Training Log Archive: Ari-oIn the 31 days ending Dec 31, 2020:
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Thursday Dec 31, 2020 #
4 PM
Run 40:01 [1] 4.8 mi (8:20 / mi) +17m 8:15 / mi
ahr:169 max:194
Ran to Cambridge to put things in boxes.
Wednesday Dec 30, 2020 #
Note
In a normal year, I would have gotten a cold at some point, and had a slow week.
This year … no colds (I haven't gotten the big cold, and I haven't had a little one since October, 2019), and this is party of way fewer rest days than ever before (not tapering/recovering from races, too). Days where miles logged == 0:
2012: 122
2013: 74
2014: 91
2015: 101
2016: 102
2017: 103
2018: 81
2019: 108
2020: 52
And that still includes 5 days on either side of the 100 miler!
So, with the snow gone, nothing to train for, and my miles in the bag, I took a breather this week. I even did some yoga. #RestDayBrags
Tomorrow also marks the end of a decade of tracking all my miles, and there will be a long thread with lots of graphs about it!
This year … no colds (I haven't gotten the big cold, and I haven't had a little one since October, 2019), and this is party of way fewer rest days than ever before (not tapering/recovering from races, too). Days where miles logged == 0:
2012: 122
2013: 74
2014: 91
2015: 101
2016: 102
2017: 103
2018: 81
2019: 108
2020: 52
And that still includes 5 days on either side of the 100 miler!
So, with the snow gone, nothing to train for, and my miles in the bag, I took a breather this week. I even did some yoga. #RestDayBrags
Tomorrow also marks the end of a decade of tracking all my miles, and there will be a long thread with lots of graphs about it!
C • lies 11
9 AM
Run 24:32 [1] 2.76 mi (8:53 / mi) +14m 8:45 / mi
ahr:184 max:211
Mel suggested a short run and that sounded fine by me.
Monday Dec 28, 2020 #
3 PM
Run 29:08 [1] 3.36 mi (8:40 / mi) +14m 8:34 / mi
ahr:156 max:196
Quick run on "the loop" in Cambridge I've been running for the past 9 years. But might not be running much longer! Looks like I'll be vacating Cambridge, officially, in the next couple of weeks. I'd planned to leave earlier this year, then covid happened, then meeting someone happened, etc. I should have bitten the bullet in July and vacated then, would have saved a few months' rent. But luckily I found someone to take over my lease, so I'm free.
Now we are maybe going to try to cram into a too-small apartment for a few months until her lease is up before we make our next move. As long as we don't both have to work from here we think it can work (I can find several days of office space each week). Plus … there money saved can pay for several working ski trips if/when it snows.
Now we are maybe going to try to cram into a too-small apartment for a few months until her lease is up before we make our next move. As long as we don't both have to work from here we think it can work (I can find several days of office space each week). Plus … there money saved can pay for several working ski trips if/when it snows.
Sunday Dec 27, 2020 #
Note
Dec 1, mid-60s
Some cold days mid-month
Then back to 60 for Christmas.
Sound familiar? It's December 2014.
And we know what happened in January, 2015.
Hope. Keep it alive.
Some cold days mid-month
Then back to 60 for Christmas.
Sound familiar? It's December 2014.
And we know what happened in January, 2015.
Hope. Keep it alive.
Note
7k at MSA, 0 at Foret Montmorency.
2020 silver lining: we didn't drive 7 hours to all try to cram onto a 7k loop at MSA.
2020 silver lining: we didn't drive 7 hours to all try to cram onto a 7k loop at MSA.
Saturday Dec 26, 2020 #
Note
2020 strikes again!
For better, I am way ahead of where I'd ever thought I'd be in 2020. This time last year I finished just shy of 400 hours and had a goal, apparently, to cross 400 hours, which I did in October. I'm sitting on 532 hours. And for December, I've logged 48h (highest December on record) and 30h of skiing, and with a normal MSA year I'd be headed towards 70h and a highest month ever. And 218k in a week!
Of course, it's not a normal year. Covid, then it poured rain and all the snow melted (although Dublin sounds skiable on the manmade, and even Weston survived). Sounds like it would have been a rough year at MSA:
We have received over 90 mm of rain in the last 24 hours! Due to the more than unfavorable weather, the station will unfortunately be closed for the day. In order to offer you a pleasant and safe terrain to ski on, our teams must allow time for the water to drain and the temperature to cool down before working the snow. We will resume our activities on Sunday, December 27th.
I saw people running in the rain on Christmas, and that looked pretty miserable. My L toe has all sorts of hurtings, from a toenail which has been looking but not feeling bad for three-plus years. I'll have to watch that, but 33% increase in training volume that's the only injury, that's not bad.
It's sunny today, so maybe I'll take a jog, but I assume the woods are a rainy, watery and maybe-icy mess. And maybe some skiing this week (AM AT at Wachusett, then Dublin, or something—Weston bureaucracy is a royal mess).
