled into the parking lot. Jamie, Jim, Stephen, Mindy, Rick and I almost headed out before Erik and Django pulled in to the lot just in time to catch us. Jamie, Jim, and Stephen were running the Beautiful Loop. Erik was running something short of that. Mindy wanted to get in eight. Rick and I decided to turn around at 4 miles, keep with Mindy, and then finish up on the mountain side.
WOW! The trail conditions were absolutely perfect. I don't think Mindy and I could count on both our hands how many times we commented on how much easier the run was compared to last week (maybe, we actually said how much harder it was last week). The trail was not only firmly packed, it was groomed wide enough to run two abreast easily.
Back at the parking lot, with eight miles done, we said bye to Mindy, then Rick and I headed up to the summit. Even with the great footing, with eight miles under our belts, we felt the climb. Heading down, we just let it fly! Rick was happy with the ten miles that gave him. I decided to go for my upper goal, but back on the East side. I headed back out the Link to the snowmobile trail, but, instead of heading left as usual, I took a right back down the snowmobile trail. Instead of turning down Knights Woods towards the Scuffle start, I kept going into the field (Rick thought I was being pulled by Edna and Lucy's when he saw the map of where I ran). When I turned back, I did head back down the Scuffle start. The snowmobiles turn off from the Scuffle path so I ended up on a snowshoe path for the last half mile. I think I needed to run at least some on a challenging surface. I post-holed and slipped-slided. It made me smile.
Back in the parking lot, Rick had changed clothes and was waiting for me. Ian was packing up, but not before he offered us the most yummy cookies - exactly what I needed.
Today, Rick and I headed back to Bradbury, but this time as volunteers for the White Out. We had a good time helping out. One of our duties was to direct the racers onto the Tote Road just before the summit. We headed up the Summit trail to get in place before the racers got there. The steep trail was pretty slippery. I wished for my screw shoes, but we made it up by sticking to the edges of the trail. On the way back down, I slid on my butt (purposely) almost the entire way. What fun! Ryan must be happy with such a successful 2nd race : )
Back home, I went out on the snowmobile trails to get in eight more miles and to recruit snowmobiles to go over out snowshoed path. I hadn't gone 3/4 of a mile before I flagged down two sleds. I could tell the guy wasn't really enthused about helping, but he did any way. I told him to just follow the snowshoe path and he'd come back out in the field we were in just on the far side. Then I ran to where they'd come out...Waiting, waiting, waiting...I headed back to the start of the path. I couldn't hear a machine at all. Back to the other side of the field. Finally I heard a sled. He stopped. Again, I'd say he wasn't all that happy that he'd been recruited. The snow was much deeper than he realized off-trail AND he hit a tree. Of course, I felt terrible and looked at the front of his sled... "No, it's fine." Well, either he nearly hit one or he hit one of the sapplings a bit. There was no damage. OK, thanks again. I had planned to ask any sled I saw, but that stopped me.
During my run, I came across Linda on her run and then, later, Rick on his. I finished up with 7.6 instead of eight. Close enough.
Really looking forward to running with the girls tomorrow at Bradbury. Probably the only way I'd not take my scheduled day off!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Curious
Nothing really interesting or curious about this...except that it exists! My broken garmin seems to have healed itself. We'll see how long it lasts. Meanwhile, this is the rather boring look to the current Fat Ass course. If we don't get a snowmobile to come pack my planned route, the course will just be out and back on a pretty straight snowmobile trail. Marking will be easy at least : )The running was very good, but not quite as easy as yesterday. The sleds chewed up the surface so there was some slippage, but not to the point where there was any struggle. The air was crisp with a slight breeze. All in all, a very enjoyable run.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Procrastination
I used to not be able to wait to write about my runs. Now, even though I'm as excited about the runs, I'm finding more and more that I'm treating the posts like I did my school work...putting it off, creatively avoiding. I've gotten better at "Hell Tetris", my hellish replacement for my Freecell addiction.
