In the Depths of the Dog Days: Week of 7-18 to 7-24

It's race week (again), and I'm off all week.  Planning to grab a few miles, surf a bit, and get some things done at the house.  The Run With the Beavers 10-mile trail race is this Saturday, and as always, it's a stacked field.  I'm not surprised, either - Bob puts on a great event, and I try to make it to as many of them as I can.  The forecast is for temps in the 80-90+ degree range all week, and hitting 92 on Saturday.  Hmmm...

I also managed to sign myself up for another 50-miler, but it's not until 2017 so I'm not even thinking about any training plans or anything for it.  Here's a picture from the course:

Slot Canyons!

Monday - 0 Miles.

Tuesday - 7 Miles.  Warmup miles and the Dogwatch Fun Run.  Wait, what???  You made it to a fun run?  I sense a disturbance in the force...

Wednesday - 4 Miles.  Hot Lantern Hill Cruise.  Did a double up and down, plus a couple hill repeats on the first climb.  Hot.  Sweaty.  Summer.  Love it.

Thursday - 0 Miles.  Spent the day giving the VW (1966 13-window deluxe microbus) some love, getting her cleaned up and driving around a bit.  Much to do, but she's looking good and getting some much-needed attention!

Almost road ready!

Friday - 0 Miles.  More work on the bus,  Hot out!

Saturday - 10 Miles.  Run With The Beavers race.  What a fun event, hosted by RD Bob Jackman and his team at A Better Pace, who put on an outstanding race.  The forecast had the temps climbing into the low 90's during the day, and I figured a PR was gonna be out of the question.  I loaded up a bunch of craft beer for swapping/gifting, and headed to Chapachet, RI.  After running into a whole lot of people I was looking forward to seeing, I geared up and loaded up on bug spray, although that turned out to be unnecessary.  Already hot in the sunlight at the 9 a.m. start.  Decided to run with John P. today, as we rarely get a chance to run together and always have a great time.  Racing sometimes takes a backseat to just being there, having a good time with friends, and enjoying the experience.  Call it a perfect reason to get together!  So John and I ran the whole 10 miles side by side, getting in at 2:06 officially just as the awards were being announced.  Did some beer swapping and hanging out afterwards, and headed out.  Big turnout at the race!!!  Great to see lots of first time trail runners today, it's too much fun not to be shared.  Next up?  The Run 4 Kerri road race!  George Ross, it's on!!!

Sunday - ?