Training Log Archive: PG

A little longer on the bike than the last couple of times. A few little hills to show that I don't have my bike legs, or willpower, or most likely both. Beautiful out, sunny, upper 60s, low humidity, modest breezes.

Whately Glen. Could tell I had already been out on the bike, but fortunately Gail was pushing the pace. A couple of nice nature stops (no, not to pee).

First was this guy, taking what appears to be a permanent nap. Not sure what kind it is, nor who might know.



And then spotted a nice cluster of three pulpits. I assume there were Jacks inside, but we didn't check.

C • Snake 10

C • Northern water snake 2

Jackson Hill Road (dirt). Start/finish at the upper end. Sunny, low 70s, low humidity.

That was actually pretty good. Made it up the hill without walking. Thought about it for one moment, but decided I really didn't need to.

Certainly better having warmed up on the downward leg. No way I would have made it starting at the bottom.

Ms. Phoebe hard at work, just outside our garage. Looks like quite the fine nest, mostly moss.

C • That is a lovely nest... 1

Hiked to Vermont. Warm afternoon, so the pace was purposely relaxed. Plus we were at altitude.

No signs on our return requesting us to self-quarantine for two weeks, not that it would matter because we are doing it anyway.

North to Montague Center and back, a bit of hills, SW breeze, sunny, 70s. Nice outing, worked some but not too much.

I expect I'll do more riding as the weather gets warmer. Also still a little bit of running. And the usual bunch of walking.

Sand Gully and Hoosac roads.

A little achy and tired but nothing much. Annoyance will take longer to go away.

C • Who’s that guy? 4

Not bad considering how bad the omens (and my decisions) were.

Bad decision #1. I'd decided yesterday evening that the best day to have a go at the Billygoat was Wednesday. I was tired after being on my feet much of Monday. My schedule worked better too. But when I woke up at 5 am and it was clear I wasn't going back to sleep, well, might as well go do the BG. Idiot.

Bad omen #1. I got to the Lake Bray entrance right at 7 am. Charlie had said that the gate was open by 7. The gate was open. You just couldn't drive in. They are in the process of repairing the I-91 support columns, but there was room to get by. But the cop was adamant. No cars until 8 am.

Bad decision #2. Right then and there I should have said, OK, Wednesday will be fine. But nope.

My plan had been to stash water bottles at each of the three crossings of the Lake Bray road, and then end up with my car at the start, halfway up the road. The idea being to not waste any energy in advance. Afterwards I could take a very slow walk up the road to fetch the car.

So the plan got modified. No bottle to the upper crossing, so even longer (2+ hours with no water). Just walk up to the start. Sure, why not.

Bad omen #2. Set to go at about 7:30, later than hoped (the day would get warmer), but not too bad. Started my back-up watch, started my Garmin. And, well, thankfully, I suppose, there is no video and there were no spectators. Within 10 seconds I was lying partly submerged in the teeny little stream just in front of the start. The rock I had stepped in mid-stream looked solid but it tipped the moment I stepped on it, and then I tipped, and in a split-second my only concern was keeping my map dry. Which I did.

Bad decision #3. It's not your day, go home, go back to bed. Nope.

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Fucked up the orienteering at the end. Pretty annoying.

Three falls, the other two on dry land, but nothing bad. Feel OK, just tired.

C • ?? 20

Blue - Splits

Hawks Road. One car, no walkers or bikes. Just fine. Feeling tired, was on my feet for a long time this morning wandering around.

I was thinking of doing some of the '79 Billygoat tomorrow morning, but I may wait until Wednesday. See how I feel in the morning.