Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday Four
Rick and I went out for an easy four. I'm not sure what's up, but my stomach bothered me very much like it did last Friday. Maybe something from the fridge at work needs to be thrown out? Still, it was good to be out with him. We were rewarded by meeting up with a huge porcupine. It was a little less happy about us going to visit; he headed into the woods.
thIRSday
This meeting wasn't heavily attended like last week's, but at least we covered some new ground, new boggy, muddy territory. At the bottom of the driveway, I showed Unstrung where a duck had been hit by a car the day before. She made a little sound that indicated, "poor duck". So I tried to put a well-good-for-other-creature spin on it. Well, a nice meal for another animal and maybe saved some other animal from being killed. Then she said, "Unless it died of poison." Ha!!! Didn't see that one coming :D
When we got back to the house, I showed her that we'd nearly run till March 39th. She was eager to go back out and do just that. I didn't have the hour in me. As it was I slept less than four hours. The seven miles, running till almost Mar 39th would have to do.
When we got back to the house, I showed her that we'd nearly run till March 39th. She was eager to go back out and do just that. I didn't have the hour in me. As it was I slept less than four hours. The seven miles, running till almost Mar 39th would have to do.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
TNR
The southern division of the TNR set off around the Back Cove at 5:30. I wouldn't say it felt like winter again, but...Brrrrrrr. It was more the wind that anything. The first loop had some stretches that about took your breath away. It seemed to die down a bit by the second loop. As usual, S & S filled the time with constant chatter. It's a nice way to get in some of those midweek miles :)
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Still Swells
I had just announced on our Saturday run that I could finally squat all the way to pee (yes, trail running topics...ask gIANt about his missing glove); my knee could bend fully. It is still misshapen, but functional. Well, by Monday morning, it was stiff again with a little swelling. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I'm just grateful it never required any time off. We've just the one more 3 week build period before the taper to the 50. Hard to believe it's that close already. Yesterday, I also lifted something wrong at work. I've got my previously-herniated disk telling me I better not do anything else stupid or I'll be in big trouble. Think before you lift. No injuries or sicknesses till after 5/12, knock wood.
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| Taken after 12/17/11 fall |
Monday, March 26, 2012
34.43
Wow. I'm almost having as much trouble getting started on this as I had on all the posts of my big races. It was a confidence building, hard, fun, tiring, demanding, did I mention fun, weekend of running. Saturday, the Squirrel and I got an early start. We were joined by Unstrung and NJ Dave. Mindy and I planned to run the race course loop starting from the Brad lot rather than the school and then tack on extra mileage to get our 24 in. Pathfinder and his son (?) were also in the lot at 7, but had a different route in mind. It was nice saying hi though
That meant we ran the first part on the east side, getting in just about 4miles. The parking lot was filled with Monsters when we returned. We stopped to say hi and figure out who was doing what. It was then that gIANt announced the Big Brad Ultras. Yay!!! He was going to run the course also, but from the real start. That meant running over the mountain and then once done the course running back to the start. I think that totalled 18+. He and Jeremy (maybe another?) were taking that on. Various other Monsters had different mileage and routes in mind. Our group of four, picked up Andy and Nathan. I warned Andy that our pace was going to slow, but he was OK with that. His solution was to run ahead and wait for turn instructions. Unfortunately (probably fortunately for him;) he took a turn that we didn't; we were separated fairly early into the run.
Slowly, Unstrung and NJD were falling off the back of the group. I was pretty sure Unstrung was up for a good stretch of our (Scout and Squirrel) adventure. She's asked the day before about it. I assured her she wouldn't slow us down; At this distance we were just going to do it and wouldn't slow for others. Sounds harsh, but really just necessity. Based on IRS meetings, I thought maybe 12ish before she dropped off. Later I read her blog post; she just didn't have it. It happens. Still, we enjoyed the company while it lasted.
Then happy! Nathan, needs a trail name, Squirrel, and I saw NJD and Unstrung pop out from the Connector onto the power lines just as we crested the big hill (coming from Sweetser Rd.), heading back towards the Connector. It was a good reunion. I tried to describe what our return course was going to be. The Reverse Mindy brought out all kinds of silly comments. Needs-a-Trail-Name thought it might not be legal in ME. We explained the consenting adults thing. Then there was some talk about Unstrung really being a sub-atomic particle; she's working towards a 0 min/mile pace. Lots of mind blowing and laughter and warping of physics.
Then it was back to Squirrel, N-a-T-N, and me. It was just after the Reverse Mindy, maybe on the Tote that we ran into Joe, who was out on his own put-footprints-all-over-Brad run. We chatted for a bit before heading our opposite directions. From there it was to the summit (good dogs), down Lunch Break Hill, up Lunch Break Hill, the Terrace to the parking lot. In the parking lot, we hit the cars. I think Mindy changed a shirt or shoes or something. Erin was there waiting for Blaine. NJDave came from the East side. Four and Chandra came down the Summit Trail. As Jim came, maybe, from South Ridge, Erin exclaimed, "Monsters are coming from every direction!" Kinda cool.
So, we still had 10 miles to go. We decided to do the Bruiser, minus the O, backwards. Dave said he wanted another 6 so hopped on the train. There was still conversation, the notice of this or that along the trail, but it certainly wasn't what it was at the start. Maybe around five miles left, Nathan said something about S&S being uncharacteristically quiet. Mindy said too much focus on the trail and remaining upright. Near Porcupine Poop Rock, on Ginn East, we stopped to eat. Dave offered salty nuts. Natn said he already had some. Lots of tittering and other comments ensued.
Onward. I think the hardest miles were from 20-22. Oh, not the terrain, of course. It's relatively gentle there and the conditions were good, but. Fatigue. Did I announce just two left or was it someone else? At any rate, we all whooped a little. Oh, yeah, Dave stuck with us for the entire 10 :D By the time we hit Rte 9, the Garmin's proclaimed a bit over 24! We did stop a couple of times to talk to other runners or refuel, but we didn't walk at all.
