Training Log Archive: PG

Ran a loop in the hills in Conway and Deerfield that I hadn't run for many years, though it was always a favorite -- 13 miles, endless hills. I think I used to do it in about 1:40. This time I figured 2:10 would be doable, or perhaps I should say I didn't want to be any worse than that.

The one unknown when running it this time of year is the condition of the mile or so of dirt road that is not maintained in the winter (ie. not plowed). More often than not I used to run the loop clockwise, coming on this section towards the end so it was mostly downhill, so if there was a lot of snow you could deal with it.

This time there's hardly any snow, but I was worried about ice, so I went counterclockwise, figuring if the ice was too bad I could bail out, retreat, and run elsewhere. There was some ice at the start, managed it OK, then the uphill was on a SE slope, had had enough sun so not much ice there. The only problem was the last couple hundred yards after the saddle, now downhill and on a NW slope, and almost all ice, and the kind of ice you get from water seepage that is really hard and really slick. Trying to be sensible I aimed for the bushes/thorns to the side of the road but still went down once, though I don't think any harm was done.

Shortly after that was always one of the nice parts of the loop, a long hill, down in this direction, past the Cosby estate. A pretty spot, everything appearing to be immaculately maintained, never a sign of the owners over the years. Today was no different in that regard, though I suspect they were in residence, as there were 8 cars parked outside the entrance. I've seen cars parked there before, but usually pick-ups, some tradesman or other doing maintenance. I'd guess today they were mostly lawyer's cars. Can't say I had any sympathy.

The rest of the run went OK, meaning, got it done. The last couple of ups are always hard, made them without walking, and then the last two miles are downhill, can always do that.

Who knows, maybe the last time I do this?

C • Ice 3

Going to be another cool and windy day so seemed like a good day to run at the indoor track. A mile and a half warm-up, not feeling too spry, so the thought for the day was to do less rather than more.

And then 5 x 400 a little harder and 200 a little easier, no particular goals in mind other than to do each one a little quicker. 400s ended up being 1:52 to 1:44, 200s averaged about 1:06.

Seemed to be just the right workout given the circumstances -- proper amount of stress both in terms of pace and duration.

And another 13 laps easy, legs felt not so bad.

Track was a little more crowded today, but no problem. And had a nice chat with a young fellow at the end, he'd been running repeat miles in about 4:45, his best is 4:08 (and 14:40 for 5K). Wish we had orienteers who could do that.

C • Orienteers 2

Temps weren't bad, mid-20s, but very windy out of the NW, so headed over to Leverett in search of some roads that were at least somewhat sheltered. Could have been worse.

Legs were tired to start, tired to finish, and tired for everything in between. Given how I felt, quite surprised that the pace wasn't a lot slower. I suppose that could be interpreted as a good sign?

Whatever, got it done, though I did opt for the shorter version of the possible options.

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13 weeks. What are the odds of staying healthy? Got to be pretty slim. But I am about 13 weeks in, and so far so good.

Orienteering in connection with the WCOC winter meeting, plus dinner, all hosted brilliantly by Rick and Susie DeWitt.

I passed on the O', went for a run instead, opportunity for a route not done. Took it easy for the first mile, also the long downhill down Lime Kiln Road, but the rest was a good effort, both the long climb starting when I turned left on 107, and the last 2.5 miles, flat or slightly down. Felt OK. And a good week, first time in the 50's. Have to be careful now.

And then decided it would be useful to pick up the controls. Just walked around doing it, but even so, fell a couple of times, stumbled a few more, and by the end my back was complaining.

I think it may be quite a while before I do any orienteering. For the moment, running on the roads seems fine, and satisfying, so I will stick with that.

And then off to Rick and Susie's for food, and a quick and efficient meeting. And hard not to notice, and enjoy, the presence of a number of young women in a club mostly populated by (very) old men. :-)

Time to stretch the distance of the long run just a little bit more. Felt pretty good right through to the end, though psychologically it was helpful to have decided, on passing the bottom of the driveway at about 10, that the run would end at the bottom of the driveway and not up at the house. It's not much of a hill, but the thought kept me in better spirits for the last 4.

Early run with Dave, bit of ice and snow around, very gentle pace.