I ran all the little side trails I could find on the east side of the Brad today. I love seeing how close all the trail we know are to each other. I found a couple that could make a good loop to run. I startled the pileated, but had no chance at a picture. I think I took a lot of other good shots, but can't get them to load onto the computer.
Linda came along and we headed to E&L after. It's always good to be a regular. Though there was no TBLT on the menu, Steph mentioned they still had bacon enough for one sandwich. So Linda and I split a TBLT and each had a bowl of yummy cream of broccoli soup.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Slow Seven
I drove down to the office (tee hee!) today to pick up a laptop so I could get a jump on some stuff for work. That meant it would be easy to justify a run at Bradbury. I changed at the office so I wouldn't have to change in the damp outhouse. Guess my office mates should get used to that any way! I'm pretty psyched that they have a shower there.
It had rained, but wasn't raining when I set out. Stuart, one of my coworkers, asked which side I normally run on. I realized I spend enormous amounts of time on the east side. Driving over, I decided it would be a mountain run instead. I had a route all planned, but abandoned that when I got to the break in the rock wall for the connector; it kind of sucked me in. I had to run a bit slower than usual on downs cause I was a little nervous about the wet rocks covered with leaves. On this stretch, I had to go a bit slower on stretches cause the leaves made the path harder to follow.
When I reached the brook crossing, I decided to check out upstream (I've always just gone down). I saw a log that spanned the brook. Was that the one in the pics from Ian, Jeremy, and Mindy's winter crossing? I decided to try to see if I could cross standing. I felt extremely brave, especially since, as I mentioned, things were slick. Well, the braveness lasted till I stepped to feet onto the tree. It seemed like it wasn't solid. Perhaps the wetness made the grounds hold on the end of the tree a little tenuous. Perhaps I'm just a weeny. I went back to my normal crossing. I didn't even take Mindy's method of tree traversing. (OK, I just spent a lot of time searching other people's blog fro the pic of her personal crossing, but couldn't find it to link to : (
I used Lawrence road as my turnaround. Back in the park, I wanted to run the Boundary till I found that little trail that crossed back to the trail that connects the Tote to the beginning part of the Boundary. Take that to the Tote, do Krista's Loop, and evaluate mileage from there. Well, I missed the trail, but really wanted to know where it pops out so I could run that route some other time. I turned around, ran the Boundary back to the other little connector to the trail that connects the Tote to the Boundary took that till I got the to other end of the trail I wanted. I took that back to the Boundary. It came out at the bench - good landmark. From there I ran to the summit, down the Tote, and down the Ski trail. The Garmin read 7 miles just as I got even with the big field. So I walk it in for a cool down.
Oh, the fog kept rolling in while I was running too, making me think I had vision issues. Well, I did have vision issues, but, before I'd realize what was going on, I thought my eyes were going blurry or something. I think weird stuff out there sometime. So with rain, slippery conditions, stopping and starting, visibility (I probably can come up with more reasons), my time was pretty pedestrian. Slow, but fun.
It had rained, but wasn't raining when I set out. Stuart, one of my coworkers, asked which side I normally run on. I realized I spend enormous amounts of time on the east side. Driving over, I decided it would be a mountain run instead. I had a route all planned, but abandoned that when I got to the break in the rock wall for the connector; it kind of sucked me in. I had to run a bit slower than usual on downs cause I was a little nervous about the wet rocks covered with leaves. On this stretch, I had to go a bit slower on stretches cause the leaves made the path harder to follow.
When I reached the brook crossing, I decided to check out upstream (I've always just gone down). I saw a log that spanned the brook. Was that the one in the pics from Ian, Jeremy, and Mindy's winter crossing? I decided to try to see if I could cross standing. I felt extremely brave, especially since, as I mentioned, things were slick. Well, the braveness lasted till I stepped to feet onto the tree. It seemed like it wasn't solid. Perhaps the wetness made the grounds hold on the end of the tree a little tenuous. Perhaps I'm just a weeny. I went back to my normal crossing. I didn't even take Mindy's method of tree traversing. (OK, I just spent a lot of time searching other people's blog fro the pic of her personal crossing, but couldn't find it to link to : (
I used Lawrence road as my turnaround. Back in the park, I wanted to run the Boundary till I found that little trail that crossed back to the trail that connects the Tote to the beginning part of the Boundary. Take that to the Tote, do Krista's Loop, and evaluate mileage from there. Well, I missed the trail, but really wanted to know where it pops out so I could run that route some other time. I turned around, ran the Boundary back to the other little connector to the trail that connects the Tote to the Boundary took that till I got the to other end of the trail I wanted. I took that back to the Boundary. It came out at the bench - good landmark. From there I ran to the summit, down the Tote, and down the Ski trail. The Garmin read 7 miles just as I got even with the big field. So I walk it in for a cool down.
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| the spilt #s show where the little trail I was hunting for goes |
Oh, the fog kept rolling in while I was running too, making me think I had vision issues. Well, I did have vision issues, but, before I'd realize what was going on, I thought my eyes were going blurry or something. I think weird stuff out there sometime. So with rain, slippery conditions, stopping and starting, visibility (I probably can come up with more reasons), my time was pretty pedestrian. Slow, but fun.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Dwindling Days
My days running the Brad at will are numbered, single digitily. So I headed there for another eight miles. This time I didn't run Mindy's loop, but kind of just pieced chunks of trails together as the spirit moved me. I started out like I was doing the Scuffle, but, when I got to the Snowmobile Trail, switched over to running the Bruiser backward. Instead of doing just that little bit of trail before crossing over to Fox West, I added the loop that branches off. Like many loops off trails, it came back to the trail almost where it broke off. I crossed over to Fox West with every intention of staying with a backward Bruiser, but switched over to Fox East when the trail sharply turns. I stuck with the Scuffle course till I got to the boundary where the race would head back down the Snowmobile Trail. I just ran straight across to Ginn West, again on a backward Bruiser part. Instead of heading onto Ragan, I stayed on Ginn West till it was like I was running the end part of the Bruiser frontward. I added a teeny bit on the mountain side to make it essentially (fought the urge to put exactly) eight.
As I was headed out on the mountain side, I saw two runners headed in. I yelled hey to NJ Dave and his friend. We stopped to chat for a minute, but then headed our own ways. The air was better than yesterday. It was a great little run. I felt like I could have ran another hour or two, but had stuff to get done.
Oh, and I saw a white tail bound away from me on the Bat Cave loop : )
As I was headed out on the mountain side, I saw two runners headed in. I yelled hey to NJ Dave and his friend. We stopped to chat for a minute, but then headed our own ways. The air was better than yesterday. It was a great little run. I felt like I could have ran another hour or two, but had stuff to get done.
Oh, and I saw a white tail bound away from me on the Bat Cave loop : )
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Easy Eight
I can't believe that people like to clothes shop. It's especially trying when you have to buy clothes. It's harder when you know what you want, but no one seems to sell it any more. At least I had Linda with me today to help. After lots and lots of looking, I was successful enough to call it good. The best part was knowing Bradbury lies between Freeport and my house.
Oh Brad! You're good for what ails. Linda and I went off on our own runs. Without even thinking, I just ran Mindy's loop. Almost all of the puddles were gone. Well, most of the water was gone from the puddles; plenty of mud remained. While pretty hot, a lot of the weekends humidity seemed to have dried up as well.
I had my camera with me, but no real intentions of taking it out until the pileated woodpecker kept squawking. As much as he was heard, I never saw him, but, since I had my camera snapped off a couple pictures.
