Another 5+ in the soggy fields. I was surprised by how warm it was. The river crossing felt good. I thought all these (what seemed like) profound thoughts about running and life. Perhaps in my next two days off, I'll try to get some of those thoughts down. I don't know if I have the writing skills to capture them. We'll see.
My only real wildlife encounter was the turtles. I couldn't believe how many plunged into the water as I ran past. The were lined up shoulder to shoulder - guess I should say shell to shell. Amazing!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Twofer Tuesday
This is the most that I've strayed from my 50 mile training schedule in the 4 times that I've used it. This is not supposed to be the week I do a 50K for my long run and the planned 50K is normally scheduled for a Sunday, meaning I had to play with this week's mileage. I had penciled in 12 for today.
I didn't leave myself enough time to do all 12 before I needed to head to Portland with Sam. I guess I could have switched to the road and pumped out the miles. I decided better to use the same time and get whatever miles I could from the fields. I ended up with 9 miles. I was pretty sure I could squeeze in a second run before supper.
My morning run may have been the wettest of the season. It was definitely a good run for building strength. I could have worn shorts, but was happy to wear tights and not think too much about ticks and the newly sprouting poison ivy that I saw.
I did get in another 4.5 miles in the late afternoon. It was slightly less soggy and my pace reflected it. I felt good about the day.
I didn't leave myself enough time to do all 12 before I needed to head to Portland with Sam. I guess I could have switched to the road and pumped out the miles. I decided better to use the same time and get whatever miles I could from the fields. I ended up with 9 miles. I was pretty sure I could squeeze in a second run before supper.
My morning run may have been the wettest of the season. It was definitely a good run for building strength. I could have worn shorts, but was happy to wear tights and not think too much about ticks and the newly sprouting poison ivy that I saw.
I did get in another 4.5 miles in the late afternoon. It was slightly less soggy and my pace reflected it. I felt good about the day.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Easter Service
Saturday morning, Rick and I met up with a large TM crew to work clearing a section of the Bradbury/Pineland Connector. It was lousy weather, but in true TM fashion that didn't put a damper on things. The work was done with lots of fun and laughter, followed by yummy food and warmth at Edna and Lucy's. It did, however, leave me with a chill. So I put off my run till later in the afternoon and only did 6.5 instead of the 10 on "the plan". That meant I'd run longer today (officially yesterday now).
I was tempted to run the road to get it over with. Then I read a FB post by James:
I was tempted to run the road to get it over with. Then I read a FB post by James:
Sunday, April 24, 2011
24
In order to participate in the trail maintenance day on Saturday, I moved my long run to Friday. I put it out on the TM group site that I was going for 22-24 at Bradbury on Friday, but I had no takers; people work. So, I'd be alone. I like running with people, but also love running by myself. I just made sure to have my cell phone and to have someone know what trail I'd be on. I planned to run the Bruiser course without the Island and O trails. I figured that'd be about 8 miles and I'd come back to my car after each lap for refueling.
After bonking on my last long run, I really wanted to concentrate on keeping hydrated and fueled. I brought 2 - 8oz bottles of Gatorade and a Jet Blackberry Gu (my new favorite flavor) in my Fuelbelt. The plan was to note landmarks at 2 mile intervals and make them be the "aid station" on the loop. I hoped this would make me remember. This sort of simulated Pineland (3 loops with frequent aid stations). I think I usually stop and partake at all the aid stations except the first there.
I'd also brought my camera along with me. After my first few shots, I realized I didn't want to add that much time to my run. OK, I'd drop it back off at the car after the first loop. I decided that would ensure I'd see really cool stuff on the next loop and then allow me to take it on the last lap when I might need the distraction and excuse for some stops. The plan kind of worked. It was on the second lap that I had the deer run across my path (I'd never have gotten a shot of them anyway), saw a pileated woodpecker, and a lone turkey.
The first 4+ miles I had dry feet (well, mostly dry...my shoes hadn't dried all the way). The trails were really good. There were puddles and mud, but none deep. It wasn't till the beaver pond bridge that I got wet, very wet with lots of crap getting in along with the water. Oh, well! From there I got muddy, too. The snowmobile trail had lots of deep mud left. I was very happy to get off it and back onto the single track of the Ginn and Fox West (my favorite section of the Bruiser).
Back in the parking lot, I refilled my Gatorade bottles, had 1/4 of a PBJ, 1/2 of a Honey Stinger Wafer, and more Gatorade (just enough to wash the food down). I had planned to change out of my tights and long sleeved shirt, but, since I wasn't changing my shoes till the last lap, decided not to change the tights. It did feel good to get in short sleeves; it had definitely warmed up. I hoped I wouldn't regret leaving on the tights, but just didn't feel like struggling to get the tights over the shoes or taking off the muddy, wet shoes.
