Training Log Archive: expressoIn the 31 days ending Jul 31, 2009:
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| We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Friday Jul 31, 2009 #
Note
Watch alarm awoke me at 3:30 am and Sam sent me off to train carrying a ton of weight in clothes, orienteering & camping gear. Mile+ walk to main station because the schedule showed that as only Aachen station. But NOPE, first stop a few minutes into the trip was the Schanz station RIGHT NEXT TO THEIR FLAT. Grrrr!!!
Train schedule also had Dusseldorf airport as stop after the main Dusseldorf station. But NOPE, they cleared us all off to transfer to other trains. A bit scary as I did not know when my new train would depart and whether I would make my flight. As it was, I waited 5 minutes and was at the airport 15 minutes later. Excellent.
Checked-in with my two bags and learned that I would have to pay excess baggage fee of ?62 for my second bag. I pleaded my case that my airline ticket was almost that price and also that my excess stuff was for camping; was trying to appeal to the agent's "green" side. The guy had no mercy so I decided to carry one on and hope it fit in both planes. It did.
Flights were uneventful but Heathrow was the most intense security I've experienced as I hit the airport security lotto and had everything of mine torn apart look for an alleged "screwdriver" that never materialized. Maybe it was my kids' scissors I use for cutting off athletic tape; will stop carrying them internationally. Cash station would not dispense again. Grrrr. Flight to Glasgow was delayed but quick and Charlie was there with the car already rented. Exciting ride into city on left side of road. Found hotel (decent) and had a shower, shave and chance to catch-up on emails.
Charlie and I started pub crawling down toward the MacLennon arch (his pilgrimage). We had steak pie, chips, sausage & mash feast. Dragged ourselves to hotel for early night but slept long. He was jet-lagged and I was road-weary.
Train schedule also had Dusseldorf airport as stop after the main Dusseldorf station. But NOPE, they cleared us all off to transfer to other trains. A bit scary as I did not know when my new train would depart and whether I would make my flight. As it was, I waited 5 minutes and was at the airport 15 minutes later. Excellent.
Checked-in with my two bags and learned that I would have to pay excess baggage fee of ?62 for my second bag. I pleaded my case that my airline ticket was almost that price and also that my excess stuff was for camping; was trying to appeal to the agent's "green" side. The guy had no mercy so I decided to carry one on and hope it fit in both planes. It did.
Flights were uneventful but Heathrow was the most intense security I've experienced as I hit the airport security lotto and had everything of mine torn apart look for an alleged "screwdriver" that never materialized. Maybe it was my kids' scissors I use for cutting off athletic tape; will stop carrying them internationally. Cash station would not dispense again. Grrrr. Flight to Glasgow was delayed but quick and Charlie was there with the car already rented. Exciting ride into city on left side of road. Found hotel (decent) and had a shower, shave and chance to catch-up on emails.
Charlie and I started pub crawling down toward the MacLennon arch (his pilgrimage). We had steak pie, chips, sausage & mash feast. Dragged ourselves to hotel for early night but slept long. He was jet-lagged and I was road-weary.
Thursday Jul 30, 2009 #
Run (road & path) 48:00 [3] 5.0 mi (9:36 / mi)
shoes: Mizuno WR 610
Slow morning, bit fatigued, so took a while to get out the Aachen door for this solo run. Glad I finally did as it was very enjoyable in the Wald. Pretty slow but just what I needed after last week's long days and hard runs.
Note
Quiet afternoon in Aachen. Ran a few errands to Sparkasse ATM and train station for ticket to Dusseldorf tomorrow. S, S & z running errands in Cambio so Jonas and I stayed An Der Schanz and watched the Alladin trilogy. Well, Jonas watched and I did laundry & packed. Then S & S went to ultimate practice so z, j & I had dinner together and then wound down with a game of Transeuropa. Great time, said my goodbyes since I was leaving so early.
Wednesday Jul 29, 2009 #
Note
Woke up in Furnkfurt hotel room from a dream that I'd spent that last 10 days camping all over Germany. Wait!! It wasn't a dream and it was time to ship J & K home. Their departure was smooth and I found a computer to catch up on the recent news that I'd missed like who won the Tour De France and presidential election. Drove back to Aachen with S,S,z&j and the trip seemed to take forever. I am getting a bit road-weary but won't be home for a loooong time yet. Returned the van with the hail damage (many exciting stories to come), went to the store and then out for a short...
Run (road) 28:00 [3] 2.6 mi (10:46 / mi)
shoes: Mizuno WR 610
Run around the trails leading to the Wald. Wanted to go faster & further but stomach felt awful from something I ate that was also a bit road-weary.