Dave had to run (teehee), but Mindy, Nathan, and I headed to E&Ls. I just stood at the counter. I was hungry, but wanted nothing. Then it dawned on me, they make a grilled cheese for little Sam when she goes. I asked Sabrina. Yup! Nathan had similar issues, but settled on a salad. Mindy came in a little after us. She was standing at the counter, looking like I imagine I had. I told her they'd make a grilled cheese. The three of us sat around the table with very little energy for eating. I'm pretty sure Mindy's head was on the table for half of her sandwich.
On the way home I fought to stay a wake. A couple of head bobs really scared me. A hot shower (most of the dirt from my feet came off) felt good before a long nap.
Sunday, it was back to the Brad. Mindy and I discussed our options; Rick was fine with whatever we chose. Mindy made the case for the same 10 as the end of Saturday's run. Good call. The cold rain was difficult only for the first few minutes of warming up. All the parts moved pretty well. My feet were not sore; I was totally prepared for them to be tortuous after yesterday's swelling (note to self: buy compression socks). It was a normal Sunday recovery run. We were lucky to have wonderful soup to warm us at E&Ls after. So, the weekend totaled 34.43 miles
That meant we ran the first part on the east side, getting in just about 4miles. The parking lot was filled with Monsters when we returned. We stopped to say hi and figure out who was doing what. It was then that gIANt announced the Big Brad Ultras. Yay!!! He was going to run the course also, but from the real start. That meant running over the mountain and then once done the course running back to the start. I think that totalled 18+. He and Jeremy (maybe another?) were taking that on. Various other Monsters had different mileage and routes in mind. Our group of four, picked up Andy and Nathan. I warned Andy that our pace was going to slow, but he was OK with that. His solution was to run ahead and wait for turn instructions. Unfortunately (probably fortunately for him;) he took a turn that we didn't; we were separated fairly early into the run.
Slowly, Unstrung and NJD were falling off the back of the group. I was pretty sure Unstrung was up for a good stretch of our (Scout and Squirrel) adventure. She's asked the day before about it. I assured her she wouldn't slow us down; At this distance we were just going to do it and wouldn't slow for others. Sounds harsh, but really just necessity. Based on IRS meetings, I thought maybe 12ish before she dropped off. Later I read her blog post; she just didn't have it. It happens. Still, we enjoyed the company while it lasted.
Then happy! Nathan, needs a trail name, Squirrel, and I saw NJD and Unstrung pop out from the Connector onto the power lines just as we crested the big hill (coming from Sweetser Rd.), heading back towards the Connector. It was a good reunion. I tried to describe what our return course was going to be. The Reverse Mindy brought out all kinds of silly comments. Needs-a-Trail-Name thought it might not be legal in ME. We explained the consenting adults thing. Then there was some talk about Unstrung really being a sub-atomic particle; she's working towards a 0 min/mile pace. Lots of mind blowing and laughter and warping of physics.
Then it was back to Squirrel, N-a-T-N, and me. It was just after the Reverse Mindy, maybe on the Tote that we ran into Joe, who was out on his own put-footprints-all-over-Brad run. We chatted for a bit before heading our opposite directions. From there it was to the summit (good dogs), down Lunch Break Hill, up Lunch Break Hill, the Terrace to the parking lot. In the parking lot, we hit the cars. I think Mindy changed a shirt or shoes or something. Erin was there waiting for Blaine. NJDave came from the East side. Four and Chandra came down the Summit Trail. As Jim came, maybe, from South Ridge, Erin exclaimed, "Monsters are coming from every direction!" Kinda cool.
So, we still had 10 miles to go. We decided to do the Bruiser, minus the O, backwards. Dave said he wanted another 6 so hopped on the train. There was still conversation, the notice of this or that along the trail, but it certainly wasn't what it was at the start. Maybe around five miles left, Nathan said something about S&S being uncharacteristically quiet. Mindy said too much focus on the trail and remaining upright. Near Porcupine Poop Rock, on Ginn East, we stopped to eat. Dave offered salty nuts. Natn said he already had some. Lots of tittering and other comments ensued.
Onward. I think the hardest miles were from 20-22. Oh, not the terrain, of course. It's relatively gentle there and the conditions were good, but. Fatigue. Did I announce just two left or was it someone else? At any rate, we all whooped a little. Oh, yeah, Dave stuck with us for the entire 10 :D By the time we hit Rte 9, the Garmin's proclaimed a bit over 24! We did stop a couple of times to talk to other runners or refuel, but we didn't walk at all.
Dave had to run (teehee), but Mindy, Nathan, and I headed to E&Ls. I just stood at the counter. I was hungry, but wanted nothing. Then it dawned on me, they make a grilled cheese for little Sam when she goes. I asked Sabrina. Yup! Nathan had similar issues, but settled on a salad. Mindy came in a little after us. She was standing at the counter, looking like I imagine I had. I told her they'd make a grilled cheese. The three of us sat around the table with very little energy for eating. I'm pretty sure Mindy's head was on the table for half of her sandwich.
On the way home I fought to stay a wake. A couple of head bobs really scared me. A hot shower (most of the dirt from my feet came off) felt good before a long nap.
Sunday, it was back to the Brad. Mindy and I discussed our options; Rick was fine with whatever we chose. Mindy made the case for the same 10 as the end of Saturday's run. Good call. The cold rain was difficult only for the first few minutes of warming up. All the parts moved pretty well. My feet were not sore; I was totally prepared for them to be tortuous after yesterday's swelling (note to self: buy compression socks). It was a normal Sunday recovery run. We were lucky to have wonderful soup to warm us at E&Ls after. So, the weekend totaled 34.43 miles
Sunday, March 25, 2012
49
Ran when I got home from work. The temperature was still 78 degrees. I felt it as I ran. I intended to cover the same ground as the day before's IRS run, but, just as I crested the small hill on the Davis farm (heading down to the little stream crossing), I stopped; there were SO many turkeys. I had to count them. Holy shit! 49 birds. I'm very confident in this number. They weren't moving much and I only counted ones I was certain of, none that looked like they might be behind another. Very cool, but they made me want to go in a different direction; I didn't want to disturb them and I could just picture the, um, droppings that many turkeys would have deposited. So that portion of the IRS schedule wasn't followed. Got in almost five.
