So, again, it seems I'm having trouble sitting down to write about the 50. I'm almost ready. Meanwhile, I'm also almost ready to run again! If I could put my big, fat toes into shoes, I think I'd feel like running today. Maybe, with more icing, I can tomorrow.
I do want to say that Ian, Erik, and a bunch of great volunteers put on one fantastic event! As always, the course was perfectly marked, the aid-stations well-stocked with supplies, goodies, and enthusiastic crew, and the atmosphere was supportive and friendly. Super big event done really well.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Tapered
Ran my last steps before the big one. Linda, Bethany, and I headed over to Pineland for an easy run on the beginning of the course. We essentially ran the 10K course, taking time for photos and foliage appreciation. It really is a beautiful setting.
The fields had dried up significantly since the group run Saturday. The little stretches of field that we covered were mowed well. All systems go. Just a little fear about the potential for heat and the nagging thought of my ITB, but still feeling good.
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| Bethany and Linda in the Land of the Pine |
No Repeat
I brought my camera with me on my little run Wednesday, hoping to catch one or two of the sights I marveled at the day before. Well, I was into the "of-course-not" thinking; I couldn't get that lucky two days in a row, especially if I brought a camera with me! Even though all day I'd known it was gorgeous out, it wasn't till half way through my run that I appreciated it. So I didn't have the wildlife treats of yesterday, but look at the day:
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Sappy Already?
I actually wanted to title this "Church of the Holy Trail", but that would be stealing...My brother's running group in Boulder host a Sunday run in the mountains called that. Wish it were mine.
The day started off badly. I slept a lot last night, at least seven hours. I woke up with a sore throat. It had been a little scratchy the day before. Sam was asleep on the couch, usually an indicator he's sick. Great. Not many days before Pineland. I sucked on zinc lozenges, ate chicken soup that I added chopped raw garlic to just before I ate it, and drank lots of fluids.
It also seemed like the perfect opportunity to start on Marshall Ulrich's book, Running on Empty. I read 124 pages before Sam woke up, not sick at all, just had a rough night of sleeping. I reassessed how I was doing. My throat was still sore, but not any worse. My only other symptom was post-nasal drip. Maybe it's just allergies. At any rate, I decided I'll be fine for Sunday.
By late afternoon, the sun that finally broke through the clouds had the temperature just over 80. It would be good to get in some miles to start on acclimating to warmer weather. The fields were sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. I was mud covered in before I crested the hill across the street. I also pulled off my first tick around then. But I felt good.
I ran down to the beaver pond (swamp?). I startled a nesting pair of Wood Ducks??? They moved so quickly that I only got a second to see the male's head, but, I think it was. I will bring the camera for sure next time I head that way. I stood there looking at the beaver lodge and swamp. It didn't seem like any new work had been done in quite some time. I've been worried that I didn't tattle on the poacher early enough. Maybe he'd gotten them all. Wait! There was a dark figure swimming silently towards the lodge. At least one beaver survived! He/she ducked under, probably entering the lodge. Almost at the same time the beaver submerged, I heard a Pileated Woodpecker. I looked up to see it fly deeper into the woods.
I was surprised to find tears welling up in my eyes. James had described his Easter day run as his church. I attended the same church that day. Today felt like I was at The Church of the Holy Trail. I usually am very emotional (very) for at least a week after the 50. I couldn't believe I was already feeling so emotional before. Pretty soon, a huge smile replaced the few tears that actually fell.
It didn't stop there; for the closing prayer, I saw two mom turkeys. I knew they had chicks from how they behaved. They weren't right together, but the two of them reacted exactly the same as soon as they saw me. Instead of running, like turkeys usually do, they spread their wings and ducked down into the grass. I'm sure they were hiding their babies with their wings. Sure enough, the other girls I met later in the run just ran from me.
I don't believe in superstitions, I'm not religious, but somehow I felt this run was a sign that Sunday was going to go well. Silly.
The day started off badly. I slept a lot last night, at least seven hours. I woke up with a sore throat. It had been a little scratchy the day before. Sam was asleep on the couch, usually an indicator he's sick. Great. Not many days before Pineland. I sucked on zinc lozenges, ate chicken soup that I added chopped raw garlic to just before I ate it, and drank lots of fluids.
It also seemed like the perfect opportunity to start on Marshall Ulrich's book, Running on Empty. I read 124 pages before Sam woke up, not sick at all, just had a rough night of sleeping. I reassessed how I was doing. My throat was still sore, but not any worse. My only other symptom was post-nasal drip. Maybe it's just allergies. At any rate, I decided I'll be fine for Sunday.
By late afternoon, the sun that finally broke through the clouds had the temperature just over 80. It would be good to get in some miles to start on acclimating to warmer weather. The fields were sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. I was mud covered in before I crested the hill across the street. I also pulled off my first tick around then. But I felt good.
I ran down to the beaver pond (swamp?). I startled a nesting pair of Wood Ducks??? They moved so quickly that I only got a second to see the male's head, but, I think it was. I will bring the camera for sure next time I head that way. I stood there looking at the beaver lodge and swamp. It didn't seem like any new work had been done in quite some time. I've been worried that I didn't tattle on the poacher early enough. Maybe he'd gotten them all. Wait! There was a dark figure swimming silently towards the lodge. At least one beaver survived! He/she ducked under, probably entering the lodge. Almost at the same time the beaver submerged, I heard a Pileated Woodpecker. I looked up to see it fly deeper into the woods.
I was surprised to find tears welling up in my eyes. James had described his Easter day run as his church. I attended the same church that day. Today felt like I was at The Church of the Holy Trail. I usually am very emotional (very) for at least a week after the 50. I couldn't believe I was already feeling so emotional before. Pretty soon, a huge smile replaced the few tears that actually fell.
