Objective: Endurance + bit of MP Weather: Started out in the 30's with some fog, very frosty. After the sun came up the wind turned and became quite strong (Bf. 6-7), warm and cool pockets in the neighborhood. I felt very sluggish today, so yay for me on running the miles I intended to run. My intention to run about 10 of them at MP was quickly dashed by my tiredness, but I did get the 3 at least. Things got really slow towards the end when I was all tuckered out from the wind, but I'm so proud of myself for staying out and finishing the job. That wind! Wow. It was so strong up in Deer Park that when I was running into it I felt like I was on a treadmill. Running, running, and going nowhere. But in the interest of positive thinking, I shall list 5 things that were good about today's jaunt in the wind: 1) it felt playful at times, 2) it wasn't raining, 3) I didn't have to handle it in the dark today & the sight of the fall colors in motion was a visual treat, 4) when the sun came out the wind kept me cool, 5) I believe it makes me stronger, physically and mentally. Thoughts about calendars: 1) In my personal, paper running log, I always count my weekly mileage starting on Monday. That way I get the long run included in a one-a-week fashion, whether I do it on Saturday or Sunday. According to that reckoning, I ran a little over 56 miles this week. Not bad for week 3 after a marathon! 2) I see I've got 6 weeks until CIM. I hope I can get some intensity packed into the next 2-4 weeks. But I am determined not to stress out too much over this race. I am shooting for a happy day above all else. And finally, here is your random tidbit about wind, trees and autumn. Just skip this if you already know all about the botany of trees; I like to think about this stuff on days like today. The strong winds of autumn actually help a tree in its task of moving vital nutrients from the leaves down into the roots for winter storage. When triggered by shorter days, cooler temps and other atmospheric changes, the tree sends hormone-like chemicals to the leaves to signal "time to store up." One side effect of this chemical is the autumn color that appears in the leaves. As the wind bends the branches, the slow progress of nutrients to the roots is assisted. And in spring, the winds will help nutrients return to the top for new growth. "To every thing, turn, turn, turn..."
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