We almost didn't run tonight. There have been heat advisories ALL day long in GA and AL, and it's been in the 90's most of the day. We waited until about 8pm to start and it had cooled down a good bit and the sun was low enough that it wasn't murderous. Luckily I'd hydtrated very well throughout the day (10+ glasses from the office water cooler). I still sweated like a dog, but it was too bad. I ran with Steph for a planned 4 miler, and we started very slowly due to the heat. We were both worried about how hot it was and had agreed if we got too hot that we wouldn't be stubborn about finishing the mileage - we would stop and walk, turn around - whatever was warranted. Once we got going, we were both glad we didn't skip because of the heat - we really enjoyed the run, and when we got to the 2 mile turnaround we decided to go a little farther. We finished out with 4.5 miles.
Friday night I'm scheduled for 6 and we'll probably be running late in the evening. I may run with Steph for the 1st half of her run, then continue on, and if I feel alright, I may push a little farther than 6. I want to do some longer runs since the CME is only about 2 weeks away. I'm determined to do 8 or more on Saturday. I'm going to get up before the sun and go down to the Rails to Trails path - I know that one is a 10 mile loop, although I don't plan on going 10 miles. If I can get our early enough, I can beat the sun up and not be so baked when I get back - - will probably need lots of Gatorade for Saturday.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
8-7-07 Run w/Steph
Steph and I ran together again last night. I was scheduled for 4 miles, so we did the same distance. She says she wants to maintain a 4 mile distance, so on my 4 mile days its nice to run with her.
We got started about 6:30, so it was still pretty hot, but the sun had gone down a little and we weren't running in direct sunlight. There was no breeze on the water, and the bugs were pretty mild. We didn't do any extra distance because of the heat. I carried a half frozen water bottle on the run, and by the time we got to the 2 mile turnaround, it was melted and already starting to warm up, but it was still cool. We took a brief stop to drink and wet our bandannas and continued onward. We were probably stopped less than a minute.
The heat was pretty high, but still a good run. It was interesting to note the sweat levels. We ran the same distance in the same time, in the same heat, on the same course. When we finished, she had a small sweat ring around her neck and arms, but I was drenched - neck hole, arms of my t-shirt, front of my shirt, and back of my shoulders.
Rest on Wednesday, the we run together again on Thursday, and it looks like me might run in the morning on Friday and Saturday - still working all that out.
We got started about 6:30, so it was still pretty hot, but the sun had gone down a little and we weren't running in direct sunlight. There was no breeze on the water, and the bugs were pretty mild. We didn't do any extra distance because of the heat. I carried a half frozen water bottle on the run, and by the time we got to the 2 mile turnaround, it was melted and already starting to warm up, but it was still cool. We took a brief stop to drink and wet our bandannas and continued onward. We were probably stopped less than a minute.
The heat was pretty high, but still a good run. It was interesting to note the sweat levels. We ran the same distance in the same time, in the same heat, on the same course. When we finished, she had a small sweat ring around her neck and arms, but I was drenched - neck hole, arms of my t-shirt, front of my shirt, and back of my shoulders.
Rest on Wednesday, the we run together again on Thursday, and it looks like me might run in the morning on Friday and Saturday - still working all that out.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
8-6-07 New Record!
(Posted on Tuesday morning)
Last night and tonight, I was (and am) scheduled for 4 miles. Since Steph has been trying to make 4 miles without stopping, I asked if she wanted to run together last night - she did and we set off on our run at about 8pm (again - dodging the heat). When we got to the dam, the sheriff had already closed the gates across the dam, but we started off anyway. It wasn't cool, but it wasn't hot either - very comfortable, but with no breeze at all. The water on the high side of the dam was like glass. It was a very enjoyable run, and we talked a lot while we ran. We saw no other runner/walkers/bikers, but several cars, and a few deer in the shadows in the wood line. The humidity was a little high, but not unbearable.
The big event of the run was Steph. We took the run nice and slowly, and had planned on running 4 miles - she made the whole 4 miles without having to stop and walk. In fact, she even wanted to go further. We eventually did a total of 4.5 - she wanted to run farther, but I suggested we stop so she didn't over-run herself in her euphoria. I was extremely proud of her, and she was bubbly (more so than usual) for the rest of the night. By the time we finished it was pretty dark, but it was still a very fun run. She kept commenting on how it was her best run ever.
