Training Log Archive: PG

About 50, overcast, felt chilly. Thought I would do the Dry Hill Road climb, had done it once three years ago. Headed over that way and it seemed my watch was running fast, every mile took more time than what it felt like. Wanted to bag the climb, but at intersections I kept taking the option that led me there. The one good part was that there was a little uphill on the way there, got the legs and the heart going more than just staying on the flats. Crossed 63, didn't even think about turning onto it, and up it went.

About 11:30 for the climb three years ago. About 11:30 this time. That seems like a victory. I was pretty wasted at the top this time, but my guess is I was pretty wasted last time. The top is where the pavement ends, a woods road keeps going, managed my u-turn without falling off. Took a couple of minutes to catch my breath. And then headed home, wishing I had my nice jacket with the wind protection panels. And glad I had stuck to the plan. That often doesn't happen.

Pine Nook Road.

Didn't have much motivation, so didn't work too hard. About 50, good breeze from the south.

I was procrastinating getting out on my bike as the afternoon wore on, mainly because it was really windy out and I wasn't much looking forward to it. Finally I decided to skip it, but only on the condition that I deal with some paperwork that had been ignored for too long. And actually got that done. :-)

And while I was doing that, I decided I could still get a little exercise for the day. Note that wandering around for two or three hours most mornings seeing what I might find in the way of birds, or other wildlife, or other things in general like abandoned boats, or today like snakes, none of that counts for exercise (though I don't think it's bad for me).

And I haven't been counting the hikes I take with Gail because I don't really get my heart rate going (though they certainly aren't bad for me, and they are certainly good for Gail and, I would venture, good for our relationship).

No, some proper exercise. Partially as a test, to see if my butt was maybe a little better. It has seemed to be getting a little better on the hikes, especially the ones with a good bit of uphill.

So I went over to the dirt road that goes from Chard Pond up to route 47, thought I go up and down a couple or three times, walk briskly on the way up, jog little bits on the way down. And see how it felt.

I ended up doing it twice. That seemed enough, as I was already wondering if I was overdoing it, plus it was getting dark. And the verdict -- not so bad. Certainly somewhat better than it's been. Ran about six minutes in pieces of a minute each. Wasn't awful. Might have to try again sometime.

And then I guess the other reason for doing this is the soft foam roller I ordered arrived. We already have a foam roller, but it's way too painful. When I was seeing the PT guy he said to try the soft one he had. Which I did, and it felt like it might help -- certainly could feel it, but not so terribly painful that I just wasn't going to use it. So we will see.

I don't have any desire to get back to regular running, but being able to jog a little, or hike up steeper hills, would be nice.

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This guy wasn't moving, but also didn't seam to be dead. Getting a little cold for it to be out and about.

C • Exercise 4

Jackson Hill Road.

I was inNorthfield and had my bike in the car, so figured I would do a ride from there. I'd been thinking of possible routes, all with a minimum of hills, but nothing seemed very appealing. But then a possibility -- with a good up not much after I started -- and somehow that seemed really appealing, even though it obviously would be more work. Funny how the mind works.

And so a fine ride. Did my one hill and a nice loop, mostly in NH, then a little bit of wandering around Northfield, just playing tourist. Totally satisfied.

Good breeze out of the south, so I zigged and zagged so as to not be with it or against for too long, and not to go up any hills either. :-)

Sand Gully and Hoosac roads.