So there are a few goals for 2013 rattling around in my head that I think I'm going to attempt, after being inspired by my fellow WTAC'ers accomplishments this past year:
1. Hit 1,500 miles for the year. That's a 30 mile per week average, and totally doable, and would force me to maintain consistent mileage throughout the year;
2. Run a road marathon;
3. Do a sprint triathlon; possibly the Crabman, if I can get my swim on...
4. Run a 50 mile trail race;
5. Go sub-6:30 per mile at a 5K. Again, totally doable...
6. Host a running event. Right now, I'm looking at the CT Forest & Parks Assoc. "Trails Day," and thinking about hosting a 5K out/back on a portion of the trail I manage, and most likely the Wyassup boat launch end because it's got plenty of parking and isn't quite as technical as the other end, but is still plenty challenging. Nothing crazy, free event, and get my feet wet at hosting a race!
Some of these goals seem a bit daunting, and there might be some evolution to the list, but I know that they're achievable and I'm going to give it my best shot...
Monday, 12-31 - 4 Miles (Road) Slushy run in Westerly with Jim H. This was fun, interesting and sketchy all at the same time, since half the sidewalks weren't shoveled, and lots of traffic on Granite Street. This was an expansion of the Schonning 5K route, weather was fine, roads were so-so, good time. Going to have to go back out later to have any shot at making that 50M challenge...
...Later that afternoon - 4 Miles (Road) - Short out and back from the house, but at a better pace than this morning:
Tuesday, 1-1 - 12+ (Road) - Did it! Got my 50 miles in for the challenge, and a great way to start 2013. Almost identical to the loop from last week, done a bit faster. Good elevation too. I was determined to finish this challenge, and added a bit extra just to be 100% sure I had it done:
Wednesday, 1-2 - 0 - Karate class this morning, good bruising session...
Thursday, 1-3 - 0 - Too damn cold out! Was able to do some WTAC business, and submit my paperwork for a CFPA Trails Day event! Pending approval, I'm going to host a 5K trail race on the Narragansett Trail on June 1, for free! Did I say "Free Trail Race?" And, going to present fancy awards for top finishers and provide refreshments and such to the entrants :), so ye be warned...running tomorrow...
Friday, 1-4 - 4 (Road) - Short out and back from the house, warmer today but some gusty winds. Looking forward to Sunday's race...
Saturday, 1-5 - 6+ (Trails/Road) - I'd started scoping out the Westerly Land Trust trails yesterday, and decided to get a trail run at the Champlin Park, which I'd heard mentioned but never run. Met up with Jeff W., as he runs these trails quite a bit, and he graciously offered to let me try out his Yaktrax, which worked like a charm. Didn't slip once out there, and immediately picked up a pair afterward. Great trails, and a fantastic view of Misquamicut Beach and the Ocean from the overlook. We also ran the Mastuxet Trails, which are located behind my daughter's favorite playground. Never knew those were there either! Great day, 40-ish degrees, and a nice easy trail run before tomorrow's Resolution 5K...
Sunday, 1-6 - 3.1 Miles (Beach/Trail) - Resolution 5K Beach and Trail Race. Jim H., who's been out running trails and some roads with me quite a bit lately, finally gave in to peer pressure and decided that this would be his first race ever. It was, I have to say, a bit chilly on the beach this morning, with a brisk headwind at the opening 1/3 mile of the race, and the last 1/2 mile. Great WTAC contingent down there! Got to chat with the crew for a bit, take a couple of pictures and get ready to run. After picking Jim up we arrived a bit later than I would have liked, but got our gear on and did a quick, short warmup. Thankfully, once the race started I warmed up quickly - the trail portion of the course was packed snow and a bit icy, and I skidded a couple of times but didn't suffer any major wipeouts. Finished with a decent time, and was able to snap a picture of Jim crossing the finish line at his first race. Pretty cool...and a great way to close out a pretty solid, consistent week of running!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
Christmas week 12-24 to 12-30
Christmas Eve, 12-24 - 6 (Road) - Clark's Falls Loop. Started out from the house on one of my six mile loops, and wanted to check out the Yannatos Preserve, about halfway through the run?
Needless to say, Avalonia is going to need to get out there for some trail maintenance (or call one of the "Ryobi Boys", haha), because there are some BIG trees down across their trails. It's a pretty small preserve and I scoped it out a bit. Some single track, some wider dormant service roads? Starts with a sketchy stream crossing over this:
Saturday, 12/29 - 6 Miles (Road) Hangman Hill loop with Jim H. Cool morning, but with no breeze whatsoever it didn't feel nearly as cold as yesterday. Jim's making some good progress with his running, and actually said today that he's enjoying it now, which is great to hear. Past the 30-mile mark for the challenge, too! Strava link below:
Sunday, 12-30 - 0 - Three hours of shoveling and wind chills in the teens = no run today...a solid foot of snow on 100'+ driveway. Great workout!
Needless to say, Avalonia is going to need to get out there for some trail maintenance (or call one of the "Ryobi Boys", haha), because there are some BIG trees down across their trails. It's a pretty small preserve and I scoped it out a bit. Some single track, some wider dormant service roads? Starts with a sketchy stream crossing over this:
Finished up on 49, up the big hill past Gypsy Woods Horse Farm. Strava link below. Having trouble getting the flashy Strava snapshot page embedded into this page though:
Good Christmas Eve run, now time to go pig out at my in-laws' place. Traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner, stuffed squid, conch salad, stuffies, whiting, etc...everyone have a great holiday, I'll be up for a run from the 26th on if anyone's heading out!
Christmas Day, 12-25 - 0 - Merry Christmas! My nephew had me for the "Secret Santa," and got me a GPS-enabled watch for races...awesome!!!
Wednesday, 12-26 - 6 (3 Road/3 Trail-ish?) - Two separate 3 mile runs in North Stonington. I'd planned a run this morning with Jim H. (my karate training partner), and Mike K. I'd wanted to check out the Henne Preserve in North Stonington, so we headed over to the start of the trail and ran the entire length, which ended up being just under 1.5 miles of really nice single track trail, then looped back around on the road to the cars. Link here:
Jim, who's just getting into trail running, was good by the end of this 3+ miles, but I had a 40 minute window before an appointment, so Mike and I ran from my place to the Tefftweald Preserve, hit the trails there and then back to the house. Another 3-ish miles, for a total of around 6. Good day, could have gone longer but we got started a bit late and I had time constraints. Weather in the mid-thirties and overcast, felt pretty good today!
Thursday, 12-27 - 0 - Weather sucked. Left for a funeral at 9, got home after 5. No chance!
Friday, 12-28 - 13 Miles (Road) - Still want to complete the 50 mile Strava challenge by 1/1, so once the winds died down this afternoon, I headed out on one of the longer loops in my 'hood. Pretty chilly, but I layered exactly right and wasn't really cold until the last two miles when the sun was totally blocked by trees. Pretty happy with my splits, too...I tried to hit the Hewitt trails, but shortly into the trail was a stream that's usually passable...not today! Unless I wanted to swim, that is...Thought I'd gotten enough distance to get a fancy "25 Miles Completed" badge, and it shows 25 miles complete, but I'm sitting at 49% for the challenge, dammit! Ah well, there's always tomorrow...Strava link below:
Saturday, 12/29 - 6 Miles (Road) Hangman Hill loop with Jim H. Cool morning, but with no breeze whatsoever it didn't feel nearly as cold as yesterday. Jim's making some good progress with his running, and actually said today that he's enjoying it now, which is great to hear. Past the 30-mile mark for the challenge, too! Strava link below:
Sunday, 12-30 - 0 - Three hours of shoveling and wind chills in the teens = no run today...a solid foot of snow on 100'+ driveway. Great workout!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Weekly log 12-17 to 12-23
Monday, 12-17 - 0
Tuesday, 12-18 - 0
Wednesday, 12-19 - 3 (Treadmill) - After karate class this morning, I found out my daughter was running a fever and was being sent home from school. Effectively shutting me down for an evening run, so time to break out the treadmill...the upside to that? I can set a specific speed, incline, distance, etc...missed the fun run with the 4:45 crew, but got something in anyway!
Thursday, 12-20 - 3 (Treadmill) - Home with sick child again, speedwork on the treadmill, at "faster than race day pace." Sustainable for a road PR next race, for sure, last race was a blip on the radar. Total sweatshop in the workout room, which has huge windows that face the sun, and finished up with a good weight workout. Hoping to get out on the roads/trails this afternoon for a few more miles once Lori gets home...great day for it here...
3.5 (1 Road/2.5 Trail) - Thank you, Avalonia Land Conservancy, for my newest find, the Tefftweald at Birchenturn Preserve, which is exactly 1/2 mile from my front door! It's located on my street, and until I started poking around on the Avalonia website I hadn't realized that there's 75 acres and a whole network of marked trails out there. Awesome. So this afternoon, I laced up and headed out the door. A short run to the trail entrance, and I was able to run most of the marked trails in one shot. Fairly well marked with blue arrows, too, here's a link to the network:
http://avalonialandconservancy.org/files/Tefftweald_map_ver_3.pdf
Very cool and quiet place, I squeezed 2.5 miles out of it today, but there's one section I missed that would push it up to 3.5? Nice views, too, especially on the Steeplechase Loop where it runs along the Wyassup Brook:
Oh yeah, and since it's years' end, I went through my race bibs:
Tuesday, 12-18 - 0
Wednesday, 12-19 - 3 (Treadmill) - After karate class this morning, I found out my daughter was running a fever and was being sent home from school. Effectively shutting me down for an evening run, so time to break out the treadmill...the upside to that? I can set a specific speed, incline, distance, etc...missed the fun run with the 4:45 crew, but got something in anyway!
Thursday, 12-20 - 3 (Treadmill) - Home with sick child again, speedwork on the treadmill, at "faster than race day pace." Sustainable for a road PR next race, for sure, last race was a blip on the radar. Total sweatshop in the workout room, which has huge windows that face the sun, and finished up with a good weight workout. Hoping to get out on the roads/trails this afternoon for a few more miles once Lori gets home...great day for it here...
