Showing posts with label long run. Show all posts
Showing posts with label long run. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Thoughts from the Road - #41011
8 Miles in Poe Valley
Jim dropped me off where the Milheim/Siglerville Pike intersects with Poe Valley Road and drove on to Poe Paddy State Park. Our idea was to run toward each other and upon meeting Jim would turn back around and we would get back to the car together. That would be about 5.5 mile for me and depending on how far he ran before we met it would be about 4 for him.
It was a great idea because next to no one was out on the roads. I am so familiar with the stretch of road that goes from the Kinzer's cabin to the state parks that I had no fear of what or who I would meet. The draw this morning was to enjoy a longer run along the beautiful streams in Poe Valley. It turned out to be a bit of a "walk" down memory lane.
It didn't take too long before I was jogging past Kinzer's camp. I looked up, took a picture, said, "Hey Glenn," and loudly said, "You old goat!" No one was anywhere close enough to hear me and it somehow cheered me to say that as I saw his memorial bench in front of the cabin.
My next memory was juts around the bend on a lovely "S" curve that I had to photograph. The road is more scenic than my memory of wrecking on my skateboard. The length of my one shin was skinned and probably one of the most painful accidents I had as a kid. Healing in the summer, sunburns and scraped knees, can lead to long sleepless nights.
I saw plenty of trails that I hiked and overgrown stretches Missy and I had cut through to take "short cuts" back to the cabin from the lake. It's along that stretch Jim, Arron, Evan, Missy and I also hiked up and over Little Poe Mountain. We came from the Boiling Spring on an old unblazed trail which dropped down onto an old logging grade. Some guy near Boiling Spring took us for a bunch of tender foots and said we would never find the old logging road. I think we were all pretty pleased when our little bushwhack went off without a hitch and we stepped onto it without a worry.
Just after I trotted onto the boundry of Poe Valley State Park, I could see the trees thinning ahead over the lake. It had been about 30 minutes of running and snapping random photos and I could see the lake just through the trees. I then caught a brief flash of a white wedge of tail feathers from near the far end of the lake. I never got to positively identify it but I am pretty certain it was a mature bald eagle soaring over the quiet Poe Valley Lake.
I stopped for a few photos and gave a careful look up and down the valley for the eagle but had to keep moving. I saw the new buildings along the beach and in the camping area and am excited to check them out this summer. The lake was so still and looks ready for warm weather visitors.
After running past the dam the road took a decided grade downhill and went from paved to gravel. Across the creek to my right, I saw where a group of us has hidden a geocache back in 2004. Poe Valley State Park had approved the location and a group of us came in after the first weekend of fishing season to clean up the park of any trash that was left.
The next miles were so scenic with old trees and curving streams. I surprised a turkey that was a distance ahead of me on the road. It ran for a few yards before taking off and flying low around the bend in the road. I knew I could meet Jim and anytime and imagined the turkey flying around and meeting him face to face. It didn't happen that way though and I saw Jim about a half a mile farther down the road.
Jim saw me coming and had snapped some photos. We had a cheerful reunion and he told me about an osprey that he got to see up close about a mile before we met. He wasn't sure if the photo he shot of it flying away turned out. It turns out that you can see it!
I told him of all I had seen and the couple of miles to the car went quickly. We stopped for quick drinks of water where he had parked in Poe Paddy State Park and decided to continue running the mile to the old tunnel. We remembered when we had brought some hot stew out to our friend Jan while she was camping and letterboxing.
Penns Creek was swollen and flowing with power. Jim joked that he was glad we hadn't brought our inner tubes along today. The emerald green waters were churning and raging. It seemed like no time at all before we came to the rail road grade and the wooden trestle that the Mid State Trail crosses. We snapped photos of each other crossing Penns Creek on the bridge then did the same near the old tunnel.
We had intended to run through the tunnel but it was very wet and some of the puddles covered the trail from side to side. Hiking shoes would have been perfect but wet running shoes are a different thing. I really didn't want cold wet feet for my last mile. Another reason I turned back was that progressing at more than a slow walk wasn't enough time for my eyes to adjust inside. Normally I have time to adjust but running felt too dangerous. We turned back and snapped more pictures.
The last half mile I slowly put the hammer down. I was pushing out of my comfort zone but the song I had on the iPod allowed for me to push to keep that rhythm and run less than a 9:00 MM for quite a length. It was a nice way to end the long run; I ended strong.
