I ran this morning at 5AM with Marty from a nearby trail running club. He took me out on the trail course for my November marathon. For one thing, we left too early, because it was DARK out there. We couldn’t *really* see the trail, but Marty knew it like the back of his hand, so I felt like I was in good hands. Phew.
We didn’t see any deer or anything remarkable. Unless a big well-groomed poodle is remarkable. He was really fuzzy and cute, and he shoved his chest against the backs of my legs while I was running off (which of course spooked me because I thought he’d run back to his owner). But that’s okay.
The distance felt really good, but I definitely didn’t have more to give by the time it was over. I will grow into that kind of distance, but I’ve been saying after every big run that I feel like I’m still full of energy. Well, this track was just difficult enough and definitely long enough to put the old tucker into my legs. When I got home, I *knew* I’d run a good long distance.
Differences? I barely stopped. Usually, I do 9 minutes of running and 1 minute of walking. I kept a faster pace than normal (Marty’s an accomplished Ultramarathon runner). I felt the benefits of running with a training partner.
Sigh. I don’t have any regularly scheduled partners, so I’m going to try and steal Marty for my Sunday runs for a while.
Maybe I need a headlamp? Anyone have experience?
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds like a very satisfying run! Be mindful of those wild trail poodles!!
When I used to run in the evenings during the winter (when it was dark by 5:30 pm) I would just carry a flashlight with me and shine it on the ground ahead. It wasn’t a big help but it gave me a sense of the ground before me.
~ Lara
I hope Marty will be there for you on Sundays now that ‘wild trail poodles’ are after your well defined calves! :) What a great run and excellent progress for you Chris. Happy trails.
That’s an amazing accomplishment Chris…you’ve come a long way (pun intended) in a short amount of time and should be very proud! I know I’m proud of you!
And is this the same Marty who told you about the Nipmuck? See. You HAVE to do it now…it keeps coming back to you!
Good for you Chris. 1st for the great run and 2nd for the ungosly hour of the morning you did it at!:)
It’s always good to test yourself, and you tested WELL!! Congratulations.
Congrats, Chris. I’m just beginning to get back on the running wagon again, so I know how much work it’s taken to get to where you are.
I’m a teacher, and school is starting on August 31st. My schedule’s pretty free right now, but I’m trying to decide whether or not to get up that early to run. I used to back in the late nineties, and loved it, but you have to get to bed so early, and then there’s the whole not being able to see thing.
Your post gave me something to think about.
GREAT JOB!!!
You really HAVE come a long way my man!