I'd composed most of what should have been yesterday's post in my head while running. I do that a lot. The only thing I actually wrote was the title. The thing is, I don't want to not write it. I don't write in my "real" runner's log any more. The only thing in there is my training plan.
So. Yesterday, I ended up running at 4 pm. When I was nearly dressed to go out, I grabbed my garmin to put it on the windowsill to capture the satellite while I finished dressing. Nothing happened when I pressed the button. Thinking the battery might be dead, I put it back on the charging dock. No charging message appeared on the screen. It was dead. Big time bummer.
I can't even tell you how many times I checked my wrist during my run. I even checked it while I was thinking how sad I was not to have the garmin! I admit to being addicted to the data. This run I still wish I new the pace. The snow had firmed up a lot from the day before. I felt like my pace was the fastest of the winter. I wish I had the confirmation. By the time I was about 2.5 miles in (I've done these trails enough to know the distances), I ran smack into a stiff head wind. Even with the good footing, I had a hard time making any forward progress. It was a blast. I don't think I could have said a word if I was running with someone; the wind would have pushed it all right back in. Again, I wished I could see what my pace was then.
At the beginning of the run, even though the trail was well-packed, the surface was a bit loose. Three miles in, everything was freezing up. It's amazing how the temperature drops with the sun's disappearance. I decided to try the path that Linda and I have been working on with our snowshoes. Nope - not firm enough to run on yet.
I finished with very close to 6 miles. Since I don't even own a regular watch any more, I'm not sure of how long. I did kind of notice the time when I left and the time when I'd changed out of my running gear, not really a good way to calculate pace.
Today, I met up with Danielle to run Thorncrag. I have been looking forward to introducing her to the Sanctuary for sometime; I knew she'd appreciate the run and the scenery. Danielle would see whale rock and get it. How lucky it was the perfect winter's day there. The trails were firmly packed by snowshoers and skiers. The sky was as blue as it gets. In just under an hour and ten minutes we covered about all the trails, some of them in both directions. I hope Danielle liked it enough to join me there again soon : )
I'd composed most of what should have been yesterday's post in my head while running. I do that a lot. The only thing I actually wrote was the title. The thing is, I don't want to not write it. I don't write in my "real" runner's log any more. The only thing in there is my training plan.
So. Yesterday, I ended up running at 4 pm. When I was nearly dressed to go out, I grabbed my garmin to put it on the windowsill to capture the satellite while I finished dressing. Nothing happened when I pressed the button. Thinking the battery might be dead, I put it back on the charging dock. No charging message appeared on the screen. It was dead. Big time bummer.
I can't even tell you how many times I checked my wrist during my run. I even checked it while I was thinking how sad I was not to have the garmin! I admit to being addicted to the data. This run I still wish I new the pace. The snow had firmed up a lot from the day before. I felt like my pace was the fastest of the winter. I wish I had the confirmation. By the time I was about 2.5 miles in (I've done these trails enough to know the distances), I ran smack into a stiff head wind. Even with the good footing, I had a hard time making any forward progress. It was a blast. I don't think I could have said a word if I was running with someone; the wind would have pushed it all right back in. Again, I wished I could see what my pace was then.
At the beginning of the run, even though the trail was well-packed, the surface was a bit loose. Three miles in, everything was freezing up. It's amazing how the temperature drops with the sun's disappearance. I decided to try the path that Linda and I have been working on with our snowshoes. Nope - not firm enough to run on yet.
I finished with very close to 6 miles. Since I don't even own a regular watch any more, I'm not sure of how long. I did kind of notice the time when I left and the time when I'd changed out of my running gear, not really a good way to calculate pace.