3.5 (1 Road/2.5 Trail) - Thank you, Avalonia Land Conservancy, for my newest find, the Tefftweald at Birchenturn Preserve, which is exactly 1/2 mile from my front door! It's located on my street, and until I started poking around on the Avalonia website I hadn't realized that there's 75 acres and a whole network of marked trails out there. Awesome. So this afternoon, I laced up and headed out the door. A short run to the trail entrance, and I was able to run most of the marked trails in one shot. Fairly well marked with blue arrows, too, here's a link to the network:
http://avalonialandconservancy.org/files/Tefftweald_map_ver_3.pdf
Very cool and quiet place, I squeezed 2.5 miles out of it today, but there's one section I missed that would push it up to 3.5? Nice views, too, especially on the Steeplechase Loop where it runs along the Wyassup Brook:
Fishin' hole
Wyassup Brook
So once again, I find myself humbled by the amount of cool places to run in my town! You stay classy, North Stonington!!!
Oh yeah, and since it's years' end, I went through my race bibs:
(somebody has issues)
Friday/Saturday - 0
Sunday, 12/23 - 6 (Road) - Hangman Hill Loop. Was going to do a long run with Mike K., but some family business interfered. This afternoon, though, the Sun was out and the winds died down, and with a window of opportunity presented, I got myself suited up and out the door. Nice easy run, quiet day with almost no traffic. I finally decided to try the Strava program most of you use - looks pretty good, I still have to play around with it some to get used to it....
Link to the first Strava run:
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Weekly Log 12-10 to 12-16
Monday through Wednesday - 0 - Very busy week in terms of sick kids, dog getting fixed, chimney swept, wood stacked, blah blah blah. However...I went to the Connecticut Forest & Parks Association meeting in Middletown Wednesday night, where I was voted in as the trail manager of the western 6.5 miles of the Narragansett Trail, starting at Lantern Hill and running all the way to the Wyassup Lake boat launch. Woohoo! And they hooked me up with a ton of CFPA swag: East and West CT Walk Books, with topographic maps of every Blue Blazed trail in Connecticut, books on trail building and maintenance, and some other really cool stuff. Awesome...
Thursday, 12-13 - 6.5 (Trail) - Trail run with Mike B., or "Why you should never be tentative when crossing a stream..." Mike asked if I was free for a trail run, and specifically wanted to do the section I'm going to be maintaining. Met at 9, did the car drop thing, and started out at Lantern Hill. Brutal way to start a run, that first ascent to the top. Great day, upper 30s and partly cloudy, and I'm proud to say that, in Mike's own words, "That was BY FAR the most technical trail run I've ever done." He seemed pretty impressed with the ascents/descents, and blown away by the views. 3/4 of a mile from our finish line, though, we were crossing the very last little stream, and somebody bobbled a bit on a rock and tried to back up...and put both feet right in the stream. So a soggy last 3/4 mile, but a good time all around. On to the WTAC Holiday meeting/party tonight!!! Should be a good time!
Friday/Saturday - 0
Sunday, 12-16 - 6.2 (Trail) - 2012 Old Mountain 5K trail race, the first race in the 4th Season Winter Trail Series. This race is put on by our newest WTAC'er, Mike G., so I of course signed up for it. And it's a trail race, not hilly but with some fairly technical spots, small stream crossings, lots of mud, all good things! When I arrived, I noticed a slew of WTAC singlets, and ran into Rhody Seth, who wanted to run the course as a warmup. Great idea, and we got back with 10-15 minutes to spare. I even lined up in the right place in the crowd and felt pretty good. My race? SUCKED. Great course, great crowd, saw a lot of people and had a good time, but my performance was not at all what I expected. I didn't run with a GPS and had to leave right after for a party, but I have a feeling that when the results are posted I'm going to be more than a bit pissed at myself. (UPDATE: Results posted. Not happy. And as they say, internet results are forever...) Very cool trails though! Lots of work by the crews who cleared/prepared/created them, and this one will be in permanent rotation on my schedule. Next up, the Resolution 5K in Narragansett right after the new year. I'm at 25 races for the year, might possibly squeeze one more in?
Thursday, 12-13 - 6.5 (Trail) - Trail run with Mike B., or "Why you should never be tentative when crossing a stream..." Mike asked if I was free for a trail run, and specifically wanted to do the section I'm going to be maintaining. Met at 9, did the car drop thing, and started out at Lantern Hill. Brutal way to start a run, that first ascent to the top. Great day, upper 30s and partly cloudy, and I'm proud to say that, in Mike's own words, "That was BY FAR the most technical trail run I've ever done." He seemed pretty impressed with the ascents/descents, and blown away by the views. 3/4 of a mile from our finish line, though, we were crossing the very last little stream, and somebody bobbled a bit on a rock and tried to back up...and put both feet right in the stream. So a soggy last 3/4 mile, but a good time all around. On to the WTAC Holiday meeting/party tonight!!! Should be a good time!
Friday/Saturday - 0
Sunday, 12-16 - 6.2 (Trail) - 2012 Old Mountain 5K trail race, the first race in the 4th Season Winter Trail Series. This race is put on by our newest WTAC'er, Mike G., so I of course signed up for it. And it's a trail race, not hilly but with some fairly technical spots, small stream crossings, lots of mud, all good things! When I arrived, I noticed a slew of WTAC singlets, and ran into Rhody Seth, who wanted to run the course as a warmup. Great idea, and we got back with 10-15 minutes to spare. I even lined up in the right place in the crowd and felt pretty good. My race? SUCKED. Great course, great crowd, saw a lot of people and had a good time, but my performance was not at all what I expected. I didn't run with a GPS and had to leave right after for a party, but I have a feeling that when the results are posted I'm going to be more than a bit pissed at myself. (UPDATE: Results posted. Not happy. And as they say, internet results are forever...) Very cool trails though! Lots of work by the crews who cleared/prepared/created them, and this one will be in permanent rotation on my schedule. Next up, the Resolution 5K in Narragansett right after the new year. I'm at 25 races for the year, might possibly squeeze one more in?
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Weekly Log 12-3 to 12-9
Monday, 12-3 - 0 - An hour of karate this morning, and then closed on the refinance of our mortgage (3.25%, yo...), threw down some Christmas decorations in 60 degree weather, and made a kickass pasta dish for dinner. And...I used my birthday gift certificate today at Kelley's Pace to pick up a fancy blaze orange moisture-wicking pullover (so as not to get shot in the woods), some socks, and an ample supply of Body Glide...won't make that mistake again!!!
Tuesday, 12-4 - 0 - Weight training at the house.
Wednesday, 12-5 - 3 (Trail) - Hewitt Farm trails, winding, totally clear dirt single track, with the occasional technical rock garden thrown in. Of course, flying down a fairly benign hill is where I have my first (and I'm sure not my last) "yard sale." Caught a root just right, and had way too much momentum to check up, and found myself flat on my stomach, muddy, a bit scraped up and thankfully not bleeding or broken...good times. Had an hour of karate this morning as well, so a good workout day. Looking forward to this weekend's race, looks like a great course!
Thursday, 12-6 - 6.75 (Trail Hike) - Went with Bob from the CFPA and hiked the first three sections of the Narragansett Trail, starting from Lantern Hill and covering the 6.75 miles to the Wyassup Lake boat launch. Perfect day, cloudless sky and 38 degrees. Learned a lot about the section I'll be managing today, and got a game plan together to clear some downed trees and address some other trail-related issues. I have to say, it was interesting to hike the trail after only running it so many times. There were 4 beaver dams and one complete lodge that I hadn't seen, and a number of other really cool sights that I'd missed during the runs. Here's a couple of shots from today:
Tuesday, 12-4 - 0 - Weight training at the house.
Wednesday, 12-5 - 3 (Trail) - Hewitt Farm trails, winding, totally clear dirt single track, with the occasional technical rock garden thrown in. Of course, flying down a fairly benign hill is where I have my first (and I'm sure not my last) "yard sale." Caught a root just right, and had way too much momentum to check up, and found myself flat on my stomach, muddy, a bit scraped up and thankfully not bleeding or broken...good times. Had an hour of karate this morning as well, so a good workout day. Looking forward to this weekend's race, looks like a great course!
Thursday, 12-6 - 6.75 (Trail Hike) - Went with Bob from the CFPA and hiked the first three sections of the Narragansett Trail, starting from Lantern Hill and covering the 6.75 miles to the Wyassup Lake boat launch. Perfect day, cloudless sky and 38 degrees. Learned a lot about the section I'll be managing today, and got a game plan together to clear some downed trees and address some other trail-related issues. I have to say, it was interesting to hike the trail after only running it so many times. There were 4 beaver dams and one complete lodge that I hadn't seen, and a number of other really cool sights that I'd missed during the runs. Here's a couple of shots from today:
Got beaver???
36 in. diameter trunk, snapped like a twig 25 feet up during Sandy...
Mossy trails
Nice rocky climb...
So stoked that out of all the trails I've been running since I started running trails, my favorite section is the one I'm going to be taking care of...and it's right up the road from my house...
Friday, 12/7 - 6.75 (Trail Run) - Exact same route as the day before, but I Shanghai'd not one but TWO of my friends into doing this. Cool day and overcast, but totally calm winds and perfect for a run. The amount of time I've spent on this trail recently, and I still see something new every time. Started at Wintechog Hill, at the bottom of Lantern Hill, and did the full run to the Wyassup Lake boat launch. I was able to get one of my friends onto the trails here for the first time, and get my other friend his longest run ever, a 10K+. Views from the top to Block Island, and found some cool quartz on the trail. Here's my new converts:
One peppy, one hurting! Antone and Jim.
Taking a Zero tomorrow, and chilling before the Newport race on Sunday - I've done everything from 3 miles to 32.5 this year, but have never done a 10K before on roads...so I'm getting a new benchmark here, running as a team, and hoping that I represent well...shooting for a mid 7-minute pace...or lower?...Hmmm...
Saturday and Sunday - 0-0 - Wisely decided to blow off the race for some much-needed family time :)
Monday, November 26, 2012
Weekly Log 11/26 to 12/2
Monday, 11/26 - 0- But Happy Birthday to me, one day early!!! I'm so glad my wife supports my habit, as she hooked me up with some much-needed gear: New Balance 1010 trail shoes with "Rockstop" plates in them (had tried them before and didn't like a design feature, but it's been addressed), and NB1400 road racing flats...
