Training Log Archive: PGIn the 30 days ending Sep 30, 2012:
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Sunday Sep 30, 2012 #
1 PM
orienteering 2:23:23 [1] 4.6 mi (31:10 / mi) +804ft 26:45 / mi
At Paugusset, mapping new bike trails, fixing a couple of old ones, in preparation for a WCOC meet there the week after the NAOC.
The place has some beautiful terrain.
The place has some beautiful terrain.
Saturday Sep 29, 2012 #
4 PM
road running 49:59 5.29 mi (9:27 / mi) +640ft 8:29 / mi
ahr:144 max:171 weight:138lbs
Over to and up South Sugarloaf, and back. Felt very sluggish and slow but heart rate was high, 168 going up, think my max is low 170s these days. Still sluggish on the way back, but figured I might as well push it a bit the last mile, hit 171. So I guess max is still 170+. :-)
Need to get a new set of ear buds for my iPod as the sounds faded out the last 10 minutes. Before that I was listening to a Freakonomics show that I would have thought should have been broadcast on This American Life, much more in the latter's style. And somehow rather disappointing, usually really like the Freako stuff.
Need to get a new set of ear buds for my iPod as the sounds faded out the last 10 minutes. Before that I was listening to a Freakonomics show that I would have thought should have been broadcast on This American Life, much more in the latter's style. And somehow rather disappointing, usually really like the Freako stuff.
Friday Sep 28, 2012 #
Note
A few random notes from the week --
1. I've never flown on Southwest before. No particular reason, it just never happened. But they have non-stop service from Hartford to Las Vegas, so the choice was obvious. And it was a pleasurable experience from start to finish, which is not usually said about airline travel. A sense of humor goes a long way.
2. I read an article in the Sept. 17th New Yorker that, given the author, I would have never thought I would have enjoyed, or even finished. It was by Salman Rushdie, about how The Satanic Verses affected his life. I tried reading TSV once, made it just a few pages, tried another of his books sometime later, made it maybe 50 or 100 pages. This article was wonderful. I think it is an extract from his new memoir, Joseph Anton, supposed to be 600 pages. I am tempted to have a go at it.
3. Las Vegas. Never been there before. I had business to take care of that would take Monday evening and Tuesday, but that left Monday afternoon, Tuesday evening, and Wednesday morning available for other activities.
I'd though about a couple of run/hikes, maybe Red Rocks Canyon or Mt. Charleston, but at the last minute decided to take my clubs, so that filled up Monday afternoon and Wednesday morning. Enjoyed both rounds immensely, excellent company just by chance, same two guys both times as after Monday's round we made arrangements to meet at a different course on Wednesday. Couldn't have worked out better.
I still wanted to go for a run, and not on the streets, and I'd read about a place with a bunch of bike trails near Boulder City, so when I was done Tuesday afternoon I headed off that way to see what I could find. Had to ask for directions a couple of times, didn't have a map, but found the place, Bootleg Canyon. Lots of bike trails, made for wonderful running. A few bikers out, no runners to be seen. Would have also been excellent for orienteering. Still would like to make it up Mt. Charleston....
Hard to know what to make of the city, though I really didn't see much of it. I drove down the strip at the end on my way to the airport. It was big and gaudy, though I couldn't really appreciate it as I mainly didn't want to be stupid and have a fender-bender. So that too will have to wait for another time. The place I was staying was a few miles away, another casino, this one definitely not upscale, paid for my plane ticket and this and the car were free. Slept there, lost $5 in the slots as a contribution to their bottom line, used the WiFi, served its purpose.
I think if I traveled much I'd get a smart phone, just to be able to call up maps. I spent a while memorizing where I was heading and managed OK, but a smart phone would have been nice. Sometime I'll have to get with the program.
Couldn't tell much about how the economy was doing. It got hit by the housing crash as bad as anyplace. But there seemed t be some construction going on, not too many office buildings advertising vacancies. And the paper had news that Zappos was moving its operations downtown, the 200 or so young folks involved expected to further a trend of downtown coming back to life. Easy to forget that places that seem to exist only online still have a bunch of employees that have to work someplace.
LV mainly is pretty dreary looking. Hard to imagine living there. The traffic lights would drive me nuts.
1. I've never flown on Southwest before. No particular reason, it just never happened. But they have non-stop service from Hartford to Las Vegas, so the choice was obvious. And it was a pleasurable experience from start to finish, which is not usually said about airline travel. A sense of humor goes a long way.
2. I read an article in the Sept. 17th New Yorker that, given the author, I would have never thought I would have enjoyed, or even finished. It was by Salman Rushdie, about how The Satanic Verses affected his life. I tried reading TSV once, made it just a few pages, tried another of his books sometime later, made it maybe 50 or 100 pages. This article was wonderful. I think it is an extract from his new memoir, Joseph Anton, supposed to be 600 pages. I am tempted to have a go at it.
3. Las Vegas. Never been there before. I had business to take care of that would take Monday evening and Tuesday, but that left Monday afternoon, Tuesday evening, and Wednesday morning available for other activities.
I'd though about a couple of run/hikes, maybe Red Rocks Canyon or Mt. Charleston, but at the last minute decided to take my clubs, so that filled up Monday afternoon and Wednesday morning. Enjoyed both rounds immensely, excellent company just by chance, same two guys both times as after Monday's round we made arrangements to meet at a different course on Wednesday. Couldn't have worked out better.