Last night and tonight, I was (and am) scheduled for 4 miles. Since Steph has been trying to make 4 miles without stopping, I asked if she wanted to run together last night - she did and we set off on our run at about 8pm (again - dodging the heat). When we got to the dam, the sheriff had already closed the gates across the dam, but we started off anyway. It wasn't cool, but it wasn't hot either - very comfortable, but with no breeze at all. The water on the high side of the dam was like glass. It was a very enjoyable run, and we talked a lot while we ran. We saw no other runner/walkers/bikers, but several cars, and a few deer in the shadows in the wood line. The humidity was a little high, but not unbearable.
The big event of the run was Steph. We took the run nice and slowly, and had planned on running 4 miles - she made the whole 4 miles without having to stop and walk. In fact, she even wanted to go further. We eventually did a total of 4.5 - she wanted to run farther, but I suggested we stop so she didn't over-run herself in her euphoria. I was extremely proud of her, and she was bubbly (more so than usual) for the rest of the night. By the time we finished it was pretty dark, but it was still a very fun run. She kept commenting on how it was her best run ever.
Monday, August 06, 2007
8-4-07 Hottest day so far
We ran about 5 pm - at it was a burner! Steph wanted to try 4 miles again, and we stopped at her 2 mile turnaround to wet ourselves a little with the water I'd carried with me, and to have a drink. Before I'd gotten to 4 miles, the water in the bottle was warm - I poured it over myself to cool off. I did the scheduled 6, and it wasn't horrible, just hot - luckily it was a little overcast, so there was no direct sunlight beating down on us.
I was glad we got finished a little earlier, but we'll probably run a little later on Monday.
I was glad we got finished a little earlier, but we'll probably run a little later on Monday.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
8-3-07 Early and Early and Early
Steph and I decided we would get up early this morning, so we could run before work. We wanted to have the evening free to spend time in Columbus with some family. I told her I was only going run 4 miles because of time constraints (see yesterday's post). We got up at 5:15 so we could get a bite, and get on the road, to be running by 5:30. She said she wanted to try and do the full 4 with me. I don't see how people do this before work everyday. The run wasn't bad, but the early was. When we got back I was ravenous!!! I felt like I could have eaten my shoes.
On the run, we didn't see any people, no cars/traffic of any kind, and no animals. It was kind of neat to be running as the world lit up. We never got to see the sun break the horizon due to it being a little overcast.
After rising and running so early, I was tired all day - but it was worth it to get to have time with visiting family.
We did a total of 4 miles.
On the run, we didn't see any people, no cars/traffic of any kind, and no animals. It was kind of neat to be running as the world lit up. We never got to see the sun break the horizon due to it being a little overcast.
After rising and running so early, I was tired all day - but it was worth it to get to have time with visiting family.
We did a total of 4 miles.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
8-2-07 long and late
Reschedule, re-map, re-think, re-plan, re-reason, re-trace, then do whatever the devil feels right at the time.
Okay, obviously a running 'schedule' is just a great philosophy for me at this moment. We've (Steph and I) obviously gotten ourselves used to running later in the evening to avoid the heat, but this makes for some late runs. Late runs are fine, but the tend to make for early mornings, and when you couple a late run with a planned early morning, well, the morning just gets earlier - especially for those of us who aren't morning people.
The last part of my week was supposed to look like this - Th-4 miles, Fr-6 miles, Sa-8 miles. Life gets in the way. Steph and I have decided to run early Friday morning (before work) so we'll have the evening free with family. Since I'll have to run before work on Friday morning, I decided to juggle the schedule : just swap Th and Fr to make more time Friday morning. Then I got out there tonight looking down the barrel of a 6 mile run, which didn't happen the way I'd planned. Steph and I took separate vehicles tonight. We'd planned to run the first 1.5 miles together, then we'd split up - she could run back to finish her 3, and I'd run on to the 6 mile turnaround. Well, Steph ran a little farther with me so she could make a pit-stop at the visitor center. I turned on my mp3 player and ran on. When I got to the 3 mile turnaround, I decided to go on to the WP park entrance again (I might as well just define that as my turnaround). On the way back, I was feeling pretty spry, so I made a detour down to the boat ramp and into the adjoining picnic area - figuring that this would add more distance and maybe get me over 7 miles instead of the intended 6 miles (remember: plan, then ignore it). Once I got the apex of the loop, I could see out onto the river, and I could see the dam lit up (it was about dusk). It looked like it was 1000 miles away over the water - and I couldn't run a straight line back to it. But it was still pretty - the wind was blowing pretty good across the water, and I was glad to be out running.
