Patience; the new endurance sport.

I used to fall asleep by 10:00 dead tired.  But since I've been doing this 8 mile a day thing, I actually have more energy and ready to go in the morning. It seems wrong.  But true.  I think running 4-6 miles a day is like trying to swim in the surf, you're constanty fighting the waves and so you never get comfortable.  Running eight is like swimming past the surf into the still water where you can find your stride and a little peace.  So I ran a warm up mile, ran into Sasha and Jeff and did a couple of faster miles-- they let me set the pace sort of, so it was comfortable running (8:20-8:40 ish).  Sasha did pace me through a couple of spots and announced that I could have run a 7:50 mile.  I'd like to believe that I could have kept that up a bit longer.  It was chit-chat running, and and so fun, but I could have pushed faster too.  I ran back with them to pick up Sarah.  We ran about 4.5 together talking the whole way.  The miles literally slide by when we run together. It's been so fun, to both try to run faster, and find friends on the trail.  It's been a nice summer that way.

In the PM ran 2 miles with my 9 year old son.  He was mad at first and ran a 14 minute mile with flailing arms, dramatically panting like a dog.  When he realized it would go faster if he concentrated, he whipped out a 9.5 minute mile and put me to absolute shame on the last 200 meters (I'll race you to the end!).  I had no idea he could run that fast. Seriously.

"Just start out fast, keep running fast, and finish fast....that's all."  This is recent advice given to me regarding a potential racing strategy.  OK, sure, run really, really fast! Simple.  So I went all out from the beginning just to see what would happen.  I'm a slow starter and like to believe that I'm saving my energy for the finish (which typically feels good to me).  But ok, I'm trying new things recently.  So, I started fast and tried to keep it fast for a while.  I'm happy to report....that IT ALMOST KILLED ME. I have not found the profound silence of  the 'third eye' since Yoga/meditation was a bigger part of my life.  I had to go there alot to get these splits.  In fact, I didn't know I could find it running. Surprize!

8:23,8:26,8:26,8:06,8:24,9:02 and here's where I found Sarah on the trail 11:31, 11:02 Thank goodness for Sarah...

I ran easy in preparation for the Freedom Run tommorrow.  I am pleased that my easy stride has gone from 9:13 to 8:36 m/m.  You know, I've been using the trail since 1991.  It used to be dirt.  I was so excited when they started grading it for pavement back in 2000.  But the pavement brought a lot of people and bicycles.  I'm glad for the a.m. regulars with whom I have developed a sort of relationship-- the two old guys who walk their beagle, the 50-something shy lady who looks like my 7th grade gym teacher and who is out there EVERY day, the four lady walkers, and all the neighborhood runners.  Perhaps the river trail feels too much like part of my own back yard and so I have opinions about who should be there prior to 7:00 a.m. -- But I have to say how much I hate the bicyclers on our end of the trail--There is no path dedicated to them like on the East half of the trail and therefore I think they have no right to go tour-de-france on our end. I particularly resent the attitude of the retried couple in matching yellow neon jackets.  Just because you're retired, doesn't mean we owe you the whole road.  There, I said it.

Happy Fourth of July! Today's race was, well...not my smartest race and really self-revealing. Do you want the good news or the bad news first? Ok, the bad news. I ran as fast and as hard as I could and my average pace was still just about 8:30. I started out fast--and just as I was afraid I'd do, I lost my mojo by mile 4 and had to stop a good minute (or three) to drink and catch my breath and stretch. This is the good news: I ran the first four miles like a champion! 8:05/7:26/7:46/8:25. But the success of those miles freaked me out, and I choked. I actually told myself it wasn't possible for me to run that fast in a race, and I literally stopped myself from acheiving a major personal milestone. I ran the last two miles easy at 8:36/9:02 (up the 900 East). So the good news is, the speedwork has really paid off-- I've never run below my 8:02 threshold. The bad news, I have leraned that I have very poor mental stamina and endurance. I should have made a pit stop at mile 5 to get that looked at (the mental hospital is strategically located both literally and metaphorically). To make matters worse, Mike Strauss (neighbor/friend) further patronized me by running additional miles (turning around after his own finish) and passed me headed against the running traffic on 900 East, somewhere he turned back around and re-crossed the finish line for the secnd time passing, and finishing just in front of me. I mean, that is sad, I was beat by the same guy, twice, in one race! Anyway, it was so fun to see Melissa Bateman, Shelly Dixon, Camden Miller, Paul Baca, and Mike Strauss it was like a high school/neighborhood running reunion. Also, met Josse--she looked like she was leading the race around mile 5 so I cheered for her loud and also bumped into her at the end. Way to go Josse, you make running at the head of the race look so easy. I saw everybody except Catherine, who I was supposed to meet before the race and never saw even after the finish! I was so mad about my time I ran all the way back home (another 5.15 miles). So even if my time was only average, at least I'll get my miles in this week. So now, I guess I've learned a lot about my own fear of success, and may finally be ready for new mental conditioning.