Jim and I changed clothes in the outhouse and freshened up for brunch at the Elk Creek Café. They had our favorite Creamy Mushroom Soup with Truffle Oil and Smoked Tempeh Sandwich on the menu! We got refreshing sparkling raspberry drinks and water to hydrate. It was a great morning to share in Poe Valley.
Jim dropped me off where the Milheim/Siglerville Pike intersects with Poe Valley Road and drove on to Poe Paddy State Park. Our idea was to run toward each other and upon meeting Jim would turn back around and we would get back to the car together. That would be about 5.5 mile for me and depending on how far he ran before we met it would be about 4 for him.It was a great idea because next to no one was out on the roads. I am so familiar with the stretch of road that goes from the Kinzer's cabin to the state parks that I had no fear of what or who I would meet. The draw this morning was to enjoy a longer run along the beautiful streams in Poe Valley. It turned out to be a bit of a "walk" down memory lane.
It didn't take too long before I was jogging past Kinzer's camp. I looked up, took a picture, said, "Hey Glenn," and loudly said, "You old goat!" No one was anywhere close enough to hear me and it somehow cheered me to say that as I saw his memorial bench in front of the cabin.My next memory was juts around the bend on a lovely "S" curve that I had to photograph. The road is more scenic than my memory of wrecking on my skateboard. The length of my one shin was skinned and probably one of the most painful accidents I had as a kid. Healing in the summer, sunburns and scraped knees, can lead to long sleepless nights.
I saw plenty of trails that I hiked and overgrown stretches Missy and I had cut through to take "short cuts" back to the cabin from the lake. It's along that stretch Jim, Arron, Evan, Missy and I also hiked up and over Little Poe Mountain. We came from the Boiling Spring on an old unblazed trail which dropped down onto an old logging grade. Some guy near Boiling Spring took us for a bunch of tender foots and said we would never find the old logging road. I think we were all pretty pleased when our little bushwhack went off without a hitch and we stepped onto it without a worry.
Just after I trotted onto the boundry of Poe Valley State Park, I could see the trees thinning ahead over the lake. It had been about 30 minutes of running and snapping random photos and I could see the lake just through the trees. I then caught a brief flash of a white wedge of tail feathers from near the far end of the lake. I never got to positively identify it but I am pretty certain it was a mature bald eagle soaring over the quiet Poe Valley Lake.
After running past the dam the road took a decided grade downhill and went from paved to gravel. Across the creek to my right, I saw where a group of us has hidden a geocache back in 2004. Poe Valley State Park had approved the location and a group of us came in after the first weekend of fishing season to clean up the park of any trash that was left.
The next miles were so scenic with old trees and curving streams. I surprised a turkey that was a distance ahead of me on the road. It ran for a few yards before taking off and flying low around the bend in the road. I knew I could meet Jim and anytime and imagined the turkey flying around and meeting him face to face. It didn't happen that way though and I saw Jim about a half a mile farther down the road.Jim saw me coming and had snapped some photos. We had a cheerful reunion and he told me about an osprey that he got to see up close about a mile before we met. He wasn't sure if the photo he shot of it flying away turned out. It turns out that you can see it!
I told him of all I had seen and the couple of miles to the car went quickly. We stopped for quick drinks of water where he had parked in Poe Paddy State Park and decided to continue running the mile to the old tunnel. We remembered when we had brought some hot stew out to our friend Jan while she was camping and letterboxing.Penns Creek was swollen and flowing with power. Jim joked that he was glad we hadn't brought our inner tubes along today. The emerald green waters were churning and raging. It seemed like no time at all before we came to the rail road grade and the wooden trestle that the Mid State Trail crosses. We snapped photos of each other crossing Penns Creek on the bridge then did the same near the old tunnel.
We had intended to run through the tunnel but it was very wet and some of the puddles covered the trail from side to side. Hiking shoes would have been perfect but wet running shoes are a different thing. I really didn't want cold wet feet for my last mile. Another reason I turned back was that progressing at more than a slow walk wasn't enough time for my eyes to adjust inside. Normally I have time to adjust but running felt too dangerous. We turned back and snapped more pictures.
The last half mile I slowly put the hammer down. I was pushing out of my comfort zone but the song I had on the iPod allowed for me to push to keep that rhythm and run less than a 9:00 MM for quite a length. It was a nice way to end the long run; I ended strong.