Back out. I didn't feel at all cautious about any of the mud or puddles. At this point, I probably made them dirtier! I was faithful to taking in fluids at the "aid stations". I ate the last 1/2 of the Honey Stinger Wafer on the run and was very happy to find how easy it was to eat. It's a good way to get in calories (160 in each Wafer) and yummy, too! I had the Gu about 5 miles in (while slogging through the deepest mud of the snowmobile trail). This was about the same place I regretted not changing into shorts. I was getting hot. When I drained my Gatorade soon after, I made a note to bring a third bottle on my final lap. I was sweating pretty good.
So, after my 2nd lap, I ate another 1/4 PBJ, 1/2 Honey Stinger Wafer, and drank ~ 8 oz of Coke. Refilling my bottles, I discovered I lost one out there somewhere. Not to worry, I'd pick it up on the last lap and had actually brought 2 xtra with me. I change outta the tights into shorts and also changed into a fresh sports bra and tee. The best part was getting out of my wet, muddy, silt-filled Inov8s and into a second, dry pair with clean, dry socks. Ahhh! I remembered to put the camera back into my belt.
I was amazed at how good I felt. Then I reminded myself that I felt good on my last long run till around mile 19. This just made me more vigilant about taking in fuel and fluids. Somewhere before the Bruiser crosses the top of the snowmobile trail over onto the Scuffle side of the Ginn, I spotted a geo-cache. Fun : )
Normally I don't mind getting wet and muddy. Usually that's just fun. This last lap, I was a little less enthused about the water crossing. I was still enjoying my shoe change. Oh, well. They were just going to get super muddy on the snowmobile trail anyway.
I finished up feeling quite happy with myself. My refueling/hydrating went quite well. I enjoyed the Bradbury experience and got in 24.34. Just two long runs left before tapering. Wow.
After bonking on my last long run, I really wanted to concentrate on keeping hydrated and fueled. I brought 2 - 8oz bottles of Gatorade and a Jet Blackberry Gu (my new favorite flavor) in my Fuelbelt. The plan was to note landmarks at 2 mile intervals and make them be the "aid station" on the loop. I hoped this would make me remember. This sort of simulated Pineland (3 loops with frequent aid stations). I think I usually stop and partake at all the aid stations except the first there.
I'd also brought my camera along with me. After my first few shots, I realized I didn't want to add that much time to my run. OK, I'd drop it back off at the car after the first loop. I decided that would ensure I'd see really cool stuff on the next loop and then allow me to take it on the last lap when I might need the distraction and excuse for some stops. The plan kind of worked. It was on the second lap that I had the deer run across my path (I'd never have gotten a shot of them anyway), saw a pileated woodpecker, and a lone turkey.
The first 4+ miles I had dry feet (well, mostly dry...my shoes hadn't dried all the way). The trails were really good. There were puddles and mud, but none deep. It wasn't till the beaver pond bridge that I got wet, very wet with lots of crap getting in along with the water. Oh, well! From there I got muddy, too. The snowmobile trail had lots of deep mud left. I was very happy to get off it and back onto the single track of the Ginn and Fox West (my favorite section of the Bruiser).
Back in the parking lot, I refilled my Gatorade bottles, had 1/4 of a PBJ, 1/2 of a Honey Stinger Wafer, and more Gatorade (just enough to wash the food down). I had planned to change out of my tights and long sleeved shirt, but, since I wasn't changing my shoes till the last lap, decided not to change the tights. It did feel good to get in short sleeves; it had definitely warmed up. I hoped I wouldn't regret leaving on the tights, but just didn't feel like struggling to get the tights over the shoes or taking off the muddy, wet shoes.
Back out. I didn't feel at all cautious about any of the mud or puddles. At this point, I probably made them dirtier! I was faithful to taking in fluids at the "aid stations". I ate the last 1/2 of the Honey Stinger Wafer on the run and was very happy to find how easy it was to eat. It's a good way to get in calories (160 in each Wafer) and yummy, too! I had the Gu about 5 miles in (while slogging through the deepest mud of the snowmobile trail). This was about the same place I regretted not changing into shorts. I was getting hot. When I drained my Gatorade soon after, I made a note to bring a third bottle on my final lap. I was sweating pretty good.
So, after my 2nd lap, I ate another 1/4 PBJ, 1/2 Honey Stinger Wafer, and drank ~ 8 oz of Coke. Refilling my bottles, I discovered I lost one out there somewhere. Not to worry, I'd pick it up on the last lap and had actually brought 2 xtra with me. I change outta the tights into shorts and also changed into a fresh sports bra and tee. The best part was getting out of my wet, muddy, silt-filled Inov8s and into a second, dry pair with clean, dry socks. Ahhh! I remembered to put the camera back into my belt.