Monday Jul 27, 2009 #
Run (path) 42:51 5.0 mi (8:34 / mi)
shoes: Mizuno WR 610
Got this tempo run in while waiting for some laundry to dry. Sam and I jogged down the river to Berchtesgaden and then pushed it back.
Note
Took a long time to pack camp into van and get rolling for Munich. Found a large campground near Thalkirche with a good site for us. Popped the tents to claim our spot and the took the U down the main plaza for some sightseeing. Most notable was the the Hofbrauhaus. It's always been a favorite because Mom shares the same initials and she's had that HB stein for as long as I can remember. So we tipped a few back there, saw the glockenspiel, main strasse and cathedral. Urban sights seemed much less interesting than a week ago. It's either that they pale in comparison to the rural beauty of our last stop or we tire of sightseeing.
Spaghetti for dinner, all hungry. Early to bed for me, body tired.
Spaghetti for dinner, all hungry. Early to bed for me, body tired.
Sunday Jul 26, 2009 #
Run (trail) 1:13:00 [3] 6.8 mi (10:44 / mi)
shoes: Montrail Vitesse 712
Up early with plans to run over Grunstein saddle to Schönau. Super-steep above bobsled hill but ran almost all of it. Memorized trail map before starting but were more trails than expected. One dead ended at a hut with a well running into a trough in front. Gorgeous vista and the cold, perfect water was oh so tasty. Missed my turn onto a tiny trail and kept going until I was way up with no saddle in sight. Finally decided to make my way down and tore-up my quads a bit on the rocky descent. Last stretch over yesterday's race course so I pushed it a bit. 40 mins up, 33 down; good workout.
Note
Took the gondola up mountain from Berchtesgaden then short hike to Obersalzburg. As we got nearer, we started to see the ruins of old foundations. Spooky to think about the people who walked these trails, lived and met in the broken buildings almost 70 years ago.
Went through excellent, lengthy and very complete exhibit at museum covering national socialism. As I am very familiar with post-1939 history, I spent most of my time learning more about pre-war Germany. All of the Obersalzburg buildings were destroyed after the war and the area reforested so (other than the ruins) there is nothing there from that period. I knew this would be the unfortunate case. I guess they did not realize that it would someday become important history but instead looked at Obersalzburg as a lingering threat and needed to be erased. There were some accessible tunnels from the extensive system; these were engineering marvels but of no real historical interest.
Then we boarded a bus to take us to Kehlstein (aka the Eagle's Nest). I believe that it is intact from that period but has been remodeled with a cafe and gift shop. We hiked up a bit higher and got some pictures of the valley and surrounding mountains from that incredible vista. As naturally beautiful as the whole area was, I could never completely enjoy it because of the "ghosts" who irreparably scarred the place.
Late for last gondola down so we had to run to make it. Rough ending to a long day.
Went through excellent, lengthy and very complete exhibit at museum covering national socialism. As I am very familiar with post-1939 history, I spent most of my time learning more about pre-war Germany. All of the Obersalzburg buildings were destroyed after the war and the area reforested so (other than the ruins) there is nothing there from that period. I knew this would be the unfortunate case. I guess they did not realize that it would someday become important history but instead looked at Obersalzburg as a lingering threat and needed to be erased. There were some accessible tunnels from the extensive system; these were engineering marvels but of no real historical interest.
Then we boarded a bus to take us to Kehlstein (aka the Eagle's Nest). I believe that it is intact from that period but has been remodeled with a cafe and gift shop. We hiked up a bit higher and got some pictures of the valley and surrounding mountains from that incredible vista. As naturally beautiful as the whole area was, I could never completely enjoy it because of the "ghosts" who irreparably scarred the place.
Late for last gondola down so we had to run to make it. Rough ending to a long day.
Saturday Jul 25, 2009 #
Run warm up/down (road) 20:00 [3] 2.0 mi (10:00 / mi)
shoes: Mizuno WR 610
Yesterday we saw bills for the Königseeluaf race so Sam and I tried to find information about it. It was hard without web access so we just showed-up an hour before the published start. As it was, there was a bunch of races for all different age groups and abilities. The Langeslauf was, of course, the last and we had a couple hours before the start. We did get to see the course... It was 3 laps around a 3.8K course above Königsee. Although I was hoping for a true trail race around the big lake, this looked like a hilly and challenging course and would be more spectator-friendly for our gang.