Today, I met up with Danielle to run Thorncrag. I have been looking forward to introducing her to the Sanctuary for sometime; I knew she'd appreciate the run and the scenery. Danielle would see whale rock and get it. How lucky it was the perfect winter's day there. The trails were firmly packed by snowshoers and skiers. The sky was as blue as it gets. In just under an hour and ten minutes we covered about all the trails, some of them in both directions. I hope Danielle liked it enough to join me there again soon : )
Sunday, February 6, 2011
It Doesn't Hurt to Ask
Saturday I headed to Bradbury to run with Mindy and any other TMs that showed up. We ended up with Jeremy, Allen, Mindy, and me. Mindy and I had eight in mind. Allen was OK with that distance. Jeremy might go longer. Heading out, we found the trail to be runnable, but draining. For nearly two miles I ran with Allen out front. The crunching snow was too loud to hear anyone who wasn't right next to you. So I enjoyed my conversation with Allen and I assume Mindy and Jeremy enjoyed their conversation for the first bit. After that Jeremy and Allen slowly pulled away from Mindy and me. The guys waited for us at each road crossing and at the 4 mile turn around (they're sweet). We were basically working relatively hard to turn out 12 min/mile.
As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed my run with Mindy. I can so see her being a great therapist and hope that she gets to include running in her practice. She's good therapy for me : )
Mindy planned to meet a friend at 9:30 to walk/run up to the summit. I don't think she planned on our pace being so slow. We were a little late getting back to the parking lot, but her friend was fine with waiting. Jeremy and Allen said we were just behind them. Allen left, planning to ski with Karen later. Jeremy headed back out to retrace out 8 mile run (good job!).
Mindy introduced me to her friend, Mellisa and we headed out. We walked to the summit, enjoyed good conversation, the hike, and the view at the top. On the way down we started getting cold so ran back. Then on to Edna and Lucy's for our well-deserved reward. Mindy and I had both been dreaming of their Black Pastrami sandwich since we witnessed Ian, Jim, and Erik scarf them down last Saturday. Well, even after all the hype, there was no disappointment. YUM! Oh, yeah, I think I ended with close to 8.8 miles.
I took a while deciding what my run would be today. In fact, I didn't even know heading out what it would be. Last night we'd gotten snow and then a T-storm on top of the couple of inches. I suspected that the snowmobile trails might be better if they'd gotten some use. So the plan was to take the snowmobile trail near us, if it was runnable, otherwise, I'd run out King Rd and try the snowmobile trail off of Littlefield that is maintained by the Lewiston club. If that wasn't good, I'd run the roads. Fortunately, I was able to stick with our trails. The footing was easier running than yesterday's. That is where it was...where it wasn't, I was post-holing big time. Overall, my pace was still 30 sec/mile faster than the day before. I enjoyed every bit of it.
Three miles out, in Sabattus, I saw a group of snowmobiles stopped on the Sabattus River. Seeing them and thinking about how our usual trail packers were unavailable, I decided to run over and ask them if any of them would be willing to go over the Fat Ass course. Figures, I stumbled on a group of riders all from away. Didn't hurt to ask, but the answer was no. As I got closer to home, I decided to run up the street about a 1/2 mile and ask the "new" family on the street (they've probably been here close to 2 yrs now) if they could break our trail (and then feel free to ride it as often as they'd like). I'd met the husband last year when Linda and I were out running the FA course and told him all about it.
Well, I dropped in and asked. What a nice family! I have no doubt that our course will have a snowmobile go over it at some point before the event. I thought maybe today, but...they have a young family including a baby so have other priorities.
I finished the day with 6 miles of running. A few hours later, I headed back out on snowshoes to take advantage of the packy conditions. I think we could actually get a good deal of our loop packed well enough to run, if we get cold after good packing. I stomped on the part of our course closest to the houses, really packing it down, for close to 1.5 hours. I was beat by the end.
As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed my run with Mindy. I can so see her being a great therapist and hope that she gets to include running in her practice. She's good therapy for me : )
Mindy planned to meet a friend at 9:30 to walk/run up to the summit. I don't think she planned on our pace being so slow. We were a little late getting back to the parking lot, but her friend was fine with waiting. Jeremy and Allen said we were just behind them. Allen left, planning to ski with Karen later. Jeremy headed back out to retrace out 8 mile run (good job!).