Third week of 50+ miles!  The mileage is great. Now I've just got a few other details to work out.  Amanda came to run 5 miles with me this morning.  It was so great to see her.  She told me all about Ragnar/WBR and how much she thought I'd love running those quiet miles out in the middle of nowhere.  She and Derek are building another team for a  Ragnar Relay out in the DC area in September.  I would totally be game for that except it's the month before St. George.  I'd really like to qualify for, and run in Boston 2009, so I think I'm going to keep it simple.  But I look forward to running maybe the Marine Core Marathon with her or some other fun DC race in the next two years.  She noted that I'd become a lot faster since our last run about a month ago.  Our average pace this morning was 8:36.  That has become pretty average for me in the past month.  After she finished her 5, I ran another 5 on my own really thinking things over from yesterday.  First, I need to make sure I can hold an 8:30 pace for my long Saturday runs WITH NO STOPPING.  Second, I need to concentrate on my improved gait during that long run.  I have found that going from 9:13 to 8:36 was a very simple matter of moving my feet quicker and having a more significant push off.  I was told to use quick 'hot pavement' steps and that move alone made me faster without significant exertion.  I have strong legs and I haven't been putting them to good use until recently.  Also, I noticed yesterday, I waste a lot of energy in my shoulders and upper body.  I need to let my legs do the work and relax a little up here.  Third: I need to develop my own "I Can!" mantra-- one that to fill that space of mental weakness when the going gets tough.  I actually know 'I can'.  I needed something with a better psychological fit.  So in a quiet space, while pushing mile 9 it came to me--it’s “I deserve" and "I am worthy" (to run fast).  It's so corny and personal I can hardly believe I am writing this down.  So anyway, I repeated these phrases to myself -- I was so tired by then, but I kept repeating them, and when I looked down, I had run a mile in 8:15--easy, like eating ice cream. It was not about punishment, but acceptance and gratitude.  Now I've got to keep practicing those thoughts--together with "I can!"--  and then just never stop.  Ever.  To anyone reading these latest epistles, thank you for your wonderful comments and encouragement.  I had no idea how much I could learn from others--of all things from running (because it's not just the running, is it?).   It's nice to know you can be 40 and still have a significant, life altering attitude adjustment. Now to sustain it through practice and endurance. 

I slept in two days in a row and so today didn't get my run in until 6:30 in the evening.  It's such a beautiful time of the day, but harder to run.  The sun is thick and low and makes the air heavy and yellow like honey.  There was a gorgeous breeze that made the leaves clap quietly above my head, and kids swimming and laughing in the deep pockets of the river.  I was tempted to jump in too after my run. Except then I remembered how that one summer I did that after every run, and then the blond parts of my hair started turning light green.  So I stopped doing that so much.  I was reminded that week 4 is a recovery week and so I'm going to take that pretty seriously.  So today, was about remembering why I love to run. Also, it's time to start ramping up the Saturday runs and trying to do those faster.  So for today I'm in love with running again. I'll work hader some other day.  Ave. pace 8:49