It didn't stop there; for the closing prayer, I saw two mom turkeys. I knew they had chicks from how they behaved. They weren't right together, but the two of them reacted exactly the same as soon as they saw me. Instead of running, like turkeys usually do, they spread their wings and ducked down into the grass. I'm sure they were hiding their babies with their wings. Sure enough, the other girls I met later in the run just ran from me.
I don't believe in superstitions, I'm not religious, but somehow I felt this run was a sign that Sunday was going to go well. Silly.
Monday, May 23, 2011
A Taste of Runs to Come
I led the group for most of the run. Though I had posted that I'd be running a very relaxed pace for about ten miles, I did push a little harder. I always feel the need to if I'm the slowest in the group. I know nobody's expecting me to, but... It's good for me. I enjoyed being with the group for a change. Even though I've loved my solo miles at Bradbury, I really love it when I get to have the company of such...Trail Monsters!
The trail was muddy again from our stretch of rainy weather, but it was mostly the snowmobile trail with deep mud:
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| long stretch of mud |
Right after that, the single track we were on pops out onto the snowmobile trail again. Jim and Tom took a shorter route back, while Ian, Danielle, and I continued on the Mindy Loop coming back on Knight's Woods. Back in the parking lot, we checked on Jim, said by to Tom, then continued our run on the mountain side to get the rest of our miles. We rain up the Terrace to the summit and then down the South Ridge:
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| Danielle and Ian bopping right up the Terrace (I used the excuse of the picture to breathe!) |
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| Lots of cuteness |
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| One way to keep Jim quiet! |
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Two More at Pineland?!
Well, I'd like to say I'm over my avoidance of Pineland (there'll be no avoiding it next Sunday!), but, even with three runs there in one week, I think I have to say I'm still a Pinelandphobe.
Friday, I met up with Dora. Normally, Friday's are my day off, but that's when she's available so Thursday was the day off this week. My tapering schedule had me down for four. We went slightly over that, at a pace that was faster than I have gone by myself. With all our chatter, I didn't feel the faster pace too much. Rick said it was good stacking of the hay. I'm usually just happy to have it in the barn. Dora still had miles to run when we finished so we said bye instead of heading for goodies. Next run : )
Today, Rick and I met up with a large group of Trail Monsters all running various lengths at Pineland. We ran the 10K course (that's the race Rick is running). We enjoyed Julia's company for the very beginning, Karen and Alan's for a piece in the middle, and a little chatter with Shauna and Mary when they passed. Rick and I both felt the humidity. I really hope it's a little drier for the race, but, whatever.
When we got back to the car we hung out and visited for a bit. I was tick-checking almost the entire time. Still, on the way home, Rick pointed out one on my knee.
Friday, I met up with Dora. Normally, Friday's are my day off, but that's when she's available so Thursday was the day off this week. My tapering schedule had me down for four. We went slightly over that, at a pace that was faster than I have gone by myself. With all our chatter, I didn't feel the faster pace too much. Rick said it was good stacking of the hay. I'm usually just happy to have it in the barn. Dora still had miles to run when we finished so we said bye instead of heading for goodies. Next run : )
Today, Rick and I met up with a large group of Trail Monsters all running various lengths at Pineland. We ran the 10K course (that's the race Rick is running). We enjoyed Julia's company for the very beginning, Karen and Alan's for a piece in the middle, and a little chatter with Shauna and Mary when they passed. Rick and I both felt the humidity. I really hope it's a little drier for the race, but, whatever.
When we got back to the car we hung out and visited for a bit. I was tick-checking almost the entire time. Still, on the way home, Rick pointed out one on my knee.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tapering at Thorncrag
The steep hills of Thorncrag usually prove a challenging workout. To keep myself from working too hard (tapering, dontcha know!), I took lots of pictures. I also wanted to capture its beauty. The woods were just amazing; the rain had made the tree trunks the most beautiful deep brown. The bright, green of the new leaves were made even brighter in contrast. What a place to run! I got in nearly five miles. I took a long time because of the photos, but my pace was decent when running.
Here a few of the pictures, along with a teeny snake on the edge of our patio and some pet shots:
Here a few of the pictures, along with a teeny snake on the edge of our patio and some pet shots:
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| Teeny snake, too cold to move |
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| Beautiful Ally Kat |
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| Shhh...she snuck in when I went out to get the paper |
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| Whale Rock |
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| New Trail |
Pineland Partners
Mindy let me make the call today, Bradbury or Pineland for eight. I surprised myself by opting for Pineland. It would be the last chance for Mindy and I to run there before the big event. I've never had just 8 aggravate my ITB there, so....
Since we'd done the non-field, first side with Jeremy (I was about to say, "just a week or two ago". Time flies!) about a month ago, I suggested the beginning loop of the 50 miler plus the Oak Hill side. We talked over my goals for the race and how to get there. I'm feeling pretty good about it.
Even with non-stop conversation and not pushing at all, we still averaged a respectable 10 min/mile. I wish I knew more about the run, but my computer is having issues. None of the USB ports are working right so I can't get my run data off the Garmin : (
The rain started just about when we finished up. Our luck didn't hold though...Mindy and I drove to E & L's after the run, hoping that TBLTs were on the menu. Unfortunately, nothing was; We'd forgotten they close on Mon and Tues. Although not quite up to E & L's yumminess, we were not too disappointed with the second choice. We went back to Pineland for lunch at the Visitor Center.