Jim and I changed clothes in the outhouse and freshened up for brunch at the Elk Creek Café. They had our favorite Creamy Mushroom Soup with Truffle Oil and Smoked Tempeh Sandwich on the menu! We got refreshing sparkling raspberry drinks and water to hydrate. It was a great morning to share in Poe Valley.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Thoughts from the Road - #2811
On long runs I have a lot of time to think. I realized yesterday that my longest run to date was going to have my reoccurring overuse injuries rear their ugly heads. By the end of the day I was starting to feel the complete effect of the 15 miles.
I don't write about my injuries because they aren't a pleasant topic. I was thinking that perhaps by not writing about them some readers might wrongly assume that I have none. None are debilitating but they are still unpleasant if I haven't rested, stretched or taken ibuprofen.
The most prevalent of my overuse injuries is my plantar fasciitis. Long and hard pounding on asphalt, increasing my overall intensity of workouts over the week will bring on this painful foot condition. I can remember feeling it even a bit before I started running, probably brought on by hiking. When it is at it's worst, its painful to get out of bed and walk for the first minute or so after rising. The things that have helped it are stretching my calves regularly and (when it's at its very worst) rolling my feet bottoms on a frozen soup can.
My right knee can swell a bit after an intense workout or series of days without a break. I rarely need to ice it but a day or two of rest is usually enough. The tendons around my ankles can be painful and require the same treatment as my knee.
I am grateful that I haven't really had a sharp pain in either of my knees like I did early last fall. Rolling out my iliotibial band on a foam roller has really kept that pain at bay, even this winter in the cold. I almost felt it just a bit yesterday between my 12th and 14th miles. I just slowed down a bit and tried to keep conscious while running.
All of the other little things that end up hurting are so varied. I can say I am always feeling something somewhere. I know some might question why I choose to exercise in a way that causes me any pain but the benefits seems to far outweigh the problems.
I don't write about my injuries because they aren't a pleasant topic. I was thinking that perhaps by not writing about them some readers might wrongly assume that I have none. None are debilitating but they are still unpleasant if I haven't rested, stretched or taken ibuprofen.
The most prevalent of my overuse injuries is my plantar fasciitis. Long and hard pounding on asphalt, increasing my overall intensity of workouts over the week will bring on this painful foot condition. I can remember feeling it even a bit before I started running, probably brought on by hiking. When it is at it's worst, its painful to get out of bed and walk for the first minute or so after rising. The things that have helped it are stretching my calves regularly and (when it's at its very worst) rolling my feet bottoms on a frozen soup can.
My right knee can swell a bit after an intense workout or series of days without a break. I rarely need to ice it but a day or two of rest is usually enough. The tendons around my ankles can be painful and require the same treatment as my knee.
I am grateful that I haven't really had a sharp pain in either of my knees like I did early last fall. Rolling out my iliotibial band on a foam roller has really kept that pain at bay, even this winter in the cold. I almost felt it just a bit yesterday between my 12th and 14th miles. I just slowed down a bit and tried to keep conscious while running.
All of the other little things that end up hurting are so varied. I can say I am always feeling something somewhere. I know some might question why I choose to exercise in a way that causes me any pain but the benefits seems to far outweigh the problems.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Thoughts from the Road - #2711
I am recovering from my longest and farthest run to date. I was pleased to grab a couple of hours of daylight when the shoulders of the roadways were not a total mess. I did have to full out stop, a half dozen times, by climbing onto the large mound of snow and ice when the shoulders were most narrow. That was for the passing of oncoming buses and tractor trailers that really had no room to yield on Fox Hill Road.
I ran abut 9 miles of the Nittany Valley Half Marathon route in reverse. I then turned on to Big Hollow Rd which had more traffic on it than I expected. From where it comes out near Jim's work I turned for home via Orchard Rd through Houserville and started up Penn Hills before Jim caught up to me on one of the most lethal hills.
I feel now like I did last summer when I completed my first 10 miler. I feel accomplished but pretty beat up. It was not an easy run at any point along the way. I had moderately bad cramps the whole time and the added weight of the 24 oz of water in the CamelBak seemed to really slow me down. I carried extra water because of the extra distance. How much was left when Jim picked me up after 15 miles? sssslllluuuurrrP - None. I drank every bit as I sweated my way along in the above freezing temperatures.