Mindy introduced me to her friend, Mellisa and we headed out. We walked to the summit, enjoyed good conversation, the hike, and the view at the top. On the way down we started getting cold so ran back. Then on to Edna and Lucy's for our well-deserved reward. Mindy and I had both been dreaming of their Black Pastrami sandwich since we witnessed Ian, Jim, and Erik scarf them down last Saturday. Well, even after all the hype, there was no disappointment. YUM! Oh, yeah, I think I ended with close to 8.8 miles.
I took a while deciding what my run would be today. In fact, I didn't even know heading out what it would be. Last night we'd gotten snow and then a T-storm on top of the couple of inches. I suspected that the snowmobile trails might be better if they'd gotten some use. So the plan was to take the snowmobile trail near us, if it was runnable, otherwise, I'd run out King Rd and try the snowmobile trail off of Littlefield that is maintained by the Lewiston club. If that wasn't good, I'd run the roads. Fortunately, I was able to stick with our trails. The footing was easier running than yesterday's. That is where it was...where it wasn't, I was post-holing big time. Overall, my pace was still 30 sec/mile faster than the day before. I enjoyed every bit of it.
Three miles out, in Sabattus, I saw a group of snowmobiles stopped on the Sabattus River. Seeing them and thinking about how our usual trail packers were unavailable, I decided to run over and ask them if any of them would be willing to go over the Fat Ass course. Figures, I stumbled on a group of riders all from away. Didn't hurt to ask, but the answer was no. As I got closer to home, I decided to run up the street about a 1/2 mile and ask the "new" family on the street (they've probably been here close to 2 yrs now) if they could break our trail (and then feel free to ride it as often as they'd like). I'd met the husband last year when Linda and I were out running the FA course and told him all about it.
Well, I dropped in and asked. What a nice family! I have no doubt that our course will have a snowmobile go over it at some point before the event. I thought maybe today, but...they have a young family including a baby so have other priorities.
I finished the day with 6 miles of running. A few hours later, I headed back out on snowshoes to take advantage of the packy conditions. I think we could actually get a good deal of our loop packed well enough to run, if we get cold after good packing. I stomped on the part of our course closest to the houses, really packing it down, for close to 1.5 hours. I was beat by the end.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Unintentionally Roads
After Wednesday's snowshoe, I knew our snowmobile trails were not going to be runnable. I did hold out some hope for the trails off of Littlefield Road since they're maintained by a fairly serious club. So, I tied on my screwshoes and headed down to check them out. I was glad for the screws just on our road.
When I got to the trails I could tell only one, at most two, sleds had gone through. OK, I'd try it out anyway, hoping that it had been so packed before.... No way. I went down to mid-calf while sort of sliding sideways. Back to the road.
Near my turn-around point, I saw a guy that is normally out with an older dog; he had a puppy. Of course, I had to stop. I met a sweet lab-cross named Kaylee. The guy commented that he never sees me out running any more. I told him, if the snowmobiles had packed the snow, he wouldn't be seeing me now.
All in all, a good run, at a decent pace, with puppy!
When I got to the trails I could tell only one, at most two, sleds had gone through. OK, I'd try it out anyway, hoping that it had been so packed before.... No way. I went down to mid-calf while sort of sliding sideways. Back to the road.
Near my turn-around point, I saw a guy that is normally out with an older dog; he had a puppy. Of course, I had to stop. I met a sweet lab-cross named Kaylee. The guy commented that he never sees me out running any more. I told him, if the snowmobiles had packed the snow, he wouldn't be seeing me now.
All in all, a good run, at a decent pace, with puppy!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Lost (my mind) in the Blizzard
Sam had class this morning and lab in the afternoon. Thankfully, Rick was able to telecommute so I had all-wheel drive for the chauffeuring duties. I was in control for all of the drive; the only issues were other drivers and visibility. It did mean that I didn't get out to play in the snow till after dark.
I strapped on my snowshoes, knowing it was going to be tough going. At least I got to be right! Where I could see our previous path, it was slow going, much like after the last big storm. Where I couldn't tell because it was totally filled in and drifted over, I was sinking to mid-thigh. I haven't looked at the garmin data yet, but remember seeing something like .56 miles at 25 minutes. To be fair, I wasn't dilly-dallying, but I was trimming back branches that were now in my face (the added height of the snow and the weight of the snow on the branches put a lot more at eye level).