I still wanted to go for a run, and not on the streets, and I'd read about a place with a bunch of bike trails near Boulder City, so when I was done Tuesday afternoon I headed off that way to see what I could find. Had to ask for directions a couple of times, didn't have a map, but found the place, Bootleg Canyon. Lots of bike trails, made for wonderful running. A few bikers out, no runners to be seen. Would have also been excellent for orienteering. Still would like to make it up Mt. Charleston....
Hard to know what to make of the city, though I really didn't see much of it. I drove down the strip at the end on my way to the airport. It was big and gaudy, though I couldn't really appreciate it as I mainly didn't want to be stupid and have a fender-bender. So that too will have to wait for another time. The place I was staying was a few miles away, another casino, this one definitely not upscale, paid for my plane ticket and this and the car were free. Slept there, lost $5 in the slots as a contribution to their bottom line, used the WiFi, served its purpose.
I think if I traveled much I'd get a smart phone, just to be able to call up maps. I spent a while memorizing where I was heading and managed OK, but a smart phone would have been nice. Sometime I'll have to get with the program.
Couldn't tell much about how the economy was doing. It got hit by the housing crash as bad as anyplace. But there seemed t be some construction going on, not too many office buildings advertising vacancies. And the paper had news that Zappos was moving its operations downtown, the 200 or so young folks involved expected to further a trend of downtown coming back to life. Easy to forget that places that seem to exist only online still have a bunch of employees that have to work someplace.
LV mainly is pretty dreary looking. Hard to imagine living there. The traffic lights would drive me nuts.
C • slots 17
Tuesday Sep 25, 2012 #
8 PM
trail running 28:23 2.71 mi (10:29 / mi) +302ft 9:29 / mi
ahr:140 max:156 shoes: Brooks something-or-others
Short run at sunset in Bootleg Canyon, mostly on bike trails. All I had time for. Looked like a fine place for riding, also could do some excellent orienteering there. Saw no snakes.
But rolled my right ankle about 5 minutes before the end. Hurt a lot initially, could barely keep running for the first couple hundred yards, then it eased up and was mostly OK for the rest. But it will be bothering me for a while, doesn't seem to like be flexed in a certain direction.
Icing it now, still haven't had dinner (how about those priorities!).
Was thinking I might get to Hoover Dam too, but daylight was really fading, so that will have to wait until next time.
But rolled my right ankle about 5 minutes before the end. Hurt a lot initially, could barely keep running for the first couple hundred yards, then it eased up and was mostly OK for the rest. But it will be bothering me for a while, doesn't seem to like be flexed in a certain direction.
Icing it now, still haven't had dinner (how about those priorities!).
Was thinking I might get to Hoover Dam too, but daylight was really fading, so that will have to wait until next time.
Monday Sep 24, 2012 #
Note
87-75-2-63.
An earlier plane out of Bradley than needed left just enough time for a round on a Pete Dye course north of town. As much fun as I've had on a golf course in a long time. Played with two young guys, maybe in their early 40s, they announced right away that they hoped I wasn't any good because they were terrible, both 30's.
And they were terrible. But there were more laughs and there was no way not to have fun, even after depositing 4 balls deep in the desert on the front nine I was couldn't be pissed, it would have been so out of place.
Fierce winds early on, really fierce, and then it started to calm down and the last few holes in the last of the sunlight were incredibly serene. Topped off by, who would have guessed, both me and one of the 30's getting birdies on 18. Gave me a 48-39.
Exchanged phone numbers. They have convention duties to attend to and I am all tied up Tuesday, but we are meeting at a different course early Wednesday morning before we all head for the airport. The only worry is that there is really no chance of matching today.
An earlier plane out of Bradley than needed left just enough time for a round on a Pete Dye course north of town. As much fun as I've had on a golf course in a long time. Played with two young guys, maybe in their early 40s, they announced right away that they hoped I wasn't any good because they were terrible, both 30's.
And they were terrible. But there were more laughs and there was no way not to have fun, even after depositing 4 balls deep in the desert on the front nine I was couldn't be pissed, it would have been so out of place.
Fierce winds early on, really fierce, and then it started to calm down and the last few holes in the last of the sunlight were incredibly serene. Topped off by, who would have guessed, both me and one of the 30's getting birdies on 18. Gave me a 48-39.
Exchanged phone numbers. They have convention duties to attend to and I am all tied up Tuesday, but we are meeting at a different course early Wednesday morning before we all head for the airport. The only worry is that there is really no chance of matching today.
Sunday Sep 23, 2012 #
10 AM
orienteering 1:02:36 4.7 mi (13:19 / mi) +453ft 12:12 / mi
ahr:143 max:157 shoes: x-talon 212 #2
WCOC local meet at Stratton Brook. Nice to get out, even though the woods took a bit of a beating from the October snowstorm a year a ago, so even a couple of trails were slow running. But a nice course, actually required a lot of thinking as to what routes to take in general, and then what the best way was to avoid the deadfall.
Pretty decent run. Took a while to get going, a warm-up might have helped, but then just a few mistakes, and they were pretty small.
Best part was hanging around afterwards, lovely day. And very glad I wasn't Charlie, headed to Canada....
Pretty decent run. Took a while to get going, a warm-up might have helped, but then just a few mistakes, and they were pretty small.
Best part was hanging around afterwards, lovely day. And very glad I wasn't Charlie, headed to Canada....
Saturday Sep 22, 2012 #
10 AM
trail running 38:32 4.11 mi (9:22 / mi) +381ft 8:37 / mi
ahr:139 max:156 weight:138lbs shoes: pegasus #2
Just a short outing, didn't actually feel so bad but glad I wasn't setting off on one of the long runs I used to do.
I think I need to line up some running partners. Would get me out the door more often, and for longer runs.