...can't wait to get out and try them! Over an hour of intense karate training this morning and some weight training at the house, and I'm scheduled (tentatively) for a 9-ish mile trail hike tomorrow. It's supposed to snow overnight a bit, should be interesting!!!
Tuesday, 11/27 - 0 - Birthday Slug. My hike got cancelled, I got my favorite grinder from Pasta Fresca in Mystic, and just chilled...
Wednesday, 11/28 - 0 - Karate in the morning and some light weight stuff in the afternoon. Hitting the trails Thursday morning with Jim H.
Thursday, 11/29 - 4 (Trail) - Taking a few days off, I felt like such a slacker. Met up with Jim H., my enthusiastic new trail runner, and we dropped off a car at the Wyassup Lake boat launch, drove over the Narragansett trail point on Ryder Road and did that stretch of the trail. This is going to be part of my section of the trail to maintain, and I wanted to get more familiar with it. Awesome stretch of trail, starting with a quick ascent from the road to the top of the hill...
...then follows the ridgeline and then drops down to the Yawbucs Brook and follows that through some really cool pine forest:
over to a pond with a beaver lodge:
...can't wait to get out and try them! Over an hour of intense karate training this morning and some weight training at the house, and I'm scheduled (tentatively) for a 9-ish mile trail hike tomorrow. It's supposed to snow overnight a bit, should be interesting!!!
Tuesday, 11/27 - 0 - Birthday Slug. My hike got cancelled, I got my favorite grinder from Pasta Fresca in Mystic, and just chilled...
Wednesday, 11/28 - 0 - Karate in the morning and some light weight stuff in the afternoon. Hitting the trails Thursday morning with Jim H.
Thursday, 11/29 - 4 (Trail) - Taking a few days off, I felt like such a slacker. Met up with Jim H., my enthusiastic new trail runner, and we dropped off a car at the Wyassup Lake boat launch, drove over the Narragansett trail point on Ryder Road and did that stretch of the trail. This is going to be part of my section of the trail to maintain, and I wanted to get more familiar with it. Awesome stretch of trail, starting with a quick ascent from the road to the top of the hill...
...then follows the ridgeline and then drops down to the Yawbucs Brook and follows that through some really cool pine forest:
over to a pond with a beaver lodge:
along the waterline for a bit, and ends at Wyassup Lake. The pictures kind of suck, but I was trying to take them as quickly as I could.
A great stretch of trail, crosses over the stream in several places and has a good mix of technical/non-technical single track. Oh, and the shoes!!! My awesome new trail shoes! I can't believe I've been torturing myself for so long. The New Balance MT1010 shoes I just got are fantastic. I didn't have a single rock jab my feet today, and they felt great, light and just the amount of protection I needed without losing the minimalist aspect. Can't wait to lace them up at the Old Mountain race!
Friday and Saturday - 0 - What the?
Sunday, 12/2 - 14+ (Road) - With Mike K. So Mike calls me up a couple days ago and says "Let's do a run from my place in Ledyard. Down to Mystic and back." I needed to get a long run in to make up for slacking all week, and this would be perfect, and Mike had the route all mapped out. We started out running down Route 117 to 184, over to Cow Hill Road in Mystic, and all the way into downtown Mystic at the Bank of America. Back up some hills that I believe were among John Kelley's old stomping grounds (near where the Memorial statue is going to go?), and out to Cow Hill Road again. Mike didn't tell me this (probably to spare me the mental anguish), but when we got to Pumpkin Hill/Lambtown, the hills were brutal...then looped back onto 117 to the start. A great workout, and 45-50 degrees on December 2? I'll take it!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Weekly Log 11/19 to 11/25
Monday, 11/19 - 0 - Karate class in the a.m.
Tuesday, 11/20 - 3 (Trail hiking) - Had my first meeting/trail maintenance session with one of the guys from The CFPA (Connecticut Forest and Park Association), and spent several hours clearing some downed trees on the section of trail that I'm going to be the Trail Manager of (pending committee approval in a few weeks). It's the section of the Narragansett Trail between Wintechog Hill Road and Wyassup Lake, and I'm very excited about getting involved with this organization, and becoming a Trail Manager. Great trails, too, and right up the street from me!
Wednesday, 11/21 - 3 (Trail) - Hewitt Farm Trails, North Stonington. Hewitt Farm is a 104-acre preserve in the village, 3 minutes from my house. I wanted to get a short trail run in, and wanted to check this network of trails out, as it includes a trail up to Tipping Rock, a massive boulder known as a "glacial erratic." Pretty cool, and a .65 mile ascent at about a 4% grade got the blood pumping...over the top, around the back side along the Shunock River and over to the Loop/Wyassup trails, which are more flat and less technical, but very well-maintained and marked single track in the woods behind the North Stonington fairgrounds. I plan on hitting these a lot...
Thursday, 11/22 - 3 (Road) - Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!!! In anticipation of the overeating I'm going to be forced into by my wife's family later (yeah, twist my arm), I decided to do something I haven't done much lately. Speedwork, or my interpretation of it. Started out at warmup pace for the first mile, then picked it up to a 6:50 pace, or about 30 seconds faster than my fastest race day pace, for the second mile. Mile 3 I alternated one minute at a 6:00 pace (I don't know how you guys do it) with a one minute easy pace. I think this will get me a sub-7 average pace at my next 5K (I hope, anyway!)...
Friday, 11/23 - 0
Saturday, 11/24 - 3 (Road) - Small window of opportunity to mimic the speedwork routine, to a certain extent, from two days ago. Mile 1 was slightly faster than warmup pace, the next 1.5 were alternating between a 6:00/8:30-ish pace, one minute apiece. Taking Seth, Jeff, and Mike B.'s advice and throwing this into my weekly regimen. Tomorrow, a longish run is in order, as I've been doing all short stuff and eating way too much all week...
Sunday, 11/25 - 3 (Road) - Started at an easy pace, and increased my pace every 1/2 mile until I was done...not as much as I'd hoped, but I supplemented the run with pullups, and some light weight training...looking forward to my next long run, as I've felt pressed for time to do one, although not enough to try to join the 4:45 club!!!
Also, as an addendum, for anyone who has run/hiked the Green Falls part of the Narragansett Trail, there is going to be an alternate route created up on the ridgeline on the west side, for days when the water level is too high for the usual crossing. Should happen in the spring!
Tuesday, 11/20 - 3 (Trail hiking) - Had my first meeting/trail maintenance session with one of the guys from The CFPA (Connecticut Forest and Park Association), and spent several hours clearing some downed trees on the section of trail that I'm going to be the Trail Manager of (pending committee approval in a few weeks). It's the section of the Narragansett Trail between Wintechog Hill Road and Wyassup Lake, and I'm very excited about getting involved with this organization, and becoming a Trail Manager. Great trails, too, and right up the street from me!
Wednesday, 11/21 - 3 (Trail) - Hewitt Farm Trails, North Stonington. Hewitt Farm is a 104-acre preserve in the village, 3 minutes from my house. I wanted to get a short trail run in, and wanted to check this network of trails out, as it includes a trail up to Tipping Rock, a massive boulder known as a "glacial erratic." Pretty cool, and a .65 mile ascent at about a 4% grade got the blood pumping...over the top, around the back side along the Shunock River and over to the Loop/Wyassup trails, which are more flat and less technical, but very well-maintained and marked single track in the woods behind the North Stonington fairgrounds. I plan on hitting these a lot...
Thursday, 11/22 - 3 (Road) - Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!!! In anticipation of the overeating I'm going to be forced into by my wife's family later (yeah, twist my arm), I decided to do something I haven't done much lately. Speedwork, or my interpretation of it. Started out at warmup pace for the first mile, then picked it up to a 6:50 pace, or about 30 seconds faster than my fastest race day pace, for the second mile. Mile 3 I alternated one minute at a 6:00 pace (I don't know how you guys do it) with a one minute easy pace. I think this will get me a sub-7 average pace at my next 5K (I hope, anyway!)...
Friday, 11/23 - 0
Saturday, 11/24 - 3 (Road) - Small window of opportunity to mimic the speedwork routine, to a certain extent, from two days ago. Mile 1 was slightly faster than warmup pace, the next 1.5 were alternating between a 6:00/8:30-ish pace, one minute apiece. Taking Seth, Jeff, and Mike B.'s advice and throwing this into my weekly regimen. Tomorrow, a longish run is in order, as I've been doing all short stuff and eating way too much all week...
Sunday, 11/25 - 3 (Road) - Started at an easy pace, and increased my pace every 1/2 mile until I was done...not as much as I'd hoped, but I supplemented the run with pullups, and some light weight training...looking forward to my next long run, as I've felt pressed for time to do one, although not enough to try to join the 4:45 club!!!
Also, as an addendum, for anyone who has run/hiked the Green Falls part of the Narragansett Trail, there is going to be an alternate route created up on the ridgeline on the west side, for days when the water level is too high for the usual crossing. Should happen in the spring!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Weekly Log 11/12 to 11/18
Monday, 11/12 - 0
Tuesday, - 11/13 - 0
Wednesday, 11/14 - 8 (Trail/Road) - Ran the Li'l Rhody course with Jeff this morning. Enough with the zeroes, too. Met at the start at 7:15, and started from the official line up the hill. Great to have Jeff with me - great to run with, knew where the Heck we were going, got to "talk shop," and got some valuable advice about race day strategy, especially handling the finishing 3/4 mile, as it ends on a road and is unique to a trail race. Thanks for the heads-up on that one! We did an easy 8 miles in 1:16, stopping to clear branches here and there as necessary, and I got a very good idea of what I'm shooting for timewise on Sunday.
Karate class after I went home to change up - the kicking was painful, but a great class anyway.
After all of the trail maintenance this past week, we did find one more tree down at mile 6 or so (100 yards from where we'd turned around...), but quickly cleared a detour trail around it that'll do nicely.
I heard back from the CFPA about my interest in becoming a Trail Director for one of the Blue Blazed trails in my town, the Narragansett Trail. Possibly my favorite trail for the views, distance and technicality. There's an application protocol, but they definitely want me to pursue it. Cool!