Run race (path & road) 49:51 [4] 11.4 km (4:22 / km)
shoes: Mizuno WR 610
Race started at the base of a bobsled run overlooking the Königsee in a large valley surrounded by mountains on 3 sides. It was just gorgeous and inspiring. Course followed the steep bobsled run up for almost 1/2K. I started slowly on this part to save myself for the fairly long, hilly race so I was pretty far back by the time we turned and contoured across a field into Schönau village. Then the course entered an area of winding, rolling paths that generally headed down so I really picked up my pace and passed a lot of racers in the tougher terrain. Because of the steep climb at the beginning, there were only a few smaller uphills on the lap and the last stretch went by our campground, up the river path and across the covered bridge where the kids were waiting with yells of encouragement.
Although I was feeling pretty good, I again took the second climb easy and heard them announcing Sam about a minute behind me. Our 42 y.o. sibling rivalry was the incentive I needed to push the next lap. Plus, the familiarity with the course made it a lot easier. By the end of the second lap, there was no sign of Sam and the field had spread so there were only a couple runners within reach in front of me. I hammered the last lap and passed whomever I could and finished strong.
Splits: 17:00, 16:43, 16:08
Clearly, I could have gone much faster on the first two laps but I did not know how much the altitude would affect me so I resolved to run negative splits. As I learned later, despite the mountains above us, we were only a kilometer above sea-level so altitude was likely not a factor.
Results...
Odd that they have my time off by over a minute. So much for German precision.
I actually made the race report for winning the longest tripper award... They misspelled my name so I have now adopted Toe as my competition alias since the "shoe fits."
Although I was feeling pretty good, I again took the second climb easy and heard them announcing Sam about a minute behind me. Our 42 y.o. sibling rivalry was the incentive I needed to push the next lap. Plus, the familiarity with the course made it a lot easier. By the end of the second lap, there was no sign of Sam and the field had spread so there were only a couple runners within reach in front of me. I hammered the last lap and passed whomever I could and finished strong.
Splits: 17:00, 16:43, 16:08
Clearly, I could have gone much faster on the first two laps but I did not know how much the altitude would affect me so I resolved to run negative splits. As I learned later, despite the mountains above us, we were only a kilometer above sea-level so altitude was likely not a factor.
Results...
Odd that they have my time off by over a minute. So much for German precision.
I actually made the race report for winning the longest tripper award... They misspelled my name so I have now adopted Toe as my competition alias since the "shoe fits."
Note
Hopped in the van after race for short drive to Salzburg. Parked in a huge complex inside of the hill under the fortress; impressive design. Unabashedly walked around the town reading our tour book out loud (like the tourists we were) to learn about the city's sites and history. In the busy shopping area we found a good lunch in an Italian restaurant. Finished the walking tour and saw the Mozart sites, cathedral, marketplaces, etc. Hiked up to tour Hohensalzburg castle in an impregnable position atop the big hill. Decent guided tour and beautiful views from the top of the towers. Took the funicular trolley-elevator back down. Grocery stores closed so we grabbed some weinerschnitzel at the campground restaurant before turning-in on time for a change after a long, great day.
Friday Jul 24, 2009 #
Run (path) 1:10:00 [3] 7.6 mi (9:13 / mi)
shoes: Mizuno WR 610
Awoke a bit after 6 and checked-out the campground; found a latte coffee machine and a 1:25000 topo map of the area. Planned a run down the river to Berchtesgaden and then up to Schönau. Found and German war graveyard. Inspecting the dates, most died in 1945. Interesting and somber to imagine their stories. Pushed it a bit back up the path to the campground. Felt fine.
Note
Quiet day to clean-up and recharge everyone's batteries. Easy to do in this incredibly beautiful location with mountain peaks heading straight up all around the valley where we stayed. Mundane camp life included 2 loads of laundry and cleaning-up the remaining camp mess from the storm. We then headed up to Königsee to peruse the shops. Kids ran around the shopping district while the 3 adults had heavy but important discussions over ein Maß bier. All headed to Seefest party with stage, live music, much bier and found some chicken and pork cutlet for dinner. Back to camp finally and late for bed.
Thursday Jul 23, 2009 #
Run (road & trail) 1:03:00 [3] 6.7 mi (9:24 / mi)
shoes: Mizuno WR 610
Up @ 6 and awoke Sam for an early run. Cooks at hostel found us some coffee and we headed out on our run. Our destination was a hill in the middle of Reutte which looked like it had some good running trails. As it was, there were a few trails so we did a few loops and got in some hill work.