I was amazed at how good I felt. Then I reminded myself that I felt good on my last long run till around mile 19. This just made me more vigilant about taking in fuel and fluids. Somewhere before the Bruiser crosses the top of the snowmobile trail over onto the Scuffle side of the Ginn, I spotted a geo-cache. Fun : )
Normally I don't mind getting wet and muddy. Usually that's just fun. This last lap, I was a little less enthused about the water crossing. I was still enjoying my shoe change. Oh, well. They were just going to get super muddy on the snowmobile trail anyway.
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| Beaver Lodge (about 4 miles in) |
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| Close up |
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| More flooded than last week |
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| The only snow I saw |
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| Geo-cache contents |
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| Ditto |
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| Why I didn't spot it till the 3rd loop - See it? |
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Double of a Different Sort
Two days off in a row...and I'm not sick. Yesterday we brought Sam down to WPI for "A Closer Look" (admitted students get a closer look to help them make their decision) so there was no time for a run. Today, I was going to run after coming home from Portland, but decided that I'd taken another day off since I'm running long tomorrow. I hope to get in 24 on the trails at Bradbury.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Make It a Double
Met up with Mindy and Jeremy this morning to run Pinelands. I think it was the first time I was back there since last year's ultra. I had way more fun : ) The trails were muddy and, surprisingly, still had some hoarfrost. There were not too many long stretches where someone wasn't plunging mid-calf in mud. Yeah, it was a good run.
We talked about all kinds of stuff, including our friends who just turned in awesome, awesome efforts (Barkley and Boston), our lawn rodents, food, and running (what we want, our injuries, our strategies....). We wound up very muddy, having covered 8.3 miles (the beginning side of Pineland 50, excluding the fields).
I had to hurry home to shower and get Sam to Portland for a class. Heading towards USM, I saw Jeff coming out of the science building. He wasn't kidding; he showed no signs of gimping after his amazing effort the day before. Wow!
Back home, I decided I better get in another run since I won't be able to run tomorrow (bringing Sam to check out WPI). I thought about the roads to just crank out some miles, but it didn't feel right. I headed out into the fields. They were lots drier than Sunday. My little creek that was swollen to maybe 10X its width was nearly back to normal. There was still lots of mud. I ran for 5.8 squishy miles.
We talked about all kinds of stuff, including our friends who just turned in awesome, awesome efforts (Barkley and Boston), our lawn rodents, food, and running (what we want, our injuries, our strategies....). We wound up very muddy, having covered 8.3 miles (the beginning side of Pineland 50, excluding the fields).
I had to hurry home to shower and get Sam to Portland for a class. Heading towards USM, I saw Jeff coming out of the science building. He wasn't kidding; he showed no signs of gimping after his amazing effort the day before. Wow!
Back home, I decided I better get in another run since I won't be able to run tomorrow (bringing Sam to check out WPI). I thought about the roads to just crank out some miles, but it didn't feel right. I headed out into the fields. They were lots drier than Sunday. My little creek that was swollen to maybe 10X its width was nearly back to normal. There was still lots of mud. I ran for 5.8 squishy miles.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Interesting Running
Spring yields interesting trail running here in Maine. Just pulling into the parking at Bradbury was interesting. I saw a large group of runners assembling, but only recognized a few of them. Once I got out and joined the group, I saw a few more familiar faces and some that I knew I seen before, but maybe hadn't formally met. I was surprised later to read Ian's blog and find out he was in the same boat.
Ian was going to do 20ish, 10 on the east side, then 10 on the mountain side. The large group followed his lead to run mainly the Bruiser course backwards without the O trail. We fairly quickly fractured into a few smaller groups. Ian, Stephen, Brent, Four's cousin, and maybe two others (with two energetic pups) were the faster group that pulled away. I was in the next group with Four, Mindy, Martin, Brett, Rachel, and another woman I can't recall the name of (sorry!).
Four was the lead runner the entire way. His pace was faster than I would have gone on my own, knowing I was doing 14, but....Mindy stuck with him, so I stuck right with her. I think maybe a little too closely. At one point, she asked if I wanted to pass. Not at all! I was really working to keep up. Then I stumbled a couple of times and twisted my ankle. I was running so close to her that I couldn't see what was coming. I hate tailgaters! I paid more attention to spacing.
I had run with Martin when he lost his O trail virginity. Then he, Yana, and I ran the O trail together during the Bruiser. I think we were both happy to be running an O-less Bruiser. We chatted a bit about Pineland plans; he's running his first 50K! Bret is also doing the 50K, but it'll be his 2nd.
The group started to stretch out. Periodically, I yelled to Four to rein it in. I also was yelling up where to turn. It occurred to me that I should be at the back of the group; Four would stop if he came to an intersection he didn't know and I could make sure no one got dropped.
On the Bat Cave we met up with Erin and Christine with Susie. Then helped Mary and Ruby rejoin with them. They were all going the opposite direction from us, perhaps running the Scuffle.