But really, hard to complain given all the hokum going on in the world.
For better, I am way ahead of where I'd ever thought I'd be in 2020. This time last year I finished just shy of 400 hours and had a goal, apparently, to cross 400 hours, which I did in October. I'm sitting on 532 hours. And for December, I've logged 48h (highest December on record) and 30h of skiing, and with a normal MSA year I'd be headed towards 70h and a highest month ever. And 218k in a week!
Of course, it's not a normal year. Covid, then it poured rain and all the snow melted (although Dublin sounds skiable on the manmade, and even Weston survived). Sounds like it would have been a rough year at MSA:
We have received over 90 mm of rain in the last 24 hours! Due to the more than unfavorable weather, the station will unfortunately be closed for the day. In order to offer you a pleasant and safe terrain to ski on, our teams must allow time for the water to drain and the temperature to cool down before working the snow. We will resume our activities on Sunday, December 27th.
I saw people running in the rain on Christmas, and that looked pretty miserable. My L toe has all sorts of hurtings, from a toenail which has been looking but not feeling bad for three-plus years. I'll have to watch that, but 33% increase in training volume that's the only injury, that's not bad.
It's sunny today, so maybe I'll take a jog, but I assume the woods are a rainy, watery and maybe-icy mess. And maybe some skiing this week (AM AT at Wachusett, then Dublin, or something—Weston bureaucracy is a royal mess).
But really, hard to complain given all the hokum going on in the world.
Thursday Dec 24, 2020 #
Note
Yesterday’s 68k of skiing are the most in a day behind only:
100k Day (2008)
Double Birkies (~85k, 2010 and 2009?)
Marcialonga (2019)
I proposed to Jess a 100k day this year and she thought it was a great idea!
100k Day (2008)
Double Birkies (~85k, 2010 and 2009?)
Marcialonga (2019)
I proposed to Jess a 100k day this year and she thought it was a great idea!
Note
In a normal year, which this is decidedly not, I'd have a shot at 70h for the month with the MSA trip.
Silver lining is that MSA won't fare any better than us, 40s and rain on Christmas, leading to a skating rink. Probably better than the hamster wheel at Dublin or Weston, but not worth the drive, which we aren't allowed to make.
Silver lining is that MSA won't fare any better than us, 40s and rain on Christmas, leading to a skating rink. Probably better than the hamster wheel at Dublin or Weston, but not worth the drive, which we aren't allowed to make.
7 AM
Ski 2:12:42 [1] 16.46 mi (8:04 / mi) +638m 7:12 / mi
ahr:125 max:180
It was in the 30s in the morning, so Oak Hill was slower, but my legs were (a little) fresher after I ate Thai food and collapsed at 9:45. Skied the 5k and around a bit, and then met John and Jenny and skied up the 10k and did a loop with John. Feeling yesterday, but definitely good feels.
1 PM
Ski 1:01:43 [1] 5.52 mi (11:11 / mi) +57m 10:50 / mi
ahr:104 max:157
Melanie wanted to know if I wanted to join her for her 4th hour on the slush at Great Brook. Now or never, and getting over 100k in two days is nice.
Wednesday Dec 23, 2020 #
9 AM
Ski 3:38:29 [1] 31.95 mi (6:50 / mi) +929m 6:16 / mi
ahr:69 max:110
Day off to SKI! Lincoln and Jess were flying to DDH for a tarmac Christmas with his family, so stopped at greens on the way. Normally they’d hitch a ride with me but today had to rent a car. Thanks, covid. We set out and went and skied the southern perimeter and everything was groomed except for the black part of Mudgett (and Smarts) and only a few icy bits. Greens grooming, so they drove too fast, but mostly good skiing. Then down to Dorchester, around and up (my only ADD watch issue) and back down so they could head to the airport.
It was too good to go in, so I went for another loop. Didn’t get too bonky and it was quite nice and never got warm. Hit about 53k (more than logged, will fix tomorrow). Not bad, too bad it’s about to go away.
It was too good to go in, so I went for another loop. Didn’t get too bonky and it was quite nice and never got warm. Hit about 53k (more than logged, will fix tomorrow). Not bad, too bad it’s about to go away.
3 PM
Ski 1:20:06 [1] 10.06 mi (7:58 / mi) +384m 7:07 / mi
ahr:136 max:188
Was it enough? No! Off to oak hill to stride. Nice new track but a good amount of dirt; they need to grade their trails. A little nicer up top, so a loop up there. Pretty spent by the end. Not fast but lovely.
Tuesday Dec 22, 2020 #
9 AM
Ski 1:04:15 [1] 8.78 mi (7:19 / mi) +143m 6:58 / mi
ahr:114 max:152
Early ski out at Great Brook. Have to take advantage of this snow before it's gone!
20m no poles, 15m DP, and then three repeats over Woodchuck hill from the field, about 180s each.