I ate 1/2 a peeled banana from a snack baggie at about mile 9 and downed a PB&J the moment I got home. I am about to have another 8oz of Nuun flavored water because I am feeling like I am still crashing. Cucumber Mint - yum!
I really loved seeing the 3 red tailed hawks along the road near the airport. A jet and a plane took off i the amount of time I took to run through the area. I wished it had been the day the president came. It would have been cool to see Air Force One as a ran by.
Do I feel like I could accomplish a marathon distance? No way. I am feeling like a nap. I will rest a bit while I know Arron is flying back over the Atlantic Ocean, scheduled to get home about 8 PM tonight. I hope his travels go well and we can look forward to hearing about his time in London. This week is starting out pretty well.
I ran abut 9 miles of the Nittany Valley Half Marathon route in reverse. I then turned on to Big Hollow Rd which had more traffic on it than I expected. From where it comes out near Jim's work I turned for home via Orchard Rd through Houserville and started up Penn Hills before Jim caught up to me on one of the most lethal hills.
I feel now like I did last summer when I completed my first 10 miler. I feel accomplished but pretty beat up. It was not an easy run at any point along the way. I had moderately bad cramps the whole time and the added weight of the 24 oz of water in the CamelBak seemed to really slow me down. I carried extra water because of the extra distance. How much was left when Jim picked me up after 15 miles? sssslllluuuurrrP - None. I drank every bit as I sweated my way along in the above freezing temperatures.
I ate 1/2 a peeled banana from a snack baggie at about mile 9 and downed a PB&J the moment I got home. I am about to have another 8oz of Nuun flavored water because I am feeling like I am still crashing. Cucumber Mint - yum!
I really loved seeing the 3 red tailed hawks along the road near the airport. A jet and a plane took off i the amount of time I took to run through the area. I wished it had been the day the president came. It would have been cool to see Air Force One as a ran by.
Do I feel like I could accomplish a marathon distance? No way. I am feeling like a nap. I will rest a bit while I know Arron is flying back over the Atlantic Ocean, scheduled to get home about 8 PM tonight. I hope his travels go well and we can look forward to hearing about his time in London. This week is starting out pretty well.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Thoughts from the Road - #1001
The Thirteenth Mile
Well, this is it.
I can tell I will make it and I can even pick up my pace enough to keep up with that crazy guy on his bike.
I am not feeling as I had imagined at this point. I know I am tired but momentum is an awesome thing.
I need to pass that walking couple.
"Coming on your left, Good Morning."
Wow, a mile is a long way.
I am tired.
Transcend it, transcend it.
Push hard.
Deeper breaths.
Watch your footing.
Relax the shoulders.
Smile.
Enjoy.
Transcend.
Push.
Go...
Well, this is it.
I can tell I will make it and I can even pick up my pace enough to keep up with that crazy guy on his bike.
I am not feeling as I had imagined at this point. I know I am tired but momentum is an awesome thing.
I need to pass that walking couple.
"Coming on your left, Good Morning."
Wow, a mile is a long way.
I am tired.
Transcend it, transcend it.
Push hard.
Deeper breaths.
Watch your footing.
Relax the shoulders.
Smile.
Enjoy.
Transcend.
Push.
Go...
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thoughts from the Road - #930
The Twelfth Mile
This is uncharted territory for me.
It's hard to stay zen about this but I just have to keep moving.
I don't want my play list to run out. I am going to try to pick up my pace a bit.
I can't believe I haven't walked in over 2 hours.
Hey, I think my Gu just kicked in!
Oh please don't let me have blisters.
Darn, my right arm is chaffing now too.
Annie Lennox always makes me feel glad to be running. Another vocal grand diva.
I see the 12 mile marker ahead and there is Jimbo on his bike. I could push him off and bike the last mile. I better warn him.
Well where the heck is my feather boa and tiara!? Oh right, at home on my dresser beside my wand and diva compass. Arron & Amy, you are the best!
Look at the cute chalk on the road ahead!
*pushing my 2 index fingers into the air*
"Go, go go!"
*iPod says, "One mile to go."
Oh my god. I can do this!
This is uncharted territory for me.
It's hard to stay zen about this but I just have to keep moving.