I think it was around here that I notice a tree with large holes carved out. Mindy and I stopped to investigate (we knew the group couldn't get too far ahead; they wouldn't know where to go!). At first, it seemed unbelievable that a woodpecker could have made the big holes with the large wood chips on the ground below. Then I notice the ants still in some of the holes and Mindy looked for, and found, bird poop among the chips. Maybe a pileated!
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| Woodpecker's Work |
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| Ants |
When we got to where the Ginn crosses the Snowmobile trail, the women (who I didn't get a chance to talk with) asked how much farther we were running. I could tell they'd like it to be a little shorter and gave them the option of running back down the snowmobile trail instead of finishing up what would be the first part of the Bruiser with us. They opted to head back. I hope they found their way easily. I forgot to tell them to take the Link back.
Back in the parking lot, we were short of 10 miles. Bret and Martin heard Mindy and I talking about going out for another four and decided to join us. Four didn't have the option cause his ride was ready to head out. We went back to the east side for our added miles. It was amazing how much muddier it was just since were ran it the first time. I actually lost my shoe in one big mud pit! I think Bret pulled it out for me. It was full of mud! I swished it around in the little water that was over the mud and was able to get most of the slop out.
Mindy and I seemed to share leading on the last four. Her pace was not much off what Four was running (where the mud didn't totally have us all almost at a crawl). So nice we were able to reward ourselves for our efforts at Edna and Lucy's : )
Today, I thought I'd run the roads since we had an amazing amount of rain overnight. Driving home from the grocery store, I noticed streams running through places where there never was any water. I couldn't help but want to run my fields. If I fell, I could probably swim! I got in five soggy, muddy miles. I even found some new trails on the hill side of the road. I'll find out where they go when I have more miles to run.
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| My Red Tail Hawk |
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| Snowmobile Bridge (Feb. Fat Ass crossed) |
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| My Tiny Stream 10 Times Normal Width |
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| Looking the other direction |
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| More Frog Eggs |
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| On the New Trail (choices to investigate) |
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| Heading Home |
When I finished my miles, Rick showed me what the rain had done to the garden:
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| Lots of Soil Erosion |
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| The Garlic Project |
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| Our Lawn with Lots of Garden Soil on Top |
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Uneventful Ten (with a P.S.)
I let the day slip away on me again. In order to get in my ten miles, I ran the roads. It was fine.
Perhaps I've found the identity of my quacking frog....let's see if my picture (when I get one) looks like this character.
Perhaps I've found the identity of my quacking frog....let's see if my picture (when I get one) looks like this character.
Almost
Wednesday I wasn't able to get out early, the only time it wasn't raining hard; Sam had a final in Physics. Not only was it raining, but the temperature was just 40 degrees. I was not eager to run the ten miles I had scheduled. In fact, I kept putting it off with the excuse that the rain was supposed to lighten up later. Well, it got so late (with little change in the precipitation), that I figured I'd better switch my ten till the next day and run its six.
Since I was going to be wet anyway, I put on my soggy trail shoes, still wet from yesterday's fun, and headed out into the fields. As I ran, I thought about the joy of my run the day before, how I felt like a kid. This run was really quite the opposite. It felt like a very grown-up run. No kid would be out in this. It wasn't the fun and imagined danger of "Lost in the Blizzard". It wasn't running in rain on a hot summer's day. It was running because I was working towards the Pineland 50. It wasn't joy, but it was satisfaction that I'd made myself get out. It was also pretty cold. The fields were ankle deep with a mix of the cold rain and melt from the last of the snow.
Past the beaver pond, I headed through the woods to run out the gas pipeline path. In the dip before the road, the little stream that I normally just jump across was too wide for that. I figured one step in the middle and I'd be to the other side. What a step! I found myself waist deep. I had figured it was maybe knee deep. Since that's what I expected, the extra drop caught me off balance, I fell forward. Luckily, I was only elbow deep by the time my hands touched down. It wasn't hard to get out. Whoa! Time to head back
My gloves were totally soaked. At least I wasn't too far from home; I'd be fine. So, I almost got in my six and it was almost a grown-up run. I felt pretty much the kid again after my dip.
Since I was going to be wet anyway, I put on my soggy trail shoes, still wet from yesterday's fun, and headed out into the fields. As I ran, I thought about the joy of my run the day before, how I felt like a kid. This run was really quite the opposite. It felt like a very grown-up run. No kid would be out in this. It wasn't the fun and imagined danger of "Lost in the Blizzard". It wasn't running in rain on a hot summer's day. It was running because I was working towards the Pineland 50. It wasn't joy, but it was satisfaction that I'd made myself get out. It was also pretty cold. The fields were ankle deep with a mix of the cold rain and melt from the last of the snow.