Note
When we returned from the run, we were presented with a great continental breakfast spread of rolls, ham & cheese as well as yummy cereal. We all feasted in preparation for another big day. Short drive to Neuschwanstein for tour of hunting palace Hohenschangau. Well preserved exterior, interior & furnishings. Decided to skip the popular fairy tale castle of Neuschwanstein because of its long lines & empty history. Some had currywust (& I had weinerschnitzel) for lunch and then hiked way up to Mariannesbrucke which is a bridge overlooking massive gorge and Neusch palace. After hike down, took drive to Berchtesgaden.
Short grocery stop upon arrival and then found campground and decent site. Dark clouds began to gather as we set camp and we did it quick and efficiently. As the tents went up, the wind picked-up and we quickly threw everything into either the van or tents and tried to quickly get the tent stakes in. All of a sudden the clouds opened and a deluge fell from the sky. We all dove into the car and soon started to hear "bonk, bonk" coming from the ceiling of the van. After some curious looks at each other, we realized that large hail was pelting us. It became so loud that we could barely hear each other the golf balls started to accumulate like snow. As soon as the hail let-up, Sam headed out in the hard rain to triage the tents and help some other campers in need. It was stressful and exhausting so we decided not to cook the planned meal and instead do MacDonalds.
Short grocery stop upon arrival and then found campground and decent site. Dark clouds began to gather as we set camp and we did it quick and efficiently. As the tents went up, the wind picked-up and we quickly threw everything into either the van or tents and tried to quickly get the tent stakes in. All of a sudden the clouds opened and a deluge fell from the sky. We all dove into the car and soon started to hear "bonk, bonk" coming from the ceiling of the van. After some curious looks at each other, we realized that large hail was pelting us. It became so loud that we could barely hear each other the golf balls started to accumulate like snow. As soon as the hail let-up, Sam headed out in the hard rain to triage the tents and help some other campers in need. It was stressful and exhausting so we decided not to cook the planned meal and instead do MacDonalds.
Wednesday Jul 22, 2009 #
Run (trail & road) 50:00 [3] 5.2 mi (9:37 / mi)
shoes: Montrail Vitesse 712
Run to Burgen then up the Mosel ridge on beautiful trail to the wheat fields growing on top. Descended into a valley to the east and then back to the orchard along the Mosel. Saw a hawk perched on a pole, high up a ride looking down it for any snacks running across. Wonderful run.
Note
Driving day from Burgen to Reutte, Austria. Slowly packed car and then took swim/bath in the Mosel. It was sooo refreshing and invigorating before the long drive. Stopped at Burger King for road lunch and then through Stuttgart and into Bavaria. We decided to stay in a youth hostel but the one in Füssen was full so we crossed the border to stay at the one in Reutte. After a delicious Italian dinner we settled into dry, clean, comfy beds in our our attic room with its own 2 sinks. Absolute luxury after the primitive orchard.
Tuesday Jul 21, 2009 #
Hike hills (trail) 2:00:00 [1]
shoes: Montrail Vitesse 712
Nice quiet morning in the orchard. Skipped the run as we had hike planned to Burg Elz. Packed ham and salami sandwiches and met Alo Siep about noon and he led us to trailhead. He indicated that the trail is well marked all the way up. We came to a fork where we could either continue on the west side of the Elz river or cross to some houses. We decided to stay on this side and the path immediately started a steep climb. I wondered how the typical tourist would ever make it and decided there was a road for them so we kept going. Finally we encountered some hikers who told us we were on the wrong path but that this barely blazed indistinct trail might take us across to the correct path. We foolishly tried it and the trail soon disappeared and it soon became a traverse across a steep hillside on loose slate. No one could make it for long and we started a treacherous descent to the river. It was a major relief to finally make it down where we could soak our feet and wash our scratches. We finally emerged right back by the houses where we started. Arrgghh!! We finally found the well-trodden path to the burg and were rewarded by the sight of a perfectly preserved 800 year old castle. After a fly-harried lunch we took a tour through the beautiful castle and treasury. Quick jaunt up to an overlook for scenic pictures and then back down to the car to complete the 5 hour effort. We had just enough time to get to restaurant to meet Alo & Claudia for an incredible, authentic German dinner at the wine garden. Great day and we all fell exhausted into bed.
Monday Jul 20, 2009 #
Run (trail & road) 1:06:00 [3] 6.8 mi (9:42 / mi)
shoes: Montrail Vitesse 712
Awoke at 6 in Bacharach campground. Slow start. Coffee then run up onto ridge starting near youth hostel. Combination of dirt road & trail. Easy on the uphills to work into hilly running areas slowly. Gorgeous views. Descended through vineyard into quaint dorf nestled in valley connected to Rhine. Finished the last couple K along Rhine path.