I felt pretty good out there. Even did some up-tempo stretches, perhaps to counter my stoppage time for pics. Will I run there everyday till I start driving to S. Portland daily? I hope it works out that way : )
Oh Brad! You're good for what ails. Linda and I went off on our own runs. Without even thinking, I just ran Mindy's loop. Almost all of the puddles were gone. Well, most of the water was gone from the puddles; plenty of mud remained. While pretty hot, a lot of the weekends humidity seemed to have dried up as well.
I had my camera with me, but no real intentions of taking it out until the pileated woodpecker kept squawking. As much as he was heard, I never saw him, but, since I had my camera snapped off a couple pictures.
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| Bench on the Bat Cave - not sure when it showed up |
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| Some trails are already getting covered |
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| beware hidden roots |
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| Red Squirrel about to take on a Jedi |
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| Beaver pond filling back up |
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| home sweet home |
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| in person, these two fungi looked more like an opened clamshell |
I felt pretty good out there. Even did some up-tempo stretches, perhaps to counter my stoppage time for pics. Will I run there everyday till I start driving to S. Portland daily? I hope it works out that way : )
Testing 1,2,3...
For some reason my blog posts don't seem to be showing up on people's blog lists till I write the next post. I'm testing that theory by writing this to see if the one from two days ago then shows up.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Bruiser Un-Bruised and Un-Oed
Rick and I took our time getting out the door today, but were running at Bradbury by 9:30am. All the puddles were still there, but, maybe, just a little less deep. We headed out to do the Bruiser sans O. It was the first time ever that I took the "by-pass" around the bikers' bridge. No way did I want to repeat yesterday's fall. I still have some lasting soreness.
The humidity was horrible. The mosquitoes were hungry and numerous. Still we were running through muddy puddles and enjoying ourselves. I liked that Rick seemed to be the stronger one on this run. He is definitely getting back some of his fitness. He did take a muddy fall. I meant to bring the camera. Damn! It would have made a great shot. We were both pretty photogenic by the end - covered in mud and drenched in sweat. Sweet : )
The humidity was horrible. The mosquitoes were hungry and numerous. Still we were running through muddy puddles and enjoying ourselves. I liked that Rick seemed to be the stronger one on this run. He is definitely getting back some of his fitness. He did take a muddy fall. I meant to bring the camera. Damn! It would have made a great shot. We were both pretty photogenic by the end - covered in mud and drenched in sweat. Sweet : )
Beware of Bridges
Since TMs were everywhere, running cool races or testing out the Stone Cat course, I was the only one at the Brad. Well, me and another runner, Brian, who was running for there for the first time. I planned to run 3 to 3.25 hours. Brian said that was fine with him. I figured we'd do a loop of Mindy's 40 for 40 to start.
Being the good little guide, I warned Brian that the bridges were slippery when wet. Oh, and things were wet. It might be the wettest the Brad's been all year. Well, I warned him just before the high bridge on Ragan. I've never been on a bridge that slippery. It had a thin layer of something (moss?, mud?) on the down slope. Yikes. I'm not really sure how I managed to stay on the bridge when I fell; I kept skidding after the fall. I made myself get right up and get moving so nothing could stiffen up, but...Ow! Both Brian and I were ultra cautious on the rest of the bridges.
Back at the car, I refilled my two Fuelbelt bottles and took a GU. It was very muggy and very buggy (mosquitoes have comeback in a big way). I decided to take a different route. We went out the start of the Scuffle, but, when we got to the Snowmobile Trail, went right onto the place where the Bruiser would pop out and ran that backwards till it met back up with the Snowmobile Trail. There we picked back up on the Scuffle till the short cut across to Ginn West on to Fox West and back on the link.
My Garmin's battery had died in the first loop, but I knew that wasn't quite enough so we ran on the mountain side, where we saw Joe heading in from the loop he repeats. We exchanged quick hellos, but didn't break stride. Brian and I pushed up the Ski Trail to the summit and down the Switch Back. A good way to finish up the hours.
Later, I really felt the fall on my right side. The hip, knee, and ankle all have complaints. But I'm pretty sure it was just impact and nothing is really injured. Rick and I are heading back to the Brad this morning, so I'll check it out.
Being the good little guide, I warned Brian that the bridges were slippery when wet. Oh, and things were wet. It might be the wettest the Brad's been all year. Well, I warned him just before the high bridge on Ragan. I've never been on a bridge that slippery. It had a thin layer of something (moss?, mud?) on the down slope. Yikes. I'm not really sure how I managed to stay on the bridge when I fell; I kept skidding after the fall. I made myself get right up and get moving so nothing could stiffen up, but...Ow! Both Brian and I were ultra cautious on the rest of the bridges.
Back at the car, I refilled my two Fuelbelt bottles and took a GU. It was very muggy and very buggy (mosquitoes have comeback in a big way). I decided to take a different route. We went out the start of the Scuffle, but, when we got to the Snowmobile Trail, went right onto the place where the Bruiser would pop out and ran that backwards till it met back up with the Snowmobile Trail. There we picked back up on the Scuffle till the short cut across to Ginn West on to Fox West and back on the link.
My Garmin's battery had died in the first loop, but I knew that wasn't quite enough so we ran on the mountain side, where we saw Joe heading in from the loop he repeats. We exchanged quick hellos, but didn't break stride. Brian and I pushed up the Ski Trail to the summit and down the Switch Back. A good way to finish up the hours.
Later, I really felt the fall on my right side. The hip, knee, and ankle all have complaints. But I'm pretty sure it was just impact and nothing is really injured. Rick and I are heading back to the Brad this morning, so I'll check it out.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Animal Attraction
Today was pretty much a repeat of yesterday's run except that I brought my camera. I hoped the porcupine would be back out. While s/he wasn't, I saw lots of wildlife. You'll have to take my word. I don't think I got good shots of any of them. I can't see the picture clearly without my glasses and with the glare. The only thing I could see was the little red "shaky" hands letting me know I wasn't steady. Ha! I knew that : )
I startled a pair of what I thought were Wood Ducks, but really wanted the picture to confirm. They were away quickly. I little water bird hung around, apparently not too afraid of me. I know the little sometime-stream has crayfish and little bullheads (hornpout, to some). I kicked around some rocks to see if I could locate any, but, no. As a kid I loved catching Mudpuppies. I haven't seen them in Maine, but haven't looked that many places either. The biggest one I caught was probably 4-5 inches, but they were mostly under two. They look somehow prehistoric or the stuff of old monster movies.
Oh, yeah, the run. At the Sabattus River, I started more ducks, but just your plain old Mallards. On my return, the little water bird was still checking out the little trickling stream. Still couldn't manage a clear shot. Back near Linda's new pond, I stopped to get a shot of some of the apples floating in the water (Spot likes to try to bob for these : ), but saw a little pin-tailed diving duck duck under the water. I waited a bit to see where it popped up. I didn't get a clear shot, but perhaps someone will be able to see in among the branches and cattails.
Off to the hill across the street still with the hopes of seeing the porcupine, an animal that wouldn't even try to get away. Like I said, no such luck. I continued on to the beaver swamp. Since I had the camera, I hung there a little longer, not really with much hope. BUT! There the little guy was slightly up swamp from me. I knew there was no way it would show up and decided to check out one of the little side trails leading off from the head of this one, hoping it would lead to the other end of the water. While it was a fun diversion, the trail just sort of ended in a tangle of trees, weeds, and muck. Still, I knew s/he was still alive.
Even with all my stopping for pictures and animal watching, I got in 6.6 in 1:21:something and had a pile of fun.
I startled a pair of what I thought were Wood Ducks, but really wanted the picture to confirm. They were away quickly. I little water bird hung around, apparently not too afraid of me. I know the little sometime-stream has crayfish and little bullheads (hornpout, to some). I kicked around some rocks to see if I could locate any, but, no. As a kid I loved catching Mudpuppies. I haven't seen them in Maine, but haven't looked that many places either. The biggest one I caught was probably 4-5 inches, but they were mostly under two. They look somehow prehistoric or the stuff of old monster movies.