Friday, I ran with Rick after work. Neither of us really wanted to, but thought the other did :) So we got out there. Nice. Same fields but discovered some paths that look like our across the street neighbor maybe working on.
Friday, I ran with Rick after work. Neither of us really wanted to, but thought the other did :) So we got out there. Nice. Same fields but discovered some paths that look like our across the street neighbor maybe working on.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
TNR (SD), IRS
Tuesday, I met up with the Squirrel after work to get in a couple of laps around the Back Cove. There were hardly any parking spots; what a difference the weather makes! There were actually breaks in our conversation...because we had to separate to pass the two or three abreast walkers or slower runners. We also went must faster than usual. Amazing what flat ground, no ice, no roots, and no mud can do for pace.
Tonight (or last night now), the IRS convened for an another amazing, and amazingly different, run. We were less than .25 miles in when I started noticing the nightcrawlers. I made Unstrung stop to witness the big, slimy suckers slither into their holes. It so brought me back to my childhood. My brother and I always would go out with flashlights - Whoa! If we had headlamps, we could have caught twice as many!!! - to get them for fishing. About every other year we'd try to get enough to sell, but, instead, would end up with a bunch of dead worms. If you haven't ever smelled them dead, well, good for you! Xar took just a little bit to start noticing them as we ran. I had to stop to demonstrate proper pulling technique once.
The next surprise, there were a few June bugs out. Their name always seemed well earned since they seemed to appear the first nights of June. Well, I hope some raccoon gets an early treat.
We talked pretty non-stop, perhaps why we only saw creepy crawlies and no mammals. I keep thinking we'll see a skunk, coon, coyote or porcupine, but...probably not gonna happen. I believe, besides more nightcrawlers, our next sighting was the leach. In our stream crossing, I thought I'd show Xar the crayfish that live in the water. Instead, we were grossed out by the leach. I'm glad Unstrung was the first to stop to check for unwanted parasites. I was a close second. I think I stopped more. The fields were very wet, with areas of nearly extreme mud. I think the mud made us think we had icky creatures on us.
It was across the street, on the only real hill around, that we saw both of the blue-spotted salamanders. We were both pretty excited. I've never seen that type before. After the second one, Unstrung proposed our nature show, very similar to Crocodile Hunter, without the crocs or poisonous things.
I forgot to mention that all this time we were being blessed with the sounds of peepers and wood frogs. I wouldn't say they were in top form, but they were definitely making a beautiful noise.
We saw Venus and Jupiter in the west. Mars was in the east. I know Saturn was supposed to be up, but we couldn't pick it out. Looking skyward, I saw a shooting star!
The meeting adjourned.
Tonight (or last night now), the IRS convened for an another amazing, and amazingly different, run. We were less than .25 miles in when I started noticing the nightcrawlers. I made Unstrung stop to witness the big, slimy suckers slither into their holes. It so brought me back to my childhood. My brother and I always would go out with flashlights - Whoa! If we had headlamps, we could have caught twice as many!!! - to get them for fishing. About every other year we'd try to get enough to sell, but, instead, would end up with a bunch of dead worms. If you haven't ever smelled them dead, well, good for you! Xar took just a little bit to start noticing them as we ran. I had to stop to demonstrate proper pulling technique once.
The next surprise, there were a few June bugs out. Their name always seemed well earned since they seemed to appear the first nights of June. Well, I hope some raccoon gets an early treat.
We talked pretty non-stop, perhaps why we only saw creepy crawlies and no mammals. I keep thinking we'll see a skunk, coon, coyote or porcupine, but...probably not gonna happen. I believe, besides more nightcrawlers, our next sighting was the leach. In our stream crossing, I thought I'd show Xar the crayfish that live in the water. Instead, we were grossed out by the leach. I'm glad Unstrung was the first to stop to check for unwanted parasites. I was a close second. I think I stopped more. The fields were very wet, with areas of nearly extreme mud. I think the mud made us think we had icky creatures on us.
It was across the street, on the only real hill around, that we saw both of the blue-spotted salamanders. We were both pretty excited. I've never seen that type before. After the second one, Unstrung proposed our nature show, very similar to Crocodile Hunter, without the crocs or poisonous things.
I forgot to mention that all this time we were being blessed with the sounds of peepers and wood frogs. I wouldn't say they were in top form, but they were definitely making a beautiful noise.
We saw Venus and Jupiter in the west. Mars was in the east. I know Saturn was supposed to be up, but we couldn't pick it out. Looking skyward, I saw a shooting star!
The meeting adjourned.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Bradbury - We Got that Covered
Well, it was a high mileage weekend. Scout and Squirrel pretty much covered the Brad. Saturday was another 22 miles. We started early, probably running by 7:15. Made sure to get back to the parking lot by 8 to meet up with Ian. So many things, I'm gonna cover this run using Mindy's bullet point technique.
Had to tack on nearly .7 miles when we got back to the parking lot to
get in the full ten. Nice. Even nicer when Mindy came running over to
our car to let us know the special at E&L's was the TBLT. Really
nice :D
* Oh, nearly forgot about the porcupine poop...a spot where they must have used all winter.
