Weekly Log 2-7-11 to 2-13-11

Monday: 7 miles - Rome Point trails and beach with Brad.  I wasn't sure what the conditions would be after a warm weekend with rain and the temperature again in the mid 40's.  The main trails were in great shape - the ice is now mushy on top, solid underneath.  However, the going on the side trails was very tiring, as every couple of steps you would sink in a few inches.  Despite wearing just shorts and one layer on top, I was still hot and sweaty, and ran most of it without my hat and gloves.  Good run.  Total time: 52:31. 

Tuesday: .15 miles - Quonset Bike Path alone.  I've officially had it.  I finally was getting energized to do a workout on the bike path today figuring it would now be clear of snow, but maybe wet with the rain today.  I left the office at a good time - the rain had stopped, the temperature was still high (38), and the howling winds hadn't arrived quite yet.  Upon arrival at the parking lot, I could see that the bike path was plowed in and still covered with snow.  Ugh.  I figured I would see what would happen since I still had some enthusiasm for running at this point.  I ran the .075 mile of pavement, hopped over the snow bank, sank into the snow, cursed, and returned to my car.  I debated running a couple of miles of roads, and drove around still slightly hopeful I would think of something appealing.  Nada.  Nothing.  I need some running inspiration.  Total time: 1 minute 19 seconds. 

Wednesday: 9 miles - Rome Point trails 7M and beach 2M with Gip.  I almost ran roads until it came time to actually run them.  Instead, I ran with my coworker in the woods which was a much better idea.  The main trails were hard packed with frozen slush on top and pretty runable.  The side trails were frozen, but littered with inches deep boot holes, and a little treacherous.  It was still way better than running on an annoying road!  We ran the southern edge to the beach, and then made it all the way to the bridge and back.  After 4 miles, I continued on alone.  Parts of the main trail to the point were sheets of ice.  However, I was pleased how good of shape the Cedar Grove trail was so I ran it twice.  I was pleased with my pace.  I'm probably going to be sore tomorrow.  Total time: 1:10:01. 

Thursday: 0 - stayed home with the kids, checked out the Kettle Pond Visitor Center, and explored my woods. 

my house viewed from the bottom of the hill

yellow bellied sapsucker(?) holes on a beech tree

A nest high up in a beech tree

pileated woodpecker holes on white oak

Friday: 9 miles - Wickford roads alone.  I mapped a route and tried not to pay attention to the mileage markers.  Unfortunately I saw where the 5 mile mark was and I always know where mile 1 is.  Of course, I checked my watch at the latter, saw 6:56, decided to keep it up, and at 5 miles I was at 35:20.  The race was on!  Why do I always do this?  I picked it up and ran the last couple of miles pretty hard.  I was pleased at my total time - 61:29, but annoyed that I didn't have the self control not to race myself. 

Saturday: 16 miles - Avondale/Watch Hill/Misquamicut/Weekapaug roads and beach with Muddy.  I was happy that I didn't wake up sore from my "race" yesterday.  I was a little concerned about the 11 degree temperature as I drove to the starting point, but happy that it was a balmy 20 there.  Muddy and I talked over (me obsessed over) what to/not to run with.  I ended up going with a water bottle and some Power Gels.  We took off in the frigid air in our eerily similar running attire.  My body definitely wasn't feeling as strong as it should, but fun conversation makes you not really notice.  We took the short road out to the Watch Hill light and briefly stopped to check the views and the birds.  Then we hit the beach and ran towards Weekapaug (5+ miles away).  I was excited about this, as I had never passed by the salt ponds between Watch Hill and Misquamicut (we found the spot where the ocean occasionally breaches), raced the tide around a couple of grandfathered rock walls (impeding our rights to the shoreline), and ran in front of the waterfront homes of Altantic Avenue.  At the breachway, we stopped and I refueled with the Power Gels - which were delicious and definitely gave me a boost.  It was nice to be off the sand, but Shore Road was a chore road.  We smiled and waved at a group of cyclists that unsurprisingly went unreturned.  Then a brown mutt chased us down, passed us, and ran in front of us for a mile.  Finally we passed by, but he held on for another mile, before giving up.  I hope he made it home.  We stopped again to check out an overlook at the Glacier Park.  I half joked that I would wait here for Muddy to finish and then pick me up.  My legs were tired.  We managed the last two road miles and returned to our cars.  We were happy with the effort throughout.  Great run!  Total time: 2:01:55. 

Sunday: 0 - family swim at the Y - nice to loosen up my legs and also a family hike in our woods. 

Overall:  Good week.  I was happy to get a long run in finally.  I'm hoping for a normal week of work and weather coming up. 

Weekly Total: 41 miles
Last Week: 33 miles
Year to Date: 240 miles