I think I need to line up some running partners. Would get me out the door more often, and for longer runs.
Friday Sep 21, 2012 #
3 PM
mountain biking 1:09:33 9.13 mi (7:37 / mi) +1099ft 6:50 / mi
ahr:120 max:143 weight:138lbs
Usual loop on Mt. Toby in reverse. Got up the hill leaving the river, but not the one after the gate (for the latter, made it halfway up the first pitch, hardly at all up the last one).
Quads felt tired from yesterday. Should have gone for a run instead, but this just seemed more appealing.
Quads felt tired from yesterday. Should have gone for a run instead, but this just seemed more appealing.
Thursday Sep 20, 2012 #
3 PM
mountain biking 1:24:43 11.32 mi (7:29 / mi) +1362ft 6:43 / mi
ahr:133 max:166 weight:138.5lbs
Slightly longer loop on the Toby trails. Almost made it all the way up South Mt Road, just had to get off once, even though I was close to my max (heart rate and skill) at the top where it is the steepest.
That's better than the usual 3 or 4 or more times, but I think the reason is the lower pressure in my tires, just getting a little better traction. Might have to drop it even a little more.
Lots of branches down from the storm a couple of days ago, but no big ones. Still had to pay more attention.
Night and day difference between this and Gay City, especially the single-track there. A few rocks and a few roots, but just a whole lot easier. And for my skill level, a lot more fun.
That's better than the usual 3 or 4 or more times, but I think the reason is the lower pressure in my tires, just getting a little better traction. Might have to drop it even a little more.
Lots of branches down from the storm a couple of days ago, but no big ones. Still had to pay more attention.
Night and day difference between this and Gay City, especially the single-track there. A few rocks and a few roots, but just a whole lot easier. And for my skill level, a lot more fun.
Wednesday Sep 19, 2012 #
1 PM
trail running 59:51 5.89 mi (10:10 / mi) +768ft 9:03 / mi
ahr:135 max:154 shoes: pegasus #2
Needed to go for a run today and had to be in Greenfield, so ran my usual winter loop on the ridge. Got through it without any distress, though it helped that I wasn't going very fast. Certainly a nice day for running, getting to be the best time of the year.
Entertainment -- which always makes a run go easier -- from three different Fresh Air pieces: assisted living, feathers, and cell phones. All kept my attention but the one on assisted living was the one that got me thinking.
It was an interview with a guy suffering from something I don't remember at an early age who can only live in assisted living, where he is 30 years younger than everyone else. Many interesting comments, including that he makes an effort to connect with all the others, and one way he does with many of them is set up a video camera and then sit and just talk with them about life and death and whatever else came up. A combination of good conversation plus something usually treasured by the relatives.
Got me wondering if I could do the same with my mom. I expect it wouldn't be easy, but there's the old rule, nothing ventured nothing gained.
Entertainment -- which always makes a run go easier -- from three different Fresh Air pieces: assisted living, feathers, and cell phones. All kept my attention but the one on assisted living was the one that got me thinking.
It was an interview with a guy suffering from something I don't remember at an early age who can only live in assisted living, where he is 30 years younger than everyone else. Many interesting comments, including that he makes an effort to connect with all the others, and one way he does with many of them is set up a video camera and then sit and just talk with them about life and death and whatever else came up. A combination of good conversation plus something usually treasured by the relatives.
Got me wondering if I could do the same with my mom. I expect it wouldn't be easy, but there's the old rule, nothing ventured nothing gained.
4 PM
Note
Some practice. Changed putters (took Gail's), changed grip, changed stroke. Did not do the one thing which might really help -- a lobotomy. Played seven holes, one over. A bunch more practice. There seems to be some hope, but the acid test is when it counts, so who knows. But I am hopeful for some improvement.
Unfortunately, I have been hopeful before....
For the (sad) record, 42 putts yesterday. Should be about 30.
Unfortunately, I have been hopeful before....
For the (sad) record, 42 putts yesterday. Should be about 30.
Tuesday Sep 18, 2012 #
Note
88-73-0-61.
With Mike on one of our "meet in the middle" outings where we pick some place equidistant, sometimes like today a place neither has played before. Playing a new place is always appealing, even when the weather isn't so good as was the case today -- light to moderate rain the whole time and windy. But golf, like O', is an outdoor sport and some days it just rains.
Interesting course, lots of topography, never a flat lie, huge rolling greens. Hit a lot of good shots under the conditions but abysmal around the greens again. Make that really abysmal.
But very nice outing. Drove home in steady rain all the way, just in time for us to get to Northampton for a fine dinner with Charlie and Rhonda. Such a pleasure.
With Mike on one of our "meet in the middle" outings where we pick some place equidistant, sometimes like today a place neither has played before. Playing a new place is always appealing, even when the weather isn't so good as was the case today -- light to moderate rain the whole time and windy. But golf, like O', is an outdoor sport and some days it just rains.
Interesting course, lots of topography, never a flat lie, huge rolling greens. Hit a lot of good shots under the conditions but abysmal around the greens again. Make that really abysmal.
But very nice outing. Drove home in steady rain all the way, just in time for us to get to Northampton for a fine dinner with Charlie and Rhonda. Such a pleasure.
Monday Sep 17, 2012 #
10 AM
mountain biking 1:48:03 8.5 mi (12:43 / mi) +732ft 11:45 / mi
ahr:114 max:142
Stopped at Gay City on the way home to meet up with George and have another go at the MBO "expert" course from Saturday, with the intention of doing both all of it, no skipped controls, and also staying on trails the whole time, which would mean a good bit longer ride. Wasn't sure whether we'd go together or separately. I think my assumption was I would do it on my own, in effect another go at a "race."