- jumped two deer
- spotted a Woodcock (maybe only the 4th I've seen since moving to ME in '85)
- switched to shorts at the 8am parking lot stop
- marveled at the green already showing (moss)
- a pair of pileated woodpeckers along the power lines
- the trail was dry, incredibly muddy, snowy, and icy and full of deer poop
- bizarre little red bugs (springtails?) in mass quantities on puddles on the ice and ground
- good bye to Ian
- feeling great to finish all 22
- even better to be slurping yummy Cabbage, white bean, and bacon soup at E&Ls
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| Sunday's east side run |
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| porcupine poop* |
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| Rick post run |
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| Ninja Squirrel |
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| Mmmmmm! |
Friday, March 16, 2012
Cold Toes, Warm Everything Else
I had told Rick that I was going to run the Back Cove before I came home from work. I missed running on Wednesday (fell asleep) and just wanted to get a few miles. At work, it occurred to me that Rick hadn't brought his running clothes to work so I texted him to see if he'd wanna run with me when I got home rather than me running in Portland and him maybe running when he got home. Yup!
It's interesting; even though it rained most of the day, the conditions were drier than last night's run with Mindy. Go figure. I guess the ground just thawed enough to absorb some of the wetness. It might have been drier, but the water that was there (still plenty) seemed way colder.
I showed Rick the pile of bones Mindy and I had stumbled across last night. They were pretty gross in the light of day, but not scary in the least. I think they were from cows from the neighboring farm. The smaller skeleton had thrown me of last night, but I think it was probably a calf.
We both nearly lost our shoes several times during the run. Rick had a particularly dramatic slide, near fall, and great save. I couldn't believe how cold my toes were. Here's what our feet looked like post- (just four mile) run:
It's interesting; even though it rained most of the day, the conditions were drier than last night's run with Mindy. Go figure. I guess the ground just thawed enough to absorb some of the wetness. It might have been drier, but the water that was there (still plenty) seemed way colder.
I showed Rick the pile of bones Mindy and I had stumbled across last night. They were pretty gross in the light of day, but not scary in the least. I think they were from cows from the neighboring farm. The smaller skeleton had thrown me of last night, but I think it was probably a calf.
We both nearly lost our shoes several times during the run. Rick had a particularly dramatic slide, near fall, and great save. I couldn't believe how cold my toes were. Here's what our feet looked like post- (just four mile) run:
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| Rick's bad boys |
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| My cold, cold tootsies |
Craziness
So, it's crazy sweet that I stumbled onto the wonderful group that is the Trail Monsters, people who think it's normal to go out in mud, rain, sub-zero temps to run on rooty, twisty trails for hours at a time - not only normal, but fun. Now, even more craziness, I have Unstrung who comes to my house at nine at night to run in the mud, rain, sub-zero temps on boggy, frozen, fields for the IRS meetings.
The Squirrel, on Spring Break, decided to attend last night's meeting. Kismet! Unfortunately, Xar was going to be out of town. I would have run, but not ventured as far into the fields and woods all by myself. Silly, silly scaredy cat! It would have been nice to have all three of us, but, so cool that Mindy could come save my run.
She arrived in time to say goodnight to Rick. Spot made sure she was noticed while Mindy donned her Inov8s. We were probably out the door by 9:15. What a beautiful sky! Both Venus and Jupiter were displayed against a faintly pink glow, provided by the lights of Lewiston. The dark, bare tree limbs lining the horizon accented it perfectly. Rick had told us that Venus and Jupiter would go down in the west and Mars and Saturn would rise in the east. So cool.
Our feet were wet almost instantly; crossing the fields, there was lots of standing water. At first I tried to skirt it, but, there was nothing for it. We even ran through the stream that separates the Davis's fields. Some where out there a dove flew right up in front of me. I don't think two feet separated us. Of course it made its little scream, but I jumped, flapping my arms and definitely out shouted it. I'll have to ask the Squirrel if I scared her more than the bird. Heart really pounded hard for a bit.
We both had a few minor post-holing incidents when ground gave way. All in all I was very surprised by how good the conditions were. IRS seems to be lucky that way (knock on wood). When we finished up (7.99 miles on the Garmins), I couldn't take my shoes off; my laces were frozen solid. Mindy sat there trying to thaw hers out holding them in her hands. Yup. Craziness.
The Squirrel, on Spring Break, decided to attend last night's meeting. Kismet! Unfortunately, Xar was going to be out of town. I would have run, but not ventured as far into the fields and woods all by myself. Silly, silly scaredy cat! It would have been nice to have all three of us, but, so cool that Mindy could come save my run.
She arrived in time to say goodnight to Rick. Spot made sure she was noticed while Mindy donned her Inov8s. We were probably out the door by 9:15. What a beautiful sky! Both Venus and Jupiter were displayed against a faintly pink glow, provided by the lights of Lewiston. The dark, bare tree limbs lining the horizon accented it perfectly. Rick had told us that Venus and Jupiter would go down in the west and Mars and Saturn would rise in the east. So cool.
Our feet were wet almost instantly; crossing the fields, there was lots of standing water. At first I tried to skirt it, but, there was nothing for it. We even ran through the stream that separates the Davis's fields. Some where out there a dove flew right up in front of me. I don't think two feet separated us. Of course it made its little scream, but I jumped, flapping my arms and definitely out shouted it. I'll have to ask the Squirrel if I scared her more than the bird. Heart really pounded hard for a bit.
We both had a few minor post-holing incidents when ground gave way. All in all I was very surprised by how good the conditions were. IRS seems to be lucky that way (knock on wood). When we finished up (7.99 miles on the Garmins), I couldn't take my shoes off; my laces were frozen solid. Mindy sat there trying to thaw hers out holding them in her hands. Yup. Craziness.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Notes for ThIRSday's Meeting
I thought it would be a good idea to take a few notes for thIRSday's meeting.
I nearly lost my shoes several times during the run. I laugh when I take my socks off to find my feet are nearly as dirty as my socks!
I'm not sure where I picked up the burdock. I also have a few new scratches from the prickers that have emerged from the snow.