I bought a season pass because they're not being dinks like Weston and without traffic it's much easier to get to.
20m no poles, 15m DP, and then three repeats over Woodchuck hill from the field, about 180s each.
I bought a season pass because they're not being dinks like Weston and without traffic it's much easier to get to.
Monday Dec 21, 2020 #
Note
I guess I am allowed to take a rest day every so often. Car passed inspection, too, despite a little rust. Ready for winter, snow tires > AWD anyway.
Sunday Dec 20, 2020 #
9 AM
Ski (AT) 1:51:52 [1] 5.5 mi (20:20 / mi) +738m 14:21 / mi
ahr:109 max:161
Out to Berkshire East to AT ski. Mel can't leave the state and everyone has gotten rid of uphill skiing but not Berkshire East, which allows it! Two hours out, and we headed up our first run and then down, which was nice. Definitely a social pace; I'm used to being covered in sweat at the top.
The second lap we did a short bit and met another friend, then up an ungroomed and not open but perfectly tracked green trail which was quite lovely. Two skin tracks for social hour, and not very steep. Saw a guy going up on classic skis!
The second lap we did a short bit and met another friend, then up an ungroomed and not open but perfectly tracked green trail which was quite lovely. Two skin tracks for social hour, and not very steep. Saw a guy going up on classic skis!
1 PM
Ski (AT) 1:36:50 [1] 5.08 mi (19:04 / mi) +581m 14:04 / mi
ahr:106 max:163
Second trip up and down. Mel's knee was bothering her (skate skiing didn't though so she better like that!) but she is stubborn, so two runs were taken. Snowing by the last one, which was delightful, but made for a long drive home behind a plow on Route 2. And a stop at Aims's to buy his old sport tube for safe ski transport!
Resort AT skiing is … fine, but after yesterday at Dublin, well, that's hard to beat.
Resort AT skiing is … fine, but after yesterday at Dublin, well, that's hard to beat.
Saturday Dec 19, 2020 #
10 AM
Ski 1:17:57 [1] 6.7 mi (11:38 / mi) +96m 11:08 / mi
ahr:81 max:133
Out to Great Brook with Melanie.
Great Brook was a zoo: parking lot was full by 10, and a long line to buy passes. Who comes up to my car at the start but John Swain. This took me a second, because he's supposed to be in Minnesota. But he and Jenny are back in Boston for xmas and out skiing. I tried on the Zip Backpack, and then we decided we'd buy tickets later and skied around the shack.
Queue management nerd time! They only had one server serving the M/M/1 queue, and it was clearly not enough. What they really need are several servers, and some other ways to collect money. I suggested, based on a CSU coach email sent, that they should have someone out there with a big "pay with venmo" and people can just transfer money that way. Anyway, we may buy annual passes there, too, just to be nice and because with a couple of storms and no rush hour, it's only marginally farther than Weston. Also, Weston is only allowing 60 people even with the full course open, which is four skiers per kilometer, and that is an entirely different mess.
Anyway, Mel was going to ski for 45 minutes, or so she said. Once we got past the crowds and the Cambridge Sports Mafia (Lincoln's term) she had a lot of fun, and skied for nearly 1:45! We had some breaks to talk with Ann Celi Kitch, and no big hills, and did some no poling. She's definitely getting better, and I pointed out some things (mostly: commit to your ski and body position).
Lovely day, and not too crowded beyond the barn.
Great Brook was a zoo: parking lot was full by 10, and a long line to buy passes. Who comes up to my car at the start but John Swain. This took me a second, because he's supposed to be in Minnesota. But he and Jenny are back in Boston for xmas and out skiing. I tried on the Zip Backpack, and then we decided we'd buy tickets later and skied around the shack.
Queue management nerd time! They only had one server serving the M/M/1 queue, and it was clearly not enough. What they really need are several servers, and some other ways to collect money. I suggested, based on a CSU coach email sent, that they should have someone out there with a big "pay with venmo" and people can just transfer money that way. Anyway, we may buy annual passes there, too, just to be nice and because with a couple of storms and no rush hour, it's only marginally farther than Weston. Also, Weston is only allowing 60 people even with the full course open, which is four skiers per kilometer, and that is an entirely different mess.
Anyway, Mel was going to ski for 45 minutes, or so she said. Once we got past the crowds and the Cambridge Sports Mafia (Lincoln's term) she had a lot of fun, and skied for nearly 1:45! We had some breaks to talk with Ann Celi Kitch, and no big hills, and did some no poling. She's definitely getting better, and I pointed out some things (mostly: commit to your ski and body position).
Lovely day, and not too crowded beyond the barn.
2 PM
Ski 2:15:20 [1] 17.8 mi (7:36 / mi) +781m 6:41 / mi
ahr:107 max:146
[as usual, I am too ADD to stop my watch]
Was Great Brook enough? No! My monthly goal is "ski a lot" and that includes taking advantage of snow. So, over the river and through the woods and off to Dublin, to meet Cary and ski for a couple of hours.