Note
Drove south up Rhine to Rhinestein castle. Toured slowly through it with english brochure. Elegant and secure design. Drove to St. Goar for lunch at Imbiss with walks through tourist trap town. Stopped briefly at Rheinfals castle on way out of town for Katie and me to look around.
Short drive northwest to Mosel river and descended steep and winding road into valley. Mosel just as gorgeous but fewer people, commerce and tourists. Stopped in Burgen to visit our hosts (the Sieps) and he showed us the orchard where we would set camp for 2 days. Bit primitive but we had the place all to ourselves with no one around. Nice campfire and grilled burgers, brats, steaks and also has goulash. Red Chilean wine washed it all down and it was a very, very enjoyable evening.
Short drive northwest to Mosel river and descended steep and winding road into valley. Mosel just as gorgeous but fewer people, commerce and tourists. Stopped in Burgen to visit our hosts (the Sieps) and he showed us the orchard where we would set camp for 2 days. Bit primitive but we had the place all to ourselves with no one around. Nice campfire and grilled burgers, brats, steaks and also has goulash. Red Chilean wine washed it all down and it was a very, very enjoyable evening.
Sunday Jul 19, 2009 #
Run (road) 50:00 [3] 5.4 mi (9:16 / mi)
shoes: Mizuno WR 610
Sam and I up @ 7 again for morning coffee and then a run upstream along the Rhine. This area much more wooded with houses built up behind flood walls. Nice morning, felt fine, could have gone longer but needed to get back to pack.
Note
Rain started just as we started to break camp. Took us a lot longer than expected to get all the wet stuff jammed back into van but finally got on the road. Drove down to Langwehr castle to poke around but the tour times did not work out so we just had a lunch from the van (Katie found an Imbiss for some fries). Then drove to Marksburg castle just in time for the English tour to start; perfect. It was an extrordinary castle with authentic hall, kitchen, lord's bedroom, bathroom, smithy & elaborate defenses. Crossed to the west side of the Rhine in a small ferry and went to Bacharach for a wonderful dinner; I had saurbraten, cabbage & potato dumplings. Yum!! & our first meal out of the trip. Hiked up the hill to castle converted into youth hostel. Gorgeous views but no room there so we found a nearby campground again right on the Rhine and this one even had a beach. Kids and I swam in the big river in a still area away from the raging current. Cool !!
Saturday Jul 18, 2009 #
Run (road) 1:10:00 [3] 7.6 mi (9:13 / mi)
shoes: Mizuno WR 610
German campgrounds arise very slowly. When I started the coffee at 7 there was no one out and by 8 I'd seen only a few people. Everyone else was buttoned into their campers. Sam and I enjoyed this quiet hour of planning our next few days. Then we decided to take a run downstream along the path that ran right beside our campsite and almost all the way to the Dom. Cloudy morning with a mild breeze to cool us. Lots of barge traffic - coal, tankers, & container boats. Amazing to think that the Rhine remains the awesome commercial conduit that it's been for 1000s of years.
Fairly easy run, felt fine. Pushed it a bit at the end.
Fairly easy run, felt fine. Pushed it a bit at the end.
Note
Drove down to Remagen to visit the bridge that Ike said was "worth its weight in gold" for what it did for the Allied advance across the Rhine. It collapsed after 10 days of use but was invaluable in establishing the beachhead. Now it's a peace museum with a few exhibits and one large room covered with plaques naming all significant armed conflicts since WW2. Amazing how many there were and how many are still going on. Educational for all of us.
After a parking lot meal out of the back of the van, we decided to drive to Bonn and see the cold war capital of Germany. After a bit of trouble finding parking and some inclement weather, we decided to just head back to the campground. We played some KUBB Viking in the park and Sara cooked some delicious chili for dinner.
After a parking lot meal out of the back of the van, we decided to drive to Bonn and see the cold war capital of Germany. After a bit of trouble finding parking and some inclement weather, we decided to just head back to the campground. We played some KUBB Viking in the park and Sara cooked some delicious chili for dinner.
Friday Jul 17, 2009 #
Note
Sam and I rented the neun-sitzer (9 seat) van and returned An der Schanz and got all the bags repacked. Moved all the gear down the 5 floors and packed it into the van. When we finally got the kids fed and into the car, it was past 1 p.m. but our journey was a short hour to Cologne.