Crossing over to the hill across the street, I noticed eight deer. Though I stopped, they noticed me right away. I didn't mind them showing their arses to me; it's so beautiful to see the white tails they were named after flashing their warning.
I got in just shy of five miles - five wet and muddy miles.
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| There are definite areas the meeting could bog down! |
I nearly lost my shoes several times during the run. I laugh when I take my socks off to find my feet are nearly as dirty as my socks!
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| There are several sticking points to cover |
I'm not sure where I picked up the burdock. I also have a few new scratches from the prickers that have emerged from the snow.
Crossing over to the hill across the street, I noticed eight deer. Though I stopped, they noticed me right away. I didn't mind them showing their arses to me; it's so beautiful to see the white tails they were named after flashing their warning.
I got in just shy of five miles - five wet and muddy miles.
Curse of the Llama - Part 2
Rick, Mindy, and I decided to run the Animal Loop again. We couldn't imagine that the trails would be anything but icy again. Did we think to walk over and check? Nope. Like I said, we couldn't even imagine them being runnable after yesterday. Besides, I had my camera WITH the memory card. That llama was mine!
We ran easily along, chatting about whatever. Along Lawrence, Rick pointed out an eagle very low overhead. Oooh! I was able to get my camera out fairly quickly and got several shots before he flew away.
When we approached the llama's home (well, two llama, a horse, and a goat all live there also), I was disappointed that the black llama was pretty far from the fence. Still, I headed up the bank to their fence to snap some pics of the others. I apologized to my running mates for taking so long as I was headed back down the bank. Then, I'm not sure if it was Rick or Mindy or even both that said the black llama was heading over. Just like Saturday, he let us know that we did not belong. He taunted us again. He laid his ears back, showed us his arse, then headed over to his girlfriend. Then he frisked back, again alternating between telling us to kiss off and indicating he might be friendly. I was thrilled as I snapped picture after picture.
Instead of turning up Leighton, we ran the rest of W. Pownal Rd since the AL is just short of 8.5 we would need some extra distance to get our 10. Rick pointed out that, of course, the turn around would end on a good hill.
I realized that Rick had never met Rauri Pig (I know, I know...he's a boar). He could get an introduction. I offered, but could tell it would be more of a stop for me. There will be other days to see the big pig; we needed to finish up; Mindy and I had lots of time on our feet for the weekend and Rick and I were going to be in a car for tons of hours driving Sam back to school.
Running back into Brad, Mindy noticed the Triffitt mobile. We hoped we'd see one, two, or all of them. Rick went to stretch at a picnic table. I dropped my stuff there, but continued on with Mindy to check on the trail conditions. Yeah, after the run we decide to see what they were like. We were shocked to find them with only spotting stretches of ice and that ice was soft and definitely not a problem for screws. Live and learn.
Back to the car. Unfortunately, none of us had time for E&Ls :( Rick and I were about half way home when the phone rang. Danielle had my Garmin?! She'd found it in the parking lot. Wow! They were at E&Ls. Instead of going back, I just figured I'd get it during the week. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Danielle and Ryan!!! Then I went through my stuff. My camera was gone. I called them back. They hadn't seen it. I contact Tami at the park. She and Dave looked for it, but didn't find it. No one has turned it in. The curse of the Llama strikes! There was no way I was going to post those pics.
We ran easily along, chatting about whatever. Along Lawrence, Rick pointed out an eagle very low overhead. Oooh! I was able to get my camera out fairly quickly and got several shots before he flew away.
When we approached the llama's home (well, two llama, a horse, and a goat all live there also), I was disappointed that the black llama was pretty far from the fence. Still, I headed up the bank to their fence to snap some pics of the others. I apologized to my running mates for taking so long as I was headed back down the bank. Then, I'm not sure if it was Rick or Mindy or even both that said the black llama was heading over. Just like Saturday, he let us know that we did not belong. He taunted us again. He laid his ears back, showed us his arse, then headed over to his girlfriend. Then he frisked back, again alternating between telling us to kiss off and indicating he might be friendly. I was thrilled as I snapped picture after picture.
Instead of turning up Leighton, we ran the rest of W. Pownal Rd since the AL is just short of 8.5 we would need some extra distance to get our 10. Rick pointed out that, of course, the turn around would end on a good hill.
I realized that Rick had never met Rauri Pig (I know, I know...he's a boar). He could get an introduction. I offered, but could tell it would be more of a stop for me. There will be other days to see the big pig; we needed to finish up; Mindy and I had lots of time on our feet for the weekend and Rick and I were going to be in a car for tons of hours driving Sam back to school.
Running back into Brad, Mindy noticed the Triffitt mobile. We hoped we'd see one, two, or all of them. Rick went to stretch at a picnic table. I dropped my stuff there, but continued on with Mindy to check on the trail conditions. Yeah, after the run we decide to see what they were like. We were shocked to find them with only spotting stretches of ice and that ice was soft and definitely not a problem for screws. Live and learn.
Back to the car. Unfortunately, none of us had time for E&Ls :( Rick and I were about half way home when the phone rang. Danielle had my Garmin?! She'd found it in the parking lot. Wow! They were at E&Ls. Instead of going back, I just figured I'd get it during the week. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Danielle and Ryan!!! Then I went through my stuff. My camera was gone. I called them back. They hadn't seen it. I contact Tami at the park. She and Dave looked for it, but didn't find it. No one has turned it in. The curse of the Llama strikes! There was no way I was going to post those pics.
Monday, March 12, 2012
The Space Between
Oh, during our pit stop back at the cars, we'd noticed that Jim and Nathan had showed up, probably at the regular 8am start. By the time we finished they'd gone home. It wasn't till we were heading to E&Ls that I noticed a note stuck under my wiper. It was an atta girl to the Squirrel and me :) I'm pretty sure, judging from the wording, it was Jim's handiwork. At E&Ls we savored each bite of our drippy, delicious sandwiches. Mmmmmm.