Got there, drank some water, ate some food, and saw a blue Subaru with Vermont plates. And telemark skis in the back, and a can of Pepsi in the cupholder.
Wait this is an ALEX CAR there must be an ALEX NEARBY. So I went out et voila, an Alex appeared. A short ski with Kathy took place and she went in after 5 hours, and then Alex and I skied for a while and picked up Cary and skied more. It was perfect hardpack powder for skiing, and the trails here are so much fun.
Also, it was so very nice to ski with friends: this is the perfect activity. It's outdoors, the poles and skis are "pointy six foot enforcement tools" and half the time you want to have a face covering on. Plus, if you are actively sneezing out the virus, the hills are going to get you pretty fast.
Anyway, ski chats were had, hills were skied up and down, Alex went in after 3h, and Cary and I went until about dark. Maybe 15 cars in the parking lot, so uncrowded, with the main issue being that there were some shufflers out skiing the wrong way on the trails. Not a huge deal but if we'd encountered any on a hill it could have been interesting. I think Dublin needs some signs … and maybe some beginner trails set to the north of the race course.
Was Great Brook enough? No! My monthly goal is "ski a lot" and that includes taking advantage of snow. So, over the river and through the woods and off to Dublin, to meet Cary and ski for a couple of hours.
Got there, drank some water, ate some food, and saw a blue Subaru with Vermont plates. And telemark skis in the back, and a can of Pepsi in the cupholder.
Wait this is an ALEX CAR there must be an ALEX NEARBY. So I went out et voila, an Alex appeared. A short ski with Kathy took place and she went in after 5 hours, and then Alex and I skied for a while and picked up Cary and skied more. It was perfect hardpack powder for skiing, and the trails here are so much fun.
Also, it was so very nice to ski with friends: this is the perfect activity. It's outdoors, the poles and skis are "pointy six foot enforcement tools" and half the time you want to have a face covering on. Plus, if you are actively sneezing out the virus, the hills are going to get you pretty fast.
Anyway, ski chats were had, hills were skied up and down, Alex went in after 3h, and Cary and I went until about dark. Maybe 15 cars in the parking lot, so uncrowded, with the main issue being that there were some shufflers out skiing the wrong way on the trails. Not a huge deal but if we'd encountered any on a hill it could have been interesting. I think Dublin needs some signs … and maybe some beginner trails set to the north of the race course.
Friday Dec 18, 2020 #
10 AM
Ski 2:03:41 [1] 13.59 mi (9:06 / mi) +380m 8:22 / mi
ahr:136 max:207
Then, striding! They were still grooming Tripoli, so I went and strided up Snows. Adventure ski conditions, and just beautiful out. Three rocks near the top of Snows, which I marked with sticks (mostly for my way down) and I got down past the third rock to see the groomer turning around.
I didn't want to disturb the groomer, so I went back up Snows, then turned back and there was some lovely track and I caught the groomer again. So I went back up the grooming, and then went back in for lunch.
I didn't want to disturb the groomer, so I went back up Snows, then turned back and there was some lovely track and I caught the groomer again. So I went back up the grooming, and then went back in for lunch.
Ski 10:00 [1] 1.0 mi (10:00 / mi)
Out teaching Mel how to Nordork! Wearing a parka, because teaching is like coaching but colder.
It was super soft and not great learning conditions. But she seemed to be getting it, and by the time we were back I said she looked like some first-year high school skiers in February.
It was super soft and not great learning conditions. But she seemed to be getting it, and by the time we were back I said she looked like some first-year high school skiers in February.
2 PM
Ski 1:38:40 [1] 13.37 mi (7:23 / mi) +610m 6:28 / mi
ahr:109 max:208
After lunch and some time in the base lodge (my car, moved to the sunny area) I went up Tripoli. It was … perfect. With the cool temperatures it had firmed up nicely and the skating was great. Not fast, but great.
One trip up Osceola to warm up, then a push up Tripoli, a wheeee all the way down, and then, heck with it, another trip up.
Then I was tired (but actually not too cold) and very hungry and came home.
One trip up Osceola to warm up, then a push up Tripoli, a wheeee all the way down, and then, heck with it, another trip up.
Then I was tired (but actually not too cold) and very hungry and came home.
Thursday Dec 17, 2020 #
8 AM
Ski 27:39 [1] 2.14 mi (12:55 / mi) +47m 12:06 / mi
ahr:110 max:159
Snow! Out in the morning before a meeting that wasn't, taking some p-tex off my rock skis. Oh well, snow!
11 AM
Ski 2:09:10 [1] 7.43 mi (17:23 / mi) +355m 15:08 / mi
ahr:111 max:177
Up to Greeley Ponds. This trail has been relocated post Irene (that wet bitch), and made more skiable (wider and less rocky) but away from the river with more climbing. Mel and I went up, I was at a disadvantage with skate skis (I need to find some old fishscales for these sorts of adventures) but it was definitely a good workout. I did execute a nice tele turn on a hairpin. Not fast, snow!