Since we'd done the non-field, first side with Jeremy (I was about to say, "just a week or two ago". Time flies!) about a month ago, I suggested the beginning loop of the 50 miler plus the Oak Hill side. We talked over my goals for the race and how to get there. I'm feeling pretty good about it.
Even with non-stop conversation and not pushing at all, we still averaged a respectable 10 min/mile. I wish I knew more about the run, but my computer is having issues. None of the USB ports are working right so I can't get my run data off the Garmin : (
The rain started just about when we finished up. Our luck didn't hold though...Mindy and I drove to E & L's after the run, hoping that TBLTs were on the menu. Unfortunately, nothing was; We'd forgotten they close on Mon and Tues. Although not quite up to E & L's yumminess, we were not too disappointed with the second choice. We went back to Pineland for lunch at the Visitor Center.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sloppy Six
Had to run early today because Rick and I headed to NH to visit college friends. Happily, Rick and I ran together for a change! It was cool and drizzling to start. I wore tights with a long sleeve shirt and did not regret the decision. The wet, tall grass made the running slower than normal. By the time we were done, I was fairly mud covered. It made for a nice end of the week run.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
18 Great Bradbury Miles*
Lots of Monsters ran long at Pineland today. I almost wanted to join them, but things have been going so well with running at Bradbury that I decided to stick with it. I'll get in my fill of Pineland on May 29th (I hope!). Besides, I'll soon have lots of company at Bradbury; after the Pineland races are over, the Saturday group runs will be back to Brad.
My heart sank just a little when I pulled into the parking lot. There was a group assembling for an event. A banner proudly proclaimed, "Teens to Trails." I saw a small group of men with clipboards and went up to them to ask which trails they were going to be on. One of them replied something like, "All of them." I think my face probably showed my disappointment. They quickly added that the kids wouldn't be in my way. I explained that I wanted to be out of their way. I wrongly assumed it was a mountain bike race. Turns out it was an Outdoors Club on an orienteering-type race. Their event went from 9 - 12. OK, cool.
To give my run a little bit of extra purpose, I decided to check out a couple little variations on Mindy's 40 for 40 loop to see what would get closest 8 miles. The first lap came in right at 8.21. Not bad. The next one, I took out the Bat Cave Loop and added one to Ginn West. The Garmin read 7.87. Even better. If you add the little bit to get to and from the campsite, I bet that would be very close to 8.
The run itself went really well. I was surprised by having sunshine. Just when I started to worry that I was going to be hot and may not have brought enough fluids, the sky clouded over and a cool breeze blew. I saw a couple of kids on their orienteering quest late in my first lap, but saw lots in my second. The only problem they presented was having to be more careful when I needed to pee. Other than that, they provided some good distraction.
I was a little surprised to see two superheros running towards me on Lanzo. I wish I could get my camera out in time to get a shot. They probably were running the fastest of all the competitors. Well, they were superheros. Later in that same lap, I came across two pickles up where Ginn West becomes Ginn East. They posed for me. The girl pickle was a welcomed sight; the only other girls I saw were sitting on rocks (very early into their competition) eating. The pickle team seemed to be working hard.
A little over 15 miles in, I took my first fall since the snow melted. Once I figured out that I wasn't really hurt, I got a chuckle out of it. I fell in the exact spot that Mindy had when we ran on Wednesday. However, I didn't roll nicely like Mindy. I landed a bit awkwardly, sort of twisting my back. Almost felt like I had an adjustment. I'm heading back this week with a saw to deal with that dark little stump in the trail!
After the run, I met up with Jeremy and Mindy at E & L's. We rehashed our runs while enjoying turkey reubens. What a day!
*Originally titled, "Bradelicious 18", till I realized I didn't coin the word. Oops!
My heart sank just a little when I pulled into the parking lot. There was a group assembling for an event. A banner proudly proclaimed, "Teens to Trails." I saw a small group of men with clipboards and went up to them to ask which trails they were going to be on. One of them replied something like, "All of them." I think my face probably showed my disappointment. They quickly added that the kids wouldn't be in my way. I explained that I wanted to be out of their way. I wrongly assumed it was a mountain bike race. Turns out it was an Outdoors Club on an orienteering-type race. Their event went from 9 - 12. OK, cool.
To give my run a little bit of extra purpose, I decided to check out a couple little variations on Mindy's 40 for 40 loop to see what would get closest 8 miles. The first lap came in right at 8.21. Not bad. The next one, I took out the Bat Cave Loop and added one to Ginn West. The Garmin read 7.87. Even better. If you add the little bit to get to and from the campsite, I bet that would be very close to 8.
The run itself went really well. I was surprised by having sunshine. Just when I started to worry that I was going to be hot and may not have brought enough fluids, the sky clouded over and a cool breeze blew. I saw a couple of kids on their orienteering quest late in my first lap, but saw lots in my second. The only problem they presented was having to be more careful when I needed to pee. Other than that, they provided some good distraction.
I was a little surprised to see two superheros running towards me on Lanzo. I wish I could get my camera out in time to get a shot. They probably were running the fastest of all the competitors. Well, they were superheros. Later in that same lap, I came across two pickles up where Ginn West becomes Ginn East. They posed for me. The girl pickle was a welcomed sight; the only other girls I saw were sitting on rocks (very early into their competition) eating. The pickle team seemed to be working hard.
A little over 15 miles in, I took my first fall since the snow melted. Once I figured out that I wasn't really hurt, I got a chuckle out of it. I fell in the exact spot that Mindy had when we ran on Wednesday. However, I didn't roll nicely like Mindy. I landed a bit awkwardly, sort of twisting my back. Almost felt like I had an adjustment. I'm heading back this week with a saw to deal with that dark little stump in the trail!