Thursday, 11/15 - 4 (Trail) - Took my friend Jim H., who I recently introduced to trail running, to the Narragansett Trail portion that starts below the dam at Green Falls, runs along the stream up to the top of the dam, and then follows the pond around to the camping area. My favorite trail - very technical at first, and with enough rain recently, we couldn't cross at the usual place and had to bushwack to the top of the ridge to get there. Once we got near the camping area, we split off and followed the trail toward the Rhode Island border. Very cool streams and waterfalls out there, and a great time of year to be on the trails. Except for the hunters...first time I've come around a turn and encountered guys in orange vests with shotguns. A bit unnerving, but we gave them a nod, they gave us a nod and we continued on our way. Stayed on the other side of the stream and blazed our own trail on the last 1/4 mile. Couple pictures from today:
A good day, more good training for the race this weekend, and a very good day to wear lots and lots of bright orange. Must have seen another dozen hunters as we were leaving...
Friday, 11/16 - 0
Saturday, 11/17 - 0
Sunday, 11/18 - 8 - 21st Annual Li'l Rhody Runaround, 144th @ 1:12. If I line up too far back again, one of you guys seriously needs to smack me, 'cause I should know better by now. And it's worse on single track trudging along behind everyone, waiting for a chance to pass. There, I said it and I feel better.
This was my first chance to really help out at a race, and I had a blast with it. From the clearing we did on the course, to the recon runs with Jeff and Muddy, to checking people in at the registration table and finally putting some names to faces, I had a great time. I heard a lot of positive comments out on the course from other runners about how good the trail looked, in spite of the recent storms and all the damage. Very cool. Jeff had it correct when he said that we never could have run the event in the condition the course was in two weeks ago. Proud of the work we did out there! Over 300 runners, and a new attendance record was set, I believe? For my part, I came in below my goal but I had such a good time with the whole thing, and everybody seemed to appreciate the effort the WTAC put into it. Great soup and cider afterward, and not one but two fires going! And dare I say perfect weather?
Great time.
p.s. I just missed the minimum trail marathon threshold for the Cayuga Trail 50 Mile race, but I messaged the race director and I'm on the waiting list...hmmm...if I get the call, it's a long weekend in Ithaca, and a race where my family had a cottage and where I spent some of the best times of my life. Would love to run this...
r5t/
Tuesday, - 11/13 - 0
Wednesday, 11/14 - 8 (Trail/Road) - Ran the Li'l Rhody course with Jeff this morning. Enough with the zeroes, too. Met at the start at 7:15, and started from the official line up the hill. Great to have Jeff with me - great to run with, knew where the Heck we were going, got to "talk shop," and got some valuable advice about race day strategy, especially handling the finishing 3/4 mile, as it ends on a road and is unique to a trail race. Thanks for the heads-up on that one! We did an easy 8 miles in 1:16, stopping to clear branches here and there as necessary, and I got a very good idea of what I'm shooting for timewise on Sunday.
Karate class after I went home to change up - the kicking was painful, but a great class anyway.
After all of the trail maintenance this past week, we did find one more tree down at mile 6 or so (100 yards from where we'd turned around...), but quickly cleared a detour trail around it that'll do nicely.
I heard back from the CFPA about my interest in becoming a Trail Director for one of the Blue Blazed trails in my town, the Narragansett Trail. Possibly my favorite trail for the views, distance and technicality. There's an application protocol, but they definitely want me to pursue it. Cool!
Thursday, 11/15 - 4 (Trail) - Took my friend Jim H., who I recently introduced to trail running, to the Narragansett Trail portion that starts below the dam at Green Falls, runs along the stream up to the top of the dam, and then follows the pond around to the camping area. My favorite trail - very technical at first, and with enough rain recently, we couldn't cross at the usual place and had to bushwack to the top of the ridge to get there. Once we got near the camping area, we split off and followed the trail toward the Rhode Island border. Very cool streams and waterfalls out there, and a great time of year to be on the trails. Except for the hunters...first time I've come around a turn and encountered guys in orange vests with shotguns. A bit unnerving, but we gave them a nod, they gave us a nod and we continued on our way. Stayed on the other side of the stream and blazed our own trail on the last 1/4 mile. Couple pictures from today:
Coming up to the dam at Green Falls Pond
Jim at one of the waterfalls we encountered
The stream at the start/end of the run
Friday, 11/16 - 0
Saturday, 11/17 - 0
Sunday, 11/18 - 8 - 21st Annual Li'l Rhody Runaround, 144th @ 1:12. If I line up too far back again, one of you guys seriously needs to smack me, 'cause I should know better by now. And it's worse on single track trudging along behind everyone, waiting for a chance to pass. There, I said it and I feel better.
This was my first chance to really help out at a race, and I had a blast with it. From the clearing we did on the course, to the recon runs with Jeff and Muddy, to checking people in at the registration table and finally putting some names to faces, I had a great time. I heard a lot of positive comments out on the course from other runners about how good the trail looked, in spite of the recent storms and all the damage. Very cool. Jeff had it correct when he said that we never could have run the event in the condition the course was in two weeks ago. Proud of the work we did out there! Over 300 runners, and a new attendance record was set, I believe? For my part, I came in below my goal but I had such a good time with the whole thing, and everybody seemed to appreciate the effort the WTAC put into it. Great soup and cider afterward, and not one but two fires going! And dare I say perfect weather?
Great time.
p.s. I just missed the minimum trail marathon threshold for the Cayuga Trail 50 Mile race, but I messaged the race director and I'm on the waiting list...hmmm...if I get the call, it's a long weekend in Ithaca, and a race where my family had a cottage and where I spent some of the best times of my life. Would love to run this...
r5t/
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Weekly log 11/5 to 11/11
\Monday, 11/5 - 0 - Loaded and unloaded kitchen cabinets from a box truck today, that was enough of a workout...
Tuesday, 11/6 - 0 - Went with Jeff and Muddy to clear part of the Lil Rhody course. Lots of downed trees across the trails, but with a chainsaw, three bow saws and a set of heavy duty pruning shears, we were able to clear a sizeable chunk of the course. Probably one more trip out there should do the trick, but hey! It's a trail run. There's obstacles out there. We'll go over, under, or around anything we can't clear, right?
Wednesday, 11/7 - 0 - Suck it, winter storm Athena!!! Went to karate class this morning and kicked ass, and confirmed in my mind that I'll test for 2nd degree in June. Should be an awesome complement to some more PR's, for sure. Sore from yesterday's productive trail maintenance on the Lil Rhody course - great time, though, especially talking about food with Jeff and Muddy when we're all starving. Woke up today feeling decrepit and aged...but nothing a few beers at the end of the day won't cure.
After karate, went out in search of a generator, as we're not going through that again...found my dreamboat of a power source at Ace Hardware in Westerly, and now in the process of doing the proper hookup to the breaker box, etc...Will be back at it tomorrow for some more roads? Trails? Hmmm...
Thursday, 11/8 - 0 - Got the generator properly wired to the breaker box, including an outdoor power inlet hardwired to the transfer box...bring it, Mother Nature! Ready this time :), and got voted in as Secretary of the WTAC tonight! Very cool.
Friday, 11/9 - 5-ish? (Trail/Road) - Did the first section of the Lil Rhody course with Jeff and Muddy this afternoon, from the parking lot out to almost Klondike Road, and back to the lot. Was going to continue with them all the way around, but was pressed for time as we got a bit of a late start. Glad to get some recon of the stretch from the campground to Klondike, as we're going out again tomorrow to do some course maintenance. Still plenty to do, for sure...
I also sent an e-mail to the CT Forest and Park Association, as I've wanted to get involved with maintaining some of the Blue Blazed trails in my neighborhood that I run...hope to hear back from them!
Saturday, 11/10 - 0 - My lack of miles this week has been supplemented by a new hobby: playing in the woods with a chainsaw! Met Jeff, Mike B. and a mountain bike dude named Lennon, and we finished our maintenance of the L'il Rhody course, in advance of next week's race. I got to play with my new chainsaw, a fantastic Ryobi with an 18" bar, which performed flawlessly. Here's a couple of shots from the trail:
Had to clear a 30 foot stretch here...
So a little elbow grease this morning, and the trails are passable, and in much better shape than they were a week ago. There's even a surprise for Muddy out there!
Westerly Land Trust 5K tomorrow, and hopefully a new PR? Could be!
Also still trying to come up with a new name for the blog...probably asking for trouble, but any suggestions?
Sunday, 11/11 - 6 (Road) - Setting the Pace for Conservation 5K: 22:40, 7:18 pace, 19th overall. New PR! I ran this in 26:08 last year, huge improvement...great day for a race, too. Low 60's, nice brisk breeze blowing, and a pretty good turnout for a low-profile road race. Nice flat course. Showed up a bit early and did a quick warmup run with Jeff, Jonny and Mike. Finally lined up correctly at the start! Was off the line at a good pace, and was able to increase my pace slightly every mile - At the short side street out/back, I got to see Tom, Jonny, Jeff, Mike, Kelsey and more of the WTAC crew blazing up the street, cool thing is last year they'd already have been long gone...and while I didn't hit my goal today, I did get a PR and I'll take it. Quick 2-ish mile cooldown run with Jeff, Jonny, Mike after the race. Tom and Kelsey got his-and-hers plaques, and lots of WTAC award winners. Great prizes, by the way. Great event. This was a weird week for me with low miles logged despite lots of time in the woods, but a lot of good things accomplished for the local running community. Looking forward to the L'il Rhody race next week! And some trail time in the next few days...
Sunday, November 4, 2012
37th Annual Tarzan Brown Mystic River Run, 11/4
Total miles 10/29 - 11/4 - 15 (Road/Trail) Thanks, Sandy, for wrecking my game! I'm going to skip the day-to-day this week, in favor of a quick recap of the last six days, and today's race. After last week's FOP race, I was feeling pretty darn pleased with myself, and then Sandy came and rearranged our little piece of the planet. We were lucky here: I finished the race, went home and did some prep for the storm, and we lost power Sunday afternoon. Didn't get it back for six days, actually came on at 2 a.m. today. Nice. Could have been a lot worse though, a lot worse indeed. But the kiddos were out of school, and schlepping water from my sister's just to flush the toilet was a workout in itself, so I didn't run until Friday.