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| look for the diving duck right in the center |
Oh, yeah, the run. At the Sabattus River, I started more ducks, but just your plain old Mallards. On my return, the little water bird was still checking out the little trickling stream. Still couldn't manage a clear shot. Back near Linda's new pond, I stopped to get a shot of some of the apples floating in the water (Spot likes to try to bob for these : ), but saw a little pin-tailed diving duck duck under the water. I waited a bit to see where it popped up. I didn't get a clear shot, but perhaps someone will be able to see in among the branches and cattails.
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| totally forgot to mention all the turkeys; they're so common |
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| looking down the Sabattus River from the snowmobile bridge crossed in the fatass |
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| pines along the Sabattus |
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| poison ivy...hope not too much was in the non-mowed parts I ran through |
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| the little streamlet |
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| the beaver is somewhere in there, but... |
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| where I dead ended |
Even with all my stopping for pictures and animal watching, I got in 6.6 in 1:21:something and had a pile of fun.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Field Fun
Those are two words that I might not normally think go together. Tuesday, it was the fields or no run. I put on my new Inov8s, lacing one foot rather sparingly and leaving the other the way it came. Just running down the driveway I could tell the left foot (normally my grumpiest) was better off because of the lacing change.
Cresting the small hill (knoll?) in Linda's back field, I saw that the neighboring farm had done their 2nd haying! That meant the running would be less difficult. They hadn't hayed all of the fields yet, but I still was able to get in 4.5 miles before heading across the street to the big hill (it's all relative). At the bottom, I could see Rick nearly up the top of it : ) When he turned back, he gave me a big wave. Upon meeting, I said I was heading to see if the path to the beaver pond (marsh) had been mowed. Last time I tried running that way, there were chest-deep weeds and briars, as well as ticks.
We didn't get very far when I noticed a dark mass in the field. I thought it might be a turkey crouching down, though babies should be too big for that trick buy now. I asked Rick what he thought. Maybe a porcupine! I had to go see it. I feel marginally guilty; I'm sure it stresses them somehow, but they are just too cute. It wasn't a very big one, but I wouldn't call it a juvenile either. It didn't exhibit the same behavior that the others have. Most turn their back to me when I went past a certain imaginary line, I guess representing their comfort zone with me. I worried a little that it might not be well (thinking rabies, sometimes they just act stuporish and not aggressive then), but it didn't look sick. Again feeling slightly bad that I was stressing it AND interrupting Rick's run, I decided to leave it alone.
Just when we started down the beaver path (it goes into the woods), we put up a partridge. I was trying to think what p-named critter we could run into next, but then switched to thinking a beaver would be the next cool encounter. Unfortunately, the beaver home looked like it might have been abandoned. I hope that was the story and not that the illegal trapper had returned for the ones he didn't get }: (
Running back, my porcupine friend was still there. I wondered how hard it would be to make friends. Rick started telling me all the reasons that would be the wrong thing to do. No worries, just wondering out loud. I realize it is almost always a bad idea to do that with a wild animal.
Back at the driveway, my Garmin showed I'd already gotten in my 6 miles. Rick peeled off to get some more while I headed back to get a jump on dinner.
Cresting the small hill (knoll?) in Linda's back field, I saw that the neighboring farm had done their 2nd haying! That meant the running would be less difficult. They hadn't hayed all of the fields yet, but I still was able to get in 4.5 miles before heading across the street to the big hill (it's all relative). At the bottom, I could see Rick nearly up the top of it : ) When he turned back, he gave me a big wave. Upon meeting, I said I was heading to see if the path to the beaver pond (marsh) had been mowed. Last time I tried running that way, there were chest-deep weeds and briars, as well as ticks.
We didn't get very far when I noticed a dark mass in the field. I thought it might be a turkey crouching down, though babies should be too big for that trick buy now. I asked Rick what he thought. Maybe a porcupine! I had to go see it. I feel marginally guilty; I'm sure it stresses them somehow, but they are just too cute. It wasn't a very big one, but I wouldn't call it a juvenile either. It didn't exhibit the same behavior that the others have. Most turn their back to me when I went past a certain imaginary line, I guess representing their comfort zone with me. I worried a little that it might not be well (thinking rabies, sometimes they just act stuporish and not aggressive then), but it didn't look sick. Again feeling slightly bad that I was stressing it AND interrupting Rick's run, I decided to leave it alone.
Just when we started down the beaver path (it goes into the woods), we put up a partridge. I was trying to think what p-named critter we could run into next, but then switched to thinking a beaver would be the next cool encounter. Unfortunately, the beaver home looked like it might have been abandoned. I hope that was the story and not that the illegal trapper had returned for the ones he didn't get }: (
Running back, my porcupine friend was still there. I wondered how hard it would be to make friends. Rick started telling me all the reasons that would be the wrong thing to do. No worries, just wondering out loud. I realize it is almost always a bad idea to do that with a wild animal.
Back at the driveway, my Garmin showed I'd already gotten in my 6 miles. Rick peeled off to get some more while I headed back to get a jump on dinner.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Mountain Miles
Rick and I met up with Ian, Nate A, Scott (?), NJ Dave, and a woman (didn't get her name - not sure if I should already know) on Saturday. It was an easy decision to run on the mountain side, the east side was overrun with the mountain bikers doing the 12 hour race. We were lucky to find spots in the lower parking; many, many, many cars were already parking on the road leading to the park. The big field was filled with tents. The air was filled with smoke from all the campfires.
Rick was going to do a loop on the mountain to get some hill repeats in. I asked if anyone was running long (I wanted to do 3.5 hours...if I was running on the east side, I would have said I wanted to do 18 miles). Ian, in his taper, just was doing five. NJ Dave was going eight. I wanted to go out the connector. Ian said he'd go that way, but instead of just going out the Boundary to get there, how about running the Terrace to blah, blah, blah. Yeah, he actually said trail names, but I didn't pay attention since I'd just follow along. Well, since I didn't stop in at the outhouse before we started, I soon had to drop off the back to pee. I should have paid attention to the blah, blah, blah; I never saw them again till they were headed back on the connector, right where I call it the cobblestone hill. Oh well, I'd only have had company for just a couple of miles anyway.
The connector trail was wet, but my new shoes made the rocks less slippery. I felt a new confidence growing on the downs. The river was low enough again that I could cross without getting wet. Normally I don't like running along the power lines, so just turn around then. I think that's just cause I only had run it in the summer when you are then just out in the full sun. It was beautiful on Saturday. The sun felt good. I ran till Elmwood Rd. Well, I did cross the road, but then looked at the up and decided it was time to head back; I'd be out of drinks by then.
I'm glad I made that decision. Just a couple miles on my way back, my feet started getting quite grumpy. In the couple days I'd had them, I had put about 16 miles on them. The same thing that made them feel so good fit-wise, so good on the slippery rocks, and so good molding to the trail was making my feet unhappy now. They are just that much more flexible and I think my feet need to work up to that much flexing. I was very happy that I'd brought my old pair. They felt fine when I put them on back at the car. Ahhh. Of course, I went back to being much more deliberate on the downs.
I'd seen Rick on my way to the car. He was done with his 9+ miles and headed over to check out the mountainbike race. A friend of his from work was working the timing. I had a Coke, replaced my empty Fuelbelt bottles with full ones, and went back out the connector. I wondered around on some single track out there and got to a bridge that I once ran with Ian and Danielle. Exploring helped make the time fly by.
My phone rang. It was Mindy saying she'd be in the park in about 20 minutes. I said that was probably when I'd be back at the car, perfect timing as usual. The temporarily side-lined Mindy was coming for a walk and a much needed Edna and Lucy's fix. Rick, Mindy, and I walked over to check out the race. It was amazing. They had a million categories, three computers timing, and a large flat-screen displaying results. We also watched a kids' six minute race.