I don't want my play list to run out. I am going to try to pick up my pace a bit.
I can't believe I haven't walked in over 2 hours.
Hey, I think my Gu just kicked in!
Oh please don't let me have blisters.
Darn, my right arm is chaffing now too.
Annie Lennox always makes me feel glad to be running. Another vocal grand diva.
I see the 12 mile marker ahead and there is Jimbo on his bike. I could push him off and bike the last mile. I better warn him.
Well where the heck is my feather boa and tiara!? Oh right, at home on my dresser beside my wand and diva compass. Arron & Amy, you are the best!
Look at the cute chalk on the road ahead!
*pushing my 2 index fingers into the air*
"Go, go go!"
*iPod says, "One mile to go."
Oh my god. I can do this!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Thoughts from the Road - #928
The Eleventh Mile
One of the signs I am past the 10 mile mark is that songs are a little more fun now.
"I kissed a cat and I liked it, it taste of her tuna catfood
I kissed a cat just to try it, I hope my boyfriend don't mind it
It felt so wrong, it felt so right, don't mean I'm in love tonight
I kissed a cat and I liked it, I liked it
Those cats they are so magical, soft fur, and dibs, so kissable
Hard to resist, so touchable, too good to deny it
It ain't no big deal, it's innocent"
Haha, Footloose. I wish I could loosen up my feet a little.
It feels like I am almost starting to shuffle.
*iPod says, "Eleven miles completed."
"Thank you"
One of the signs I am past the 10 mile mark is that songs are a little more fun now.
"I kissed a cat and I liked it, it taste of her tuna catfood
I kissed a cat just to try it, I hope my boyfriend don't mind it
It felt so wrong, it felt so right, don't mean I'm in love tonight
I kissed a cat and I liked it, I liked it
Those cats they are so magical, soft fur, and dibs, so kissable
Hard to resist, so touchable, too good to deny it
It ain't no big deal, it's innocent"
Haha, Footloose. I wish I could loosen up my feet a little.
It feels like I am almost starting to shuffle.
*iPod says, "Eleven miles completed."
"Thank you"
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Taper Time
My last longer (8 mile) trail run was today with one week until the 1/2 marathon. Now I just have to try to keep out of my head and keep self doubt in check. Idle time leads to too much thinking.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Thoughts from the Road - #925
The Tenth Mile
"Go on now go, walk out the door..."
Any pain or fatigue can just go.
"Just turn around now 'cause your not welcome anymore."
My pain can just go out the door. *hands make sweeping gesture*
I sure hope that Gu kicks in soon. I am really dragging.
If I don't lift my feet higher I will trip.
It scares me that I have never hit what they call "the wall." I guess I am just so slow and refuel so frequently that I never deplete my glycogen to that level.
My back is tired.
Wow, I have more energy than some of these folks who started at the same time I did.
Maybe I'll put on a little burst of speed here. HAHAHA!
This mile is taking forever.
I can't wait for my chocolate milk and ice bath.
Awesome, here comes that upbeat guy cheering on the racers I am running with. He loves it when folks hold out their hand to slap 5 with him.
*holds out hand and gets slapped with enough force to almost knock an exhausted body over*
"Hahaha!"
At least I didn't get creamed by that elite runner.
*iPod says, "Ten miles completed."*
Man oh man.
"Go on now go, walk out the door..."
Any pain or fatigue can just go.
"Just turn around now 'cause your not welcome anymore."
My pain can just go out the door. *hands make sweeping gesture*
I sure hope that Gu kicks in soon. I am really dragging.
If I don't lift my feet higher I will trip.
It scares me that I have never hit what they call "the wall." I guess I am just so slow and refuel so frequently that I never deplete my glycogen to that level.
My back is tired.
Wow, I have more energy than some of these folks who started at the same time I did.
Maybe I'll put on a little burst of speed here. HAHAHA!
This mile is taking forever.
I can't wait for my chocolate milk and ice bath.
Awesome, here comes that upbeat guy cheering on the racers I am running with. He loves it when folks hold out their hand to slap 5 with him.
*holds out hand and gets slapped with enough force to almost knock an exhausted body over*
"Hahaha!"
At least I didn't get creamed by that elite runner.
*iPod says, "Ten miles completed."*
Man oh man.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Thoughts from the Road - #919
The Eighth Mile
*iPod says "Four miles to go"*
"Ok"
I don't mind this light misting rain at all.