Ave. Pace 8:44.  The goal for this week for me is NO STOPPING no matter what.  Since I got the Garmin, I've not factored in my stopping time. It stops when I do. Maria was right, it is a psycological barrier. I've got to get past it.  When I got out the door today, I could feel it was about 10 degrees cooler than usual.  Downright chilly actually.  Weird for a July morning, but crisp and clean. The sun is slower in rising now we're past the solstice. The fast runners were out doing their thing.  Jeff is so young looking and fresh faced that even leading three other people in a six minute mile, is able to make eye contact, smile, and say Good Morning (in a good, strong voice).  I want to kill  and hurt others when running an 8 minute mile. I don't know what it's like going any faster than that, but I can't imagine being friendly or concientious while doing it.  Then came Sasha, pulling Josse on the end of a rope.  She and I smiled at each other while passing, and it was a little bit funny, if not for the intense concentration on Sasha's part to perform this really grueling work out. All I can say is, I'd rather be at the back end of that rope rather than the front.  Which is precicely why I couldn't run a 10K in under 50:00 minutes.  Those guys are just amazing.

Today is my daughter's birthday.  She was born, 11 years ago today at 8:03 in the morning after 54 hours of  labor.  Happy birthday sweetheart.  You just remember who birthed you, that's all I ask. 

Josse was kind enough to suggest we go for a 10 mile run this morning. I was really excited to try and keep a 8:00 to 8:15 pace sustained for 10 miles with a seasoned, experienced new running friend. It was going to be so fun to get to know her, etc, etc. Then, at 5:45 a.m. right before I was walking out the door, I could not find my keys (we won't mention names here, but lets just say they were in someone's pocket who left for Salt Lake at 5:00 a.m.).  Anyway.....I jumped on my mountain bike (I know! That old heavy one I used to ride to work---before I had kids--) and rode 7.5 miles as fast as I could.  I showed up 15 minutes late, Josse was gone (by the way--I don't wait either--- so I'm not offended or sad in the very least).  But when I got to Will's Pit Stop, I realized I didn't even have a chain for the bike, so I asked the station attendant if he would hide my bike in the back.  THEN, I started running toward the canyon.  I ran almost three slowish miles (8:40's) into those strong morning canyon winds and around there found Josee running back down the canyon.  So I turned around and ran back with her.  I was determined to try and do 6 at least, but missed it by a few 10ths.  Shoot, can we try that again Josse?  That was wholly unsatisfying until those last 2.85 miles (8:31,7:41, 8:01)--then it was too late.  Also, I sense about 10 million stories you have to tell me, and I'm ready to hear them....  Anyway, riding home fast on my bike, soaking wet from the run was a little bit CHILLY.  When I got back I looked and my Garmin had never stopped.  I rode 7.5 miles home and those BIKE miles averaged 5:00 m/m. Isn't what those fast runners do while RUNNING?  I couldn't have even ridden my bike in a race against them and won.  Man.  Anyway, saw Sasha and Jeff finishing their run just as I was getting closer to home.  I can't even tell you how un-interested I am in doing a triathalon right now.

I really, truly intended to keep my mileage under 40 this week.  I swear it. Only one more long run this week, I promise.... But who can resist running a few extra miles with company?  I ran on my own for about 5 miles with the dogs, and then ran into Jeff and Sasha who invited me for a few more.  So I turned around and was going to just go a couple more for fun. But then, completley unprovoked, they offered to sing.  Of course, I've read about this in past blogs, and so was naturally curious to hear it for myself.  Jeff, sang a completely beautiful rendition --well sustained, well controlled, pitch/diction perfect version of the star spangled banner.  We never went faster than 8:36 m/m so I figured that was to Jeff's advantage over the 5:30 m/m songs of past blogs. Sasha sang his rendition as well. But let's just say he's not as pitch perfect as Jeff.  Then, they asked me score them.  I gave Jeff an 8.5 and Sasha a 6 (at first). I said they each got a base of 3 points just for singing while running, and then I gave Sasha 1 'non-native' bonus point.  But he said those points didn't count.  So, Sorry Sasha, that leaves you at about a 2.  But hey, you sure can run fast, and you program a mean blog!   Thanks guys, you made my morning.