Back home, after a long, hot shower, I forced myself to plunge my feet into an icy bath. There's a reward that's hard to take. However, the feet were much better after. I didn't fall asleep like last weekend, but did get a fairly good night's sleep. I'm getting better at the post big effort sleeping. The bad part was that Spot wasn't with the time change yet, so woke me very early.
You'd think with all that extra time I'd manage to get to the Brad on time. Rick would have had us there, but...oh well. At least now that I can text like the rest of the world, I let Mindy know we'd be a few minutes late. I'm sure I must have let on that I believe there is no better running partner. The day before, we understood each other perfectly even when we had lost some of our ability to make coherent sentences.
Back home, after a long, hot shower, I forced myself to plunge my feet into an icy bath. There's a reward that's hard to take. However, the feet were much better after. I didn't fall asleep like last weekend, but did get a fairly good night's sleep. I'm getting better at the post big effort sleeping. The bad part was that Spot wasn't with the time change yet, so woke me very early.
You'd think with all that extra time I'd manage to get to the Brad on time. Rick would have had us there, but...oh well. At least now that I can text like the rest of the world, I let Mindy know we'd be a few minutes late. I'm sure I must have let on that I believe there is no better running partner. The day before, we understood each other perfectly even when we had lost some of our ability to make coherent sentences.
Curse of the Llama
Saturday, the Squirrel and I had 22 miles on the books. We decided to start at 7:30 to get it done with some time left for the rest of the day. Mindy and I both confessed to having no game plan for the day's miles. We finally decided on heading out the Connector and adjusting the plan based on the conditions. While we prepped in the parking lot, we were greeted by Pathfinder. He was there with his son and another (perhaps a son-in-law?). I forgot what he said he was aiming for, but they had decided on the east side. We wished each other a good run and went our separate ways.
We were immediately greeted with shear ice. We hypothesized that once we got past the most traveled trails, there would be less ice. Nice theory. By the time we reached the power lines, we knew we had to switch to roads; we'd be out there all day at that pace. Luckily we'd managed to stay upright. We were tricked into thinking we might be able to stay on the trail by a runnable stretch of power line. The next stretch reinforced our earlier decision and we bailed onto W. Pownal Rd. We ran up Leighton, to Elmwood, and back to the park. We changed out of screw shoes and headed back out for the Animal Loop. It's a great non-trail option since it has lots of hills and dirt roads.
When we reached the first of the loop's namesake, the dark llama was right by the fence. He jumped up in protest, laid back his ears, and made it clear he was unhappy with our presence. He turned his rump to us and farted in our general direction. He ran over to his llama (I assume) girlfriend. After they, um, greeted each other, he ran, bucking, back to us. He went back and forth between laying his ears back at us angrily and looking at us curiously.
During all his antics, I tried to get his picture (the first time I pulled my camera out - I didn't want to add too much time to this long run). Shit! I'd forgotten to put the memory card back in. The memory on the camera was full. Rats. At least Mindy and I were immensely entertained by his attitude.
We managed to pass the highland coos a second time without stopping to visit. We realized we would need to add six miles after the Animal Loop if we headed right back to the park. Instead, we crossed Elmwood, staying on Lawrence.
The mileage we tacked on didn't quite get us there. We needed to run past the park entrance and tack on another mile. Which we did. We never run out of things to analyze, discover, laugh about or enjoy, even on these long, hard runs. OK, doesn't sound like much of a curse so far. More will come on Sunday.
We were immediately greeted with shear ice. We hypothesized that once we got past the most traveled trails, there would be less ice. Nice theory. By the time we reached the power lines, we knew we had to switch to roads; we'd be out there all day at that pace. Luckily we'd managed to stay upright. We were tricked into thinking we might be able to stay on the trail by a runnable stretch of power line. The next stretch reinforced our earlier decision and we bailed onto W. Pownal Rd. We ran up Leighton, to Elmwood, and back to the park. We changed out of screw shoes and headed back out for the Animal Loop. It's a great non-trail option since it has lots of hills and dirt roads.
When we reached the first of the loop's namesake, the dark llama was right by the fence. He jumped up in protest, laid back his ears, and made it clear he was unhappy with our presence. He turned his rump to us and farted in our general direction. He ran over to his llama (I assume) girlfriend. After they, um, greeted each other, he ran, bucking, back to us. He went back and forth between laying his ears back at us angrily and looking at us curiously.
During all his antics, I tried to get his picture (the first time I pulled my camera out - I didn't want to add too much time to this long run). Shit! I'd forgotten to put the memory card back in. The memory on the camera was full. Rats. At least Mindy and I were immensely entertained by his attitude.
We managed to pass the highland coos a second time without stopping to visit. We realized we would need to add six miles after the Animal Loop if we headed right back to the park. Instead, we crossed Elmwood, staying on Lawrence.
The mileage we tacked on didn't quite get us there. We needed to run past the park entrance and tack on another mile. Which we did. We never run out of things to analyze, discover, laugh about or enjoy, even on these long, hard runs. OK, doesn't sound like much of a curse so far. More will come on Sunday.
Friday, March 9, 2012
thIRSday Night Run
I couldn't believe I was putting on shorts for a 9 pm run in early March, but the temperature was still at 51 degrees. When Unstrung came in, I don't think she expected to see me in shorts. She decided she needed to remove at least one layer. We were both sort of thinking the conditions were going to be horrendous. Instead, they were just incredibly variable. To paraphrase Xar, there was no rhythm to the run.
I still haven't taken screws out of my shoes. It was a good thing. I think Xar realized she could have used more traction less than a mile from the start. I couldn't believe how much ice we'd encounter. So, ice, ice water crossings, a VERY nearby skunk, wind, moths, post-holing in ground, our strength-training stretch of relatively deep snow, wind, laughter, typical meeting stuff. I was amazed at one of the bridges; the water was almost up to the surface. Another place, I wanted to point out where the mink lives, but he was flooded.