Okay already, we needed to hit E&L's. It did not disappoint. Now with the cool weather, we can also look forward to trying yummy soups.
Sunday, I met up with Dora at Pineland to share some of her long run. I did a little over a 10k. She got in around 13 miles. Mindy came and walked with me while Dora finished up. Then, of course, we continued our chatter over food at E&L's! By the way, Dora looks really strong and will be killing a 1/2 trail marathon soon : )
Rick was going to do a loop on the mountain to get some hill repeats in. I asked if anyone was running long (I wanted to do 3.5 hours...if I was running on the east side, I would have said I wanted to do 18 miles). Ian, in his taper, just was doing five. NJ Dave was going eight. I wanted to go out the connector. Ian said he'd go that way, but instead of just going out the Boundary to get there, how about running the Terrace to blah, blah, blah. Yeah, he actually said trail names, but I didn't pay attention since I'd just follow along. Well, since I didn't stop in at the outhouse before we started, I soon had to drop off the back to pee. I should have paid attention to the blah, blah, blah; I never saw them again till they were headed back on the connector, right where I call it the cobblestone hill. Oh well, I'd only have had company for just a couple of miles anyway.
The connector trail was wet, but my new shoes made the rocks less slippery. I felt a new confidence growing on the downs. The river was low enough again that I could cross without getting wet. Normally I don't like running along the power lines, so just turn around then. I think that's just cause I only had run it in the summer when you are then just out in the full sun. It was beautiful on Saturday. The sun felt good. I ran till Elmwood Rd. Well, I did cross the road, but then looked at the up and decided it was time to head back; I'd be out of drinks by then.
I'm glad I made that decision. Just a couple miles on my way back, my feet started getting quite grumpy. In the couple days I'd had them, I had put about 16 miles on them. The same thing that made them feel so good fit-wise, so good on the slippery rocks, and so good molding to the trail was making my feet unhappy now. They are just that much more flexible and I think my feet need to work up to that much flexing. I was very happy that I'd brought my old pair. They felt fine when I put them on back at the car. Ahhh. Of course, I went back to being much more deliberate on the downs.
I'd seen Rick on my way to the car. He was done with his 9+ miles and headed over to check out the mountainbike race. A friend of his from work was working the timing. I had a Coke, replaced my empty Fuelbelt bottles with full ones, and went back out the connector. I wondered around on some single track out there and got to a bridge that I once ran with Ian and Danielle. Exploring helped make the time fly by.
My phone rang. It was Mindy saying she'd be in the park in about 20 minutes. I said that was probably when I'd be back at the car, perfect timing as usual. The temporarily side-lined Mindy was coming for a walk and a much needed Edna and Lucy's fix. Rick, Mindy, and I walked over to check out the race. It was amazing. They had a million categories, three computers timing, and a large flat-screen displaying results. We also watched a kids' six minute race.
Okay already, we needed to hit E&L's. It did not disappoint. Now with the cool weather, we can also look forward to trying yummy soups.
Sunday, I met up with Dora at Pineland to share some of her long run. I did a little over a 10k. She got in around 13 miles. Mindy came and walked with me while Dora finished up. Then, of course, we continued our chatter over food at E&L's! By the way, Dora looks really strong and will be killing a 1/2 trail marathon soon : )
Friday, September 16, 2011
Just for Me
Ian and I made sure were broke them in well. Actually, it was more the Brad that made sure they were christened properly. We were treated to great puddles and sloppy mud. We ran out the start of the Scuffle, but turned off Ginn East where a short little trail connects the Snowmobile Trail just below the turn off spot to Ginn West on the Bruiser. We followed the Bruiser course till Fox West pops back on to the Snowmobile trail; from there we took one of the little single tracks we virtually ignore, since it's not on any of the three races. It was longer than either Ian and I expected, though we both knew it popped back out onto Knights Woods near the start of the O. It was fun, twisty trail with some of the cushy feel of new trail still left.
That gave Ian just over the five miles he was looking for. We talked for a bit back at the cars, but then I went back onto the mountain side for a couple more miles. From the Boundary, I took the trail that connects from the corner, where the park neighbor has put up the electric fence, back to the the Tote Road. I've only run that trail once and remembered it had two trails off of it I meant to check out some time. Ian's little foray onto new trails during our run put me in the exploring mood. The first right was a fairly wide looking path that took me to the hard right that you make on the Boundary during the breaker. OK, but boring. I retraced my steps back. The second right held more promise; it was just a thin single track. I tried to figure out where I was going to pop out, but had to keep changing my prediction because it just seemed to keep going. Finally, it ended up back on the Boundary, but well after the climb up from the back. It's right near a short, steep ledge that a lot of people go wide on. Shortly after that, I took another little detour, but it really was just a short loop back. From there I ran straight to the summit and down the switchback. I think my Garmin read 7.96 when I got back to my car. A fun day at the Brad.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Four at Fore River
Rick ran at the Fore River Sanctuary for the first time yesterday. He and I went there after my first job interview in years and years...and years. I think the position would be a lot of fun. We'll see how that goes. The run went well, except the heat and humidity had built in by the time we started. That was the reason we were finished with just about four miles.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Bradbury Mishmash
Rick, on vacation, and I headed to Bradbury this morning to get in a few recovery miles. Rick was thinking four to five miles. I wanted at least six. I had fun piecing together some of the trails we don't normally do on the east side to come up with 4.7 by the time we ran back into the parking lot. Rick decided to stick with his plan while I ran back over for a loop of Knights Woods to make sure I got my 6. It was a little hotter than we expected, but still a very good recovery run.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Interesting Race Data
My Garmin data for the 2010 vs 2011 Bruisers...hmmm...
| Trail Location | 2010 | 2011 |
| Right after Island Loop | 17:39 (1.62 miles) | 17:49 (1.67 miles) |
| Ragan start | 20:15 (1.89 miles) | 20:18 (1.94 miles) |
| Old Tuttle Rd. on Ginn East | 41:08 (4.02 miles) | 42:19 (4.21 miles) |
| Bat Cave start | 46:13 (4.54 miles) | 47:41 (4.76 miles) |
| Bat Cave end | 55:34 (5.21 miles) | 55:37 (5.49 miles) |
| Snowmobile Trail | 1:00:28 ( 5.95 miles) | 1:03:51 (6.24 miles) |
| End Snowmobile Trail | 1:08:16 (6.77 miles) | 1:12:10 (7.07 miles) |
| Last water stop | 1:27:23 (8.68 miles) | 1:31:34 (9.01 miles) |
| Start O Trail | 1:31:33 (9.07 miles) | 1:36:35 (9.42 miles) |
| End O Trail | 2:00:21 (11.48 miles) | 2:05:40 (11.79 miles) |
| Finish | 2:01:07 (11.58 miles) | 2:06:31 (11.89 miles) |
| | | |
The Bruiser
For some reason, I had it in my head I was 57 seconds from breaking two hours in the Bruiser last year. Maybe that was my time. I just looked at the official time, 2:01:07. OK, I was close. It was close enough that I was pretty sure I could pull off something that started with a 1, even if it was 1:59:59.
Now, I'd done nothing like speed work all year. In fact, I guess most of my training might be considered LSD. But I hadn't done any last year either and was psyched to have turned in PRs in the Breaker and Bruiser. I had also felt quite speedy at Jim's Beast Run. Of course, feeling fast doesn't equal being fast. Still I had nurtured the idea of the sub two hour Bruiser for a year.