I did not sleep very much last night.  So I treated Josse to 8 miles of sheer boltushka style running.  Josse!  Welcome to Luz's world at fatrunningslob.com -- ruining the reputation of elite atheletes since 2008!  We ran 4 (9:14/8:52/8:51/8:54) into the canyon wind uphill-ish and 4 back down (8:25/8:25/8:19/8:21).  The great news is I've gone 5 days, (6-10 miles at a time) with NO STOPPING and holding steady near or under a BQT pace.  Oops, I just forgot we did stop for a drink at mile 6.  Darn.  I can't resist that cold, fresh artesian water fountain at the mouth of the canyon. Came home and ran a few more miles with Sarah.  I'm not sure I can get through my week now without her.  It's Friday! TGIF or whatever, I've almost made it.

I ran the canyon this morning with Catherine and Amanda. The word of the day is gratitude.  I am so grateful for these runs.  I am so grateful for amazing women to run with.  I am so grateful for strength and health.  I am so grateful to be outside. I could not have made it through this week without these blessings.  Or maybe now the stress of the week is over and I finally got 8 full hours of sleep last night, I'm just high from being well rested.  But I am grateful, even for that. 

Slow start to the week.  This is the third Monday to run the afternoon instead of the morning shift.  I've felt the last few weeks that I need extra energy on Monday mornings to attack my week. Besides, those afternoon runs are sumptuous. No fast running because I'm tired, and it's all golden sunlight, floating cotton, and rushing river. I had houseguests from California the past 4 days who asked me the last day they were here, when I ran.  I told them I ran every morning before they woke up.  In fact, on three of those days, I'd run more than 10 miles before they woke up.  For the amount of energy I use to run and then write about it here in this blog, I'm really proud to say that people around me hardley even know I do it.  I don't know why this pleases me so much.  It's like having having a really important secret that never needs to be divulged and can't be wrecked by the personal agendas or judgement of others.  I know running is probably boring to anyone who doesn't do it, so I REVEL in the fact that I have a place to record it, obess about it, love it to its fullest extent, and try to get better at it--without ever having to talk about it to anyone who doesn't care.  I feel like I've just made some kind of freudian admission....but anyone who blogs here, must understand a little, right?

I woke with a splitting headache of migrane proportions.  It must be all that jaw clenching I do during the night.  My goal today was to go out 6 miles, no stopping, and to do it quick--no pickups or 200m's--just quick.  Also, I didn't want to look at my watch until the end.  I didn't feel particularly fresh, but ended up averageing the 6 miles at 8:29.  That's a good pace to aim for if I want to qualify for Boston and add a few strech/bathroom stops. 8:24/8:24/8:20/8:29/8:26/8:46/8:40     So I've been thinking about why it pleased me so much to be able to run and have people around me not know about it.  First, the obvious.  It's nice to have something deeply personal and satisfying that no one, save God, can take away from you.  Second, is the weird addictive nature of running.  So I'm addicted to running and I'm pleased that other people don't know about it.  Hmmm.  I guess it's a step up from all that meth and pornography...

No one is more thrilled than me that Josse's recovery day is a perfect training day for me. Not quite deserving the term tempo run quite yet.  But Josse performed her service project for the day by pushing me (whining and wincing) through two fast miles (I'm usually not that big of a baby I swear it, but I'm happy to say that I'm now past the fear of completley coming apart in front of others). That's where the weakness lives and I'm going to conquer it and smooth it over.  I can, can,can :)  That was for Josse. Thank you!

Even though today felt a little low energy for me, I'm confident to report that my new threshold is 7:19-7:30 as opposed to the 8:02 of just last month.  I do want to average 8:15's eventually for long runs, but I'd like to be able to tempo 4 at sub 8:00 before summer's over without over training before St. George. 

Ave pace 8:29 (with 3 stops). Whew.