We found the campground and a beautiful site right on the Rhine; just gorgeous. After popping the tents we took the train down to tour the massive Dom (cathedral); amazing architectural wonder. We walked along the Rhine and stopped for a Kolsh bier while the kids played in a fountain. Back to the campsite where I cooked spaghetti with broccoli crowns in it. Delicious, and enjoyed a bottle of Bordeaux wine along with it. After watching a late sunset, we all turned in. Great start!!
We found the campground and a beautiful site right on the Rhine; just gorgeous. After popping the tents we took the train down to tour the massive Dom (cathedral); amazing architectural wonder. We walked along the Rhine and stopped for a Kolsh bier while the kids played in a fountain. Back to the campsite where I cooked spaghetti with broccoli crowns in it. Delicious, and enjoyed a bottle of Bordeaux wine along with it. After watching a late sunset, we all turned in. Great start!!
Thursday Jul 16, 2009 #
Run (road & path) 53:00 [3] 5.7 mi (9:18 / mi)
shoes: Mizuno WR 610
Couldn't get to sleep until 4am!! because I my body clock has not fully converted. When Sam finally rousted me, everyone else was still asleep. I decided to take a short run into the same trails above Aachen. It was hot but I felt pretty good.
Note
Another great time on our second day. After another late start, most of the group went out to see the Aachen Dom (cathedral). We also toured the nice shopping district with its many cafes and small shops; quaint. The best one was a gaming store with original versions of the great German board games; a complete candy store for me. I limited myself to only 3... =P
After a hot ride up the hills to An der Schanz to change into our swimming suits and take a trip to the pool. Very nice, refreshing time there. We just got back and are settling in before a yummy dinner of Sara's cottage pie.
After a hot ride up the hills to An der Schanz to change into our swimming suits and take a trip to the pool. Very nice, refreshing time there. We just got back and are settling in before a yummy dinner of Sara's cottage pie.
Wednesday Jul 15, 2009 #
Run (road & path) 1:13:00 [3] 7.5 mi (9:44 / mi) +200m 8:59 / mi
shoes: Montrail Vitesse 712
Awoke refreshed this morning and ready for some of Sam's coffee. Absolutely gorgeous morning to sit out on his big porch. We had a long time together before anyone else stirred and took a run into the same hills as yesterday and then around to some of the Aachen sights.
All 4 kids jetlagged and slept in until past 11. Finally rousted and stuffed them full of cereal. Made our way to the bike rental store and got bikes for everyone. I spent so much time getting them set that when we finally got started I rode off on a major clunker and found myself lagging behind all day...ugh.
All 4 kids jetlagged and slept in until past 11. Finally rousted and stuffed them full of cereal. Made our way to the bike rental store and got bikes for everyone. I spent so much time getting them set that when we finally got started I rode off on a major clunker and found myself lagging behind all day...ugh.
Bike (tank) 1:00:00 [2] 7.0 mi (8:34 / mi)
Amazing Race Aachen
Sam created the Aachen version of the Amazing race for us. He adopted the role of Phil and sent two teams (boys v. girls) biking throughout the city to find a postcard of Chalemange, a Printen (licorice cookie), navigate to Dreilandereck (connection of Germany, Belgium & Netherlands) and then wind our way through a hedgerow maze to the finish. It was an inspired design for the Aachen variant of the game. A ton of fun.
Sam created the Aachen version of the Amazing race for us. He adopted the role of Phil and sent two teams (boys v. girls) biking throughout the city to find a postcard of Chalemange, a Printen (licorice cookie), navigate to Dreilandereck (connection of Germany, Belgium & Netherlands) and then wind our way through a hedgerow maze to the finish. It was an inspired design for the Aachen variant of the game. A ton of fun.
Tuesday Jul 14, 2009 #
Note
Travel was long but uneventful. We arrived in to Zurich & then transferred to Frankfurt flight. Luggage followed us and we found Sam, Zoe & Jonas as soon as we cleared customs.
Sam drove us in his work's cargo van to Aachen. It was a pretty day for the drive and we got our first Germany tour. Zoe and Jonas were excited to show us the sights in their new home city. The big grocery store run was fun and interesting for everyone. Much same but some things VERY different. Finally made it to the apartment. It is a wonderful penthouse location with beautiful views of the hills west toward the Netherlands & Belgium. After hauling up the luggage, Sam took me on a run over there through horse stables, cow pastures & through the woods into the hills. Just a marvelous location.
Sam grilled burgers & a pork lion while Katie made salad for our dinner. It was a great ending to a long day of travel and time for a hard sleep.