So my running this week consisted of two runs: First, a 7-ish mile run with Mike K. on Friday, starting at the base of Lantern Hill on the Narragansett Trail, and going all the way to the route 2 intersection (5 hilly, technical miles), then route 2 back to Foxwoods where we'd parked. Great run. Second, today's race.
I've wanted to run the Tarzan Brown race since I started doing races, but work or coaching soccer always came first. Not this year! Ha! And perfect weather: mid-fifties, light breeze and not a cloud in the sky...found out right before the race that my nephew and his friends, and also Mike K., had made last-minute decisions to run the race, awesome! The more the merrier. I ran into Jeff and Mike B., and Mike K. before the race - Jeff and I did a quick 1.5 mile warmup on the course, running into Tom B. and Kelsey along the way, Tom deciding to do some exploring in the woods before the race?
At the start, I got boxed in by the sheer number of people packing into the narrow streets of historic Mystic, heading out to River Road and on to Old Mystic. The course is an out-and-back along the river, very scenic and flat, and 5.5 miles total. I love the out/back runs sometimes, especially when I have friends in the mix - got to see everyone "in the zone" after they'd made the turn. I felt good, comfortable, and kept a good pace throughout the race, gradually increasing my speed throughout. Came across at 42:32 unofficially, or a 7:44 average pace, which put me at 192nd of whatever the total number of runners was? And tied my Clamdigger 5 mile time from April to the second...average pace there? 8:30. So I'm happy to say, with only that race to compare it to, that I'm getting better every race...quick cooldown with Jeff and Mike B. over to Cottrell Park, where the awesome crew from the YMCA were giving out chowder and cider, two of my favorite things. I think Mike had four bowls? There were awards as well. PRs? Have to wait til tomorrow to find out, but I guess this is my 5.5 mile PR?
Going to go lower on my 5K PR next Sunday at the Westerly Land Trust race. Did that last year at 26:08? Huh? Going to torch that number for sure. Looking to go low 7's, maybe into the 6's? First time ever? Time will tell...
So my running this week consisted of two runs: First, a 7-ish mile run with Mike K. on Friday, starting at the base of Lantern Hill on the Narragansett Trail, and going all the way to the route 2 intersection (5 hilly, technical miles), then route 2 back to Foxwoods where we'd parked. Great run. Second, today's race.
I've wanted to run the Tarzan Brown race since I started doing races, but work or coaching soccer always came first. Not this year! Ha! And perfect weather: mid-fifties, light breeze and not a cloud in the sky...found out right before the race that my nephew and his friends, and also Mike K., had made last-minute decisions to run the race, awesome! The more the merrier. I ran into Jeff and Mike B., and Mike K. before the race - Jeff and I did a quick 1.5 mile warmup on the course, running into Tom B. and Kelsey along the way, Tom deciding to do some exploring in the woods before the race?
At the start, I got boxed in by the sheer number of people packing into the narrow streets of historic Mystic, heading out to River Road and on to Old Mystic. The course is an out-and-back along the river, very scenic and flat, and 5.5 miles total. I love the out/back runs sometimes, especially when I have friends in the mix - got to see everyone "in the zone" after they'd made the turn. I felt good, comfortable, and kept a good pace throughout the race, gradually increasing my speed throughout. Came across at 42:32 unofficially, or a 7:44 average pace, which put me at 192nd of whatever the total number of runners was? And tied my Clamdigger 5 mile time from April to the second...average pace there? 8:30. So I'm happy to say, with only that race to compare it to, that I'm getting better every race...quick cooldown with Jeff and Mike B. over to Cottrell Park, where the awesome crew from the YMCA were giving out chowder and cider, two of my favorite things. I think Mike had four bowls? There were awards as well. PRs? Have to wait til tomorrow to find out, but I guess this is my 5.5 mile PR?
Going to go lower on my 5K PR next Sunday at the Westerly Land Trust race. Did that last year at 26:08? Huh? Going to torch that number for sure. Looking to go low 7's, maybe into the 6's? First time ever? Time will tell...
Friday, October 26, 2012
Weekly Log 10-22 to 10-28
Monday, 10-22 - 0 - Damn you, chafing!!!
Tuesday, 10-23 - 0 - Soreness is almost gone! Back at it in a day or two.
Wednesday, 10-24 - 0 -Morning karate class, and...that's it. Too much to do here at the house. Plans to do a trail run with two of my karate training partners tomorrow...
Thursday, 10-25 - 0 - Plans fell through, just as well though since I have an appraisal on a refi on Friday, house getting power washed today, and a tremendous amount of things to do here...get that done, a short run on Friday and Saturday, FOP 5K on Sunday, still think I'll blow my PR outta the water...
Friday, 10-26 - 3.5 (Road) - Out and back from the house. Felt good to be able to get a few miles in today - legs felt good, and I was even able to do some pole-to-pole sprints on the second mile. Going to shoot for the same thing tomorrow. Gorgeous day, hard to believe there's such a large storm headed this way. We'll see how the trails look after it passes...
Saturday, 10-27 - 0 - Family day, and decided not to run anyway. Last minute Stormageddon prep (i.e. stocking up on beer, etc.) and race tomorrow...
Sunday, 10-28 - 6 (Road) - The Charlestown FOP 5K Road Race, or as it's now known, "Halloween Hot Pursuit." I ran this race two years ago and came in at 25:28, at an 8:12 average. It's a flat, fast track in the Ninigret State Park, and although the course seems to change year to year, it's the same terrain and a good "PR" race. Very gusty winds this morning, Hurricane Sandy precursors I guess, and upper 50s. I wasn't feeling a PR when I got there, so after checking in and running into Jeff (and Jana and Matthew), Mike B., Jonny, Muddy and Seth, I went for a 1-mile warmup, and felt pretty good. Race starts, and I get to mile one in 7:54. I opted to run without my GPS today - first time in a while and nice to not be tempted to check my time. OK, maybe if I pick it up I can still get a PR?
I never saw a second mile marker, but I was slowly picking people off, especially when we hit a headwind because it wasn't bothering me. I really picked up the pace the last half mile, passing a few more right before the final turn, and then saw Jeff and Mike, who started yelling for me to finish strong. When I saw the time, I was elated, and officially crossed the line in 22:52, at a 7:22 pace, beating my PR for any 5K ever by over a minute. Came in 25th! 100% sure that this is a direct result of all the long trail runs I put in...I think I probably could have pushed even harder today too. Congrats to WTAC'ers Muddy, Jonny, Jeff, Mike, Matthew, and Seth, nearly all of whom hit personal bests today, and took up some real estate in the top 10. Great job all, and beer money for some! A great day all around. Quick 2-ish mile cooldown with the WTAC team, and then on my way to see some football.
Tuesday, 10-23 - 0 - Soreness is almost gone! Back at it in a day or two.
Wednesday, 10-24 - 0 -Morning karate class, and...that's it. Too much to do here at the house. Plans to do a trail run with two of my karate training partners tomorrow...
Thursday, 10-25 - 0 - Plans fell through, just as well though since I have an appraisal on a refi on Friday, house getting power washed today, and a tremendous amount of things to do here...get that done, a short run on Friday and Saturday, FOP 5K on Sunday, still think I'll blow my PR outta the water...
Friday, 10-26 - 3.5 (Road) - Out and back from the house. Felt good to be able to get a few miles in today - legs felt good, and I was even able to do some pole-to-pole sprints on the second mile. Going to shoot for the same thing tomorrow. Gorgeous day, hard to believe there's such a large storm headed this way. We'll see how the trails look after it passes...
Saturday, 10-27 - 0 - Family day, and decided not to run anyway. Last minute Stormageddon prep (i.e. stocking up on beer, etc.) and race tomorrow...
Sunday, 10-28 - 6 (Road) - The Charlestown FOP 5K Road Race, or as it's now known, "Halloween Hot Pursuit." I ran this race two years ago and came in at 25:28, at an 8:12 average. It's a flat, fast track in the Ninigret State Park, and although the course seems to change year to year, it's the same terrain and a good "PR" race. Very gusty winds this morning, Hurricane Sandy precursors I guess, and upper 50s. I wasn't feeling a PR when I got there, so after checking in and running into Jeff (and Jana and Matthew), Mike B., Jonny, Muddy and Seth, I went for a 1-mile warmup, and felt pretty good. Race starts, and I get to mile one in 7:54. I opted to run without my GPS today - first time in a while and nice to not be tempted to check my time. OK, maybe if I pick it up I can still get a PR?
I never saw a second mile marker, but I was slowly picking people off, especially when we hit a headwind because it wasn't bothering me. I really picked up the pace the last half mile, passing a few more right before the final turn, and then saw Jeff and Mike, who started yelling for me to finish strong. When I saw the time, I was elated, and officially crossed the line in 22:52, at a 7:22 pace, beating my PR for any 5K ever by over a minute. Came in 25th! 100% sure that this is a direct result of all the long trail runs I put in...I think I probably could have pushed even harder today too. Congrats to WTAC'ers Muddy, Jonny, Jeff, Mike, Matthew, and Seth, nearly all of whom hit personal bests today, and took up some real estate in the top 10. Great job all, and beer money for some! A great day all around. Quick 2-ish mile cooldown with the WTAC team, and then on my way to see some football.
Monday, October 22, 2012
2012 Bimbler's Bluff 50K
Sunday, 10/21/12 - 32.5 miles (Trail) - Finally. After stressing about this in the back of my head since I submitted my entry, the day had finally arrived! I slept fitfully all night, and finally got out of bed at 4:30, fed the pets, made coffee, and scrambled around in the dark trying to get ready.
Chilly morning. I opted for the running tights, and a long-sleeved compression shirt. About an hour's drive to Guilford, I got there an hour early and it looked like almost everyone was already there. Ran into Gary H. and his friend Carly at check-in, met Cathi B. who is very involved with the Bluff (even designed the logo for the race), got my bib and goodie bag and went back to the car to stay warm. Figured I'd stay in the long sleeves and tights for the race.