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| Little guy was very reluctant to get off the bridge |
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| guess he'd been munching out |
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| orienteerers |
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| Pickles |
*Originally titled, "Bradelicious 18", till I realized I didn't coin the word. Oops!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Could've Been
Since my schedule for Wednesday only called for 10 miles, but I ran 14.8, I decided I could take Thursday off. Friday is my normal day off, so that would make two in a row! After running the miles on the Brad/Pineland Connector and then raking the South Ridge Trail with Mindy, two days seemed necessary.
When I woke up on Thursday, the cold wind made the damp day very dreary. I was still very happy thinking I wasn't running. As the day got older, the weather got nicer. By four o'clock, the sun was shining and the breeze was friendly. OK, I wanted to run. Instead of convincing myself that I really needed a day off, I convinced myself that I needed to run in warm weather. It would probably be warm at Pineland. I enjoyed every step of my 4.25 field miles.
When I woke up on Thursday, the cold wind made the damp day very dreary. I was still very happy thinking I wasn't running. As the day got older, the weather got nicer. By four o'clock, the sun was shining and the breeze was friendly. OK, I wanted to run. Instead of convincing myself that I really needed a day off, I convinced myself that I needed to run in warm weather. It would probably be warm at Pineland. I enjoyed every step of my 4.25 field miles.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Back to Back Double
I was at the power lines on Sweetser at 7 am to run with Blaine and Erin. I pointed out to Blaine where we missed the trail the last time we tried to run this part of the connector. We ran into the park and started on the Boundary trail, but decided that better be it. On the return trip, we wanted to check out the quarry to see if the icy was still in the pool like it was about 10 days ago. Nope. All water this time.
I could pretend I did it on purpose, as payback, but I just got mixed up from going off the trail to the quarry. When we got back to the trail, we came to where I thought was the place to turn off to head down to Lawrence Rd. I yelled at Blaine; he was going the wrong way. So, I led us...right back to the beautiful pool on the way to Bradbury. Oops! Turn around and then back just fine.
Unfortunately, running down the actual path to Lawrence Rd., Erin hurt her foot. Blaine and I continued on to the cars while she waited at the monument on Lawrence to be picked up. Aside from Erin's injury, it was a fun run on a great trail. I ended with 7.8 miles.
I thought I would have time to go to E & L's for coffee and a doughnut before meeting Mindy at 9 am for trail work and another run. With my little...um...detour, I only had a few minutes. I headed right to the park. Sitting in the car, my fingers started to go all white. I never expected my Raynaud's to show up this late in the year. I tried blasting the heat at them, but they continued to get worse. When Mindy pulled in, I asked if she wanted to run first, trail work second. I couldn't imagine holding a rake right then. We were on the same page. She was going to ask if I minded running first.
Good thing. If we had raked and battled with all the billions of black flies, I'm not sure if I would even have wanted to run. Yikes! They were fierce.
From the lot, we headed up the Switchback Trail (more or less...it's hard to follow right now) to the summit and picked up the Boundary Trail. It was fun running the connector with Mindy. She was recognizing spots from when she'd run it in the winter. I loved sharing Ian's pool with Mindy. She appreciated it's beauty with all the moss and new greenery. Turned around at the power lines, back to the park, and down the Boundary.
My Garmin said 6.9 miles with 1,640 elevation gain.
Somewhere after the pool, the blood returned to my fingers. I even would say I was really hot. And really hungry. It didn't take much to convince Mindy we should eat before maintaining trails. After another yummy meal at E & L's, we became a yummy meal for all the black flies on Bradbury, at least, all the flies on South Ridge.
I could pretend I did it on purpose, as payback, but I just got mixed up from going off the trail to the quarry. When we got back to the trail, we came to where I thought was the place to turn off to head down to Lawrence Rd. I yelled at Blaine; he was going the wrong way. So, I led us...right back to the beautiful pool on the way to Bradbury. Oops! Turn around and then back just fine.
Unfortunately, running down the actual path to Lawrence Rd., Erin hurt her foot. Blaine and I continued on to the cars while she waited at the monument on Lawrence to be picked up. Aside from Erin's injury, it was a fun run on a great trail. I ended with 7.8 miles.
I thought I would have time to go to E & L's for coffee and a doughnut before meeting Mindy at 9 am for trail work and another run. With my little...um...detour, I only had a few minutes. I headed right to the park. Sitting in the car, my fingers started to go all white. I never expected my Raynaud's to show up this late in the year. I tried blasting the heat at them, but they continued to get worse. When Mindy pulled in, I asked if she wanted to run first, trail work second. I couldn't imagine holding a rake right then. We were on the same page. She was going to ask if I minded running first.
Good thing. If we had raked and battled with all the billions of black flies, I'm not sure if I would even have wanted to run. Yikes! They were fierce.
From the lot, we headed up the Switchback Trail (more or less...it's hard to follow right now) to the summit and picked up the Boundary Trail. It was fun running the connector with Mindy. She was recognizing spots from when she'd run it in the winter. I loved sharing Ian's pool with Mindy. She appreciated it's beauty with all the moss and new greenery. Turned around at the power lines, back to the park, and down the Boundary.
My Garmin said 6.9 miles with 1,640 elevation gain.
Somewhere after the pool, the blood returned to my fingers. I even would say I was really hot. And really hungry. It didn't take much to convince Mindy we should eat before maintaining trails. After another yummy meal at E & L's, we became a yummy meal for all the black flies on Bradbury, at least, all the flies on South Ridge.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Almost Uneventful
Went out late in the afternoon to get in my four miles. I overdressed slightly, but, with only four to run I wasn't too concerned. It's hard to dress appropriately when it's 49 degrees, drizzling, and windy. The miles were going fine. The fields had dried up a lot since I last ran.