Mindy's 40 for 40 was eight days before the race. I did right about 34 miles. That was more than I was probably really trained for, but not by much. I'd run most of Mindy's long runs with her, but had never backed them up with a longish run like I would have had I been training to do a 50k or 50 miler. I ran fine the following week, except that I found myself with mildly tired hip-flexors. Maybe running with Dora and Mindy at Pinelands the day before the race (when I really noticed them) wasn't the best idea for the Bruiser, but it was a good one for a fun run.
I went back and forth on whether to really race the race or just run it. I decided to race it. I could always decide I didn't have it and switch gears. I was careful in lining myself up at the start, more important in the Bruiser than the other two Bradbury races; the single track comes much earlier. I had less traffic problems than at the start of the other years. I was able to pass several people on the Island Trail. I felt fine. I kept pushing the pace. Somewhere on Ragan I twisted my ankle pretty good and stepped aside for the little group I was leading to go by. After the initial shock and pain, I realized I could run just fine. I was back to pace fairly quickly, pretty sure that wouldn't cost me the sub-two.
The Ginn went well. I seemed to have picked up a few more people to pull along. I guess I was setting the right pace. Surprisingly, I saw Blaine just ahead of me on Ginn East. One of my group yelled out for me to real him in. I said, "That's Blaine!" Translation - "What! Are you crazy?!" Of course, for Blaine to even be near me on this race, something must have been wrong. He said something like, given his twisted ankle that's won't be too hard. Still he managed to stay ahead.
Somewhere on the Bat Cave loop, my hip flexors decided they were done. It wasn't at the very beginning, but early where there's a climb. I stepped aside. Oh, Dr. Jamie was one of those right with me. Of course, he asked if I was OK and said I was being such a great pacer. Sorry. I really was sorry. I felt sort of done. Once I had nobody with me, I started back. Time to just run. Not pushing, the hip flexors started cooperating again. I passed Blaine : (
When I felt like I could start racing again, my intestines told me otherwise. They weren't happy with my supper choice at the wedding the night before. I needed to get off trail - way off. From my position, I could see the runners go by, but since they weren't looking at anything but trail, I went unseen. At least six people went by. Two I recognized and looked up their times; both turned in sub-twos. When I plodded back to the trail, I continued to plod on the course. My intestines were better, but still not happy. As I ran up the snowmobile trail, I thought back to last year's race; I had felt so strong running up, knowing my favorite part of the race was coming. At the aid station, I told Erik I didn't have it today. He said something to the effect of regroup or recover. I don't know if it was his simple advice, the GU I'd taken before the aid station, or the thought of the next fun single track, but I did recover and regroup.
I really do love that stretch of Ginn and Fox West. Is it the fact that it's overall downhill? I don't know, but I started pushing again. I was racing! It wasn't till Knight's woods that I even felt tired again and that was mroe the damned hip-flexors. Four passed me on the hill. Go Four!
On to the O, I decided to force the issue. I think I ran it harder than last year, but it's hard to know. Last year, Yana joined me right at the start. Her energy and enthusiasm carried me along. We ran pretty fast, still chatting. This time I had people on my heals using my knowledge of the trail. I was nervous about the constant sound of near stumbles from behind. I did not want to be taken out. I can't believe that I found the O straighter than I ever had; when did the straight, fast stretches get put in? The person two people back pissed me off complaining about how hard it was. Finally, when he said, "doesn't it feel like we have army boots on?", I let him know that was not good race talk; in fact, it was the opposite. Even though I was really sucking wind and my hip flexors were yelling, there was no way I was going to give up with them behind me.
At the end of the O, I tried to sprint to the end. Fortunately, I didn't hurl, though it sure felt like I was gonna. 2:06:31. No apologies, no excuses. I ran as hard as I could that day.
Congratulations to all the TMs who had amazing races. Thanks to Ian, Ryan, and all the volunteers for putting on a killer race.
Now, I'd done nothing like speed work all year. In fact, I guess most of my training might be considered LSD. But I hadn't done any last year either and was psyched to have turned in PRs in the Breaker and Bruiser. I had also felt quite speedy at Jim's Beast Run. Of course, feeling fast doesn't equal being fast. Still I had nurtured the idea of the sub two hour Bruiser for a year.
Mindy's 40 for 40 was eight days before the race. I did right about 34 miles. That was more than I was probably really trained for, but not by much. I'd run most of Mindy's long runs with her, but had never backed them up with a longish run like I would have had I been training to do a 50k or 50 miler. I ran fine the following week, except that I found myself with mildly tired hip-flexors. Maybe running with Dora and Mindy at Pinelands the day before the race (when I really noticed them) wasn't the best idea for the Bruiser, but it was a good one for a fun run.
I went back and forth on whether to really race the race or just run it. I decided to race it. I could always decide I didn't have it and switch gears. I was careful in lining myself up at the start, more important in the Bruiser than the other two Bradbury races; the single track comes much earlier. I had less traffic problems than at the start of the other years. I was able to pass several people on the Island Trail. I felt fine. I kept pushing the pace. Somewhere on Ragan I twisted my ankle pretty good and stepped aside for the little group I was leading to go by. After the initial shock and pain, I realized I could run just fine. I was back to pace fairly quickly, pretty sure that wouldn't cost me the sub-two.
The Ginn went well. I seemed to have picked up a few more people to pull along. I guess I was setting the right pace. Surprisingly, I saw Blaine just ahead of me on Ginn East. One of my group yelled out for me to real him in. I said, "That's Blaine!" Translation - "What! Are you crazy?!" Of course, for Blaine to even be near me on this race, something must have been wrong. He said something like, given his twisted ankle that's won't be too hard. Still he managed to stay ahead.
Somewhere on the Bat Cave loop, my hip flexors decided they were done. It wasn't at the very beginning, but early where there's a climb. I stepped aside. Oh, Dr. Jamie was one of those right with me. Of course, he asked if I was OK and said I was being such a great pacer. Sorry. I really was sorry. I felt sort of done. Once I had nobody with me, I started back. Time to just run. Not pushing, the hip flexors started cooperating again. I passed Blaine : (
When I felt like I could start racing again, my intestines told me otherwise. They weren't happy with my supper choice at the wedding the night before. I needed to get off trail - way off. From my position, I could see the runners go by, but since they weren't looking at anything but trail, I went unseen. At least six people went by. Two I recognized and looked up their times; both turned in sub-twos. When I plodded back to the trail, I continued to plod on the course. My intestines were better, but still not happy. As I ran up the snowmobile trail, I thought back to last year's race; I had felt so strong running up, knowing my favorite part of the race was coming. At the aid station, I told Erik I didn't have it today. He said something to the effect of regroup or recover. I don't know if it was his simple advice, the GU I'd taken before the aid station, or the thought of the next fun single track, but I did recover and regroup.
I really do love that stretch of Ginn and Fox West. Is it the fact that it's overall downhill? I don't know, but I started pushing again. I was racing! It wasn't till Knight's woods that I even felt tired again and that was mroe the damned hip-flexors. Four passed me on the hill. Go Four!
On to the O, I decided to force the issue. I think I ran it harder than last year, but it's hard to know. Last year, Yana joined me right at the start. Her energy and enthusiasm carried me along. We ran pretty fast, still chatting. This time I had people on my heals using my knowledge of the trail. I was nervous about the constant sound of near stumbles from behind. I did not want to be taken out. I can't believe that I found the O straighter than I ever had; when did the straight, fast stretches get put in? The person two people back pissed me off complaining about how hard it was. Finally, when he said, "doesn't it feel like we have army boots on?", I let him know that was not good race talk; in fact, it was the opposite. Even though I was really sucking wind and my hip flexors were yelling, there was no way I was going to give up with them behind me.
At the end of the O, I tried to sprint to the end. Fortunately, I didn't hurl, though it sure felt like I was gonna. 2:06:31. No apologies, no excuses. I ran as hard as I could that day.