They have also laid out a new "Kanc Brook Ski Trail" down the old Greeley trail for a ways and the up to the top of Livermore which would be a fun 10 mile adventure ski.
I ran the last little bit to the lake (rocky) and then we turned around: I had a meeting so went ahead. Some amount of whee going down, lots of DP pushing, but made it back in time. Only 8-10" of snow here, not 30-40, but breaking trail in that would have been harder. Looks like they're packing Tripoli, may head up there later.
They have also laid out a new "Kanc Brook Ski Trail" down the old Greeley trail for a ways and the up to the top of Livermore which would be a fun 10 mile adventure ski.
I ran the last little bit to the lake (rocky) and then we turned around: I had a meeting so went ahead. Some amount of whee going down, lots of DP pushing, but made it back in time. Only 8-10" of snow here, not 30-40, but breaking trail in that would have been harder. Looks like they're packing Tripoli, may head up there later.
Wednesday Dec 16, 2020 #
11 AM
Trail Run 1:46:04 [1] 8.32 mi (12:45 / mi) +480m 10:49 / mi
ahr:145 max:191
Snuck in a trail run between meetings. Mel and I went up a trail off of Livermore, which was lovely, then I ran the last hill and down Livermore to make my meeting, which felt great. Didn't make it to Greeley, that connecting trail is closed. But it was lovely out. Cool, high clouds, feels like winter. If I've been a good boy, Hanukkah Harry will be bringing me a snowstorm for the last day and this might be my last run of any note for the year.
I'd be very okay with that.
Sitting at:
1361 mi running
612 mi trail running
32 mi hiking
23 mi orienteering
= 2028 miles. Happy with that number.
Over 500 hours, too. Way over any previous year. And … uninjured!
I'd be very okay with that.
Sitting at:
1361 mi running
612 mi trail running
32 mi hiking
23 mi orienteering
= 2028 miles. Happy with that number.
Over 500 hours, too. Way over any previous year. And … uninjured!
Tuesday Dec 15, 2020 #
3 PM
Trail Run 1:09:18 [1] 6.31 mi (10:59 / mi) +207m 9:58 / mi
ahr:157 max:194
So we tried to go run up a mountain in the morning and I stepped on an icy stream crossing rock and went for a bit of a swim (well, both feet) and fell on a rock on my keister and … well we went back and dried me out and I prepped for my meetings.
Mel came back with word of a lovely path along the Mad River, so at sunset I checked it out, ran part way up Livermore (possibly skiable at the top for the really desperate) and then back on Swan's Way (pretty well frozen). Microspikes worked well! My bottom is bruised but usable.
Mel came back with word of a lovely path along the Mad River, so at sunset I checked it out, ran part way up Livermore (possibly skiable at the top for the really desperate) and then back on Swan's Way (pretty well frozen). Microspikes worked well! My bottom is bruised but usable.
Monday Dec 14, 2020 #
4 PM
Trail Run 44:07 [1] 3.8 mi (11:37 / mi) +156m 10:18 / mi
ahr:147 max:189
Around some not-very-frozen ski trails. Feet got pretty wet.
Colder tomorrow at least.
They are more fun to ski.
Colder tomorrow at least.
They are more fun to ski.
Sunday Dec 13, 2020 #
9 AM
Trail Run 4:00:16 [1] 10.34 mi (23:14 / mi) +1024m 17:46 / mi
ahr:143 max:204
Adventuring! This turned out into proper adventuring, indeed. We started up the trail up Tecumseh which was well-packed and not-too-wet, with some traffic on the trail. The plan was at the summit to take the trail over the back side and down if it was broken. We took our time getting up, and then looked down the back side. It was not broken. But the snow wasn't transformed and it didn't look too icy so we put on our spikes and plunged in.
The going was slow especially at the top where it was steep, and feet got wet, but certain portions of the trail were very nice (and apparently quite runnable in summer). It was definitely an adventure, and quite wintry if warm, and we had lots of fun, I think. I was feeling better and Melanie's knee was acting up but eventually we got to the road. It does not look great for skiing, even once it freezes up. I ran up, then doubled back, and we walked back to the top of Tripoli. I let Mel go ahead and changed to dry socks (which barely helped), a Harvard skier came by running, and then I ran down (not as fast as usual, but usually on Tripoli I have skis) and then up to the base.
Over 2000 miles, and over 500 hours. Now let's get some skiing to happen!
The going was slow especially at the top where it was steep, and feet got wet, but certain portions of the trail were very nice (and apparently quite runnable in summer). It was definitely an adventure, and quite wintry if warm, and we had lots of fun, I think. I was feeling better and Melanie's knee was acting up but eventually we got to the road. It does not look great for skiing, even once it freezes up. I ran up, then doubled back, and we walked back to the top of Tripoli. I let Mel go ahead and changed to dry socks (which barely helped), a Harvard skier came by running, and then I ran down (not as fast as usual, but usually on Tripoli I have skis) and then up to the base.