Right near my last stretch by the river, I was severely scolded by a King Fisher. I don't think I'd ever heard one before. It really let me have it!
Right near my last stretch by the river, I was severely scolded by a King Fisher. I don't think I'd ever heard one before. It really let me have it!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Trail Kill
On my Sunday run, I did take one picture. Not far into Lanzo, I spotted a little mouse stretched out on the trail. She/he was so cute. I had to jump over not to land on the rodent. I stopped and went back. Yup. It was dead. Looked like a mountain bike had run it over, probably had no clue it had hit the little creature. Taking the picture, I thought that it looked like a cartoon, like a little mouse with lipstick. It wasn't till I got a couple of sticks to lift it off the trail (would prevent further trail kill - I could see something down trying to nibble on the mouse and getting rundown itself) that I realized that its little rosy lips were actually from blood. Poor little thing.
Last Big One Before the Taper
Hard to believe it's taper time already. Actually, it's hard to believe I'm saying that. I think, just yesterday, I was saying I was so ready, both mind and body, for the taper. Well, 36.36 miles later and I'm ready for more : )
Saturday, TMR was running at Pineland, but I opted for Bradbury. I thought I was going to be alone for all 26 miles, but Mindy offered to run her miles with me instead. Then Ian said he'd run over from Pineland on the Connector and join me for some miles about an hour into my run.
I got to the parking early, must have been eager! That's when I realized I left my PBJ and extra Gatorade home. I hoped I still had sufficient supplies. A mountain biker's sweet, old boxer provided company while I waited for Mindy. Even when Mindy got there, we spent time with the pup. She had such a precious face and disposition.
We headed out on the Mindy loop (since it's most likely what she'll be using for her 40 for 40,that's my new name for the modified-Bruiser loop we've been doing) chatting away. Somewhere around 4 miles in, I realized I wasn't paying attention to anything except our fun run; I needed to remember to hydrate. The day was going to be one of the warmest yet. I managed to drink almost 8 oz on our 8 miles, but forgot to GU (I'm trying to remember to take one about every 1 to 1 1/4 hours).
We were expecting to see Ian somewhere on Fox West. When we got to where the trail meets up with the Link, we debated which way he would be coming - up the Link or from running the Bruiser backwards. We waited a few minutes, figuring the Link wouldn't take that long for Ian, then headed out on the rest of the Bruiser.
Mindy took her first digger of the year on the next piece of single track. I was in front so didn't see, but it sounded like a good one. She had popped right back up and declared herself fine! We finished up the loop and headed back to the parking lot. That was the day for Mindy; she had company coming. She hung with me while I refueled (Honey Stinger Wafer and 8 oz Gatorade right there, and refilled Fuel Belt bottles).
Getting ready to head out, there still was no Ian. Was he still coming? Was he already on the east side, but we just missed each other? Putting the Gatorade bottle back in the car, I noticed something red on my windshield. It was a red hat. Ian's? I showed Mindy. We decided that Ian must be out there. I planned to head back out the Bruiser backward, figuring he probably did come up the Link, would have run Fox West and then head back the end of the Bruiser when he didn't find us.
I'd just gotten to the starting area of the Scuffle and Bruiser, when I saw Ian heading down the Link! I ran up to meet him. He was fairly drenched with sweat. Running from Pineland to Bradbury was farther than he thought (there was the mileage to get to the actual trail on the Pineland side and he even added a little to the trail by missing a turn near the quarry). He was ready to head back. Perfect! I'd run with him and learn the trail. He was excited to show someone a beautiful pool he discovered just down the river from where the trail crosses it. I can see why.
I love the terrain. It's harder running than the east side of Bradbury - by far. It's got more elevation changes. It reminds me of the O trail straightened and put on a hill; it has all the dips. The trail has that soft, padded feel that new trails have before all the traffic packs them firmly. I would have liked to run the entire trail with Ian, but, since I couldn't carry enough fuel in my belt for that distance, I turned back when we got to the power lines. Thanks for the company and showing me the way : )
My Garmin said I had 12 miles down. I was still feeling good and planning on cooling off in that pool on the way back. I did stick my sore feet in (really just painful big toes), but decided against going in all the way. The moss covered rocks were very slippery when wet. I didn't want to fall with no one around.
The water felt...mmmm! Good thing for all the mosquitoes; I would have stayed there too long!
Back on the Boundary Trail, I decided to head to the summit and then take the Tote road down. After refueling in the parking lot, I'd have bout 9 miles to finish up. I had my last Honey Stinger Wafer, downed a 12 oz Coke, refilled my bottles and packed another GU in my belt. The last miles were hard. I was feeling the heat (funny how 60s can feel so hot when not acclimated). In the last mile, I started to hear thunder. At least I'd be in before the storms came.
When I finished, I knew I needed food. I headed to E & L's. The TBLT was the special. I just stood there at the counter. I wanted food, but couldn't think of eating. I didn't even want to be there. Finally, I took a cold Ginger Beer from the cooler and asked for one of the frosted carrot cupcakes to go. The cold soda was the best. The frosting helped too.
Pulling up our driveway, I felt mostly human again. I managed to smile at the tick I took off the inside of the passenger side window (the side where my I threw my wet, muddy Inov8s when I changed into a fresh pair before the final loop).
Danielle had put on the TMR forum that she was running Pineland on Sunday at 8:30 if anyone wanted to join her. I thought that might be a good way to get in the 10 on my schedule. Dora was going to join in, too. It'd been a while since I've caught up with them.