We covered eight miles.
I still haven't taken screws out of my shoes. It was a good thing. I think Xar realized she could have used more traction less than a mile from the start. I couldn't believe how much ice we'd encounter. So, ice, ice water crossings, a VERY nearby skunk, wind, moths, post-holing in ground, our strength-training stretch of relatively deep snow, wind, laughter, typical meeting stuff. I was amazed at one of the bridges; the water was almost up to the surface. Another place, I wanted to point out where the mink lives, but he was flooded.
We covered eight miles.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Mostly Pics
 |
| Where the mink lives |
 |
| The moon |
 |
| again |
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| Turkeys (not visible) rooting in trees |
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| almost needed headlamp |
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| Stars |
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Weird Weekend
I had almost thought I had kicked my stomach/overall mullygrubble on Friday, but that evening started feeling it in my lower GI. No!!! I didn't get to sleep till after 2 with all the bathroom trips. Then Spot got me up at 5:30 :(
Rick got up to head to Brad with me for the 10 miles on my schedule. Mindy and I had both not gotten in the miles planned for the week and thought we'd do a little extra, running at least 2 hours. Well, in the conditions the day had to offer, with my extra stops in the woods, 2 hours just barely got us our 10 miles. I'm not sure we'd have wanted to be out there any longer; the cold rain was getting harder as we ran. Mindy was dealing with the start of some type of head cold. We counted ourselves lucky that it was a back-down week; we didn't have 20+ miles on the schedule. I wouldn't call it a bad run, but it was less fun than it might have been. Even at E&L's we had trouble warming up. I had no appetite (very sad to be at E&L's and not want to eat) so just had tea. It was nice to catch up with Ian and Emma, who came in from marking the Blizzard course.
Rick and I had to hurry home to get back on the road. We were dropping Ryan off in Providence then picking up Sam, who'd just finished up on finals, in Worcester. Poor Rick, Ryan and I were almost no company at all. We both slept a majority of the ride to Providence. Heading to Worcester, I wasn't much better company. I still had that background headache and nodded off now and then. After we picked up Sam, it was time to think about food. Unfortunately, every place we stopped was packed. We didn't eat until we reached Portland. I ate, but still didn't feel great. Upon arriving home, I was asleep within a half an hour. I would have slept until the alarm, but Spot asserted that she should heat the regular time.
I felt like I was in a fog. Still, the stomach issue didn't seem too bad. I really needed to get out for my run, but couldn't get moving. By the time I made myself get out there, I had no chance of fitting in all eight miles. I would just go by time.
The day was a dreary as I felt. At least a snowmobile or two had been out since the big storm. The trail would be runnable. I noticed the trees and bushes were all lined with a frosting of ice. If there sun came out, it would be beautiful. Instead, the frosting seemed more liked the sheets pulled over furniture in a closed up old house...no, like the dust over all the furniture...whatever, it looked sad.
Soon, the chewed up ice chunks made by the snowmobile's track started aggravating various aches and pains in my foot, ankle, and knee. That was the start of the running dialogue (teehee, punny :) between my head and my body. My mind try to chew out my body for complaining. Suck it up. Listen to what George always says, "What are you gonna do? You just deal with it." My knee was not having it. Just then I post-holed deeply into some water right where I'm always telling people to watch out for the dips; there's water under them. I had to reach way out with the non-posted leg to catch myself. The achilles twinged. Hey head, what are you doing??? You're supposed to be paying attention so this doesn't happen and you want to give a lecture about not complaining??? It was also around here that my body realized that my mind was actually putting the words in its mouth. That, it was my mind that had to take George's advice. The body was going to send whatever messages the nerves conducted. The mind would have to just deal. Yes, I realize all this doesn't really make sense, but it was happening. It was also right around here that I really started enjoying my run.
The trail would have stretches of good running, but also more stretches of ankle-busting ice chunks. The place where I've told Xar and Mindy, "Careful, there's always a river under here," but there had been nothing and there was nothing to even hesitate about, had a river flowing under it. There was a thin layer of ice covering the middle, but it looked, um, unsupportive. I decided it would be best to just break through and plant my foot on the bottom. I think it was a good call. It wasn't all that deep, I didn't fall, and my feet were going to be soaked no matter what.
The half way time turned out to be almost exactly 3.5 miles in. Nice. I could live with seven for the day. On the way back, the conversation in my head would best be shared on a run of over, oh, I don't know, hours and hours or maybe a run after 9pm. It all seemed so profound and spiritual. Better talk than with the body. Then the world got me out of my head. A beautiful, huge red-tailed hawk took wing from the top of a short tree. I felt it push off. It made a low circle over the field. Not long after, I noticed some mouse art that was punctuated with what I assumed was a coyote pounce.
I tried to pretend the scenery was brighter, but the sun hadn't come out as promised. It still looked dreary, but it no longer affected my mood. Crossing the road, heading down to the snowmobile bridge (the one ....Oh, oh, oh!!! I forgot all about the bridges. With each one I crossed, I thought about Unstrung's description of them as electron bridges. Yup, I certainly felt like there was a probability that they would not be solid where I stepped. Of course, Rick said something like, if I knew for certain it was there, I couldn't know how fast it was going....no, no, not the uncertainty principle, the oritols with the electrons just being where they are likely to be...the bridges were dicey. Yeah, it was a weird day out there. So, any way, the bridge that was right before the turn around on the power lines in the fat ass), I notice an animal slipping down the bank, going under the bridge. Was it a mink? I thought they were white this time of year. Maybe a fisher??? I was gonna cross that bridge. "Hey! You're afraid of me!" I shouted, loudly. I thought of the troll beneath the bridge. As I ran across, I notice where the critter had gone into a hole in the bank. Phew! Then I laughed at me for being scared. Silly. It was a mink after all. I think that it's certain weasels that turn white in winter.