Over 2000 miles, and over 500 hours. Now let's get some skiing to happen!
Saturday Dec 12, 2020 #
11 AM
Run 17:23 [1] 2.21 mi (7:52 / mi) +8m 7:47 / mi
ahr:159 max:194
Jogaroo before the rain.
Friday Dec 11, 2020 #
Note
So, by my round-to-the-half mile running doc, I'm at 1992. On AP, I'm at 1997 miles. Anyway, it's less than half a mile per day to the end of the year to hit 2000. Almost there!
10 AM
Run 1:08:32 [1] 8.09 mi (8:28 / mi) +45m 8:20 / mi
ahr:179 max:201
Tires getting changed in Peabody, so I went for a run. I probably could have sat in the sun and done work and not frozen, but running seemed like a better use of my time.
Legs feeling tired at first, found a bike trail eventually, and ran up it. Looking to get to an old canal, but after 4.5m or so I found a cool boardwalk out over a swamp and it wasn't too icy so I ran that. Then back down, with two miles each at marathon pace or so.
Got back well before the car was done.
Legs feeling tired at first, found a bike trail eventually, and ran up it. Looking to get to an old canal, but after 4.5m or so I found a cool boardwalk out over a swamp and it wasn't too icy so I ran that. Then back down, with two miles each at marathon pace or so.
Got back well before the car was done.
Run 13:52 [3] 2.0 mi (6:56 / mi)
Two fast miles.
Thursday Dec 10, 2020 #
Note
Introducing Ski Wise!
It's a trail condition reporting app, and the best part about it is that someone else built it (a CS student at UMD). He contacted me and asked to advertise on my Birkie blog, and I said "oh I will advertise it for free and would you like to add a database of trails in the Northeast?"
So, yes, skitrailreport.com is dead. But it lives on here (with someone else making it actually work decently).
Anyway, if you go skiing, report trail conditions!
It's a trail condition reporting app, and the best part about it is that someone else built it (a CS student at UMD). He contacted me and asked to advertise on my Birkie blog, and I said "oh I will advertise it for free and would you like to add a database of trails in the Northeast?"
So, yes, skitrailreport.com is dead. But it lives on here (with someone else making it actually work decently).
Anyway, if you go skiing, report trail conditions!
Note
1982 miles run.
496 hours logged.
104512 meters climbed.
Going pretty well!
496 hours logged.
104512 meters climbed.
Going pretty well!
Wednesday Dec 9, 2020 #
9 AM
Trail Run 2:38:41 [1] 8.2 mi (19:21 / mi) +692m 15:20 / mi
ahr:135 max:166
Pumpelly Trail FT … W? L? Not quite sure. I decided to add some running to my ski camp (yes, I take vacation days for ski camp) and this was interesting. First mile was pretty nice packed snow, then steeper, but once on the ridge there was some exposed-ish rock (with new snow falling on top) and drifty bits and a bit of concern about postholing which can lead to injuries and I was not prepared to be immobilized.
Ran well with microspikes and poles. Saw a couple of people on the way up, not bad for Monadnock. Of course, it was snowing and foggy on top. My jacket, which had been around my waist, made it back onto my body, and a buff over my head, at some point when it was colder/windier.
Used my watch's breadcrumb feature to choose the right path off the summit (a compass would have worked too) and ran down, a bit slower up top but finally making time the last two miles down.
I haven't been up Monadnock in at least two decades!
Ran well with microspikes and poles. Saw a couple of people on the way up, not bad for Monadnock. Of course, it was snowing and foggy on top. My jacket, which had been around my waist, made it back onto my body, and a buff over my head, at some point when it was colder/windier.
Used my watch's breadcrumb feature to choose the right path off the summit (a compass would have worked too) and ran down, a bit slower up top but finally making time the last two miles down.
I haven't been up Monadnock in at least two decades!
Ski 2:14:12 [1] 15.97 mi (8:24 / mi) +656m 7:27 / mi
ahr:108 max:153
Then over to Dublin! About an inch of new snow, and the groomer had hit most of the trails that had not been groomed yesterday, so the skiing was excellent. I found my way onto Chamonix and those hills are so fun. I was pretty toasted so wasn't very speedy, and the snow was slow with the new snow on the soft base, but no complaints.
Skied about 2h, was thinking of going for 100km in three days of skiing, but settled for 100km including Monadnock. Was passed by some girls doing intervals at one point up on Placid (still skiing best) and realized there was no way I was about to do intervals. Bonked pretty well, so I went to the store for a take-out sandwich and cookie and drank a coke on the way home.