I woke up Sunday feeling pretty good about everything feeling pretty good. The only complaint was from my big toes. The more I thought about them running down the steep, frequent downs at Pineland, the less I wanted to run there. I had already planned on just saying hi to D & D, maybe keeping up for a little, and then letting them run ahead at their own pace. Hmmmm...I wasn't going to have company and I wasn't going to enjoy the terrain. I still drove out to Pineland to say hi, but then made the short trip to Bradbury to run my favorite ground.
Besides the first 100 feet getting the body moving, I felt great. The weather was perfect. Since the Mindy loop gets in just about 8 miles, I decided to check out some of the little single track that I never go on because it's not part of any of the TM races. Fun! Still felt good at the end of the run. Let the taper begin!!!
Oh, I went back to Pineland to catch Danielle, Ryan, and Sam at the visitor center. It was good to see Ryan again and always fun to watch sweet Sam being the happy little girl that she is.
Saturday, TMR was running at Pineland, but I opted for Bradbury. I thought I was going to be alone for all 26 miles, but Mindy offered to run her miles with me instead. Then Ian said he'd run over from Pineland on the Connector and join me for some miles about an hour into my run.
I got to the parking early, must have been eager! That's when I realized I left my PBJ and extra Gatorade home. I hoped I still had sufficient supplies. A mountain biker's sweet, old boxer provided company while I waited for Mindy. Even when Mindy got there, we spent time with the pup. She had such a precious face and disposition.
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| Sweet, old girl |
We headed out on the Mindy loop (since it's most likely what she'll be using for her 40 for 40,that's my new name for the modified-Bruiser loop we've been doing) chatting away. Somewhere around 4 miles in, I realized I wasn't paying attention to anything except our fun run; I needed to remember to hydrate. The day was going to be one of the warmest yet. I managed to drink almost 8 oz on our 8 miles, but forgot to GU (I'm trying to remember to take one about every 1 to 1 1/4 hours).
We were expecting to see Ian somewhere on Fox West. When we got to where the trail meets up with the Link, we debated which way he would be coming - up the Link or from running the Bruiser backwards. We waited a few minutes, figuring the Link wouldn't take that long for Ian, then headed out on the rest of the Bruiser.
Mindy took her first digger of the year on the next piece of single track. I was in front so didn't see, but it sounded like a good one. She had popped right back up and declared herself fine! We finished up the loop and headed back to the parking lot. That was the day for Mindy; she had company coming. She hung with me while I refueled (Honey Stinger Wafer and 8 oz Gatorade right there, and refilled Fuel Belt bottles).
Getting ready to head out, there still was no Ian. Was he still coming? Was he already on the east side, but we just missed each other? Putting the Gatorade bottle back in the car, I noticed something red on my windshield. It was a red hat. Ian's? I showed Mindy. We decided that Ian must be out there. I planned to head back out the Bruiser backward, figuring he probably did come up the Link, would have run Fox West and then head back the end of the Bruiser when he didn't find us.
I'd just gotten to the starting area of the Scuffle and Bruiser, when I saw Ian heading down the Link! I ran up to meet him. He was fairly drenched with sweat. Running from Pineland to Bradbury was farther than he thought (there was the mileage to get to the actual trail on the Pineland side and he even added a little to the trail by missing a turn near the quarry). He was ready to head back. Perfect! I'd run with him and learn the trail. He was excited to show someone a beautiful pool he discovered just down the river from where the trail crosses it. I can see why.
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| very inviting |
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| Ian rehydrating |
I love the terrain. It's harder running than the east side of Bradbury - by far. It's got more elevation changes. It reminds me of the O trail straightened and put on a hill; it has all the dips. The trail has that soft, padded feel that new trails have before all the traffic packs them firmly. I would have liked to run the entire trail with Ian, but, since I couldn't carry enough fuel in my belt for that distance, I turned back when we got to the power lines. Thanks for the company and showing me the way : )
My Garmin said I had 12 miles down. I was still feeling good and planning on cooling off in that pool on the way back. I did stick my sore feet in (really just painful big toes), but decided against going in all the way. The moss covered rocks were very slippery when wet. I didn't want to fall with no one around.
The water felt...mmmm! Good thing for all the mosquitoes; I would have stayed there too long!
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| Just after the summit |
When I finished, I knew I needed food. I headed to E & L's. The TBLT was the special. I just stood there at the counter. I wanted food, but couldn't think of eating. I didn't even want to be there. Finally, I took a cold Ginger Beer from the cooler and asked for one of the frosted carrot cupcakes to go. The cold soda was the best. The frosting helped too.
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| 26.36 miles |
Danielle had put on the TMR forum that she was running Pineland on Sunday at 8:30 if anyone wanted to join her. I thought that might be a good way to get in the 10 on my schedule. Dora was going to join in, too. It'd been a while since I've caught up with them.
I woke up Sunday feeling pretty good about everything feeling pretty good. The only complaint was from my big toes. The more I thought about them running down the steep, frequent downs at Pineland, the less I wanted to run there. I had already planned on just saying hi to D & D, maybe keeping up for a little, and then letting them run ahead at their own pace. Hmmmm...I wasn't going to have company and I wasn't going to enjoy the terrain. I still drove out to Pineland to say hi, but then made the short trip to Bradbury to run my favorite ground.
Besides the first 100 feet getting the body moving, I felt great. The weather was perfect. Since the Mindy loop gets in just about 8 miles, I decided to check out some of the little single track that I never go on because it's not part of any of the TM races. Fun! Still felt good at the end of the run. Let the taper begin!!!