My Friend Camden is visiting from Texas and came to run with me today.  She's the kind who flys to Utah so she can run WBR, Top of Utah, and other Utah Marathons.  But she was only up to 6 miles this morning.  I should have put in a few extra miles before she came around, darn.  But I have a huge Annual Board Meeting this evening and felt like maybe this could be my recovery week, since trying to reduce my mileage last week didn't work out so well. It doesn't seem like it would be hard to run UNDER 50 miles, but around here it is.  We saw Sasha on the trail and I yelled out "Day 1!" meaning -- day one of my pure eating agenda.  I'm pretty good about how I eat and feed my kids anyway, but I'm really going to knock it into high gear to see how it affects me. So no refined anything, high impact proteins/legumes (thanks for that suggestion Josse), and maybe a few amino acids.  Yummy.  Anyone care to comment on diet (high impact, high protien, complex carbs -- real foods) here is welcome.  I'm taking suggestions.

I ran 2.5 quick warm up miles before Camden came to run a little more than 6 with me down the trail.  The mosquitos near the lake are insufferable.  I think I might get a surgical mask. They don't just fly into your eyes or mouth--they never touch any part of you--they just fly straight into the cilia of your bronchial tubes.  Just try and cough them up, go on, try.  Summer is here for sure.  I ran up to see Sarah, but she'd already finished her miles for the day so we chatted and walked around the block (so maybe one of my miles is a wogging mile). I love Friday!! Ave pace for the 13 miles (including the walking) 9:41.

Today was the big test for Catherine (12 weeks post c-section).  We ran 10 last Saturday and 14 this week.  It was probably too big a jump, but really we were supposed to run 12 last week. She felt great after the run last week.  So we agreed to try to get 'up to schedule' this Saturday.   She had to take it really slow, and is just so proud she's out there doing it (and at a 9:24 m/m average).  I know it was a long run, but I actually felt like I was holding back.  On mile 7 going past Vivian Park toward Big Springs, I felt unbelievably strong going up that hill, and I just wanted to lay into it and push.  Why can I run an 8:00 m/m uphill, but can't seem to maintain it on a flat stretch?  Hills feel good to me.  We also ran pretty fast coming down (sub 8:00's).  I'm learning about downhill running and am getting much better at it.  By mile 12,  I was really feeling like I needed to put the pedal to the metal and so I ran two 7:45 minute miles (13 & 14) and then ran back a bit and waited for Catherine.  How annoying is it when your running partner is just that chipper?  I'm sorry Catherine, I couldn't help it. It felt so good.  I just hope this level of fitness can last or, better yet, improve until October. I wish I could have pushed even harder today, I had it in me.  I came home and ate this little bag of whole grain ceral (like 9 grain) called Rock-it Fuel that I got at the Moab Half Marathon in my goodie bag.  It's got flax, oats, millet,  sunflower & sesame seeds, raisins/bluberries, and other stuff.  It was so yummy, I ate it while sitting in a cool  bath. I wonder if I'm the only person who eats in the tub. I do that alot actually. Is that weird?

I may not have actually slept 7 hours last night.  I try to go to bed early, but I rarely can sleep well on Sunday nights.  By 6:30, I was just proud to get out of bed and get out there.  I ran a soft warm up mile, and met Sasha and Jeff down the trail.  I then ran 3 faster miles--but three all together without stopping (8:24/8:00/8:17) Sasha's watch had me going a little faster, but I'll take these times (a little uphill none-the-less).  We stopped at the house for a while to try and get the heart rate monitor hooked up to the Garmin --to no avail.  While I stood there fidgeting with the Garmin, the sweat was just dripping down my arms.  The overcast, humidity always makes for great sweating --or as I like to call it "hero sweating."  A pretty schizophrenic running pattern today, but a great start to the week.  Day 4 with no processed / refined foods or sugar, or chocolate :(  I have not  yet become homicidal, but the day is still young.