Skied about 2h, was thinking of going for 100km in three days of skiing, but settled for 100km including Monadnock. Was passed by some girls doing intervals at one point up on Placid (still skiing best) and realized there was no way I was about to do intervals. Bonked pretty well, so I went to the store for a take-out sandwich and cookie and drank a coke on the way home.
Tuesday Dec 8, 2020 #
10 AM
Ski 1:19:47 [1] 9.99 mi (7:59 / mi) +410m 7:05 / mi
ahr:113 max:154
A very Ari morning … switching pole tips in a hotel (O tips were great today), then forgetting my boots, so by the time I hit the snow I only had 1:20 to ski before a meeting. Conditions were good, a bit more packed and settled but not really groomed more (they're focusing on emptying the snowmaking pond). But mid-20s with flurries, good skating, and my balance muscles are remembering all the things you can't quite duplicate on rollerskis.
So, longer this afternoon (nothing wrong with that!).
Then maybe a run up Monadnock. Alex, any idea what trail might be most likely packed in / least likely super wet/icy? Also, there were VT plates in the parking lot: they snuck out!
So, longer this afternoon (nothing wrong with that!).
Then maybe a run up Monadnock. Alex, any idea what trail might be most likely packed in / least likely super wet/icy? Also, there were VT plates in the parking lot: they snuck out!
4 PM
Ski 2:08:14 [1] 16.25 mi (7:53 / mi) +614m 7:04 / mi
ahr:109 max:152
Whee ski!
Got a much later start than hoped after a zoom call went awry and we sat on parallel channels not seeing each other. So started again at 4:30, which meant it was emptying out. The guns were off, sure seems like the pond is empty; I think they need more storage!
Went around a few times, then decided that Placid was skiing the best (not chopped up on the uphills or scraped on the downs) and skied it a bunch of times, pushing the punchy uphill. Finally got to a sub-7 mile on that loop, went down, and then got cold, so up to ski around it again.
Made it past two hours and got pretty bonky, so down to town for a burrito.
Got a much later start than hoped after a zoom call went awry and we sat on parallel channels not seeing each other. So started again at 4:30, which meant it was emptying out. The guns were off, sure seems like the pond is empty; I think they need more storage!
Went around a few times, then decided that Placid was skiing the best (not chopped up on the uphills or scraped on the downs) and skied it a bunch of times, pushing the punchy uphill. Finally got to a sub-7 mile on that loop, went down, and then got cold, so up to ski around it again.
Made it past two hours and got pretty bonky, so down to town for a burrito.
Monday Dec 7, 2020 #
4 PM
Ski 1:59:16 [1] 12.01 mi (9:56 / mi) +517m 8:46 / mi
ahr:75 max:155
So, mini ski camp + vacation up to Dublin. I figured that instead of spending a lot of time in the car, I'd take some PTO and get a hotel room in Keene (also, lots of time in a small confined space with one other person, which is going fine). Also, skiing.
It's decent. Not great. There's no snow in Keene, but a foot in Dublin. About 4k (warm up loop, most of Sapporo, Placid) in good shape, Oslo is dirty, and about a k with some snowmaking detritus, and then some skied in track. Lots of snow, but it probably needs a good freeze and a regroom. If that happens, it could be pretty close to perfect, but I'm not sure how much work they are going to put into it.
Anyway, said hi to Kathy, then skied off to find I'd lost a pole basket, or, as I remembered during a futile search, maybe never put it on in the first place, and really never had it on at all. Skied around a bit and then went back to get my triacs out and—they weren't there. Probably left in Cambridge (I hope inside!). But I had rollerski poles! I changed the grips out twice during this charade, and will put on baskets tonight. Hotel hairdryer, here we come!
Skied around, some other folks out, headlamp, and started bonking after 2 hours, so went in. Not very fast, my classic technique has not been worked on this summer, and a lot of adventure skiing. Not a bad first day on snow!
It's decent. Not great. There's no snow in Keene, but a foot in Dublin. About 4k (warm up loop, most of Sapporo, Placid) in good shape, Oslo is dirty, and about a k with some snowmaking detritus, and then some skied in track. Lots of snow, but it probably needs a good freeze and a regroom. If that happens, it could be pretty close to perfect, but I'm not sure how much work they are going to put into it.
Anyway, said hi to Kathy, then skied off to find I'd lost a pole basket, or, as I remembered during a futile search, maybe never put it on in the first place, and really never had it on at all. Skied around a bit and then went back to get my triacs out and—they weren't there. Probably left in Cambridge (I hope inside!). But I had rollerski poles! I changed the grips out twice during this charade, and will put on baskets tonight. Hotel hairdryer, here we come!
Skied around, some other folks out, headlamp, and started bonking after 2 hours, so went in. Not very fast, my classic technique has not been worked on this summer, and a lot of adventure skiing. Not a bad first day on snow!
Sunday Dec 6, 2020 #
3 PM
Trail Run 54:02 [1] 4.93 mi (10:58 / mi) +158m 9:58 / mi
ahr:150 max:190
Fells with sister. Snow pretty runnable and the woods would have been O-able except there were sections which were very very wet and that would have been cold. Streams were all running; I think the drought is over. Great sunset. Adventure running!