Got organized, started off together to #1, and within 5 minutes I was saying to myself how glad I was to have company. Just seemed right. Good company for sure, also safer if we clobbered ourselves when we crashed (note that I don't say "if" we crashed). So a few times I waited for him, and a few times he had to wait for me, so what.
Took a couple of different routes -- to #2, first I rode right through the stream like Joe said he did, no problem, and then took the first trail up the hill, a little easier. To #6, took the left route, really fast the first part, then very slow and rocky the last part. And then to #8 and #9 all the way around on the single-track.
And it sure wasn't easy, at least for me. Surprised myself sometimes by making it through sections, but other times there was no point of even trying, just too steep and/or too many rocks. I'd imagine Joe is pretty good at such stuff. And I don't imagine I ever will be.
Actually I don't it think it would be too wise to try, since that would invariably mean a lot of falls. Had two unplanned dismounts today, though no damage fortunately on either.
But it is fun. And adding in the O' element certainly adds to the fun. I would think there would be a lot of O' maps in the Boston area (and elsewhere) where a MBO course could be set in addition to the foot-O' with very little advanced work. And might bring out a little new blood. Or at least something new for the old-timers to try.
Added my semi-bogus splits (I was stopping my watch when we stopped), so now I have two semi-bogus results in the list. :-)
Got organized, started off together to #1, and within 5 minutes I was saying to myself how glad I was to have company. Just seemed right. Good company for sure, also safer if we clobbered ourselves when we crashed (note that I don't say "if" we crashed). So a few times I waited for him, and a few times he had to wait for me, so what.
Took a couple of different routes -- to #2, first I rode right through the stream like Joe said he did, no problem, and then took the first trail up the hill, a little easier. To #6, took the left route, really fast the first part, then very slow and rocky the last part. And then to #8 and #9 all the way around on the single-track.
And it sure wasn't easy, at least for me. Surprised myself sometimes by making it through sections, but other times there was no point of even trying, just too steep and/or too many rocks. I'd imagine Joe is pretty good at such stuff. And I don't imagine I ever will be.
Actually I don't it think it would be too wise to try, since that would invariably mean a lot of falls. Had two unplanned dismounts today, though no damage fortunately on either.
But it is fun. And adding in the O' element certainly adds to the fun. I would think there would be a lot of O' maps in the Boston area (and elsewhere) where a MBO course could be set in addition to the foot-O' with very little advanced work. And might bring out a little new blood. Or at least something new for the old-timers to try.
Added my semi-bogus splits (I was stopping my watch when we stopped), so now I have two semi-bogus results in the list. :-)
Sunday Sep 16, 2012 #
Event: Pisgah Mountain Trail Race
Note
88-72-0-61, best forgotten again, except the company was excellent.
Saturday Sep 15, 2012 #
Event: WCOC Gay City State Park
Note
Routes from today. First the summer-O (click on map for larger image) --
QR.jpg)
And then the MBO --
QR.jpg)
And then the MBO --
10 AM
orienteering 52:52 3.91 mi (13:31 / mi) +387ft 12:22 / mi
ahr:143 max:157 weight:138lbs shoes: x-talon 212 #2
WCOC local meet at Gay City organized by Becky (the summer-O part) and Mike (the mountain bike O part). Beautiful day, really enjoyed despite my failings.
The main event was of course the MBO, so best to get the regular O out of the way first. Or maybe best to do it on fresh legs and the MBO on tired ones. Whatever.
"Expert" course, 5.6 km straight line. A pretty good run around the course, speaking just physically. Seemed to alternate between bits where I had some energy and ran right along, and bits where nothing more that walking. Funny enough the latter seemed to coincide with uphills and/or thick vegetation. But still felt relatively pleased to run as much as I did.
Navigating was a little shaky. No horror stories, just a little sloppiness in three places, at most a minute each, probably less.
Nice course, nice woods (though they are even better when the ferns are down).
The main event was of course the MBO, so best to get the regular O out of the way first. Or maybe best to do it on fresh legs and the MBO on tired ones. Whatever.
"Expert" course, 5.6 km straight line. A pretty good run around the course, speaking just physically. Seemed to alternate between bits where I had some energy and ran right along, and bits where nothing more that walking. Funny enough the latter seemed to coincide with uphills and/or thick vegetation. But still felt relatively pleased to run as much as I did.
Navigating was a little shaky. No horror stories, just a little sloppiness in three places, at most a minute each, probably less.
Nice course, nice woods (though they are even better when the ferns are down).
mountain biking (orienteering) 1:22:23 7.01 mi (11:45 / mi) +768ft 10:39 / mi
ahr:128 max:155
Changed clothes and gear and headed out on the "expert" MBO course.
Executive summary -- DNF. :-(
A few more details. This was also a lot of fun. I haven't done much mt. biking, maybe 15 times in my life, and this was certainly testing me. Some really sweet single-track is what Mike said was on hand. I would have described it as rocky in places and very rocky elsewhere.
Mostly I managed OK. Got up a lot of things I wasn't sure I could, and got down everything (though right at my limit a couple of times), but I also was off the bike maybe 15 or 20 times when I'd look at something and think, "No way." And off the bike two other times involuntarily, once just late getting a foot out so a little bit of an awkward save, and the other a moment of ineptitude ending up in going mostly over the handlebars, fortunately at very low speed and landing in a non-rocky area. The result, luckily, was that neither I nor my map board was busted.