Today was my last run with Amanda. I drove across the valley to where she's staying (before they move to Virginia) and we ran on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, up against the foothill. I'm not gonna lie, it was hard. It's the kind where it's lucky if you can keep it under 10:00 m/m without twisting an ankle. Steep up and down hills, dirt trails, sand & rocks. But what a way to break out of a rut (mentally and physically). Amanda was telling me that's how Cross Country was back in New York...all trails. And it reminded me of all my East County San Diego trails (minus the jackrabbits and rattlesnakes). It was fun to run those up and down hills together in the really early morning light. I will miss her. She is the toughest, strongest, strawberry blond, tiny girl I've ever known. If you saw her on the street, you'd think she was adorable, and you'd have no idea how tough she is. Those are my favorite kind of people, the kind you wrongly underestimate. It's been a pleasure to know her. Maybe I'll have good reason to go more often to the East coast, or heck, I may just move there in the next few years. I came home and threw in an extra 3 on the flat trail. I always feel guilty running without the dogs, so I thought they needed a few miles too. It was all slow running (the whole 8 averaged 10:00 m/m). But I have a lot of miles to run this week, so taking it easy and breaking it up today was a good opportunity. Farewell Amanda....

Ran a really slow 8 miles with Josse up the canyon.  I would now like to report on the eating.  Today is day 6 without maltodextrin (fake sugar), refined flour/sugar, hydrogenated anything, and chocolate (and so far no red meat--although it's not banned).  I have been eating nine grain cereal, nectarines, eggs, fresh salsa, black/pinto beans, brown rice, whole wheat tortillas, talpia/salmon, cantelope, mustard greens/kale/beetgreens, beets, salads, broccoli, garden tomatoes, cilantro, and chicken. In addition, I have been taking calcium/magnesium, vitimin D, a B-spectrum, fish/flax/borage/olive oil,  I have been snacking on raw foods flax crackers, almonds, hazlenuts, and sunflour seeds.  During the day, I feel great-- light and good energy.  However, my body has spent much energy 'evacuating' old inventory, and the running is VERY, VERY, HARD.  Today, I could barely maintain an 8:50 pace.  I was tired, low energy, and had to stop for a desperate vpb (a very V of the pb I might add). I thought Monday was just Monday (hard to get going and stay moving), I thought yesterday it was the hills, but today there was no excuse and I just dragged myself through 8 miles.  I will do this for one month.  Josse said that it would take 2 weeks to really get used to (detox) and to be sure and stay hydrated.  I know she's right.  So, I will go for one month because I said I would. But man am I glad I didn't decide to do this the month before St. George.  I was hoping it would give me more running energy, not drain it. Also, as some weird byproduct--I can't sleep at night.  I do have trouble sometimes sleeping-- but I think it's the chocolate withdrawl.  I always eat 2-3  squares of  70% cocoa dark Swiss chocolate a day.  But since I started this thing, I am not sleeping more than 6 hours (laying in bed for a least 2 hours before falling asleep).  I did not anticipate this many truly noticable side effects up front.  I didn't think I ate that differently and even now can't put my finger on what the biggest 'sacrifice' has been.  Maybe red meat and chocolate. I think I need to add in some almond butter, yougurt and banana today for some extra calories or something.  Thanks Josse for sticking with me today!  You wanted a recovery run, you got it. 

Who loves PIONEER DAY? I DO! I got a Gold Medal and everything.

I was actually planning a 10 mile run today, but Camden suggested the Pioneer Day 10K Classic in Provo. It's a hilly course, which I love, so I thought putting my thick pioneer calf muscles to good use today would be a great tribute to my Danish grandmother who came across the plains with one of Handcart Companies.

I ran a 2.5 mile warm up up and down University Ave. and then went to meet Camden who is staying at her mom's (.4 from the start). It was so home-town, but well organized. I was excited about "the hill" ("Goliath" as they were promoting it). They even had a bag-piper at the foot of it playing for the runners. It's not like I PR'd or anything, But I got first in my age division and 31st overall (well, there were only like 200 people in the race). But it was a good run. I kept it steady and strong. I loved the uphill parts and found a great downhill stride, but lost a little steam on the last mile (mostly because I was mis-directed by a volunteer right before mile 5 who shuted me into the 5K race, where a block later, another volunteer recognized my 10K sticker and told me to go back (I had missed the 10K turn). It's ok, a few extra tenths today. Jeff won the whole thing (but technically tied because of some glitch with the chip). He needed a ride home because his wife had to take the car to get to work. So I gave him a ride. He still had to get to work himself. I was thinking, what is that like? Get up in the morning, take first in a race, get a little money and a beautiful winners watch, and then head off to work. I guess I'll never know.... because I have the day off. My daughter loved my gold medal and has been wearing it for half an hour. I said "live it up sweety, that may be Mama's only gold medal EVER." It's no Deseret News Marathon, but Happy Pioneer Day!