Saturday Dec 5, 2020 #
11 AM
Run 1:51:18 [1] 13.9 mi (8:00 / mi) +77m 7:52 / mi
ahr:168 max:205
Decided to go out for a run in the rain. 5 miles would put me at 40 for the year to get to 2000, and with skiing coming up, I don't need a bunch of miles to be run.
But it wasn't that cold or that windy, so I kept going. Out around Pleasure Bay. That was cold and windy. And surprisingly quiet; only one DL 757 landing when usually it's a parade. Then back through Downtown, across the Longfellow, and a 1:45 half. Cold at the end, but down to 31 miles to go.
Pressure must have fallen while I was out, watch had me climbing. Corrected.
But it wasn't that cold or that windy, so I kept going. Out around Pleasure Bay. That was cold and windy. And surprisingly quiet; only one DL 757 landing when usually it's a parade. Then back through Downtown, across the Longfellow, and a 1:45 half. Cold at the end, but down to 31 miles to go.
Pressure must have fallen while I was out, watch had me climbing. Corrected.
Friday Dec 4, 2020 #
4 PM
Run 39:56 [1] 4.56 mi (8:45 / mi) +101m 8:12 / mi
ahr:60 max:66
Evening run around before the weather rolled in. 50s, hard to believe it will be snowing tomorrow and I might be skiing Sunday.
Thursday Dec 3, 2020 #
Note
Well a bit late on my monthly goals.
November:
- 50 hours logged. 44.
√ 128 miles run. Damn near 200.
√ 7.5 D+. Over 100 now.
- Speed work and bounding (3x), 1000 PU/SUs. A couple of bounds, some strength, but did not meet the goal.
- 100 miles rollerskiing. Or skiing. Ha.
December:
* 17 hours. To get to 500.
* 60 miles. To get to 2000.
* Ski a lot.
That's it. Those are the goals. Mel is having me do yoga so that is good when I told her CorePower had a $20/month video option. But this has been a messed up year and my log is a minor bright spot. Plan to keep it going.
November:
- 50 hours logged. 44.
√ 128 miles run. Damn near 200.
√ 7.5 D+. Over 100 now.
- Speed work and bounding (3x), 1000 PU/SUs. A couple of bounds, some strength, but did not meet the goal.
- 100 miles rollerskiing. Or skiing. Ha.
December:
* 17 hours. To get to 500.
* 60 miles. To get to 2000.
* Ski a lot.
That's it. Those are the goals. Mel is having me do yoga so that is good when I told her CorePower had a $20/month video option. But this has been a messed up year and my log is a minor bright spot. Plan to keep it going.
2 PM
Rollerski 55:31 [1] 10.05 mi (5:31 / mi) +49m 5:26 / mi
ahr:61 max:85
Out to rollerski the Wayside Trail in Weston. With a storm coming it could be my last roll of the season and I didn't want to deal with cars, either long drives or on the road.
new pavement, a couple of rises, and not too crowded. Quite nice. Hopefully some day much longer. Had to go around some tree trimmers a few times though.
new pavement, a couple of rises, and not too crowded. Quite nice. Hopefully some day much longer. Had to go around some tree trimmers a few times though.
Wednesday Dec 2, 2020 #
5 PM
Run 27:03 [1] 3.22 mi (8:24 / mi) +55m 7:59 / mi
ahr:153 max:192
Long day and an evening jogaroo
Tuesday Dec 1, 2020 #
2 PM
Run 46:02 [1] 5.47 mi (8:25 / mi) +163m 7:42 / mi
ahr:147 max:196
Sister propsed an afternoon run between meetings, and meeting somewhere. With wet trails, I said what about Breakheart; I've never been there. That worked, so we ran the paths there.
Not sure why I've never been! Wet in the woods but dry on the paths, which have some nice hills and goddamn they feel like ski trails. Might be interesting to rollerski if dry and free of debris. Would be very interesting to see if DCR would ever entertain rolling them in the winter. Probably not! But very nice trails and a lovely breezy afternoon. Still too warm for Dec 1 but I'd rather warm on Dec 1 than last year when the best skiing of the season was early December and then it all melted. Who knows.
Suunto isn't syncing and it seems to be an AP issue. Kenny has been notified!
Not sure why I've never been! Wet in the woods but dry on the paths, which have some nice hills and goddamn they feel like ski trails. Might be interesting to rollerski if dry and free of debris. Would be very interesting to see if DCR would ever entertain rolling them in the winter. Probably not! But very nice trails and a lovely breezy afternoon. Still too warm for Dec 1 but I'd rather warm on Dec 1 than last year when the best skiing of the season was early December and then it all melted. Who knows.
Suunto isn't syncing and it seems to be an AP issue. Kenny has been notified!