Yesterday was probably my last long run before JFK. It was gorgeous out, and warmer than I thought it would be. Rootsrunner, D and I headed out for a mini JFK simulation. We hit some pavement, trails, and towpath for 2 and a half hours. About 14.5 miles. If I can keep that running pace most of JFK the walks and aid stations will probably average me out to around 12-13 minute miles. I can definitely live with that!
The run was beautiful. The first 30 minutes were rough, pavement and straight up hill, but after that I warmed up and felt great. About 45 minutes in a new trail experience rammed me, literally. I have had sticks suddenly jump on the trail and trip me before but never have I had a stick come out of nowhere to gore me right in the belly. Luckily it wasn't sharp and it more stunned me than anything else, so far I don't even have a bruise :)
The rest of the run was just nice as we hammered through the woods and I listened to ultra stories and did my best to avoid mud. We shimmied across streams and climbed over logs. All three of us nearly bit it on leaf hidden roots but no one ever hit the ground.
I have often thought about how as individual as we all are someone somewhere is almost always thinking, feeling or doing something the same as us. And half way through our run sure enough we ran across the path of another group of three runners one woman and two men running through the fields. I don't know if it was just me but it was one of those moments where you don't feel so alone if that makes any sense.
The rest of our weekend was super busy visting with friends and family and I am still pretty wiped out, but I did manage to do some strengthening excercises tonight and am planning on going out with my Tuesday running crowd for the first time in forever tomorrow night.
Don't forget to go vote tomorrow!
9 comments:
Sometimes when I'm out running at a particularly uncommon time of day or week, I often wonder about the 1 or 2 only other lost souls out there with me. I have to resist the urge to yell out "what crazy race are you training for?!"
Elisabeth,
It sounds like an adventurous and fun run. Glad that stick wasn't sharp! You've been getting in some awesome runs and races this year - can't wait to hear how JFK goes.
How cool. I just realized we climbed both sides of the Cuyahoga Valley within this one run.
Sweet!
ow!
the trees on H.R. Puffnstuff would have done that on purpose.
that trail run sounds awesome! I am going to try and do some runs on the trails out in the Chicago burbs just for a change of pace from the concrete that I love :-)
wow watch them sticks..
Cheers.
Rice.
dang those jumping sticks. they get to me too.
I hope you have a great race at JFK! If you can do as well as at the North Country Trail run (or better) and Chicago, you will do great. Just keep healthy and uninjured.
Sounds like a fun run less the stick of course!!!
I really hope to start running with you perhaps on the Tuesday night sessions, but given my schedule it will probably not be until December!
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