I finished with almost exactly 7 miles and without a headache. Running is good. I also finished with just enough time to get ready to head to the Bradbury Blizzard.
Rick got up to head to Brad with me for the 10 miles on my schedule. Mindy and I had both not gotten in the miles planned for the week and thought we'd do a little extra, running at least 2 hours. Well, in the conditions the day had to offer, with my extra stops in the woods, 2 hours just barely got us our 10 miles. I'm not sure we'd have wanted to be out there any longer; the cold rain was getting harder as we ran. Mindy was dealing with the start of some type of head cold. We counted ourselves lucky that it was a back-down week; we didn't have 20+ miles on the schedule. I wouldn't call it a bad run, but it was less fun than it might have been. Even at E&L's we had trouble warming up. I had no appetite (very sad to be at E&L's and not want to eat) so just had tea. It was nice to catch up with Ian and Emma, who came in from marking the Blizzard course.
Rick and I had to hurry home to get back on the road. We were dropping Ryan off in Providence then picking up Sam, who'd just finished up on finals, in Worcester. Poor Rick, Ryan and I were almost no company at all. We both slept a majority of the ride to Providence. Heading to Worcester, I wasn't much better company. I still had that background headache and nodded off now and then. After we picked up Sam, it was time to think about food. Unfortunately, every place we stopped was packed. We didn't eat until we reached Portland. I ate, but still didn't feel great. Upon arriving home, I was asleep within a half an hour. I would have slept until the alarm, but Spot asserted that she should heat the regular time.
I felt like I was in a fog. Still, the stomach issue didn't seem too bad. I really needed to get out for my run, but couldn't get moving. By the time I made myself get out there, I had no chance of fitting in all eight miles. I would just go by time.
The day was a dreary as I felt. At least a snowmobile or two had been out since the big storm. The trail would be runnable. I noticed the trees and bushes were all lined with a frosting of ice. If there sun came out, it would be beautiful. Instead, the frosting seemed more liked the sheets pulled over furniture in a closed up old house...no, like the dust over all the furniture...whatever, it looked sad.
Soon, the chewed up ice chunks made by the snowmobile's track started aggravating various aches and pains in my foot, ankle, and knee. That was the start of the running dialogue (teehee, punny :) between my head and my body. My mind try to chew out my body for complaining. Suck it up. Listen to what George always says, "What are you gonna do? You just deal with it." My knee was not having it. Just then I post-holed deeply into some water right where I'm always telling people to watch out for the dips; there's water under them. I had to reach way out with the non-posted leg to catch myself. The achilles twinged. Hey head, what are you doing??? You're supposed to be paying attention so this doesn't happen and you want to give a lecture about not complaining??? It was also around here that my body realized that my mind was actually putting the words in its mouth. That, it was my mind that had to take George's advice. The body was going to send whatever messages the nerves conducted. The mind would have to just deal. Yes, I realize all this doesn't really make sense, but it was happening. It was also right around here that I really started enjoying my run.
The trail would have stretches of good running, but also more stretches of ankle-busting ice chunks. The place where I've told Xar and Mindy, "Careful, there's always a river under here," but there had been nothing and there was nothing to even hesitate about, had a river flowing under it. There was a thin layer of ice covering the middle, but it looked, um, unsupportive. I decided it would be best to just break through and plant my foot on the bottom. I think it was a good call. It wasn't all that deep, I didn't fall, and my feet were going to be soaked no matter what.
The half way time turned out to be almost exactly 3.5 miles in. Nice. I could live with seven for the day. On the way back, the conversation in my head would best be shared on a run of over, oh, I don't know, hours and hours or maybe a run after 9pm. It all seemed so profound and spiritual. Better talk than with the body. Then the world got me out of my head. A beautiful, huge red-tailed hawk took wing from the top of a short tree. I felt it push off. It made a low circle over the field. Not long after, I noticed some mouse art that was punctuated with what I assumed was a coyote pounce.
I tried to pretend the scenery was brighter, but the sun hadn't come out as promised. It still looked dreary, but it no longer affected my mood. Crossing the road, heading down to the snowmobile bridge (the one ....Oh, oh, oh!!! I forgot all about the bridges. With each one I crossed, I thought about Unstrung's description of them as electron bridges. Yup, I certainly felt like there was a probability that they would not be solid where I stepped. Of course, Rick said something like, if I knew for certain it was there, I couldn't know how fast it was going....no, no, not the uncertainty principle, the oritols with the electrons just being where they are likely to be...the bridges were dicey. Yeah, it was a weird day out there. So, any way, the bridge that was right before the turn around on the power lines in the fat ass), I notice an animal slipping down the bank, going under the bridge. Was it a mink? I thought they were white this time of year. Maybe a fisher??? I was gonna cross that bridge. "Hey! You're afraid of me!" I shouted, loudly. I thought of the troll beneath the bridge. As I ran across, I notice where the critter had gone into a hole in the bank. Phew! Then I laughed at me for being scared. Silly. It was a mink after all. I think that it's certain weasels that turn white in winter.
I finished with almost exactly 7 miles and without a headache. Running is good. I also finished with just enough time to get ready to head to the Bradbury Blizzard.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Very Little
There has been very little to write about since the weekend. I did run once with Mindy at the Back Cove on Tuesday. I was feeling pretty green. I managed to actually not hurl, but it was close. We still got in 5 miles at a decent pace, enjoying good conversation. My drive home was not fun. The next day, I had to teach my first class at work. Poor people, I just felt like sleeping. In fact, I had slept from supper the night before till my alarm went off; I knew I was sick. Fortunately, I felt better as the day went on. I didn't run that night, another good indication that I was not right. Last night, would normally be one that you'd have to strap me down to keep me in. I love playing "lost in the blizzard". Some might say that I needed it or that blah, blah, blah, but my legs have been cramping and doing all sorts of protest to the inactivity. I might have had no interest in running, but my body is protesting the decision to listen to the head.
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