Sam drove us in his work's cargo van to Aachen. It was a pretty day for the drive and we got our first Germany tour. Zoe and Jonas were excited to show us the sights in their new home city. The big grocery store run was fun and interesting for everyone. Much same but some things VERY different. Finally made it to the apartment. It is a wonderful penthouse location with beautiful views of the hills west toward the Netherlands & Belgium. After hauling up the luggage, Sam took me on a run over there through horse stables, cow pastures & through the woods into the hills. Just a marvelous location.
Sam grilled burgers & a pork lion while Katie made salad for our dinner. It was a great ending to a long day of travel and time for a hard sleep.
Run (road & path) 28:00 [3] 3.0 mi (9:20 / mi)
shoes: Montrail Vitesse 712
Run into the hills west of Aachen. Fun to run with Sam. Although his runs are typically a lot shorter, he has a much stiffer pace than I do. By the time we got into the rural area, I had settled in and thoroughly enjoyed the run. Look forward to more runs in this area.
Sunday Jul 12, 2009 #
Bike (road) 2:20:00 [2] 34.25 mi (4:05 / mi)
Easy morning ride to HP, LF & back via SV trail. All-around beautiful morning. Daydreamed about our big trip and all that I have left to do before leaving. Tons of other riders out, must all be hopped-up on the Tour.
Saturday Jul 11, 2009 #
Bike (mtn) 1:25:00 [3] 18.0 mi (4:43 / mi)
After driving to Greenbush to get K from camp and then shopping for funny things that my brother needs in Germany (Hellman's REAL Mayo, duct tape) and some luxury items for myself (e.g. instant Starbucks) I finally freed-up to get some exercise. A beautiful evening for a hard ride down to 22 & back. Felt good, bike cooperating.
Splits:
41:30, 43:30 (into breeze)
Splits:
41:30, 43:30 (into breeze)
Friday Jul 10, 2009 #
Run (path) 2:20:00 [2] 14.5 mi (9:39 / mi)
shoes: Mizuno WR 905
Easy, rainy run. Grabbed my NSH hat as I was headed out the door and needed it for most of the run. As the worst of the rain hit, the Los Lobos song "I Got Loaded" came on; very funny considering the field-flooding scene where it's played in Bull Durham.
Thursday Jul 9, 2009 #
Run warm up/down (road & grass) 36:00 [2] 3.6 mi (10:00 / mi)
shoes: Montrail Vitesse 712
Parked in DG West and ran warmup to DG East for the race. Nice evening. Tons of high school XC runners there for the race. $2 entry fee for a nice grass course and water.
24 min warmup.
12 min run back to DGW before the trail loop.
24 min warmup.
12 min run back to DGW before the trail loop.
Run race (grass) 20:44 [5] 5.0 km (4:09 / km) +60m 3:55 / km
shoes: Montrail Vitesse 712
This "No Frills 5k" should be renamed "Youth will be Served 5k" as the highschoolers dominate the race. It's part of a summer series before XC season so there are a ton of them. The course loops twice around a prairie in Deer Grove East and goes up and down a hill a few times.
Splits: 6:20, 7:15, 6:27, :42
Although I did slow a bit in the second mile, something was amiss with the mile markers. I pushed it pretty hard and am ok with my time. It's certainly a lot better than 5 years ago when I ran my first ever 5k here. I'll never forget Katie painting her face and making a sign to cheer me on like this was a marathon. I think I barely broke 25 minutes that evening.
Splits: 6:20, 7:15, 6:27, :42
Although I did slow a bit in the second mile, something was amiss with the mile markers. I pushed it pretty hard and am ok with my time. It's certainly a lot better than 5 years ago when I ran my first ever 5k here. I'll never forget Katie painting her face and making a sign to cheer me on like this was a marathon. I think I barely broke 25 minutes that evening.
Run (trail) 40:45 [4] 5.0 mi (8:09 / mi) +120m 7:35 / mi
shoes: Montrail Vitesse 712
Hard run around the DGW trail. I ran a trail race on this same course a few weeks ago and will unfortunatelyly miss the one this Saturday so I decided to run it after the 5k. I was a bit fatigued before the run but was moving fairly well and pushing all the uphills.
Wednesday Jul 8, 2009 #
Run (road) 28:00 [3] 3.0 mi (9:20 / mi)
shoes: Mizuno WR 905
Easy lap around lake with shortcut at end. Felt fine.
Tuesday Jul 7, 2009 #
Run (path & road) 1:26:00 [3] 10.2 mi (8:26 / mi)
shoes: Mizuno WR 905
Evening Adler Lap. Felt like pushing it.
