Training Log Archive: PG

On my own today. Up to the top of Mt. Toby and back. All walking on the way up, got my pulse up to 165 on the final steep pitch. Mix of run and walk on the way back. Quads are feeling it from the downhill running, first of that in quite a while.

And then it was omen time again. (Yes, Phil will be dismissive, but that's his problem, not mine.)

I got back to my car at the top of Claybrook. There was another car parked there, a man and his son and dog, about to head out for a hike. We chatted about that briefly, then I steered the conversation to the local schools and what their views were about what should be done (the local choices being remote vs. hybrid). We have to vote on that this evening and it's a really tough decision. We had a good discussion. And then they headed up the mountain and I got in my car and drove home.

Yeah, so where's the omen?

Just wait. As I was driving in the garage I happened to notice my phone. It was sitting on the hood of the car, where I had apparently put it when I started talking to the guy and his kid. Amazingly, it was still there after I'd driven the 3/4 mile home.

It certainly could be considered a bad omen, a sign that I am totally loosing my marbles. I prefer to consider it a good omen, that things can still work out just fine even when I'm pretty stupid.

We shall see.

C • phone 9

With Gail, south of town. Hot.

From Phil's, a loop through Huntington, Montgomery, Southampton, Easthampton. Not my usual stomping grounds, though I had been on some parts before. But something new is always a bonus.

Legs were not as feeble as last week.

Progress on Phil's part, he got a rear-view mirror! Now he just has to learn to use it. I looked back at one point as we were climbing, he was out in the travel lane, two cars patiently waiting behind him for a chance to pass. He'll learn.

Missed the rain except for a few drops, had mostly a tailwind for the dozen flat miles at the end. Not so bad.

Dudleyville Road. Got out between the rain drops.

With Gail. Nice day, nice ride.

Hawks Road to the Shelburne town line, also with Di. Beautiful day.

Went to chat with another member of the school committee about plans for opening school. Good to help clarify my thinking.

Getting up her driveway was another matter. It's oil and stone, been a while since it was done but there is still loose stone here and there in the travel lanes. And really steep, immediately. Headed up, it was clear within 20 yards I was seriously in too high a gear, in 30 yards that I wasn't going to make it. At least did a graceful dismount.

Coasted back down, downshifted about 3 gears, headed back up. Made it, but not without a struggle. If I lived there and had to do it every day....

With Gail to the end of South Ferry Road and back. Plus once up Claybrook, with gusto.

A little upper body work dealing with vegetation that suddenly wasn't where it was supposed to be. We were first on the scene. The main branch was across the road, but it looked like a lane could be opened with the proper use of leverage. And as it turned out, it could. The next guy to arrive hopped out to help, but by then I had it mostly done.

Charlie, of course, could have done it with one hand tied behind his back.

C • I've done that... 1

Stayed down in the valley, but a route that picked up a few hills. Worked hard on those, 10-15 minutes, legs felt OK, rest was just turning over the pedals. But now I'm feeling weary.