By the time I got back to the dam, it was full dark, and the roadway was lit by foot-lights on the dam. After I crossed the dam (about 1 mile left), I saw the park sheriff closing the 'cow gate' at the other end (between me and the jeep). I can easily duck through the cow gate, but I didn't want to have the 'you shouldn't be here' conversation with the sheriff. I wasn't doing anything wrong, I just didn't want the hassle. The posted usage hours at the park are inconsistent, at best. One end of the park says it closes at sundown, one sign says it closes at 8pm, and one sign says it closes at 9pm. I've caught the gate closed as early as 7pm, and as late as 10pm (like tonight). One time I even stopped the sheriff while he was locking up and asked him - he basically said that the park closes whenever he can get around to closing all of the gates. Usually I don't' worry about it. As his car sat there while he locked the gate, he had his blue lights on, and the spotlights on his light bar were lit, and his headlamps on bright - which means I couldn't see ANYTHING, but 5 bright lights pointed at me. It washed out the whole road - so i couldn't see anything in front of me. He finished up, and drove on past me without incident, and I gave him a friendly wave as he passed.
Late night runs are interesting.
Okay, obviously a running 'schedule' is just a great philosophy for me at this moment. We've (Steph and I) obviously gotten ourselves used to running later in the evening to avoid the heat, but this makes for some late runs. Late runs are fine, but the tend to make for early mornings, and when you couple a late run with a planned early morning, well, the morning just gets earlier - especially for those of us who aren't morning people.
The last part of my week was supposed to look like this - Th-4 miles, Fr-6 miles, Sa-8 miles. Life gets in the way. Steph and I have decided to run early Friday morning (before work) so we'll have the evening free with family. Since I'll have to run before work on Friday morning, I decided to juggle the schedule : just swap Th and Fr to make more time Friday morning. Then I got out there tonight looking down the barrel of a 6 mile run, which didn't happen the way I'd planned. Steph and I took separate vehicles tonight. We'd planned to run the first 1.5 miles together, then we'd split up - she could run back to finish her 3, and I'd run on to the 6 mile turnaround. Well, Steph ran a little farther with me so she could make a pit-stop at the visitor center. I turned on my mp3 player and ran on. When I got to the 3 mile turnaround, I decided to go on to the WP park entrance again (I might as well just define that as my turnaround). On the way back, I was feeling pretty spry, so I made a detour down to the boat ramp and into the adjoining picnic area - figuring that this would add more distance and maybe get me over 7 miles instead of the intended 6 miles (remember: plan, then ignore it). Once I got the apex of the loop, I could see out onto the river, and I could see the dam lit up (it was about dusk). It looked like it was 1000 miles away over the water - and I couldn't run a straight line back to it. But it was still pretty - the wind was blowing pretty good across the water, and I was glad to be out running.
By the time I got back to the dam, it was full dark, and the roadway was lit by foot-lights on the dam. After I crossed the dam (about 1 mile left), I saw the park sheriff closing the 'cow gate' at the other end (between me and the jeep). I can easily duck through the cow gate, but I didn't want to have the 'you shouldn't be here' conversation with the sheriff. I wasn't doing anything wrong, I just didn't want the hassle. The posted usage hours at the park are inconsistent, at best. One end of the park says it closes at sundown, one sign says it closes at 8pm, and one sign says it closes at 9pm. I've caught the gate closed as early as 7pm, and as late as 10pm (like tonight). One time I even stopped the sheriff while he was locking up and asked him - he basically said that the park closes whenever he can get around to closing all of the gates. Usually I don't' worry about it. As his car sat there while he locked the gate, he had his blue lights on, and the spotlights on his light bar were lit, and his headlamps on bright - which means I couldn't see ANYTHING, but 5 bright lights pointed at me. It washed out the whole road - so i couldn't see anything in front of me. He finished up, and drove on past me without incident, and I gave him a friendly wave as he passed.