Cut through the woods 5 times, though I'm not sure that was legal. First was about a 100-meter pain in the butt hoisting the bike over a few obstacles, next a shorter downhill section through nice woods, next a shorter flat section through nice woods that I managed to ride, weaving between the trees, next another very short section ridden, and last a rough downhill maybe 150 meters that result in my DNF.
Meaning, I was heading down to my last control. Had look ahead, next was just a long leg back to the finish. And for some reason partway down the steep slope my mind switch into thinking about the best route to the finish, and forgot about actually going to the last control. And that's what I did, feeling very pleased with myself for a good route choice.
Until I finished and looked at the map a little more closely and saw what I'd done. Idiot. Could have picked up the last control with no more than a minute extra.
Oh, well. Guess I'm going to have to do the MBO stuff again, if anyone within reasonable driving distance is nice enough to organize one.
Executive summary -- DNF. :-(
A few more details. This was also a lot of fun. I haven't done much mt. biking, maybe 15 times in my life, and this was certainly testing me. Some really sweet single-track is what Mike said was on hand. I would have described it as rocky in places and very rocky elsewhere.
Mostly I managed OK. Got up a lot of things I wasn't sure I could, and got down everything (though right at my limit a couple of times), but I also was off the bike maybe 15 or 20 times when I'd look at something and think, "No way." And off the bike two other times involuntarily, once just late getting a foot out so a little bit of an awkward save, and the other a moment of ineptitude ending up in going mostly over the handlebars, fortunately at very low speed and landing in a non-rocky area. The result, luckily, was that neither I nor my map board was busted.
Cut through the woods 5 times, though I'm not sure that was legal. First was about a 100-meter pain in the butt hoisting the bike over a few obstacles, next a shorter downhill section through nice woods, next a shorter flat section through nice woods that I managed to ride, weaving between the trees, next another very short section ridden, and last a rough downhill maybe 150 meters that result in my DNF.
Meaning, I was heading down to my last control. Had look ahead, next was just a long leg back to the finish. And for some reason partway down the steep slope my mind switch into thinking about the best route to the finish, and forgot about actually going to the last control. And that's what I did, feeling very pleased with myself for a good route choice.
Until I finished and looked at the map a little more closely and saw what I'd done. Idiot. Could have picked up the last control with no more than a minute extra.
Oh, well. Guess I'm going to have to do the MBO stuff again, if anyone within reasonable driving distance is nice enough to organize one.
mountain biking 13:02 1.72 mi (7:35 / mi) +108ft 7:09 / mi
ahr:119 max:134
And then out to pick up 3 controls, the first of which was what had been my first control. Seemed to handle the ricks much better than the first time. This little outing was a lot of fun, mostly on excellent trails, gave me a chance to practice my map reading on the go a bit.
And then home with a stop at Panera Bread to use my gift certificates from January. :-)
And then home with a stop at Panera Bread to use my gift certificates from January. :-)
Friday Sep 14, 2012 #
Note
With my first (and maybe last) major MBO competition coming up tomorrow, things are coming together nicely on the equipment front, a pleasant surprise. Since I am clearly unable to construct a map board on my own, I ordered one Monday evening. Best delivery possible was predicted for the coming Monday, but things happen, not always bad things, so I ordered it anyway.
It seems they were shipping it via some combination of FedEx and the USPS. On Tuesday, the tracking software said the package didn't exist. On Wednesday it said it had been shipped Tuesday, who knows from where. Last night it said it had arrived at some FedEx hub in eastern Mass. This afternoon it said it had arrived at the South Deerfield post office, of which the Sunderland office is a satellite. Great, should be available for pick-up tomorrow morning a hour or two after we needed to be off to Gay City.
What the hell, might as well try. Called up the South Deerfield office. As it happens, I have a tax client who works there. :-)
As it happens, she answered the phone. :-)
She was happy to help, a quick look, they had the package, and 5 minutes later I had it. :-)
Now I need to figure out how to attach it, and then how to use it without crashing the bike. But this is still progress. :-)
It seems they were shipping it via some combination of FedEx and the USPS. On Tuesday, the tracking software said the package didn't exist. On Wednesday it said it had been shipped Tuesday, who knows from where. Last night it said it had arrived at some FedEx hub in eastern Mass. This afternoon it said it had arrived at the South Deerfield post office, of which the Sunderland office is a satellite. Great, should be available for pick-up tomorrow morning a hour or two after we needed to be off to Gay City.
What the hell, might as well try. Called up the South Deerfield office. As it happens, I have a tax client who works there. :-)
As it happens, she answered the phone. :-)
She was happy to help, a quick look, they had the package, and 5 minutes later I had it. :-)
Now I need to figure out how to attach it, and then how to use it without crashing the bike. But this is still progress. :-)
3 PM
trail running 46:44 5.78 mi (8:05 / mi) +784ft 7:10 / mi
ahr:123 max:153 weight:138lbs
Out again on the mountain bike, this time heading up South Mountain Rd., which is a harder climb, much more loose rock. Had to get off about 4 times. Don't imagine the folks with any talent would have had a problem.
But enjoyed it anyway as there were a number of places I made it up that I had my doubts about. And the times I had to get off were done without a total lack of coordination.
And of course then there is the downhill all the way back. :-)
The Garmin track, the part from mile 3 on, is incredibly inaccurate. Do they just have bad days? And the thought of anyone using one of these things for course setting is ludicrous, at least least in areas like around here with hills and an evergreen canopy to mess with the signals. So the distance is something between 5 and 7 miles. I assume the time is more accurate.
And earlier, 88-71-0-61, best forgotten.
But enjoyed it anyway as there were a number of places I made it up that I had my doubts about. And the times I had to get off were done without a total lack of coordination.