Congratulations to all the TMs who had amazing races. Thanks to Ian, Ryan, and all the volunteers for putting on a killer race.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Crap
I can't believe I don't feel like writing. I've had two fun runs since my last post. Friday, Ryan Triffitt and I marked part of the Bruiser trail and then went for an almost 6 mile run. I enjoyed chatting with Ryan and hope he didn't have too much girl talk : ) Today, I cheated on the Brad and headed to the Land of the Pine to get about 7 rootless miles in with Dora and Mindy. The weather was perfect, the company was perfect, and I still don't really want to write about it.
Hopefully, I'll snap out of it.
Hopefully, I'll snap out of it.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Sharing Some Miles with George
I had the opportunity to grab a piece of George's run today. He was running at Bradbury starting at 7 till about 1pm. He said he'd be back in the parking lot whenever I wanted to show up, which was 8:30. Linda rode over me to run Mindy's loop.
George was waiting in the lot when we pulled in. He'd never run the Brad/Pineland connector, so he and I set out on it. It was the first time this year that the Brad was truly wet. I was extremely careful on wet rocks on down hills. George and I easily filled the run with conversation while enjoying the run. This was the first time that it was necessary to get wet on the river crossing, but it felt wonderful. Even though it was cold starting out, it was so humid that I was hot by the time we'd gotten to the water.
On the way back, I led us on a slight detour. Some side trail has been made more prominent since the last time I'd run there. Because of it, I made us retrace our tracks down to the road to regain my bearings...well, got us an extra turn at the long hill up from the road!
We were just coming back in view of the parking lot when Linda came running toward us. She was trying to get her Garmin to an even number. Good timing. George stopped back at his car to refuel and visit for a bit before heading back out on his run.
I love running!
George was waiting in the lot when we pulled in. He'd never run the Brad/Pineland connector, so he and I set out on it. It was the first time this year that the Brad was truly wet. I was extremely careful on wet rocks on down hills. George and I easily filled the run with conversation while enjoying the run. This was the first time that it was necessary to get wet on the river crossing, but it felt wonderful. Even though it was cold starting out, it was so humid that I was hot by the time we'd gotten to the water.
On the way back, I led us on a slight detour. Some side trail has been made more prominent since the last time I'd run there. Because of it, I made us retrace our tracks down to the road to regain my bearings...well, got us an extra turn at the long hill up from the road!
We were just coming back in view of the parking lot when Linda came running toward us. She was trying to get her Garmin to an even number. Good timing. George stopped back at his car to refuel and visit for a bit before heading back out on his run.
I love running!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Never Easy
Linda and I knew we were going to run today; the question was where. By the time we were ready to run, Thorncrag seemed to be the best choice, mainly because it's right behind Hannaford. I needed bacon. Rick grew the perfect tomato that required being consumed as part of a BLT.
The plan was for an easy run with some more reconnaissance for a possible loop for a TM event. I think for it to be an easy run at Thorncrag, I'd have to walk. Still, I always enjoy it. The scenery is beautiful with its six different wildlife habitats. The coniferous, old-growth forest section always feels cool. I love it when the huge tree trunks are dark and damp.
Linda and I went off on our own runs with an hour and ten minute time limit. Fortunately for me, we kept crossing paths; my Garmin hasn't been holding a charge for the past couple runs and died just 32 minutes in. I hope it has one of its spontaneous self-repairs.
From my lack of energy, I'd say I'm not quite fully recovered from the 34 miles on Saturday. At least all the parts felt good.
The plan was for an easy run with some more reconnaissance for a possible loop for a TM event. I think for it to be an easy run at Thorncrag, I'd have to walk. Still, I always enjoy it. The scenery is beautiful with its six different wildlife habitats. The coniferous, old-growth forest section always feels cool. I love it when the huge tree trunks are dark and damp.
Linda and I went off on our own runs with an hour and ten minute time limit. Fortunately for me, we kept crossing paths; my Garmin hasn't been holding a charge for the past couple runs and died just 32 minutes in. I hope it has one of its spontaneous self-repairs.
From my lack of energy, I'd say I'm not quite fully recovered from the 34 miles on Saturday. At least all the parts felt good.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Fun with Rick and Jean
After a day off yesterday, more because of the heat and humidity than post-40-4-40 issues, Rick and I drove up to the trails of Androscoggin Riverlands State Park, in Turner. Rick had stopped there on the way home from work on Thursday for a quick three and thought they were worth really checking out.
At first I wasn't too sure I would want to run there again. The main trail seemed more like a dirt road, one that just went up and up till we were breathing pretty hard and shuffling the feet. We did see some interesting looking single track stuff going off here and there, but Rick had a route he wanted to check out first. After cresting the long, fairly steep hill, the trail branched. We took one that reminded me of the Snowmobile Trail at the Brad. Soon, I was wishing I hadn't forgotten my now-charged camera.
Around 2 miles in, we decided it was time to try out some of the single track. We had to slow the pace right down to pay attention to roots and rocks, especially cause we had no idea where each step would take us. It was great fun! Soon we came to an intersection and chose the less-traveled looking trail. I think it must have been brand new. If it hadn't been lined with orange flags, we'd never have been able to follow it. I must say that the markers need to go to the Ian Parlin School of Course Flagging. They seemed to put every flag almost in the middle of the path. At first I was replanting the ones that were totally out, but there were too many and I was tired. We just ran. Rick asked if it reminded me of the O. Well, except that when I look ahead I see the trail we're gonna be on, not maybe the trail that's two twists away. Hmmm, not very much further, I felt I spoke too soon. Let the twisting begin! Of course, it really wasn't as convoluted at the O. What is?!
There is lots more exploring to be done, but after Mindy's big event on Saturday, our bodies were more than happy to leave with just under 5 miles. We've been told the trail goes all the way to Auburn. That's probably the big, snowmobile trail, but I think the single track stuff may shoot off all along it. Rick has a good option for getting a run in on weekdays.
Almost forgot...Just when we were leaving, 5 or 6 big ATVs came into the lot and headed out the main trail. Now, they do have to stick to the wide dirt roads, but the noise could be disturbing to a good run. I don't get the impression that those folks get out too early, perhaps a good strategy for avoiding them.
At first I wasn't too sure I would want to run there again. The main trail seemed more like a dirt road, one that just went up and up till we were breathing pretty hard and shuffling the feet. We did see some interesting looking single track stuff going off here and there, but Rick had a route he wanted to check out first. After cresting the long, fairly steep hill, the trail branched. We took one that reminded me of the Snowmobile Trail at the Brad. Soon, I was wishing I hadn't forgotten my now-charged camera.
Around 2 miles in, we decided it was time to try out some of the single track. We had to slow the pace right down to pay attention to roots and rocks, especially cause we had no idea where each step would take us. It was great fun! Soon we came to an intersection and chose the less-traveled looking trail. I think it must have been brand new. If it hadn't been lined with orange flags, we'd never have been able to follow it. I must say that the markers need to go to the Ian Parlin School of Course Flagging. They seemed to put every flag almost in the middle of the path. At first I was replanting the ones that were totally out, but there were too many and I was tired. We just ran. Rick asked if it reminded me of the O. Well, except that when I look ahead I see the trail we're gonna be on, not maybe the trail that's two twists away. Hmmm, not very much further, I felt I spoke too soon. Let the twisting begin! Of course, it really wasn't as convoluted at the O. What is?!
There is lots more exploring to be done, but after Mindy's big event on Saturday, our bodies were more than happy to leave with just under 5 miles. We've been told the trail goes all the way to Auburn. That's probably the big, snowmobile trail, but I think the single track stuff may shoot off all along it. Rick has a good option for getting a run in on weekdays.