Excellent, Cyndi Lauper! Sing it girl!
Look at all of the robins, flocking now that it's cooler. That one if taking advantage of how the cars have cracked open the black walnuts and is eating the nut meat right off the road. Opportunistic robin! cool.
The joints are feeling used.
Thank the goddess for body glide!
There's my second cache, thank you Jimbo! Orange Gu and water. I don't need to walk at all today.
More smashed fruit on the road... AUGH! Get away yellow jacket! *picks up pace*
My gum has gone so stale it's like chewing a kneaded eraser.
It's curious how I can envision my past selves and what kind of pace I have had each time I run this route to this playlist. I can see ghost images of myself just a bit ahead or behind, a lot like that dirt bike computer game where you could race against your past games.
Hills are hard but I love them.
Give me my eighth mile, Give Me My Eighth Mile, GIVE ME MY EIGHTH MILE.
*iPod says "Eight Miles Complted"*
"Thank You!"
*iPod says "Four miles to go"*
"Ok"
I don't mind this light misting rain at all.
Excellent, Cyndi Lauper! Sing it girl!Look at all of the robins, flocking now that it's cooler. That one if taking advantage of how the cars have cracked open the black walnuts and is eating the nut meat right off the road. Opportunistic robin! cool.
The joints are feeling used.
Thank the goddess for body glide!
There's my second cache, thank you Jimbo! Orange Gu and water. I don't need to walk at all today.
More smashed fruit on the road... AUGH! Get away yellow jacket! *picks up pace*
My gum has gone so stale it's like chewing a kneaded eraser.
It's curious how I can envision my past selves and what kind of pace I have had each time I run this route to this playlist. I can see ghost images of myself just a bit ahead or behind, a lot like that dirt bike computer game where you could race against your past games.
Hills are hard but I love them.
Give me my eighth mile, Give Me My Eighth Mile, GIVE ME MY EIGHTH MILE.
*iPod says "Eight Miles Complted"*
"Thank You!"
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thoughts from the Road - #917
The Seventh Mile
When I stare at the road for a long time without blinking, the white lines glow.
My feet are numb.
Aggressive driver, I was so far over I was in that person's lawn. *frowns*
Apples smashed all over the road, what a waste.
Keep your elderly Akita over there, thank you.
Why does it feel like I am wearing my tabi socks!?! There is no way there could be material between my toes!
Boy am I slow but this is my 24th mile in less than a week so I will look at it that way.
Holy cow! Smashed pears on the road from a glorious pear tree.
Gerald Street for my final mile, what a stupid route choice.
Over 6 miles and I can finally take my gloves off. Uphill is good for something.
Oh my GOSH! That is the second whole smashed banana I have seen on the road today!
I wish I could cut this run short but I am building endurance.
*iPod says, "Seven Miles Completed."*
*Ripping the iPod carrier from arm and immediately pulling out the Nike+ chip before slowing to a walk.*
*iPod says, "This is Joan Benoit again. I hope you are feeling good 'cause you sure are looking good. Congratulations for completing another 500 kilometers."*
*sigh*
When I stare at the road for a long time without blinking, the white lines glow.
My feet are numb.
Aggressive driver, I was so far over I was in that person's lawn. *frowns*
Apples smashed all over the road, what a waste.
Keep your elderly Akita over there, thank you.
Why does it feel like I am wearing my tabi socks!?! There is no way there could be material between my toes!
Boy am I slow but this is my 24th mile in less than a week so I will look at it that way.
Holy cow! Smashed pears on the road from a glorious pear tree.
Gerald Street for my final mile, what a stupid route choice.
Over 6 miles and I can finally take my gloves off. Uphill is good for something.
Oh my GOSH! That is the second whole smashed banana I have seen on the road today!
I wish I could cut this run short but I am building endurance.
*iPod says, "Seven Miles Completed."*
*Ripping the iPod carrier from arm and immediately pulling out the Nike+ chip before slowing to a walk.*
*iPod says, "This is Joan Benoit again. I hope you are feeling good 'cause you sure are looking good. Congratulations for completing another 500 kilometers."*
*sigh*
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Thoughts from the Road - #902
Since my long run ideally shouldn't exceed more than 1/3 my total weekly mileage, I find myself running some days back to back. I like days off to think and plan and on mornings when the cats have been demons the night before it is even more difficult to get moving. This was one of those mornings.