And of course then there is the downhill all the way back. :-)
The Garmin track, the part from mile 3 on, is incredibly inaccurate. Do they just have bad days? And the thought of anyone using one of these things for course setting is ludicrous, at least least in areas like around here with hills and an evergreen canopy to mess with the signals. So the distance is something between 5 and 7 miles. I assume the time is more accurate.
And earlier, 88-71-0-61, best forgotten.
Thursday Sep 13, 2012 #
4 PM
mountain biking 1:05:15 9.15 mi (7:08 / mi) +1050ft 6:26 / mi
ahr:124 max:146
Same loop on Mt. Toby as Monday. Took a little air out of the tires, pressure down from 35 to 30 both front and back, and that seemed a little less bouncy. Wondering if even a little lower would be better still, or just asking for flats.
And made it around without getting off the bike, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Felt like I had a little better control than last time. Or maybe it was just the mantra for the day -- be careful.
And earlier, 80-70-1-61.
And made it around without getting off the bike, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Felt like I had a little better control than last time. Or maybe it was just the mantra for the day -- be careful.
And earlier, 80-70-1-61.
Wednesday Sep 12, 2012 #
10 AM
run/hike 3:13:09 10.15 mi (19:02 / mi) +3022ft 14:51 / mi
ahr:124 max:147 shoes: pegasus #2
Mt. Tripyramid. Perfect day, very much enjoyed it, but the slides were not easy. Went up the north slide (the recommended direction to do the loop), mostly solid rock slabs just barely within my comfort level, certainly wouldn't have wanted to go down that way. On all fours a good bit of the time, and succeeded pretty well in picking a good route.
Coming down the south slide was less fun. Seemed not as steep, but a lot of very loose gravel that gave no traction, so probably fell on my butt half a dozen times when my feet went shooting out from under me. Nothing dangerous, but I was also being very slow and careful, and still not too coordinated.
Rest of the trail coming down was good for running, cruised right along, plus ran the Livermore Trail in both directions (except for a little walking on the way up), so the legs were tired by the end and will be sore.
Not a route for someone with bad knees.
Suggested time in the AMC guidebook is 7 hours. It's also supposed to be 11 miles, supposedly wheel measured. I'd guess its latter number, the distance, is a lot more accurate than the Garmin. The two agreed just about exactly on the Livermore Trail, but not when it got steep and twisty. Though some of that may be, if I understand the Garmin correctly, because the AMC is measuring the distance along the slopes (whatever the proper term for that is....), while the Garmin is measuring the horizontal distance.
So this knocked off two more of the NH 4K peaks (north and middle Tri). I think that leaves me with 4 to do -- two Wildcats, plus Cabot and Owl's Head. None particularly appealing. At the rate I'm going, did the first of these over 40 years ago and there are 48 in all, I should finish up in 4 years. Though perhaps I should try to speed up the schedule, as my ability to do these things is certainly declining.
Coming down the south slide was less fun. Seemed not as steep, but a lot of very loose gravel that gave no traction, so probably fell on my butt half a dozen times when my feet went shooting out from under me. Nothing dangerous, but I was also being very slow and careful, and still not too coordinated.
Rest of the trail coming down was good for running, cruised right along, plus ran the Livermore Trail in both directions (except for a little walking on the way up), so the legs were tired by the end and will be sore.
Not a route for someone with bad knees.
Suggested time in the AMC guidebook is 7 hours. It's also supposed to be 11 miles, supposedly wheel measured. I'd guess its latter number, the distance, is a lot more accurate than the Garmin. The two agreed just about exactly on the Livermore Trail, but not when it got steep and twisty. Though some of that may be, if I understand the Garmin correctly, because the AMC is measuring the distance along the slopes (whatever the proper term for that is....), while the Garmin is measuring the horizontal distance.
So this knocked off two more of the NH 4K peaks (north and middle Tri). I think that leaves me with 4 to do -- two Wildcats, plus Cabot and Owl's Head. None particularly appealing. At the rate I'm going, did the first of these over 40 years ago and there are 48 in all, I should finish up in 4 years. Though perhaps I should try to speed up the schedule, as my ability to do these things is certainly declining.
Tuesday Sep 11, 2012 #
8 AM
4 PM
orienteering 47:19 3.23 mi (14:38 / mi) +407ft 13:05 / mi
ahr:140 max:161 weight:138.5lbs shoes: x-talon 212 #2
At Earl's Trails with Alex, doing some of her O' intervals. Seemed like excellent training, got me running up some hills I normally wouldn't have, except about halfway through she rolled an ankle pretty bad. So I ran off to fetch the car while she headed for the nearest exit.
Left hamstring just a little achy after I stopped.
Time includes a little bit of standing around, as we would take turns leading, with the second person waiting 30 seconds, which was enough so that we were mostly on our own.
Left hamstring just a little achy after I stopped.
Time includes a little bit of standing around, as we would take turns leading, with the second person waiting 30 seconds, which was enough so that we were mostly on our own.
Monday Sep 10, 2012 #
5 PM
mountain biking 1:06:19 9.18 mi (7:13 / mi) +1043ft 6:31 / mi
ahr:127 max:149
Tried the mountain bike again, but this time just on the Mt. Toby trails, which are all double-track at least where I was going, so no paranoia about catching my handlebars on all the trees. Still managed to crash once crossing some slash, but no serious harm done. And made it up all the hills.
Beautiful late afternoon, windy, but noticeable only when I was out in the open.
Think I will have to try the mt. bike O' as well as the regular O' this Saturday at Gay City. I guess that means I need a map board.