Almost forgot...Just when we were leaving, 5 or 6 big ATVs came into the lot and headed out the main trail. Now, they do have to stick to the wide dirt roads, but the noise could be disturbing to a good run. I don't get the impression that those folks get out too early, perhaps a good strategy for avoiding them.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Epic End to the Summer of Awesomeness
Mindy capped off her Summer of Awesomeness by rocking out her birthday 40 for 40. It might have been the end of the SoA, but it was the brilliant start to her life as an ultra-runner.
Rick and I tried to get everything packed the night before that we'd need for the long day. There's a lot of planning that goes into having the right stuff. We had a cooler with electrolyte drinks, bottled water, Coke, ice, PBJ, meatballs (for Rick to make a sandwich), Honey Stinger Wafers, and GU. We had changes of running clothes and post-run clothes. I'd made the tally sheet for the runners to keep track of laps and time. There was the trail mix to share (the event was fat-ass style) and a squirrel cupcake that WholeFoods just happened to have in their case. There was the crepe paper for Mindy's finish line and her finisher's medal. Fortunately, Rick remembered to put in folding chairs.
You'd think it was my big event; I didn't sleep well. I was a little too excited. I'd almost say like a kid before Christmas, but I don't think that's quite right; I don't think the Christmas experience has an element of...not fear...not apprehension...um...an element of...uncertainty? I knew Mindy was totally ready from being with her for most of her training, but, with an ultra, you never really know what the event will bring.
As planned, Rick and I arrived at the Brad by 6:40. Mindy and Pete had the base camp pretty well set up right next to the big field by the parking lot. Some TMs were already there and lots streamed in right around then. Soon the picnic table was full of yummy looking goodies. A buzzing energy permeated the group as people visited before the start. A brief instructional speech from Mindy, a group photo, and we were off!
I'm not sure how many runners went out with the first group, but it was sizable. There was even some walking on the single trail as the accordioning that accompanies the start of large groups sorting out pace on single track. It didn't last very long; by a mile in everyone was where they should be and able to just run. The first loop I enjoyed catching up with Shauna, who I rarely get to run with. I'm sure I had some banter with Jim, too. I was marking the intersections with flour, since the group would not be sticking together and not everyone was familiar with the course. Now and again, I also tried to pop out ahead of where the lead runners were (very easy on the twistiness that is the east side of Bradbury) to get a picture. I wanted to capture as much of the event that I could. Unfortunately, my batteries died and most of the pictures I did take were blurry. I did run out of flour when the course switched over to Ginn West. Fortunately, I met Pete, out there on his mountain bike, and he said he'd get the other bottle and mark where I left off. Pete was to be found all over the trail throughout the day.
The first loop was over before I knew it. I replaced my two empty FuelBelt bottles with full ones. I tried out Nuun for the first time. The first lap I had the citrus flavor; the second I took the cola flavored. I have a feeling this post is already going to be too long, but I do want to report that I think the Nuun is good for me. I didn't have to dilute it too much to tolerate it like I do the Gatorade. I think, with the amount I sweat, that is a big plus. Also, it has more of both sodium and potassium per serving than Gatorade. I hesitated trying it since it has sugar substitutes, but my stomach was unaffected. I also think it was a pretty good test since the humidity decided it wanted to be around for the last of the Summer of Awesomeness.
I drank some during the time between 1st and 2nd lap, but forgot to eat anything. At least I'd eaten a bigger breakfast than I normally do before a long run. This lap, I shared a good amount with George. He's is a great person to run with because he's so upbeat and takes everything in stride. I'm sure I talked with other people, too. I got back to base when the clock read 3:11:something. I couldn't believe we'd been running three hours already. It just flew! Mindy looked great and happy.
Rick had sat the 2nd loop out, but was going to head out for some more miles on the 3rd (he'd get in the most miles in one run since 2006!). We jumped on the back of Mindy's group. I was between Emma and Rick. On the Ragan, Rick started to slow. I dropped back to his pace, but, after a bit he encouraged me to go (I felt a little guilty taking his suggestion; I'm not sure he'd have left me if it was reversed), saying he was going to slow even more. I caught back up with the group and chatted with Emma till maybe a mile later I looked back and saw Rick right on our tail. So I ran with him till he decided there was going to be some walk/run happening. Then I ran my first solo miles of the day. I came back in just after Mindy's group.
My plan for the day was to run between 24 and 32 miles depending on how I was feeling. Still feeling pretty good after 24, I decided to head out on the 4th lap. Mindy was just ahead of me at the beginning. She seemed really strong, but told me she was feeling the effort for the first time. It was here that I sort of made a plan for the rest of my run. I decided to head back on one of the short cuts I knew so that I could run with Mindy on a portion of her last lap. I really hadn't planned on all forty. She was with Jeremy, Ian, and Emma when I left. Did I mention that Pete had left little flour messages for Mindy along the course. I'm very sure they helped her along, especially the smiley face : )
So back at base camp, I had some time to socialize, eat, and change. Mmmm...fresh running clothes! Even with my generous application of BodyGlide, I had some chafing issues. Ann, Linda, Chandra, Rick, Kate, Ryan and Sam, Four (who was dozing on and off, at this point), Nate A, and perhaps some others were keeping the home fires burning.
Mindy came in looking strong. I asked her about the lap. She reported starting to feel better later in the loop. My guess, right around the ledge in the snowmobile trail before turning off onto Ginn West. There, you know you're almost done, besides it being mostly downhill. There are pretty rooty sections to pain tired feet, but the heading back, down hill trumps all the roots. The break between the 4th and last lap seemed long. Either it was or it was the fact that my break was really long having cut short the 4th lap. I just know that I was pretty stiff heading out for the final leg. From the sounds emanating from the others, I wasn't alone in feeling stiff (of course, they had 4 extra miles on me).
I think our group consisted of Zak, Jeff, Ian, Emma, Jeremy, me, and the Mighty Mindy. For a few miles, Zak and maybe a couple others led the group. I was debating whether I would run the entire lap. I feel ashamed to admit that I was worried that Mindy wouldn't have someone paying attention to her pace. How could I doubt that those guys wouldn't take care of her? Maybe it's not not having faith in them, but...I guess Mindy is now under my protection. I've run with her too many miles (ok, not too many...but many, many miles with her). She is one of my people now. That means I can't help it; that's how I am. I paid close attention. I noticed that, around 3 miles in, they had let Mindy take the lead, dictating the pace with all of them seamlessly following suit.
I had pretty much decided I'd peel off at the next short cut, when BAM! I had a near fall, the kind where it would have been better to just fall. I felt a sharp pain shoot through my achilles. I guess I did end up on the ground. I tried to make them all keep going, not wanting to cause Mindy's last lap to take longer. Emma pretended she needed to stretch. I thought I was really hurt. It was probably good that I felt like I had to run to get them to run; I think half the time you can keep an injury from stiffening up and being worse by keeping it moving (oh and I did immediately put it in a bucket of ice when I got back). From Fox East, I cut across to the snowmobile trail (just below the bridge) to head back, knowing, like I should have from the start, that she was in very capable hands.
Coming in, I found Pete to report where I thought Mindy would be. He headed off to run her in. At base, we prepared for her finish. Rick headed across the street to be able to alert us. She's coming! We stretched out the crepe paper ribbon for her to break. Mindy came through with a huge smile and a roar of the crowd! What a finish to the SoA!
Rick and I tried to get everything packed the night before that we'd need for the long day. There's a lot of planning that goes into having the right stuff. We had a cooler with electrolyte drinks, bottled water, Coke, ice, PBJ, meatballs (for Rick to make a sandwich), Honey Stinger Wafers, and GU. We had changes of running clothes and post-run clothes. I'd made the tally sheet for the runners to keep track of laps and time. There was the trail mix to share (the event was fat-ass style) and a squirrel cupcake that WholeFoods just happened to have in their case. There was the crepe paper for Mindy's finish line and her finisher's medal. Fortunately, Rick remembered to put in folding chairs.