Here's the morning crew, waiting for the briefing:
After a briefing by race director Jerry Turk, we're off and running, one lap around the soccer field at the school to presumably spread out the field, cross the street and into the woods. Big bottleneck for the first 5+ minutes, as it's tight single-track and technical. First aid station was 2.5 miles in, I skipped right through there and into the next 7 mile stretch before we get to the Bluff. The course is shaped like a lopsided lollipop - you run up the stick for 10 miles or so, climb the Bluff and circle that for 10-12 miles, then get back onto the stick for the last 10. I got to the parking lot at the base of the Bluff feeling great, loaded up on snacks, chatting with the volunteers and some of the runners, then hit the Bluff. Big climb to the top. I was running/climbing with two people who, during our chat, found out that Bob was friends with Mike K., and Susan went to high school with my wife...small world indeed!!!
Top of the bluff here, note the houses at the left of the screen, far below:
So we loop around, rising and falling, I fall behind those two but end up running here and there with various groups of people. I'd purposely not turned up the volume on my mapping app, because I wanted to run without my mileage and pace being called out. So when I thought we were at the mile 20 aid station and they exclaimed "You're halfway there!," I felt a bit defeated.
Keep in mind that everyone I'd talked to had said it's 50K-ish, a bit longer, some put it at 32 miles, some said 33. GPS ultimately came out to 32.5...so now I'm doing the math in my head every five minutes. Next aid station was 5 miles away (which felt like 10), and I made the cutoff in plenty of time. 10+ miles to go. Here's where I tell you the magic number where I hit "The Wall." 20 miles. I'm sure mentally and physically I can overcome this with time, but same as Nipmuck, everything in me just says "STOP." Like to the point where I'm saying "Do you really have another half-marathons' worth of running in you, fool???" But I went ahead and loaded up, 8 miles to the next aid station, and off I go. This section was the worst for me, as it seemed endless. Now I'm checking my GPS and finally texted Lori to say I wasn't making it to the finish by 3, more like 4. Walking on the uphills, running on the downhills...When I got to the last aid station I was already over the 30 mile mark...but 2.5 to go, and I think my splits for the last bit were probably faster than the previous 15...Lori was texting me words of encouragement, and my phone finally died about 1/3 of a mile from the finish. The school start/finish line borders a golf course, can't describe how happy I was to see that through the trees. I was running the last leg with a guy named Wayne, and when we came out of the woods to the cheers of the people at the finish line, including my wife and daughter, I couldn't have been more thrilled. Even saw Gary at the finish:
I'd like to point out the awesome tech shirt (maybe a size too big?), and killer beer glass etched with the Bimbler's Bluff logo, designed by one of my new friends, Cathi Bosco. Cool.
Here's a link to the Festival of Pain:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/147825199
So my time was 8:11, probably #115 out of 140? I think some people may have dropped out also? They haven't posted official results yet. Not quite what I was aiming for, but having nothing else to compare this to, I'll take it. A here's a few things I learned:
1. Listen to your friends. Jeff W. told me to get some stuff to prevent chafing, I had plenty of time to and didn't take his advice. Ouch. Bad move. Let's just say I'm walking a bit funny today...thankfully, no bloody nipples!
2. There is no substitute for a lot of proper nutrition, training, and a lot of miles. I do as much as I can, but I don't think it was enough for these last two races. Will work on that. For now, I'm going to switch my focus to speedwork and try to get faster...
3. Pay attention to the course markings! I didn't get lost, but lots of people did, including two guys who went 40 minutes off course before they realized their mistake and had to double back. That has to sting just a bit.
3. My minimalist shoes are awesome, and I love them, but they're murder on long distance trail races. Going to go up a notch in cushioning and get something with a rock plate in the sole. Especially this time of year, when there's leaves covering all the sharp pointy things. The last 12 miles were painful, to say the least.
4. I'm really looking forward to the rest of my race schedule, as it's all 5K to 8M races...be nice to sink my teeth into those...
So there you go. Going to take a couple of days off, regroup and recover, and get back at it. Have to figure out a new name for the blog, too, and decide on a new goal...what's it going to be???
--Mike
Chilly morning. I opted for the running tights, and a long-sleeved compression shirt. About an hour's drive to Guilford, I got there an hour early and it looked like almost everyone was already there. Ran into Gary H. and his friend Carly at check-in, met Cathi B. who is very involved with the Bluff (even designed the logo for the race), got my bib and goodie bag and went back to the car to stay warm. Figured I'd stay in the long sleeves and tights for the race.
Here's the morning crew, waiting for the briefing:
After a briefing by race director Jerry Turk, we're off and running, one lap around the soccer field at the school to presumably spread out the field, cross the street and into the woods. Big bottleneck for the first 5+ minutes, as it's tight single-track and technical. First aid station was 2.5 miles in, I skipped right through there and into the next 7 mile stretch before we get to the Bluff. The course is shaped like a lopsided lollipop - you run up the stick for 10 miles or so, climb the Bluff and circle that for 10-12 miles, then get back onto the stick for the last 10. I got to the parking lot at the base of the Bluff feeling great, loaded up on snacks, chatting with the volunteers and some of the runners, then hit the Bluff. Big climb to the top. I was running/climbing with two people who, during our chat, found out that Bob was friends with Mike K., and Susan went to high school with my wife...small world indeed!!!
Top of the bluff here, note the houses at the left of the screen, far below:
Keep in mind that everyone I'd talked to had said it's 50K-ish, a bit longer, some put it at 32 miles, some said 33. GPS ultimately came out to 32.5...so now I'm doing the math in my head every five minutes. Next aid station was 5 miles away (which felt like 10), and I made the cutoff in plenty of time. 10+ miles to go. Here's where I tell you the magic number where I hit "The Wall." 20 miles. I'm sure mentally and physically I can overcome this with time, but same as Nipmuck, everything in me just says "STOP." Like to the point where I'm saying "Do you really have another half-marathons' worth of running in you, fool???" But I went ahead and loaded up, 8 miles to the next aid station, and off I go. This section was the worst for me, as it seemed endless. Now I'm checking my GPS and finally texted Lori to say I wasn't making it to the finish by 3, more like 4. Walking on the uphills, running on the downhills...When I got to the last aid station I was already over the 30 mile mark...but 2.5 to go, and I think my splits for the last bit were probably faster than the previous 15...Lori was texting me words of encouragement, and my phone finally died about 1/3 of a mile from the finish. The school start/finish line borders a golf course, can't describe how happy I was to see that through the trees. I was running the last leg with a guy named Wayne, and when we came out of the woods to the cheers of the people at the finish line, including my wife and daughter, I couldn't have been more thrilled. Even saw Gary at the finish:
Please note fancy WTAC Clamdigger hat :)
I'd like to point out the awesome tech shirt (maybe a size too big?), and killer beer glass etched with the Bimbler's Bluff logo, designed by one of my new friends, Cathi Bosco. Cool.
Here's a link to the Festival of Pain:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/147825199
So my time was 8:11, probably #115 out of 140? I think some people may have dropped out also? They haven't posted official results yet. Not quite what I was aiming for, but having nothing else to compare this to, I'll take it. A here's a few things I learned:
1. Listen to your friends. Jeff W. told me to get some stuff to prevent chafing, I had plenty of time to and didn't take his advice. Ouch. Bad move. Let's just say I'm walking a bit funny today...thankfully, no bloody nipples!
2. There is no substitute for a lot of proper nutrition, training, and a lot of miles. I do as much as I can, but I don't think it was enough for these last two races. Will work on that. For now, I'm going to switch my focus to speedwork and try to get faster...
3. Pay attention to the course markings! I didn't get lost, but lots of people did, including two guys who went 40 minutes off course before they realized their mistake and had to double back. That has to sting just a bit.
3. My minimalist shoes are awesome, and I love them, but they're murder on long distance trail races. Going to go up a notch in cushioning and get something with a rock plate in the sole. Especially this time of year, when there's leaves covering all the sharp pointy things. The last 12 miles were painful, to say the least.
4. I'm really looking forward to the rest of my race schedule, as it's all 5K to 8M races...be nice to sink my teeth into those...
So there you go. Going to take a couple of days off, regroup and recover, and get back at it. Have to figure out a new name for the blog, too, and decide on a new goal...what's it going to be???
--Mike
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Weekly Log 10-15 to 10-21
So here we go, one week until D-Day and Bimbler's! Running with Mike and Gary yesterday, who have both done several Ultras, helped put my mind at ease...
Monday, 10-15 - 0 - Karate in the morning, some light lifting and stretching in the afternoon...
Tuesday, 10-16 - 0
Wednesday, 10-17 - 4 (3.5 Trail + .5 road) - Had designs on getting up to Hell Hollow and running a portion of the Quinebaug Trail, but after karate class this morning, my window of opportunity had shrunk. As it's only 5 minutes from the house, I chose to do the Lantern Hill trail to the top again, the run back down to the Narragansett Trail start, then back to the top on the other side. I continued down the backside to the North Stonington transfer station, then hoofed it down Wintechog Hill road back to the car. I even saw a good sized fox stalking something in a grassy area near the quarry. Very cool...
Thursday, 10-18 - 4 (3.5 Trail + .5 road) - One of my karate training partners, Jim H., has been running on roads to train for his next black belt test, and putting up with my incessant chatter about all of the trails around here, so he asked me if he could join me on a Lantern Hill run today. The more the merrier, I say! Started with the Lantern loop, then went to the top and down to the transfer station, crossed the road and did a good portion of the Wintechog Hill side before doing the 1/2 mile on the road back to the car. Next time I go with someone, I'm thinking about doing a car drop much further up the trail to avoid any out-and-backs...going to start carb loading from today through Sunday, does beer count toward that?
Friday, 10-19 - 0 - Happy Anniversary to me! Lori and I celebrate 16 years married, and 21 together total, so what better excuse to check out the new (and awesome) Italian restaurant in downtown Westerly, Trattoria Longo - Meatballs & Martinis, and order up a huge plate of handmade pasta with bolognese sauce. Fabulous :)
Saturday, 10-20 - 0 - Spent the day hanging with the family, carb loading, getting my gear together, and changing my mind 100 times about what I'm going to wear tomorrow (I was freezing at Nipmuck, and I'd rather be warm than cold...). If the weather's anything like today (and it's supposed to be fantastic), shorts and a tech shirt would be fine. Going with the Camelbak tomorrow, as there's a section with 8 miles between aid stations, and going to squeeze in some snacks behind the bladder in Ziplocs...and some GUs in the pocket, and chow at the aid stations. Good to go.