Beautiful late afternoon, windy, but noticeable only when I was out in the open.
Think I will have to try the mt. bike O' as well as the regular O' this Saturday at Gay City. I guess that means I need a map board.
Sunday Sep 9, 2012 #
Note
The Blue middle course.
My route from Saturday.
And my route from Sunday also, where Sundays route is a wider line with no black edges.
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My route from Saturday.
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And my route from Sunday also, where Sundays route is a wider line with no black edges.
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9 AM
trail running 5:00 [2] 0.5 mi (10:00 / mi)
shoes: x-talon 212 #2
A little warm-up, including once around the string course.
10 AM
orienteering 37:45 2.46 mi (15:21 / mi) +200ft 14:15 / mi
ahr:153 max:164 shoes: x-talon 212 #2
Cooler and less humid. I did the same course as yesterday, mainly just to see if I could do better physically with cooler weather. Certainly better, though also certainly still a struggle.
Over all about 6:30 faster. I figure that's about 1:30 of mistakes yesterday, maybe 1 to 2 minutes less slowing or stopping to look at the map, and maybe 3 to 4 minutes faster physically. Pleased enough, but have to do a lot better.
Over all about 6:30 faster. I figure that's about 1:30 of mistakes yesterday, maybe 1 to 2 minutes less slowing or stopping to look at the map, and maybe 3 to 4 minutes faster physically. Pleased enough, but have to do a lot better.
Saturday Sep 8, 2012 #
Event: UNO Camping Weekend
trail running 5:00 [1] 0.5 mi (10:00 / mi)
shoes: x-talon 212 #2
A little bit of warm-up. Warm, very humid, feeling very sluggish.
1 PM
orienteering 44:17 2.57 mi (17:15 / mi) +217ft 15:58 / mi
ahr:145 max:167 shoes: x-talon 212 #2
Short blue course at Pawtuckaway, part of UNO's camping weekend. Very nice course, 3.9 km, 19 controls. Navigated fine, zero energy. Very glad I wasn't doing anything longer as this was already too long.
Would be nice to try this again when it was cooler (and I was fitter). Would be really fun.
Spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening chatting with friends, and then, most importantly, heading off to a room reserved in Manchester instead of doing the wicked hard night-O and then climbing into a tent. Very wise decision as it is pouring here right now. Though I have done all the previous versions in their entireties, so there some sadness to bail, but not much.
Weather for the night-O --
Would be nice to try this again when it was cooler (and I was fitter). Would be really fun.
Spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening chatting with friends, and then, most importantly, heading off to a room reserved in Manchester instead of doing the wicked hard night-O and then climbing into a tent. Very wise decision as it is pouring here right now. Though I have done all the previous versions in their entireties, so there some sadness to bail, but not much.
Weather for the night-O --
Friday Sep 7, 2012 #
Note
So I'm thinking of putting on next year's Billygoat at Earl's Trails -- unless someone else is really eager to do it -- and so of course, given the way my mind works, I'm thinking about what could be done differently.
One thing that seems to have happened over the years is that there are a number of people who have stopped doing the BG as they get older because it is too long for them. So why not have a shorter version too, something which is done at a bunch of other such events.
But what to call it. It seems the custom is that the shorter version has some sort of diminutive name, indicating its somewhat second-class status. That doesn't seem like the best PR. So on the way back from my run another name occurred to me -- instead of the short Goat, or the Nanny, or the Kid, it needs a fancier name, so how about the "Intense Billygoat" -- all the challenge and difficulty of the Billygoat packed into two-thirds the distance. Trim the time limit a little, maybe 3 hours. And see if we could get some of the old-timers to come back.
Just thinking....
One thing that seems to have happened over the years is that there are a number of people who have stopped doing the BG as they get older because it is too long for them. So why not have a shorter version too, something which is done at a bunch of other such events.
But what to call it. It seems the custom is that the shorter version has some sort of diminutive name, indicating its somewhat second-class status. That doesn't seem like the best PR. So on the way back from my run another name occurred to me -- instead of the short Goat, or the Nanny, or the Kid, it needs a fancier name, so how about the "Intense Billygoat" -- all the challenge and difficulty of the Billygoat packed into two-thirds the distance. Trim the time limit a little, maybe 3 hours. And see if we could get some of the old-timers to come back.
Just thinking....
1 PM
mountain biking 1:02:55 4.64 mi (13:34 / mi) +627ft 12:01 / mi
ahr:105 max:133
Took my mountain bike down to Earl's Trails.
I am just not very good at this, though I suppose if I did more I might get a little better. Very very slow. See there are these roots, and a few rocks, and some sidehills and/or up and downs, much of which I can manage, and then a lot of trees just wanting to grab one of my handlebars, or sometimes two trees pretty close together that look they they are going to grab both. Slow on the ups, of course, but just as slow on the downs.
Not sure if I had the tires inflated right, had them about 35 psi? And I think next time, if there is a next time, I'll dispense with the toe clips. There seem to be more of a nuisance, given all the times I was getting in and out, than a help.
Sure seemed hard, for what I hear are beautiful single-track trails. Though I've never biked on narrow stuff before.
I am just not very good at this, though I suppose if I did more I might get a little better. Very very slow. See there are these roots, and a few rocks, and some sidehills and/or up and downs, much of which I can manage, and then a lot of trees just wanting to grab one of my handlebars, or sometimes two trees pretty close together that look they they are going to grab both. Slow on the ups, of course, but just as slow on the downs.
Not sure if I had the tires inflated right, had them about 35 psi? And I think next time, if there is a next time, I'll dispense with the toe clips. There seem to be more of a nuisance, given all the times I was getting in and out, than a help.