Late night runs are interesting.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
7-31-07 Yay !! - longer feels better
It's late, and I just got back from my run (post shower, of course), and it was a pretty good run. We waited until a good bit later than last night to go for our run. Tonight we didn't go out until about 8:30pm because we wanted to avoid the heat we encountered last night. It worked, but it put my running pretty late through the wooded part of the park - not that I minded. I ran the first 2 miles with Steph ( we went a little longer together to avoid some park traffic), and I ran the remainder of my 6.4 miles at my own pace. Running later made it more interesting in a couple of ways:
First, at dusk, the animals start to come out. We ran right past a full grown whitetail doe, and were close enough to hear her breathing (probably less than 10 feet from us). She watched us as we ran past. She never took her eyes off of us, but she never ran either. We weren't making any effort to be quiet as we passed her, but I guess she figured we weren't any threat. Later on (less than a 1/4 mile), we saw 2 more very small dear, but we didn't get nearly as close, since they were crossing the road a good ways ahead of us. I also noticed a lot of bats pretty close overhead, but that was probably due to all of the bugs in the air (we both swallowed quite a few bugs)
Second, once the park starts to shut down, there is a little more auto traffic, but not as many other people out on the roadway. So I was free to sing as loud and run as fast as I wanted without worrying about disturbing anyone. It made for a much more liberating run.
The air was cool, and there was a firm breeze off the water, so it felt like fall, but my shirt was still drenched by the time I got back to the Jeep. As I came back across the dam at about 9:30, it was a surreal moment - no one on the water, not wind, the surface was like glass on the high side of the dam. The low side was calm, and I could see the bedrocks peeking above the surface down from the spillway. The day use area at the base of the dam was lit up with street lamps, and they were reflecting off of the surface of the kids fishing pond. I could see walking trails in the day use area and the road winding like a ribbon through the trees and around the pond, and along the shoreline of the river. Picture this tranquil scene under a cloudless sky with the stars twinkling above...Now picture me - bouncing along, singing along with Airborne Ranger Drill Instructor cadences like a madman, and shattering the tranquility of that moment!!! And loving every step of it!!!.
I had only planned on going 6 miles, but when I got to the 3 mile turnaround, the park entrance just seemed too close to let go - - I could see it, and the lights illuminating it calling me to turn around there, and add a little to the night.
I hate that I got back home so late from a run, but I enjoyed running in the cooler air. Tomorrow is a rest day, the Thurs, Fri, and Sat are 4, 6, and 8, respectively - - may still need to evaluate the prudence of the 8 miler on Sat (due to fitness level, and to a packed scheduled weekend).
It just hit me, I really enjoyed this night run, and I'm training for a night race!
First, at dusk, the animals start to come out. We ran right past a full grown whitetail doe, and were close enough to hear her breathing (probably less than 10 feet from us). She watched us as we ran past. She never took her eyes off of us, but she never ran either. We weren't making any effort to be quiet as we passed her, but I guess she figured we weren't any threat. Later on (less than a 1/4 mile), we saw 2 more very small dear, but we didn't get nearly as close, since they were crossing the road a good ways ahead of us. I also noticed a lot of bats pretty close overhead, but that was probably due to all of the bugs in the air (we both swallowed quite a few bugs)
Second, once the park starts to shut down, there is a little more auto traffic, but not as many other people out on the roadway. So I was free to sing as loud and run as fast as I wanted without worrying about disturbing anyone. It made for a much more liberating run.
The air was cool, and there was a firm breeze off the water, so it felt like fall, but my shirt was still drenched by the time I got back to the Jeep. As I came back across the dam at about 9:30, it was a surreal moment - no one on the water, not wind, the surface was like glass on the high side of the dam. The low side was calm, and I could see the bedrocks peeking above the surface down from the spillway. The day use area at the base of the dam was lit up with street lamps, and they were reflecting off of the surface of the kids fishing pond. I could see walking trails in the day use area and the road winding like a ribbon through the trees and around the pond, and along the shoreline of the river. Picture this tranquil scene under a cloudless sky with the stars twinkling above...Now picture me - bouncing along, singing along with Airborne Ranger Drill Instructor cadences like a madman, and shattering the tranquility of that moment!!! And loving every step of it!!!.
I had only planned on going 6 miles, but when I got to the 3 mile turnaround, the park entrance just seemed too close to let go - - I could see it, and the lights illuminating it calling me to turn around there, and add a little to the night.
I hate that I got back home so late from a run, but I enjoyed running in the cooler air. Tomorrow is a rest day, the Thurs, Fri, and Sat are 4, 6, and 8, respectively - - may still need to evaluate the prudence of the 8 miler on Sat (due to fitness level, and to a packed scheduled weekend).
It just hit me, I really enjoyed this night run, and I'm training for a night race!
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