Sunday, 10-21 - 32.5 - Bimbler's Bluff 50K+, separate post tomorrow, I have chafing to deal with...ugh!
Monday, 10-15 - 0 - Karate in the morning, some light lifting and stretching in the afternoon...
Tuesday, 10-16 - 0
Wednesday, 10-17 - 4 (3.5 Trail + .5 road) - Had designs on getting up to Hell Hollow and running a portion of the Quinebaug Trail, but after karate class this morning, my window of opportunity had shrunk. As it's only 5 minutes from the house, I chose to do the Lantern Hill trail to the top again, the run back down to the Narragansett Trail start, then back to the top on the other side. I continued down the backside to the North Stonington transfer station, then hoofed it down Wintechog Hill road back to the car. I even saw a good sized fox stalking something in a grassy area near the quarry. Very cool...
Thursday, 10-18 - 4 (3.5 Trail + .5 road) - One of my karate training partners, Jim H., has been running on roads to train for his next black belt test, and putting up with my incessant chatter about all of the trails around here, so he asked me if he could join me on a Lantern Hill run today. The more the merrier, I say! Started with the Lantern loop, then went to the top and down to the transfer station, crossed the road and did a good portion of the Wintechog Hill side before doing the 1/2 mile on the road back to the car. Next time I go with someone, I'm thinking about doing a car drop much further up the trail to avoid any out-and-backs...going to start carb loading from today through Sunday, does beer count toward that?
Friday, 10-19 - 0 - Happy Anniversary to me! Lori and I celebrate 16 years married, and 21 together total, so what better excuse to check out the new (and awesome) Italian restaurant in downtown Westerly, Trattoria Longo - Meatballs & Martinis, and order up a huge plate of handmade pasta with bolognese sauce. Fabulous :)
Saturday, 10-20 - 0 - Spent the day hanging with the family, carb loading, getting my gear together, and changing my mind 100 times about what I'm going to wear tomorrow (I was freezing at Nipmuck, and I'd rather be warm than cold...). If the weather's anything like today (and it's supposed to be fantastic), shorts and a tech shirt would be fine. Going with the Camelbak tomorrow, as there's a section with 8 miles between aid stations, and going to squeeze in some snacks behind the bladder in Ziplocs...and some GUs in the pocket, and chow at the aid stations. Good to go.
Sunday, 10-21 - 32.5 - Bimbler's Bluff 50K+, separate post tomorrow, I have chafing to deal with...ugh!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Weekly Log 10/8 to 10/14
Monday, 10/8 - 0 - Kids all day, wish they were runners...
Tuesday, 10/9 - 0 - Finished microwave job in Norwich, took all day and a workout in itself...
Wednesday, 10/10 - 0 - Karate class in the morning, pull-ups and weight training and a lot of errands today...
Tuesday, 10/9 - 0 - Finished microwave job in Norwich, took all day and a workout in itself...
Wednesday, 10/10 - 0 - Karate class in the morning, pull-ups and weight training and a lot of errands today...
Thursday, 10/11 - 5.5 (Road) - Had to take a few days off due to "stuff", but felt really good today, and a perfect day for a run. 60 degrees, not a cloud in the sky, perfect New England autumn afternoon. Should have taken some foliage pictures, but I had a good pace going and wanted to keep it steady. I think I'm supposed to be tapering in advance of Bimbler's? But again, kind of winging it so I'm sort of on track...?!?
Update...went to the Westerly Track and Athletic Club board meeting, and was voted in as a board member, along with Mike B (who needs his own blog!!!). Very excited about this, and have already committed to being on the scholarship committee, which, as an English major and former teacher/grammar policeman, is where I want to be! Can't wait to help on the front lines at the events, got a taste at the Kelley race and loved it...so I'm stoked about the Fall running season :)
And Muddy, I'm sure everyone appreciated you showing us your rubric, it was quite impressive ;)
Friday, 10/12 - 0
Saturday, 10/13 - 8 (Road) - Local roads, gorgeous day, but I did break out the tights for the first time this year, as it was 28 degrees when I woke up this morning, and a breezy 38 when I hit the road...stopped for a quick picture at Spalding Pond, leaves are really turning now:
Overall, really looking forward to running Sleeping Giant State Park tomorrow with Mike K., should be a great day for it!
Sunday, 10/14 - 6 (Trail) - Sleeping Giant State Park. Mike K. and I drove over to Hamden and met Gary H. at 8a.m. to do the "Sleeping Giant" run. This park is directly across the street from Quinnipiac University, has a ton of trails that crisscross throughout the park, and offers a challenging run/climb, and at varying degrees of difficulty. We opted for the Quinnipiac Trail, which runs right up the side of an old quarry, and is affectionately known as the "Chin" of the giant. I got my first ascent Category 3 climb rating here, as it was mountain climbing and not running, with death on the left and some scrub barely clinging to the cliff. Great way to get the blood pumping. Not a good place to snap a picture, either. Once at the top, some rises and falls along the ridge, and fantastic views:
Mike and Gary enjoying the view
Overlook, rain in the distance
Then trails along the ridge to the old Tower, which has a ramp you can take to the top. Great view from there:
With so many trails criss-crossing throughout the park, we stayed on the blue trail to the other side of the park, then cut across on green to the tower trail, which is a wide, fairly smooth path all downhill to the parking lot. That was fun, blasting past all the day hikers, college kids and families on their way up to the tower...I'd call this a must run if you like your trails, although that first section should be avoided if you have a fear of heights...
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Weekly Log 10/1 to 10/7
Monday, 10/1: 0 - Recovery day - sore as Hell, spent the day doing light housework, soreness subsiding in the afternoon though...so this is what it feels like! I, much like Muddy, am going with beer therapy and light stretching.
Tuesday, 10/2: 0 - Got the call to work for a surf buddy of mine, spent six hours installing microwaves in an apartment complex in Norwich. Needless to say, my legs were not at all pleased with me...
Wednesday, 10/3: 0 - Karate this morning...lots of kicking! Then a lot of stuff around the house. Going to wait one more day to pick it back up with the running.
Thursday, 10/4: 4 (Road) - First mile of the first run since Sunday was painful: stiff, heavy legs, couldn't get my rhythm right...then things started loosening up, and I got into a nice steady pace for miles 2 and 3...the last mile I pushed hard and felt comfortable. I'm easing back into the miles, and I'll go out for more tomorrow. I also switched back to my Asics for this run, which I haven't worn in a long time. More to see how they felt than anything, because I'm thinking about getting a pair of shoes with a bit more cushion than the MT10s for road runs. They felt good...
Friday, 10/5: 4 (Trail) - Nice to get back on the trails, and a perfect day for a few miles. With a short window of opportunity, I was able to get some trail time in...more miles later today if possible, or a bigger bump in mileage for tomorrow. Felt good overall today, nothing overly technical, but I was running unmarked trails in Rockville Management Area in Hopkinton, so it was nice to have a change of scenery, and the foliage around the lakes right now is spectacular. Had my nephew's "Flat Stanley" guy with me, so I took a picture at Ashville Pond:
Flat Stanley's gonna be getting some trail time in the next couple weeks...
Saturday, 10/6: 0
Sunday, 10/7: 8 (Road) - Waited for Lori to get home from her slumber party, and was at mile five when the rain started. Three miles to the house before it really kicked in...felt good, took the Camelbak with designs on a longer run, but I'll take 8...notable moments? Saw a groundhog(?) today out by one of the farms I pass? Mile 2, vicious black French poodle barrels right up to the road, teeth bared...mile 7.5, the enormous black mastiff up the street from me (like 4 feet high and 200+ pounds) hears me coming and crosses the road to within three feet of me. Seriously huge dog and I know he doesn't bite, but damned if that didn't get my heart racing...if you're ever on Puttker Road in North Stonington, ye be warned. I think it's safer on the trails...
Tuesday, 10/2: 0 - Got the call to work for a surf buddy of mine, spent six hours installing microwaves in an apartment complex in Norwich. Needless to say, my legs were not at all pleased with me...
Wednesday, 10/3: 0 - Karate this morning...lots of kicking! Then a lot of stuff around the house. Going to wait one more day to pick it back up with the running.
Thursday, 10/4: 4 (Road) - First mile of the first run since Sunday was painful: stiff, heavy legs, couldn't get my rhythm right...then things started loosening up, and I got into a nice steady pace for miles 2 and 3...the last mile I pushed hard and felt comfortable. I'm easing back into the miles, and I'll go out for more tomorrow. I also switched back to my Asics for this run, which I haven't worn in a long time. More to see how they felt than anything, because I'm thinking about getting a pair of shoes with a bit more cushion than the MT10s for road runs. They felt good...
Friday, 10/5: 4 (Trail) - Nice to get back on the trails, and a perfect day for a few miles. With a short window of opportunity, I was able to get some trail time in...more miles later today if possible, or a bigger bump in mileage for tomorrow. Felt good overall today, nothing overly technical, but I was running unmarked trails in Rockville Management Area in Hopkinton, so it was nice to have a change of scenery, and the foliage around the lakes right now is spectacular. Had my nephew's "Flat Stanley" guy with me, so I took a picture at Ashville Pond:
Saturday, 10/6: 0
Sunday, 10/7: 8 (Road) - Waited for Lori to get home from her slumber party, and was at mile five when the rain started. Three miles to the house before it really kicked in...felt good, took the Camelbak with designs on a longer run, but I'll take 8...notable moments? Saw a groundhog(?) today out by one of the farms I pass? Mile 2, vicious black French poodle barrels right up to the road, teeth bared...mile 7.5, the enormous black mastiff up the street from me (like 4 feet high and 200+ pounds) hears me coming and crosses the road to within three feet of me. Seriously huge dog and I know he doesn't bite, but damned if that didn't get my heart racing...if you're ever on Puttker Road in North Stonington, ye be warned. I think it's safer on the trails...