Past the beaver pond, I headed through the woods to run out the gas pipeline path. In the dip before the road, the little stream that I normally just jump across was too wide for that. I figured one step in the middle and I'd be to the other side. What a step! I found myself waist deep. I had figured it was maybe knee deep. Since that's what I expected, the extra drop caught me off balance, I fell forward. Luckily, I was only elbow deep by the time my hands touched down. It wasn't hard to get out. Whoa! Time to head back
My gloves were totally soaked. At least I wasn't too far from home; I'd be fine. So, I almost got in my six and it was almost a grown-up run. I felt pretty much the kid again after my dip.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Running Back in Time
When I walked Spot this morning, I found that the daytime, spring frogs were out in full force. The first time I heard these guys, I was sure there were hundreds of ducks out back. They really sound like they're quacking. So, I've named them quackers. Down near their little pool, I saw maybe thirty of them in an area that two adults could encircle with their arms if they held hands. So cool! They all ducked (quackers!) under really quickly. I decided then and there to bring my camera when I ran. I wanted to: 1. get their picture cause it was really neat seeing so many frogs in such a small area, and 2. try to identify them (I'm sure they have a real name).
I didn't get back out till nearly 4 pm. I'd run a pretty fast 3/4 mile (for muddy fields) by the time I came to the frog territory. I could hear some quacking, but also some peeping. Was it like the shift change? The first little pool, I saw my quackers, but they submerged before I could get them in the viewfinder. I should have taken a shot of all the little ripples left in their wake. I could hear both peeping and quacking coming from the next little pool over the next knoll. I ran there with the camera ready.
Before I even got to the pool, the frogs had quieted. Had the other group alerted them some how?! While I stood in the water coughing, I realized I hadn't exactly snuck up on them. I took a shot of the eggs that were right where all the frogs had been in the morning. There I stood, mid-calf deep, waiting for the frogs to resurface. It seemed like an eternity. I would not make a good wildlife photographer. Onward....
I ran out till the field got too crappy (see previous post), then turned back. The frog pools were still silent. I will get them! On to the hill across the street. I decided to check the beaver pool to see if the frogs were active there.
On the way, running pretty fast, I felt like I was 10 or 11. I was kind of doing what I did back then, playing in the water looking for critters. As I approached the little swamp, I listened for the amphibians. Not a peep...or a quack. No sign of the beavers either (I didn't read that at 10, but Sam did). Oh! There went a big polliwog!!! I tried to snap a picture, but the reflection on the water prevented it. I spent another ten minutes trying to catch one. I'm usually pretty good at it, but I had the camera in one hand.
I'm not sure when bear wake up, but I heard an odd sound. It sounded like a bear to me. Was I really ten? At least it snapped me out of my polliwog quest; I had dinner to be starting. I ran home. Coming up the driveway, I noticed the big pond was ice-free. Now we'll be hearing the peepers big time!
Further up the drive, I could see my Ally kitty coming to greet me. What a great run! I love playing in mud, trying to catch whatever. Running was the way to get around when we were kids. There was more of the in between stuff, less of the running, but today definitely brought me back. I love to run off road : )
I didn't get back out till nearly 4 pm. I'd run a pretty fast 3/4 mile (for muddy fields) by the time I came to the frog territory. I could hear some quacking, but also some peeping. Was it like the shift change? The first little pool, I saw my quackers, but they submerged before I could get them in the viewfinder. I should have taken a shot of all the little ripples left in their wake. I could hear both peeping and quacking coming from the next little pool over the next knoll. I ran there with the camera ready.
Before I even got to the pool, the frogs had quieted. Had the other group alerted them some how?! While I stood in the water coughing, I realized I hadn't exactly snuck up on them. I took a shot of the eggs that were right where all the frogs had been in the morning. There I stood, mid-calf deep, waiting for the frogs to resurface. It seemed like an eternity. I would not make a good wildlife photographer. Onward....
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| Frog Habitat |
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| Frog Eggs |
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| Waiting in Mucky Water |
I ran out till the field got too crappy (see previous post), then turned back. The frog pools were still silent. I will get them! On to the hill across the street. I decided to check the beaver pool to see if the frogs were active there.
On the way, running pretty fast, I felt like I was 10 or 11. I was kind of doing what I did back then, playing in the water looking for critters. As I approached the little swamp, I listened for the amphibians. Not a peep...or a quack. No sign of the beavers either (I didn't read that at 10, but Sam did). Oh! There went a big polliwog!!! I tried to snap a picture, but the reflection on the water prevented it. I spent another ten minutes trying to catch one. I'm usually pretty good at it, but I had the camera in one hand.
I'm not sure when bear wake up, but I heard an odd sound. It sounded like a bear to me. Was I really ten? At least it snapped me out of my polliwog quest; I had dinner to be starting. I ran home. Coming up the driveway, I noticed the big pond was ice-free. Now we'll be hearing the peepers big time!