As I struggled in some really deep drifts in the far field, my mind started having some funny thoughts. I was along the woods where we see most of the coyote tracks . I was thinking about how I must look like a floundering animal (I really was one). Then I remembered sticking up for the coyotes recently on FB against people hunting them. In fact, I always stick up for them even though I'm pretty sure I've lost two precious kitties to them. THEN, I started wondering if the universe could pass up on the irony of having me attacked by the canine. I'm not easily spooked, but this was hard to shake. It just seemed too perfect.
Fortunately, my funny bone began to outdo my fear. And I made it to where I knew snowmobiles travel. I stopped sinking so deeply and my pace improved. When I got to the power lines, I could actually run, slowly, to be sure. Before heading home, I did several back-and-forths on this stretch just to feel like I'd run.
Back home, I was surprised to find I was only out there 55 minutes. So I stayed out packing down paths for Spot and Ally.
I
I strapped on my snowshoes, knowing it was going to be tough going. At least I got to be right! Where I could see our previous path, it was slow going, much like after the last big storm. Where I couldn't tell because it was totally filled in and drifted over, I was sinking to mid-thigh. I haven't looked at the garmin data yet, but remember seeing something like .56 miles at 25 minutes. To be fair, I wasn't dilly-dallying, but I was trimming back branches that were now in my face (the added height of the snow and the weight of the snow on the branches put a lot more at eye level).
As I struggled in some really deep drifts in the far field, my mind started having some funny thoughts. I was along the woods where we see most of the coyote tracks . I was thinking about how I must look like a floundering animal (I really was one). Then I remembered sticking up for the coyotes recently on FB against people hunting them. In fact, I always stick up for them even though I'm pretty sure I've lost two precious kitties to them. THEN, I started wondering if the universe could pass up on the irony of having me attacked by the canine. I'm not easily spooked, but this was hard to shake. It just seemed too perfect.
Fortunately, my funny bone began to outdo my fear. And I made it to where I knew snowmobiles travel. I stopped sinking so deeply and my pace improved. When I got to the power lines, I could actually run, slowly, to be sure. Before heading home, I did several back-and-forths on this stretch just to feel like I'd run.
Back home, I was surprised to find I was only out there 55 minutes. So I stayed out packing down paths for Spot and Ally.
I
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Fun Run
I knew I had to get out early to enjoy the extremely runnable condition of the snowmobile trails that I enjoyed yesterday; the coming snow would make snowshoes required. That is fine, but I definitely like just running the best.
Trying to optimize the run, I waited as long as I could to give the temperature some time to climb. At 9:45 (excuse me...I had a big Spot-break. She's not as flexible as she used to be (I sympathize!) and got stuck between the coffee table and the couch. Then she needed (or I needed to provide) lots of attention and petting), it was up to 14 degrees. Good enough. The trails were as good as yesterday, if not better. I think I smiled for the first few miles, just enjoying the experience.
Adding to the joy of the run, my hawk pair that I haven't seen in a while screamed at me several times. I wanted to yell back, but I held my tongue. I did yell at the turkey that about scared the sh*t right out of me.
The snow started when I was about three miles in. A mile later, it was snowing in earnest. That's alright; the trails stayed good and I do love snow.
Trying to optimize the run, I waited as long as I could to give the temperature some time to climb. At 9:45 (excuse me...I had a big Spot-break. She's not as flexible as she used to be (I sympathize!) and got stuck between the coffee table and the couch. Then she needed (or I needed to provide) lots of attention and petting), it was up to 14 degrees. Good enough. The trails were as good as yesterday, if not better. I think I smiled for the first few miles, just enjoying the experience.
Adding to the joy of the run, my hawk pair that I haven't seen in a while screamed at me several times. I wanted to yell back, but I held my tongue. I did yell at the turkey that about scared the sh*t right out of me.
The snow started when I was about three miles in. A mile later, it was snowing in earnest. That's alright; the trails stayed good and I do love snow.
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