Oh, I went back to Pineland to catch Danielle, Ryan, and Sam at the visitor center. It was good to see Ryan again and always fun to watch sweet Sam being the happy little girl that she is.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Home Field Advantage
Though I don't like the fields as much as the wooded trails of Bradbury, Thorncrag, or Gorham, they have the advantage of being right outside my door. I also enjoy the various wildlife right in my own back yard. Though, in a previous post, I complained about the Canadian Geese out there messing up my fields. I believe I even expressed a desire for the coyotes to get them all. Since then, the flock has moved on; just my nesting pair remains. Notice the "my". Yes, they are mine. I look forward to seeing them. I talk to them as I run by. I'd protect them if they were threatened.
I decided that my feelings about Canadian Geese are very similar to my feelings about kids. I used to think I'd be a good math or science teacher, but realized that I pretty much hate kids in groups. I think individually I could connect with any of them. So geese are fine alone or in pairs. Kids are fine the same way. In large groups, there's just too much crap from them both!
Oh, I ran 8 miles and noticed some more tendon-type pains. Not to worry, I saw Julia later in the day and she worked out a lot of them. Also showed me how to use a tennis ball on my problem areas so I can keep my hip/back/ITB issues in check.
I decided that my feelings about Canadian Geese are very similar to my feelings about kids. I used to think I'd be a good math or science teacher, but realized that I pretty much hate kids in groups. I think individually I could connect with any of them. So geese are fine alone or in pairs. Kids are fine the same way. In large groups, there's just too much crap from them both!
Oh, I ran 8 miles and noticed some more tendon-type pains. Not to worry, I saw Julia later in the day and she worked out a lot of them. Also showed me how to use a tennis ball on my problem areas so I can keep my hip/back/ITB issues in check.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Bradbury Two Ways
Met up with TMs Erin and Bethany at Bradbury yesterday morning. The idea was to clean up the Terrace Trail, one of the trails adopted by TMR. Armed with rakes and two types of clippers, we hiked up to the top of the trail to work down. It consisted mostly of raking the heavy layer of oak leaves off the trail and some pruning. Beth did get to clear a downed tree and the jump that a clever mountain biker had made over it. Oh, about half way down, the bugs, both mosquitoes and black flies decided that the drizzle wasn't enough to keep them from feasting on us.
I had expected the trail to show more signs of erosion than it did. I saw two spots that probably could benefit from the (rats! I don't know the real name for the things) water diverters that go across the trail. We did make sure to clear the existing ones so they could better handle the run off. In fact, one area of erosion looks like it was caused by the diverter-thingy above not handling it. At the very bottom of the trail, Beth and I refilled the washout with the gravel that had washed down onto the Northern Loop Trail. Shovels would have been the right tool, but, with the wrong tool, the job just takes more muscle and time! Erin stayed on the raking cause she had the leaf rake, not the metal kind.
It's satisfying to look back up the trail to see what you've accomplished. Heading back, I asked what time it was. We were all shocked to learn it was 11:20. We'd been at it for 3hours!!! I had guessed it would take about two. It sort of seemed like it was less than two. That's a good sign. Except, Bethany had to leave to pick up her boyfriend from the airport and didn't get any miles in. Erin and I were famished; there was no way I could run 12 miles without some food. We drove to E & L's. I hoped for a breakfast sandwich. Erin wanted something more like a muffin. The breakfast sandwich sign was just being taken down : ( We both settled on cookies, but also noted that there was the Turkey sandwich on special that tastes like Thanksgiving on bread. At the same time, Erin and I decided we should come back after and split one.
Back to the park. We ran up the Switch Back so that we could run down the Terrace, hoping to admire our effort. Yay! We did. To get in the rest of the miles, we crossed the road to do what has become my normal loop. I realized I didn't have time for all 12, but hoped to run 10. I'm pretty sure it was the 3 hours of work before, but we were slow. It didn't really feel it, but the Garmins let us know. I wasn't watching pace, but when I looked at how long we'd been out there somewhere on Fox West, I asked Erin if it was alright if we cut it even shorter. We ended up with 9.6 miles.
Back at E & L's, the guy ahead of us ordered the last Turkey sandwich special that they had. After the initial disappointment, I "settled" for a Reuben and Erin had the Seasonal Salad. Jobs well done.
I had expected the trail to show more signs of erosion than it did. I saw two spots that probably could benefit from the (rats! I don't know the real name for the things) water diverters that go across the trail. We did make sure to clear the existing ones so they could better handle the run off. In fact, one area of erosion looks like it was caused by the diverter-thingy above not handling it. At the very bottom of the trail, Beth and I refilled the washout with the gravel that had washed down onto the Northern Loop Trail. Shovels would have been the right tool, but, with the wrong tool, the job just takes more muscle and time! Erin stayed on the raking cause she had the leaf rake, not the metal kind.
It's satisfying to look back up the trail to see what you've accomplished. Heading back, I asked what time it was. We were all shocked to learn it was 11:20. We'd been at it for 3hours!!! I had guessed it would take about two. It sort of seemed like it was less than two. That's a good sign. Except, Bethany had to leave to pick up her boyfriend from the airport and didn't get any miles in. Erin and I were famished; there was no way I could run 12 miles without some food. We drove to E & L's. I hoped for a breakfast sandwich. Erin wanted something more like a muffin. The breakfast sandwich sign was just being taken down : ( We both settled on cookies, but also noted that there was the Turkey sandwich on special that tastes like Thanksgiving on bread. At the same time, Erin and I decided we should come back after and split one.