I was not sure about how long Catherine wanted to run on Saturday, so I switched my long run to today. Although I felt strong yesterday, performance running is different than regular training, so my legs were a little tired and I kept having issues (thirsty, foot pain, bathroom stops).  My friend Marisa drove out from Mapleton, and we ran the canyon.  Only, at Bridal Veil Falls, they had the whole thing cordoned off due to the fire that was started last night, so we had to turn around and run my least favorite part of the trail twice to accumulte the miles.  So twice uphill, twice against the mouth-of-the-canyon winds in the early a.m.  I hope that somehow that counts as reisistance training.  Marisa is a really fast runner, but has only ever run a half marathon.  She was really pleased to go 17 miles today. It was good to have her along.  We got in about 4 faster downhill miles (8:17/8:22/8:13/8:27) but the average run was 8:52 by the garmin, but adding in bathroom and drink stops, the average was more like 9:17.  But it feels good to have a 17 miler in the bank already  I can't wait to run my favorite trails in Marblehead, Cape Cod MA, and Newport, RI next week. I may be able to squeeze one in to Providence RI as well.  Running with a view of the ocean is so fantastic, I can't wait.  I was going to go to NYC but decided to spend more time with family and friends in MA.  I always run in the same place in the city (Hudson River Parkway), and it's hard on my feet, ankles, and hips (it's granite flagstone).  Today, I'm going to spend afteroon lounging with Catherine and the kids at her pool..  I can't believe how lucky to have these past two days to relax--and that's before my real vacation even starts.  Bonus.

I saved my run today until 7:30 p.m. I wanted more than 24 hours between my long run yesterday, and today.  It was basically a recovery run.  If I wasn't so tired, I would love to run in the afternoons. The light is so special this time of day; golden, mellowed.  Then half way through my run grey clouds came quickly, dark and low.  The wind picked up in the tops of the trees.  I got a few drops of rain.  I turned back to look over the alfalfa fields, and the grey clouds had white veils falling from them, then fingers of lightening reached out of the clouds down to the lake. The setting sun, just peeking out of a few grey clouds as it approached the Ochre Mountains.  The small black birds scattered and diving above the fields in the wind.  Summer rain is so sultry. I am sometimes overcome by how beautiful the outside world can be. 

I had to get out the door by 5:15 a.m. so I could be at the airport by 8:30. It was pitch black, so I ran around the neighborhood for a mile, once it started getting light, I hit the main river trail. The wind from the storm last night left tree branches everywhere. It was like a steeplechase. Matt K was out that early, and warned me of upcoming debris. At first I thought "I'll just go to the bottom of the trail." Then, "I'll just go to the 5 mile mark to make an even 6 miles." When I got there, I thought "Well, I'm here now, I might as well go to the very, very end." I'd gone faster than usual and had saved time (enough to stuff another mile in there). That's unusual for my Monday morning energy level. I have to say I've recovered nicely from the 17 miler on Friday. I had my Garmin all packed away for the trip, I probably PR'd those 7.8, but without a watch or Garmin, I guess we'll never know. Just as I was finishing the run, along came the running posse. Sasha and invited me to with them. I know they were recovery running post marathon, and so it would have been a fine time to join the party. I love my little river trail, I'll miss it. But tommorrow I hope to be blogging my run from Marblehead, MA.