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| Notice the Mallard Pair |
Further up the drive, I could see my Ally kitty coming to greet me. What a great run! I love playing in mud, trying to catch whatever. Running was the way to get around when we were kids. There was more of the in between stuff, less of the running, but today definitely brought me back. I love to run off road : )
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| Crazy Cat |
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| Mud! |
Sunday, April 10, 2011
I Ran, I Bonked, I Recovered
Friday would have been my normal day off, but I had the chance to run with Dora at Bradbury. We haven't had a chance to run and chat in a quite a while. She didn't mind a short run so it was a no brainer. We ran a nice, easy four. We started on the mountain side, enjoying the scenery, fun footing, and interesting talk. At the summit, the raptor count was still going on. We chatted with the bird watcher for a bit before continuing on. We saved some mileage for the east side so I could report back to the TM group site on the conditions. From what we saw, the mountainside had the better running.
Saturday I had 24 miles on the schedule. Most of the Monsters were heading to MA for the Merrimack River Trail Race. I wasn't sure exactly who would be at the park at 8 am, but I knew who would be there when I was done with around 10 miles; Mindy had volunteered to meet me then to help with my last 14 (the miles on her schedule). Based on Friday's run with Dora, I decided I didn't want to run all my miles on the trails; it would take just too long. I decided I'd run an 8+ mile loop on the roads from the park that included some beautiful dirt roads (some of what Mindy and I ran last Saturday), come back and get in a couple of trail miles before meeting up with Mindy.
Turns out, the only TMs to show up at 8 were Erin and Blaine. They were going to do trails for about 1 1/2 hours. It almost made me change my plan. It was very tempting to have the company. No. I would stick with my plan. So I headed off on my own. I ran well, but allowed stops for photo ops. There are very cute critters on that loop. So even though my pace was pretty decent, I was a bit behind where I thought I'd be. While I was changing into my trail shoes back in the park, Erin and Blaine came in. Seems the conditions had changed. The mountain side was now worse than the east side. They'd just come back in from doing Knights Woods. I figured Mindy was going to be pulling in before too long, so I went out on Knights Woods to get in around a mile and to judge for myself. Mindy called just about when I was about to cross the street back to the parking lot to let me know she was there.
Based on what I ran on, we decided to run the trails for 6 or so and then finish up on the road. Mindy and I enjoyed running through the crazy conditions. It was very hard to know what the trail was going to yield. We ended up doing the Scuffle sort of backwards, leaving off the Bat Cave loop from Fox East. As it was, there were plenty of times where we had to stop to figure out just where the trail went; it was slow going. Still we had lots of fun, feeling very much like real TMs.
Back in the parking lot, we changed back into road shoes. With the temperature climbing, the post-holing would just be getting worse. This way we could really run. I also changed into shorts and a fresh sports bra and tee. Mindy kept on her tights, but change into a tee. I had taken in 2 GUs as planned and packed another for this leg. I also ate two strips of a PBJ and a couple of pretzels (really just wanted to lick off the salt).
Heading out of the park, our pace was pretty good. I was anxious to show Mindy all animals I'd seen on my first loop. As always, I enjoyed our conversation. I think I might have started feeling rotten much earlier if she hadn't been along. Around mile 19, I knew I was starting to struggle. Then we got to stop and meet Zoe, a sweet three-legged dog. She was 15 years old! You could tell she was well loved (maybe a little too well-loved by Grandma; Zoe was fat!).
Around mile 21, I started feeling light-headed. I felt bad. I guess I never have bonked before. I've had runs with pain, where I'd been injured, but this really sucked. My cough is still a problem, too. The post-nasal drip that had been merely annoying was now making me feel sick. I think dehydration had thickened it too the point where...yuck. Around here, I started to walk stretches. I tried to get Mindy to run ahead. It looked like she might be a little short of her 14 miles, so I said run ahead and come back...I kinda wanted to have some space (I don't like to be sick in front of people). We're a good fit! Once Mindy realized that I might be tossing cookies, she was OK with running ahead (only when she knew that was best for me, too : ).
So that's how the last 1.5 miles went. I guess now I know what bonking really is. I will definitely work harder to stay hydrated. Yikes! You know it's bad when nothing at E & L's looks good. I had a cold Coke. It took a lot more fluids at home before I started to come around. I was short of my 24 miles by 0.7. I was surprised by the Garmin when I saw the elevation gain on the run was 3,436.
This morning, I was happy to find that my legs and other parts felt fine. Still, I was a little worried about my scheduled ten because of how bad I felt yesterday. Running the road, I'd be done sooner, but if I ran the fields, I could get in my miles without ever being more than a couple of miles (as the crow flies) from the house. I opted to run the fields and play the distance by ear.