Back to the park. We ran up the Switch Back so that we could run down the Terrace, hoping to admire our effort. Yay! We did. To get in the rest of the miles, we crossed the road to do what has become my normal loop. I realized I didn't have time for all 12, but hoped to run 10. I'm pretty sure it was the 3 hours of work before, but we were slow. It didn't really feel it, but the Garmins let us know. I wasn't watching pace, but when I looked at how long we'd been out there somewhere on Fox West, I asked Erin if it was alright if we cut it even shorter. We ended up with 9.6 miles.
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| Bethany just beginning |
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| Erin starting out |
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| Supposed to show some washout (camera or photographer doesn't capture it) |
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| Ditto |
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| Nice : ) |
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Four in Fields
After rolling the ITB (without a lot of pain), I ran an uneventful four miles (!!!!!) in the field. Still, I made an appointment with Julia, for Thursday, to get the kinks out.
50K - The Final Frontier (last 5+ miles)
It wasn't till I was at the fork, that I chose to go up the mountain rather than back across the street. I'm still not sure why I picked more elevation over the many options for mileage on the east side. I called Rick to let him know I was in the final miles and doing OK. I'd been running for 5 hours and 20 minutes. Add in the 51 minutes of all my parking lot refueling stops, I thought he might be worried. You might think that I could wait till I was done; I only had 5 more miles. Heading up the mountain, it seemed like those miles could take a very long time.
There were lots of people out on the trails. I always thanked people with puppies for giving me a good excuse for stopping. On the boundary trail, I was able to run pretty well till the steep hill up from the back. I walked that entirely. I think it was after that, I started putting my feet into any little stream, appreciating the cold. I felt like it gave me a bit of relief from the toe pain. I headed back to the summit like Blaine and I had, hours and hours ago. The raptor counter was still there, along with a group of people enjoying the beautiful day and views.
The Tote Road is normally one of my favorites on the Mountain side, probably because it's a good place to recover during the Breaker, recover AND even pick up the pace. That was not the case today. The rooty ground was very mean to my feet. I'm not even talking about catching a toe or nearly tripping; just landing on the uneven trail shot pain through my toes. I began to play a little game in my head, trying to figure what my mileage would be when I got down and what mileage I would let myself call close enough. Yup, 29 miles seemed very respectable, given the day and terrain. Yup, I could call it quits when I got back to the parking lot.
My brain is a bit gullible. It helped thinking I would stop, but some mean person in there made me run across the road to get the right distance. That same mean part of me always knew it would. I think that's who I have to thank for being able to run Pineland. I even went a little faster on the east side - not just cause it's flatter. I started worrying that E & L's was going to be closed before I finished. That would be cruel!
Done. 31.21 miles and 6:46:21 showed on the Garmin. Feeling pretty good, I immediately drove towards to yummy food. Remembered to call Rick. There was Mindy waiting for me. She hadn't even eaten yet (well, except for a cookie). We were both ordered the TBLT that Mindy had pined for since she first had it; it was on special. I think it was her karmic reward. Oh. My. God. Yum!
Sunday's Recovery Run: I was amazed at how little my big toes hurt as a I headed down the drive for a run in the fields. I was pretty surprised at how little hurt, till about 2.5 miles in. My ITB spoke up then (the left side, as always). That was a little disturbing. It can become a real issue or be able to be worked out. It still remains to be seen. I finished my 4 miles because I had to get back. Monday was a day off. Today, I'll get more info on the condition. I'll also be calling Julia for a massage.
Oh. And because I made myself take the camera after Blaine's portion, here's some shots (all from the final bit):
There were lots of people out on the trails. I always thanked people with puppies for giving me a good excuse for stopping. On the boundary trail, I was able to run pretty well till the steep hill up from the back. I walked that entirely. I think it was after that, I started putting my feet into any little stream, appreciating the cold. I felt like it gave me a bit of relief from the toe pain. I headed back to the summit like Blaine and I had, hours and hours ago. The raptor counter was still there, along with a group of people enjoying the beautiful day and views.
The Tote Road is normally one of my favorites on the Mountain side, probably because it's a good place to recover during the Breaker, recover AND even pick up the pace. That was not the case today. The rooty ground was very mean to my feet. I'm not even talking about catching a toe or nearly tripping; just landing on the uneven trail shot pain through my toes. I began to play a little game in my head, trying to figure what my mileage would be when I got down and what mileage I would let myself call close enough. Yup, 29 miles seemed very respectable, given the day and terrain. Yup, I could call it quits when I got back to the parking lot.
My brain is a bit gullible. It helped thinking I would stop, but some mean person in there made me run across the road to get the right distance. That same mean part of me always knew it would. I think that's who I have to thank for being able to run Pineland. I even went a little faster on the east side - not just cause it's flatter. I started worrying that E & L's was going to be closed before I finished. That would be cruel!
Done. 31.21 miles and 6:46:21 showed on the Garmin. Feeling pretty good, I immediately drove towards to yummy food. Remembered to call Rick. There was Mindy waiting for me. She hadn't even eaten yet (well, except for a cookie). We were both ordered the TBLT that Mindy had pined for since she first had it; it was on special. I think it was her karmic reward. Oh. My. God. Yum!
Sunday's Recovery Run: I was amazed at how little my big toes hurt as a I headed down the drive for a run in the fields. I was pretty surprised at how little hurt, till about 2.5 miles in. My ITB spoke up then (the left side, as always). That was a little disturbing. It can become a real issue or be able to be worked out. It still remains to be seen. I finished my 4 miles because I had to get back. Monday was a day off. Today, I'll get more info on the condition. I'll also be calling Julia for a massage.
Oh. And because I made myself take the camera after Blaine's portion, here's some shots (all from the final bit):
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| Brookie - a very sweet pit bull pup |
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| The raptor count |
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| the day |
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| the raptor counter |
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| Billy or Willy |
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| Billy and Willy |
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