Sunday Jul 5, 2009 #
Bike (mtn) 1:50:00 [1] 16.5 mi (6:40 / mi)
Beautiful day for a bike ride to Lake Forest for lunch with Jill. Lovely patio seating but my food was mediocre. Funny to see the LF folks in their Bentleys & dressed in designer clothes for inane conversation over a casual meal.
Took unique routes to/from there to lean some new trails. Afterward, I split off for a hard...
Took unique routes to/from there to lean some new trails. Afterward, I split off for a hard...
Bike (mtn) 58:00 [3] 11.5 mi (5:03 / mi)
Ride down to 22 & almost back to OS before "Hissssss." Arrgghh!! The sidewall of my tire had split open (prob from the weight of my arse) and there was no chance to repair it. No answer via phone so...
Run (path & road) 55:00 [3] 4.8 mi (11:27 / mi)
Ran home pushing my bike. Went slowly but almost non-stop. Hot and tired by the end; would have been much easier if I hadn't been in my bike shoes and the tire wasn't in ribbons. This bike continues to misbehave...
Saturday Jul 4, 2009 #
Run (trail) 1:23:00 10.0 mi (8:18 / mi) +350m 7:29 / mi
shoes: Montrail Vitesse 712
Hard run on all Alligator Hill trails. Gorgeous morning, felt excellent and had my last chance to own these trails so I went for it. Pushed the hills and flats hard and cruised the downhills for a mild recovery.
Just loved this whole area for trail running... back to flatland.
Just loved this whole area for trail running... back to flatland.
Friday Jul 3, 2009 #
Run (trail & path) 1:00:00 6.4 mi (9:22 / mi) +200m 8:33 / mi
shoes: Montrail Vitesse 712
Wanted to try a different set of park trails along the lake. Entrance was a bit up the road but made for a good warmup. Passed the The Reserve complex on the way. This had a huge web presence and we almost lodged there. I was so glad that we weren't at this fake preserve which was really a golf resort. The trails were gorgeous; I went through open meadows along the top of the dunes overlooking the lake; very inspiring.
Felt very good. Pushed it a bit on the hills. Good start to the day.
Felt very good. Pushed it a bit on the hills. Good start to the day.
Bike (mtn) 45:00 [1] 6.0 mi (7:30 / mi)
Another ranger-led bike tour through local farmsteads. About as easy a ride as possible but still neat to see the first settlements. We got to poke around in the houses and barns. Interesting to imagine being one of the first to raise a building in the area and start clearing trees for crops... maybe start a lumber mill later to supply the steamer ships with fuel or lumber for that mythical Chicago place across the lake.
Run (trail & sand) 25:00
shoes: Montrail Vitesse 712
Late afternoon run around a loop through the dunes. First part was good footing but that deteriorated into loose sand as I got away from the vegetation and closer to the lake. Slog was hard and hot but ended with a dip in the lake. Ahhhhh...
Thursday Jul 2, 2009 #
Bike (mtn) 1:45:00 16.0 mi (6:34 / mi)
Various rides around here. One was a parks tour around some old farmsteads & abandoned sawmill town. Tour was ok but neat to do it on bikes. Another ride was around scenic overlook above dunes. Spectacular views and some major hills.
Hike 15:00 [3] 0.75 mi (20:00 / mi)
Climb up a dune with thoughts of 3 hour hike to the shore, however the sand footing would be exhausting and it was pretty late in the day already. So, instead I...
Run (trail) 29:00 [3] 2.9 mi (10:00 / mi) +180m 8:23 / mi
shoes: Montrail Vitesse 712
Ran up Alligator Hill again (same area as yesterday). Felt very sluggish.
Wednesday Jul 1, 2009 #
Note
Early-Early start to the day had us headed up to Milwaukee to cross Lake Michigan on the Ferry to Muskegon. 32 knots screaming across the lake made for a pretty fast trip. Then a short drive up to Blue Lake music camp to drop off Joseph. Looks like a fantastic place although he was a bit nervous about his audition when surrounded my so many great, young musicians. I'm sure he did great.
Then up the coast to Glen Arbor for a few days. I was going stir crazy and had to get in a run...
Then up the coast to Glen Arbor for a few days. I was going stir crazy and had to get in a run...
Run (trail) 55:00 [3] 5.7 mi (9:39 / mi) +220m 8:37 / mi
shoes: Montrail Vitesse 712
Amazingly, I immediately found some awesome trails in the hills above the town, overlooking the lake. Awesome run and vistas. Pushed the pace up the hills and felt good. Will revisit tomorrow morning.