You'd think it was my big event; I didn't sleep well. I was a little too excited. I'd almost say like a kid before Christmas, but I don't think that's quite right; I don't think the Christmas experience has an element of...not fear...not apprehension...um...an element of...uncertainty? I knew Mindy was totally ready from being with her for most of her training, but, with an ultra, you never really know what the event will bring.
As planned, Rick and I arrived at the Brad by 6:40. Mindy and Pete had the base camp pretty well set up right next to the big field by the parking lot. Some TMs were already there and lots streamed in right around then. Soon the picnic table was full of yummy looking goodies. A buzzing energy permeated the group as people visited before the start. A brief instructional speech from Mindy, a group photo, and we were off!
I'm not sure how many runners went out with the first group, but it was sizable. There was even some walking on the single trail as the accordioning that accompanies the start of large groups sorting out pace on single track. It didn't last very long; by a mile in everyone was where they should be and able to just run. The first loop I enjoyed catching up with Shauna, who I rarely get to run with. I'm sure I had some banter with Jim, too. I was marking the intersections with flour, since the group would not be sticking together and not everyone was familiar with the course. Now and again, I also tried to pop out ahead of where the lead runners were (very easy on the twistiness that is the east side of Bradbury) to get a picture. I wanted to capture as much of the event that I could. Unfortunately, my batteries died and most of the pictures I did take were blurry. I did run out of flour when the course switched over to Ginn West. Fortunately, I met Pete, out there on his mountain bike, and he said he'd get the other bottle and mark where I left off. Pete was to be found all over the trail throughout the day.
The first loop was over before I knew it. I replaced my two empty FuelBelt bottles with full ones. I tried out Nuun for the first time. The first lap I had the citrus flavor; the second I took the cola flavored. I have a feeling this post is already going to be too long, but I do want to report that I think the Nuun is good for me. I didn't have to dilute it too much to tolerate it like I do the Gatorade. I think, with the amount I sweat, that is a big plus. Also, it has more of both sodium and potassium per serving than Gatorade. I hesitated trying it since it has sugar substitutes, but my stomach was unaffected. I also think it was a pretty good test since the humidity decided it wanted to be around for the last of the Summer of Awesomeness.
I drank some during the time between 1st and 2nd lap, but forgot to eat anything. At least I'd eaten a bigger breakfast than I normally do before a long run. This lap, I shared a good amount with George. He's is a great person to run with because he's so upbeat and takes everything in stride. I'm sure I talked with other people, too. I got back to base when the clock read 3:11:something. I couldn't believe we'd been running three hours already. It just flew! Mindy looked great and happy.
Rick had sat the 2nd loop out, but was going to head out for some more miles on the 3rd (he'd get in the most miles in one run since 2006!). We jumped on the back of Mindy's group. I was between Emma and Rick. On the Ragan, Rick started to slow. I dropped back to his pace, but, after a bit he encouraged me to go (I felt a little guilty taking his suggestion; I'm not sure he'd have left me if it was reversed), saying he was going to slow even more. I caught back up with the group and chatted with Emma till maybe a mile later I looked back and saw Rick right on our tail. So I ran with him till he decided there was going to be some walk/run happening. Then I ran my first solo miles of the day. I came back in just after Mindy's group.
My plan for the day was to run between 24 and 32 miles depending on how I was feeling. Still feeling pretty good after 24, I decided to head out on the 4th lap. Mindy was just ahead of me at the beginning. She seemed really strong, but told me she was feeling the effort for the first time. It was here that I sort of made a plan for the rest of my run. I decided to head back on one of the short cuts I knew so that I could run with Mindy on a portion of her last lap. I really hadn't planned on all forty. She was with Jeremy, Ian, and Emma when I left. Did I mention that Pete had left little flour messages for Mindy along the course. I'm very sure they helped her along, especially the smiley face : )
So back at base camp, I had some time to socialize, eat, and change. Mmmm...fresh running clothes! Even with my generous application of BodyGlide, I had some chafing issues. Ann, Linda, Chandra, Rick, Kate, Ryan and Sam, Four (who was dozing on and off, at this point), Nate A, and perhaps some others were keeping the home fires burning.
Mindy came in looking strong. I asked her about the lap. She reported starting to feel better later in the loop. My guess, right around the ledge in the snowmobile trail before turning off onto Ginn West. There, you know you're almost done, besides it being mostly downhill. There are pretty rooty sections to pain tired feet, but the heading back, down hill trumps all the roots. The break between the 4th and last lap seemed long. Either it was or it was the fact that my break was really long having cut short the 4th lap. I just know that I was pretty stiff heading out for the final leg. From the sounds emanating from the others, I wasn't alone in feeling stiff (of course, they had 4 extra miles on me).
I think our group consisted of Zak, Jeff, Ian, Emma, Jeremy, me, and the Mighty Mindy. For a few miles, Zak and maybe a couple others led the group. I was debating whether I would run the entire lap. I feel ashamed to admit that I was worried that Mindy wouldn't have someone paying attention to her pace. How could I doubt that those guys wouldn't take care of her? Maybe it's not not having faith in them, but...I guess Mindy is now under my protection. I've run with her too many miles (ok, not too many...but many, many miles with her). She is one of my people now. That means I can't help it; that's how I am. I paid close attention. I noticed that, around 3 miles in, they had let Mindy take the lead, dictating the pace with all of them seamlessly following suit.
I had pretty much decided I'd peel off at the next short cut, when BAM! I had a near fall, the kind where it would have been better to just fall. I felt a sharp pain shoot through my achilles. I guess I did end up on the ground. I tried to make them all keep going, not wanting to cause Mindy's last lap to take longer. Emma pretended she needed to stretch. I thought I was really hurt. It was probably good that I felt like I had to run to get them to run; I think half the time you can keep an injury from stiffening up and being worse by keeping it moving (oh and I did immediately put it in a bucket of ice when I got back). From Fox East, I cut across to the snowmobile trail (just below the bridge) to head back, knowing, like I should have from the start, that she was in very capable hands.
Coming in, I found Pete to report where I thought Mindy would be. He headed off to run her in. At base, we prepared for her finish. Rick headed across the street to be able to alert us. She's coming! We stretched out the crepe paper ribbon for her to break. Mindy came through with a huge smile and a roar of the crowd! What a finish to the SoA!
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| Awesome! (photo thanks to Kate : ) |
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Details
I'm getting excited for Mindy and very much looking forward to her event on Saturday. I went to the Brad to get in a few miles before meeting up with Mindy for the few she had on her taper schedule. Perfectly timed it so that I finished up my four as she was pulling into the lot. We looked at the some of the trail that will be in her loop while getting in a nice 3.7 miles, discussing some of the remaining details left and still getting in our usual running dialogue.
On to E & L for what could be the last visit during the official Summer of Awesomeness. Fittingly, the wonderful Sabrina and Steph contributed to the Awesomeness by saving the last of the bacon so that Mindy and I could have the TBLTs. I'd asked the day before if that would still be the special cause Mindy and I were coming in for the last pre-event run. Steph said probably not since she was nearly out of bacon, but she'd save some so that it could be our personal special : ) Yup, awesome!!!
On to E & L for what could be the last visit during the official Summer of Awesomeness. Fittingly, the wonderful Sabrina and Steph contributed to the Awesomeness by saving the last of the bacon so that Mindy and I could have the TBLTs. I'd asked the day before if that would still be the special cause Mindy and I were coming in for the last pre-event run. Steph said probably not since she was nearly out of bacon, but she'd save some so that it could be our personal special : ) Yup, awesome!!!
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