Sure seemed hard, for what I hear are beautiful single-track trails. Though I've never biked on narrow stuff before.
5 PM
trail running 37:35 3.2 mi (11:45 / mi) +715ft 9:42 / mi
ahr:136 max:159 shoes: pegasus #2
Bike trails on North Sugarloaf. Fell down 5 times. I can't believe it. Don't pick my feet up enough, catch a root or a rock, wham. Maybe mountain biking is the safer alternative.
Sweating a ton, as usual. But it will feel nice when the cool weather arrives.
Sweating a ton, as usual. But it will feel nice when the cool weather arrives.
Thursday Sep 6, 2012 #
Note
80-67-1-56.
6 PM
trail running 9:57 1.05 mi (9:29 / mi) +3ft 9:27 / mi
ahr:123 max:137 weight:138lbs shoes: pegasus #2
It's always interesting what serves as motivation.
Ever since WMOC in early July, I've been expecting to pick out an event or two -- maybe orienteering, or running, or biking, or.... -- sometime this fall that would get me excited, both about doing it, and also about training to do it. But it hasn't really happened.
Then I was reading this last night. And it generated an almost immediate reaction that (1) the North Americans suddenly mattered, and (2) I had best get myself into shape. Fortunately there are still about 6 weeks to go.
So it was a very easy decision to head down to Holyoke this evening for the 5K, just to see how bad the news was. First race since February, that's a long time.
Warmed up a little, temp about 80F and humid, dew point upper 60s.
Ever since WMOC in early July, I've been expecting to pick out an event or two -- maybe orienteering, or running, or biking, or.... -- sometime this fall that would get me excited, both about doing it, and also about training to do it. But it hasn't really happened.
Then I was reading this last night. And it generated an almost immediate reaction that (1) the North Americans suddenly mattered, and (2) I had best get myself into shape. Fortunately there are still about 6 weeks to go.
So it was a very easy decision to head down to Holyoke this evening for the 5K, just to see how bad the news was. First race since February, that's a long time.
Warmed up a little, temp about 80F and humid, dew point upper 60s.
trail running 22:48 3.13 mi (7:17 / mi) +20ft 7:14 / mi
ahr:154 max:168 shoes: pegasus #2
Didn't know what to expect, haven't tried to run fast or do any sort of speed work since trashing my Achilles and hamstring in Georgia in April. Not that this was fast, but everything is relative. Wanted to be under 8-minute miles, though 7:30 was about the best I could hope for.
At least I still know how to pace myself -- can still find what's hard enough so the heart rate slowly creeps up, but not so hard that my legs crap out. Tonight, if anything, I was a bit on the conservative side, but 5-10 seconds per mile quicker would have had me in trouble. Splits were 7:19, 7:19, 7:21, 49. Not bad.
But I sure need to get quicker and stronger.
At least I still know how to pace myself -- can still find what's hard enough so the heart rate slowly creeps up, but not so hard that my legs crap out. Tonight, if anything, I was a bit on the conservative side, but 5-10 seconds per mile quicker would have had me in trouble. Splits were 7:19, 7:19, 7:21, 49. Not bad.
But I sure need to get quicker and stronger.
trail running 10:09 1.01 mi (10:03 / mi) +7ft 9:59 / mi
ahr:131 max:148 shoes: pegasus #2
And a little afterwards, easy pace, light fading, not the slightest breeze so the reservoir was a mirror reflecting bits of pink and red, all serene and gorgeous. Really wanted to go for a while, but it was dark 5 minutes later, and the legs had had enough too.
Quite content driving home.
Quite content driving home.
Wednesday Sep 5, 2012 #
5 PM
trail running 50:42 5.35 mi (9:29 / mi) +640ft 8:31 / mi
ahr:138 max:165 shoes: Brooks something-or-others
Over to and up South Sugarloaf and back. Not great joy in doing it, but glad to have done it.
Tuesday Sep 4, 2012 #
4 PM
trail running 38:36 3.74 mi (10:19 / mi) +515ft 9:07 / mi
ahr:140 max:163 shoes: Brooks something-or-others
A couple of loops of the middle and upper trails at Poet Seat. Got it done. :-)
78-65-2-54
78-65-2-54
Monday Sep 3, 2012 #
10 AM
trail running 26:07 2.22 mi (11:45 / mi) +276ft 10:31 / mi
ahr:130 max:151 shoes: Brooks something-or-others
A very short run on the way home, just to try to remember what running is like. Seemed a real struggle on the way out, though on the way back I discovered it had mostly been uphill on the way out. So maybe not quite so pathetic.
Sunday Sep 2, 2012 #
8 AM
biking 8:32 2.09 mi (4:05 / mi) +33ft 4:01 / mi
ahr:112 max:124 weight:138lbs
Got as far as the center of town when I realized I'd forgotten my helmet....
biking 3:08:57 45.62 mi (4:09 / mi) +2631ft 3:56 / mi
ahr:129 max:152
In the hills on the west side of the valley. Felt like I had no energy. Actually the feeling was that the wind was always in my face and the road always uphill. Made for a long, slow trip. Sure glad I wasn't going any farther.
Saturday Sep 1, 2012 #
4 PM
biking 1:14:17 20.35 mi (3:39 / mi) +466ft 3:34 / mi
ahr:124 max:147 weight:138lbs
Old stand-by, River Road - Old Deerfield loop, mellow pace. Hope to do something long tomorrow morning, but don't yet know what, so no point in pushing it today. Maybe around Quabbin? Quads still a little sore, but better.