I was adding in another 4 miler today to help build my overall endurance. I thought I would mix it up a little by running to Branch Rd and cutting down to the new Café Lemont. I was trying to time it just right by getting started just after it was light enough but not get to the café before it opened. I added in one other little time table twist as to be able to grab a coffee and make it onto a bus to come home and shower as soon as possible.
I got off a little late so it was definitely light enough to enjoy watching the crows enjoy their morning in Sterns Crossing. No Coopers Hawk nor deer this morning however. The sprinklers were on in many lawns and on the soccer field near Houserville Elementary. More crows were enjoying the fields there.
As I approached Houserville Rd. I was extra vigilant looking for traffic, my iPod was a little too loud and this was one of the few places where I had to run with cars. All went well but I was surprised by an early morning biker emerging from the parking lot of Spring Creek Park. It was Jimmy-the-Eye!!
Get this, he was disappointed to see me! I popped out my earphone as I met up with him on the bike trail and he said he was trying to beat me. If you are a reader of this blog who really knows us, you may be as shocked as I was when I heard him say that. It was but a heartbeat of confusion for me because he finished the statement with, "... I wanted to surprise you by doing a chalk drawing on the trail up ahead of you."
What a treat to have my dear fellow with me even for a couple of minutes. We laughed and enjoyed the next 1/4 mile together before we kissed our hands and slapped them on each other's arms and nearly colliding. He went onward to work and I turned toward Lemont on the bike trail.
One reason I waited for the sun to come up was I wanted to take a couple of photos with our cell phone. It is of a cute little bandaid stencil I saw the day before on the same running route. It was painted on a crack in the bike trail on top of a hill. I added it to our Guerrilla Art blog and you can see the photos at this link.
Just one other person was on the trail and I passed this walker on the final approach to Branch Rd.
My complete run was about 4.5 miles and I celebrated with some French Roast before jumping on the next bus home.
Walking the final bit on College Ave I got a close look at a new red hot air balloon that was enjoying the temperature of the morning. It had small flags dangling as decoration around it's lower third. The morning was filled with a lot of little treats and I was glad to have gotten my butt out the door.
I was adding in another 4 miler today to help build my overall endurance. I thought I would mix it up a little by running to Branch Rd and cutting down to the new Café Lemont. I was trying to time it just right by getting started just after it was light enough but not get to the café before it opened. I added in one other little time table twist as to be able to grab a coffee and make it onto a bus to come home and shower as soon as possible.
I got off a little late so it was definitely light enough to enjoy watching the crows enjoy their morning in Sterns Crossing. No Coopers Hawk nor deer this morning however. The sprinklers were on in many lawns and on the soccer field near Houserville Elementary. More crows were enjoying the fields there.
As I approached Houserville Rd. I was extra vigilant looking for traffic, my iPod was a little too loud and this was one of the few places where I had to run with cars. All went well but I was surprised by an early morning biker emerging from the parking lot of Spring Creek Park. It was Jimmy-the-Eye!!
Get this, he was disappointed to see me! I popped out my earphone as I met up with him on the bike trail and he said he was trying to beat me. If you are a reader of this blog who really knows us, you may be as shocked as I was when I heard him say that. It was but a heartbeat of confusion for me because he finished the statement with, "... I wanted to surprise you by doing a chalk drawing on the trail up ahead of you."
What a treat to have my dear fellow with me even for a couple of minutes. We laughed and enjoyed the next 1/4 mile together before we kissed our hands and slapped them on each other's arms and nearly colliding. He went onward to work and I turned toward Lemont on the bike trail.
One reason I waited for the sun to come up was I wanted to take a couple of photos with our cell phone. It is of a cute little bandaid stencil I saw the day before on the same running route. It was painted on a crack in the bike trail on top of a hill. I added it to our Guerrilla Art blog and you can see the photos at this link.
Just one other person was on the trail and I passed this walker on the final approach to Branch Rd.
My complete run was about 4.5 miles and I celebrated with some French Roast before jumping on the next bus home. Walking the final bit on College Ave I got a close look at a new red hot air balloon that was enjoying the temperature of the morning. It had small flags dangling as decoration around it's lower third. The morning was filled with a lot of little treats and I was glad to have gotten my butt out the door.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)