Monday, October 1, 2012
9/30: 2012 Nipmuck Trail Marathon, 26.2 miles
So this is how it went down:
I've been up to Nipmuck for two runs: the 12 mile Southern leg with Jeff W., which we did several weeks ago, and the 4 out/back 8 mile run I did this past Wednesday. So 20 of the 26 miles...
Jeff picked me up at 6 and we drove straight to Nipmuck, got signed in and got our numbers (and Nipmuck buffs!), and ran into Seth A, Mike K, and and a few other familiar faces. After the pre-race instructions, we walked a hundred yards or so down the road to the start line, and off we went! I felt great on the first twelve miles - I'd already done it in 2:15 with Jeff, and knew what to expect. I'm running a 12:20 pace, my goal, and at mile 4, who comes blasting by me in third place? Jeff, at 8 miles already and cruising...very cool! At the first turnaround, I'm in 93rd place, right where I expected to be. And everybody on the course, from volunteers to runners, are offering words of encouragement the entire race, including the guys in the lead. You never see that...I finish the 12 miles and get back to the start in 2:30-ish, quickly get to my bag and dry off, fuel up and change shirts.
The back 14 did not go as smooth. miles 13-16 were fine - I'd done those before as well, and got through them no problem. The three miles before the final turnaround? Brutal, much more difficult, hilly and technical than anything else on the course, especially the big hill and stairs at the turnaround. When I got there, I was already feeling pretty fatigued, but with 7 miles to go, I figured I'd walk when I needed to, run as much as I could, and get there when I got there. I was in 90th at this point. Several people had already dropped out, two from injuries. My pace kept ticking higher, but past the 20 mile mark, I did what I could, and got there!!! Crossed the line in 6:15, good for 93rd place overall. 150 registered, 130 started the race, 12 dropped out so there were 118 finishers. My first marathon complete, and a good physical test. Jeff came in 5th overall (What the???), Seth came in 13th, and Mike K came in 70th, which was awesome considering he'd been very busy getting his business up and running. Hell, anyone that finishes that race gets huge respect from me, and the people at Shenipsit and all of the volunteers deserve a big thanks, it was a great event (never seen such well stocked aid stations, either!) and I'll definitely be back next year. Here's a couple of pictures from before and after:
I've been up to Nipmuck for two runs: the 12 mile Southern leg with Jeff W., which we did several weeks ago, and the 4 out/back 8 mile run I did this past Wednesday. So 20 of the 26 miles...
Jeff picked me up at 6 and we drove straight to Nipmuck, got signed in and got our numbers (and Nipmuck buffs!), and ran into Seth A, Mike K, and and a few other familiar faces. After the pre-race instructions, we walked a hundred yards or so down the road to the start line, and off we went! I felt great on the first twelve miles - I'd already done it in 2:15 with Jeff, and knew what to expect. I'm running a 12:20 pace, my goal, and at mile 4, who comes blasting by me in third place? Jeff, at 8 miles already and cruising...very cool! At the first turnaround, I'm in 93rd place, right where I expected to be. And everybody on the course, from volunteers to runners, are offering words of encouragement the entire race, including the guys in the lead. You never see that...I finish the 12 miles and get back to the start in 2:30-ish, quickly get to my bag and dry off, fuel up and change shirts.
The back 14 did not go as smooth. miles 13-16 were fine - I'd done those before as well, and got through them no problem. The three miles before the final turnaround? Brutal, much more difficult, hilly and technical than anything else on the course, especially the big hill and stairs at the turnaround. When I got there, I was already feeling pretty fatigued, but with 7 miles to go, I figured I'd walk when I needed to, run as much as I could, and get there when I got there. I was in 90th at this point. Several people had already dropped out, two from injuries. My pace kept ticking higher, but past the 20 mile mark, I did what I could, and got there!!! Crossed the line in 6:15, good for 93rd place overall. 150 registered, 130 started the race, 12 dropped out so there were 118 finishers. My first marathon complete, and a good physical test. Jeff came in 5th overall (What the???), Seth came in 13th, and Mike K came in 70th, which was awesome considering he'd been very busy getting his business up and running. Hell, anyone that finishes that race gets huge respect from me, and the people at Shenipsit and all of the volunteers deserve a big thanks, it was a great event (never seen such well stocked aid stations, either!) and I'll definitely be back next year. Here's a couple of pictures from before and after:
Pre-race Instruction
Race Director Clint
Before the Race
At the Finish
Sticker on the Bib for the Newbies
Will be taking today off and eating like there's no tomorrow...
Monday, September 24, 2012
Weekly Log 9/24 to 9/30
Monday, 9/24: 5 mile double-loop on Lantern Hill
So I'm going to a weekly thing from here on out, as it seems like the best way to go. And in the interest of full disclosure, if I said I wasn't nervous about Nipmuck I'd be lying. I've been running the most technical shit I have near me, so I can deal with that aspect of the run. And the hills, those I can do. Today, for example, I did the Lantern Hill loop, all the way to the top, around and back down to the Wintechog Hill entrance to the trail...tapped the rock at the bottom and went up the Narragansett Trail portion, up and over to the southeast facing side. Very steep, and not a place where you can lose your focus. Anyone who's been up there can attest to that. Like slip and you die stuff...so I've totally got my "trail legs" where they need to be. It's the distance, though, that seems the most daunting. I'm thinking about the whole "aid station to aid station" method of getting through the race.
Could see Block Island from the south side of Lantern today, very cool! Here's a couple of shots:
But all that said, I'm trying to maintain a "fun run" attitude, like Jeff W. No expectations other than to finish and do my best.
Tuesday, 9/25: 0, installed microwaves all day in an apartment complex. That was enough of a workout!
Wednesday, 9/26: 8 mile Nipmuck Trail run
Have been wanting to do at least some of the Northern leg of the Nipmuck course, as I'd heard it was the more difficult of the two out-and-backs, but this close to the race I was given two bits of advice: first, not to do the full 14 of the Northern leg (thanks, Jeff); and second, not to minimalize my runs too much before the race (thanks Mike B). Because of my schedule, the training spreadsheet I was trying to follow went right out the window anyway, so I'm just winging it at this point. So 4 out and 4 back, and can I just say a huge THANK YOU to the mountain bikers who went ahead of me on the trail today? Didn't hit a single spider web!
So here's the deal: I did 8 out of the 14 miles of this part of the course in 1:37 (12 minute pace, which is exactly what I wanted to be at, and without subtracting the photo stops and fussing with my mapping app), and although there were more hills, the trails weren't quite as technical. There was also about a 1 mile stretch of dirt/paved road between miles 2.5 and 3.5, Jeff W should be booking on that part. I crossed three roads, and a bunch of streams (some with footbridges, some without), and while there are some mossy, slick spots, overall it wasn't so bad! I felt comfortable, and the jitters I've had the past week or so have mostly gone away. Also, they have already marked the course really well...great time of year to be out there, here's a couple of shots from today:
So I'm going to a weekly thing from here on out, as it seems like the best way to go. And in the interest of full disclosure, if I said I wasn't nervous about Nipmuck I'd be lying. I've been running the most technical shit I have near me, so I can deal with that aspect of the run. And the hills, those I can do. Today, for example, I did the Lantern Hill loop, all the way to the top, around and back down to the Wintechog Hill entrance to the trail...tapped the rock at the bottom and went up the Narragansett Trail portion, up and over to the southeast facing side. Very steep, and not a place where you can lose your focus. Anyone who's been up there can attest to that. Like slip and you die stuff...so I've totally got my "trail legs" where they need to be. It's the distance, though, that seems the most daunting. I'm thinking about the whole "aid station to aid station" method of getting through the race.
Could see Block Island from the south side of Lantern today, very cool! Here's a couple of shots:
Top. facing south
The "Rock Garden"
Me (Nice Hat!)
But all that said, I'm trying to maintain a "fun run" attitude, like Jeff W. No expectations other than to finish and do my best.
Tuesday, 9/25: 0, installed microwaves all day in an apartment complex. That was enough of a workout!
Wednesday, 9/26: 8 mile Nipmuck Trail run
Have been wanting to do at least some of the Northern leg of the Nipmuck course, as I'd heard it was the more difficult of the two out-and-backs, but this close to the race I was given two bits of advice: first, not to do the full 14 of the Northern leg (thanks, Jeff); and second, not to minimalize my runs too much before the race (thanks Mike B). Because of my schedule, the training spreadsheet I was trying to follow went right out the window anyway, so I'm just winging it at this point. So 4 out and 4 back, and can I just say a huge THANK YOU to the mountain bikers who went ahead of me on the trail today? Didn't hit a single spider web!
So here's the deal: I did 8 out of the 14 miles of this part of the course in 1:37 (12 minute pace, which is exactly what I wanted to be at, and without subtracting the photo stops and fussing with my mapping app), and although there were more hills, the trails weren't quite as technical. There was also about a 1 mile stretch of dirt/paved road between miles 2.5 and 3.5, Jeff W should be booking on that part. I crossed three roads, and a bunch of streams (some with footbridges, some without), and while there are some mossy, slick spots, overall it wasn't so bad! I felt comfortable, and the jitters I've had the past week or so have mostly gone away. Also, they have already marked the course really well...great time of year to be out there, here's a couple of shots from today:
Single-track
Bridge #1
Well-marked!
Stream from bridge
Chute coming home (blurry with sweat?)
So there ya go. Recon complete, head in a better place...
Thursday, 9/27: 0, just serious online topographic recon, mental prep, and staying positive about the course, the runs I've done, and how much I'm looking forward to this...crazy...
Friday, 9/28: 0, It rained like a bastard all afternoon - the course is going to be muddy, and that's the deal with a trail run...so there you go. Apparently I got a drop of sweat on the charge port of my iPhone on Wednesday's run (although I'm not entirely sure it was that...), and it stopped charging. Had to spend three hours in Providence getting a new one, and ordering a waterproof case. As for the race? I want to finish, but if I feel right, and I also have a time in mind...so we'll see. No pressure :)
Saturday, 9/29: 0, waiting on Nipmuck...nerves dropped on me like a load of bricks this evening, and even though I went to bed at 9, I think I slept a total of 4 hours?
Sunday, 9/30: 2012 Nipmuck Trail Marathon, 26.2 miles (this gets a separate post)...please stand by
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