Yay! I felt pretty good. The conditions were hard, so the pace was slow. I decided to aim for what would be 10 mile time on the road. I got in just over 8 miles. It was good to know that all I needed was fluids. I am recovered.
Saturday I had 24 miles on the schedule. Most of the Monsters were heading to MA for the Merrimack River Trail Race. I wasn't sure exactly who would be at the park at 8 am, but I knew who would be there when I was done with around 10 miles; Mindy had volunteered to meet me then to help with my last 14 (the miles on her schedule). Based on Friday's run with Dora, I decided I didn't want to run all my miles on the trails; it would take just too long. I decided I'd run an 8+ mile loop on the roads from the park that included some beautiful dirt roads (some of what Mindy and I ran last Saturday), come back and get in a couple of trail miles before meeting up with Mindy.
Turns out, the only TMs to show up at 8 were Erin and Blaine. They were going to do trails for about 1 1/2 hours. It almost made me change my plan. It was very tempting to have the company. No. I would stick with my plan. So I headed off on my own. I ran well, but allowed stops for photo ops. There are very cute critters on that loop. So even though my pace was pretty decent, I was a bit behind where I thought I'd be. While I was changing into my trail shoes back in the park, Erin and Blaine came in. Seems the conditions had changed. The mountain side was now worse than the east side. They'd just come back in from doing Knights Woods. I figured Mindy was going to be pulling in before too long, so I went out on Knights Woods to get in around a mile and to judge for myself. Mindy called just about when I was about to cross the street back to the parking lot to let me know she was there.
Based on what I ran on, we decided to run the trails for 6 or so and then finish up on the road. Mindy and I enjoyed running through the crazy conditions. It was very hard to know what the trail was going to yield. We ended up doing the Scuffle sort of backwards, leaving off the Bat Cave loop from Fox East. As it was, there were plenty of times where we had to stop to figure out just where the trail went; it was slow going. Still we had lots of fun, feeling very much like real TMs.
Back in the parking lot, we changed back into road shoes. With the temperature climbing, the post-holing would just be getting worse. This way we could really run. I also changed into shorts and a fresh sports bra and tee. Mindy kept on her tights, but change into a tee. I had taken in 2 GUs as planned and packed another for this leg. I also ate two strips of a PBJ and a couple of pretzels (really just wanted to lick off the salt).
Heading out of the park, our pace was pretty good. I was anxious to show Mindy all animals I'd seen on my first loop. As always, I enjoyed our conversation. I think I might have started feeling rotten much earlier if she hadn't been along. Around mile 19, I knew I was starting to struggle. Then we got to stop and meet Zoe, a sweet three-legged dog. She was 15 years old! You could tell she was well loved (maybe a little too well-loved by Grandma; Zoe was fat!).
Around mile 21, I started feeling light-headed. I felt bad. I guess I never have bonked before. I've had runs with pain, where I'd been injured, but this really sucked. My cough is still a problem, too. The post-nasal drip that had been merely annoying was now making me feel sick. I think dehydration had thickened it too the point where...yuck. Around here, I started to walk stretches. I tried to get Mindy to run ahead. It looked like she might be a little short of her 14 miles, so I said run ahead and come back...I kinda wanted to have some space (I don't like to be sick in front of people). We're a good fit! Once Mindy realized that I might be tossing cookies, she was OK with running ahead (only when she knew that was best for me, too : ).
So that's how the last 1.5 miles went. I guess now I know what bonking really is. I will definitely work harder to stay hydrated. Yikes! You know it's bad when nothing at E & L's looks good. I had a cold Coke. It took a lot more fluids at home before I started to come around. I was short of my 24 miles by 0.7. I was surprised by the Garmin when I saw the elevation gain on the run was 3,436.
This morning, I was happy to find that my legs and other parts felt fine. Still, I was a little worried about my scheduled ten because of how bad I felt yesterday. Running the road, I'd be done sooner, but if I ran the fields, I could get in my miles without ever being more than a couple of miles (as the crow flies) from the house. I opted to run the fields and play the distance by ear.
Yay! I felt pretty good. The conditions were hard, so the pace was slow. I decided to aim for what would be 10 mile time on the road. I got in just over 8 miles. It was good to know that all I needed was fluids. I am recovered.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Just Pictures
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| Lawrence Road - Part of an 8+ mile loop from Bradbury |
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| Bonuses along the way : ) |
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| Llama |
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| Llama and joined by Goat |
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| The Highland Bull, Errol Flynn |
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| His pasture mate, Maisy |
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| Didn't get her name, but I liked that she was wearing her food! |
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| Hearse House near cemetary |
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| TMs Blaine and Erin ran all trails |
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| Knights Woods |
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| Solid ground that wasn't |
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| The best pacer going : ) |
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| A Bridge Too Short |
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| Under water |
Thursday, April 7, 2011
10K and Puppies!