Cornflower, Queen Anne's Lace, Wild Larkspur, Verigated Ivy, Fern, Rasberries (not ready, I tested), wild yellow Sweet Peas, Laurel and Mullberry. These are the flowers, plants and trees along the Salem Bike trail that runs from Salem to Marblehead. I ran to the middle of town to catch the bike trail, which was paved, then crosses 1A/114 and turns to gravel. It's a good leg of Nagshead Bay, and then carries on behind dove grey wooden shingled houses, with white clapboard windows, on Nagshead. The foiliage is amazing. People's yards are filled with the most obscene color and lushness. Huge Hydrangia, Flox of every color, and huge Tiger and Day Lilies for heaven's sake. The yards are so fragrant, and effortlessly green. I ran down Pleasant Street, where the sidewalks are made of brick and the shops are tiny with huge windows. I passed Three Cod Tavern, the Gut and Feather club (a badmitton club), the Chowder House (pronouced Chawdah) and a Talbots, situated across the street from a 7-11. But this 7-11 has a tiny sign above the door, and sits unobtrusively into adorable space between specialty shops, antique, and art stores. I ran up Washington, past the Muffin Man. If you think Mormon's are proud of their grandchildren, come to Marblehead where all the Jewish Grandparents talk loudly outside the muffin shop in their New York and Boston accents about how 'Adourable and Smahrt" their little grandbabies are. They walk around town with their grandchildren in $7,000 prams while their children (who came up from the city to visit mom and pop's vacation home) luxuriously sleep in after making all that hard-earned money. I ran past the town hall where the painting "Spirit of '76" is housed, and up to the cemetary to visit my favorite grave "Abagail Goodfellow." I love her epitaph "As you are now, so once was I." She died at 21 giving birth in 1794, and is buried next her daughter, who died 12 years later. I stood at the top of the hill and observed the Boston Skyline at a distance, and then ran back to Salem. I always have to remind myself, that had I lived in Salem as a Puritan, I probably would have been one of those women burned at the stake for witchcraft-- mostly just for talking too much and not knowing when to keep my opinion to myself. The trail felt good under my feet on the way back. I ended my run by taking off my running shoes and diving into the water at the little beach at the end of Ocean Drive, just behind the docks.

I ran around old Salem City Today waaay before business hours. Up and down brick streets, the Peabody Essex Museum, witchcraft shops, the marina and then back over to Marblehead on the Salem trail. I bought a book this morning over in Rockport where I lunched on lobster cobb salad. I got a copy of Audubon's Guide to New England and so I may be ammending the names of some of the fauna from yesterdays report. I still can't help from stopping in the many, many cemetaries around the towns. Apparently the 1700's was really popular era to die around here. And everyone who died was between the ages of 20-46. Actually, I think it's more an interesting statement on the art/craft of headstone makers in that era.  There were 3 headstone craftsman in that decade and almost all the headstones in New England of this ear can be traced back to one of those three craftsmen.  I love the ones with the skeletons in the center with a laurel leaf crown holding the sun in one hand and the moon in the other.  Today's headstone favorite: Susannah Jayne, Amiable wife and Consort of Peter Jayne. She died 46 years of her age April 2, 1776. Universally missed. I thought about what my eptitaph might say. I'm pretty darn sure wouldn't say "amiable wife", "or universally missed". It might say: "She was one tough Mother....with a capital M."

I slept with my head next to an open window and it rained a good portion of the night. The house I stayed in is right next to the ocean and so all night long the smell of fresh rain, and ocean drifted in through the window. When I got up to run, the fog was low and misty. I had to catch the ferry to Nantucket in the early afternoon and so I ran a really uninpsired 9 whatever miles. I knew I wanted to run at least 4 of them kind of fast, so I just stuck with the Salem trail and ran it twice. I averaged 8:37 for those 4 miles. Not a true tempo run, but better than the meandering I'd been doing the past two days. The moisture in the air was so thick it condensed on the hairs of my arms. I looked down and my arms were coated with a white, mositure film. It was like a running in a sauna. I picked some of the flowers along the trail, put them into my Nathan waterpack, and then pressed them into my travel journal when I got home. Off to the island of Nantucket to visit my cousin. Funny fact. When I got to Boston, the friends I was visiting were both looking very svelt and healthy. So I asked them what they had been doing lately to look so good. The told me that last October they had given up refined sugar. So my days at their house was no problem to keep the no refined sugar/choclate promise. But there are many, many days left of my vacation.....Hmmm.