I ran earlier than I normally do on a weekday. My car had to go in for it's check-up. I decided to run during the process to kill two birds (wish they were Canadian Geese!). I got in a fairly flat 10k on roads. The only good part was that I got to see lots of good puppies, including real puppies!!! The last bit, I could have short cut back, getting in 5.8ish, knowing my car would be ready. Instead, I opted to run a course to get in at least six miles and was rewarded with an 8 wk old husky pup and its big sister, a 6 month old lab mix.
So, it was a boring run with benefits.
So, it was a boring run with benefits.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Home Sweet Home
I thought about going to Bradbury today to run my scheduled ten miles. I put out feelers on the TM group site hoping someone would want to join me. No takers. Well, I was hard put to justify the nearly extra hour in travel time, in addition to the gas (both pollution-wise and price-wise) spent traveling if I went to just run by myself. Oh, I realize the same time and gas would be used if I was meeting up with people, but, somehow, it's easier to rationalize.
Though I enjoyed my crappy run yesterday, I had no desire to run through goose poop again, especially if I was going to be out there so long. I was unsure of how to get in my miles off road without incorporating those fields. I'd try, knowing I could throw in some road miles if necessary.
I started out on yesterday's course. I brought my camera and thought I'd get a picture of the offending geese. I even debated taking a shot of the...evidence, but decided that was too much. From there I headed back into another field of Linda's. I was scared my gun shots. I know one of our neighbor hunts and shoots, but didn't know where he was shooting or if he knew I was out there. Fortunately, I had my cell phone and called Linda's. Her daughter-in-law called the neighbor, who, turns out, was aware I was there and tried to signal that to me. Still, I was happy when they stopped.
On to across the road, over the hill, and down to the beaver lodge. Looked like the beaver added some new wood to the top of their lodge. I spent time taking pics of their handy work and looking for signs of life in their little swamp. I saw some active water bugs and a snail, still no signs of polliwogs.
Then I decided to run through the woods along their swamp, rightly thinking I'd come out to the gas line. I followed that clearing down to Webster Rd, crossed it, and continued on what had been the snowmobile trail. I found lots of tracks of deer, who seemed to be having lots of post-holing issues. I laughed at the idea of the graceful animals having my problems. If they were watching, they could have done lots of laughing at me! In addition to the deer tracks, there were turkeys prints, fox prints, something I haven't identified yet, and lots of little rodent tracks.
It was around then that I noticed how cold my wet feet were. I had two toes that didn't have feeling. My hands were cold, too. I laughed cause I was sure I was overdressed at the start of the run. Where had my beautiful, sunny spring day gone? I was running in a snow squall! Just added to the adventure though.
When I got back home, I'd gone just 9.1 miles in two hours. I'd call it a nature walk with bouts of running, but, for the most part I was working pretty hard. Another good thing about running at home, my Ally cat always walks down the driveway to greet me!
Though I enjoyed my crappy run yesterday, I had no desire to run through goose poop again, especially if I was going to be out there so long. I was unsure of how to get in my miles off road without incorporating those fields. I'd try, knowing I could throw in some road miles if necessary.
I started out on yesterday's course. I brought my camera and thought I'd get a picture of the offending geese. I even debated taking a shot of the...evidence, but decided that was too much. From there I headed back into another field of Linda's. I was scared my gun shots. I know one of our neighbor hunts and shoots, but didn't know where he was shooting or if he knew I was out there. Fortunately, I had my cell phone and called Linda's. Her daughter-in-law called the neighbor, who, turns out, was aware I was there and tried to signal that to me. Still, I was happy when they stopped.
On to across the road, over the hill, and down to the beaver lodge. Looked like the beaver added some new wood to the top of their lodge. I spent time taking pics of their handy work and looking for signs of life in their little swamp. I saw some active water bugs and a snail, still no signs of polliwogs.
Then I decided to run through the woods along their swamp, rightly thinking I'd come out to the gas line. I followed that clearing down to Webster Rd, crossed it, and continued on what had been the snowmobile trail. I found lots of tracks of deer, who seemed to be having lots of post-holing issues. I laughed at the idea of the graceful animals having my problems. If they were watching, they could have done lots of laughing at me! In addition to the deer tracks, there were turkeys prints, fox prints, something I haven't identified yet, and lots of little rodent tracks.
It was around then that I noticed how cold my wet feet were. I had two toes that didn't have feeling. My hands were cold, too. I laughed cause I was sure I was overdressed at the start of the run. Where had my beautiful, sunny spring day gone? I was running in a snow squall! Just added to the adventure though.
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| The Crapadian Geese |
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| Beaver lodge with new wood on top |
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| Some beaver gnawing |
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| Looking up stream in their swamp |
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| More beaver work |
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| My post-holing into icy water |
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| Where a deer had done the same |
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| Unidentified prints |
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| One beautiful kitty! |
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