FitFool

Despite my griping about the steepness of the hills, I have to admit the views are really rewarding. Off to the side there's a salt marsh and beyond it is a beach on the bay side. And when I do finish the run, I definitely get a sense of accomplishment even if it's a short run.

( more pictures of the view )

Back in 2002, I decided to run the Yankee Homecoming 10 mile race on a whim. I wanted to run a half-marathon in the fall so I thought it would be a good benchmark. The only problem was that it was hot and I had never run that far before. I finished in a little under 2 hours and was clearly bringing up the rear. Had to walk a lot. Lonely finish. Many of the runners had already packed up and gone home and they were out of the good food.

( But this year I got my revenge. )

65F to 68F. Sunny. Another somewhat sluggish-feeling day but not as bad as yesterday. Two 3-mile loops in 31:17, 29:41. Ate a bowl of oatmeal first. Came back and had another oatmeal, bowl of cereal, and glass of orange juice and some gatorade. Still not quite enough to top off in terms of enough carbs. I've been reading up on proper diets for runners. I'm not looking at diets for losing weight...just what kinds of nutrients should I be getting. Lots and lots of carbs is the main consensus. There's still a sizable contingent of Atkins runners who limit their carb intake. I'm shocked that works. I tend to eat whatever I feel like but in moderation. So I'll eat ice cream, just not the entire tub. But one nice side effect of running is that I'm paranoid I won't have enough nutrients to keep running so I eat healthier now. I'll try to make sure I get in enough vegetables and vitamins to balance things out. I also work harder at making sure I get enough sleep every night. Seems to have paid off. I used to get a really bad bout of bronchitis every year (sometimes multiple times in a winter). But I haven't had it since I started running. Even during the years where I hardly ran, the more nutritious diet has become a habit so maybe that's helped.
( picture of carbo-loading )

Started 65F cloudy 80% humidity. Ended 74F cloudy/sunny 64% humidity. Actually was a very nice day for running. Tried to keep my heart rate down. in the 150-165 range. No water the whole run because I had stashed the water bottle in the car and Michael had driven off with the car trying to find me to cheer me on. He got home a little later than me and was soooo cranky since he had driven around for an hour without crossing paths with me but he calmed down by the time I showered. Frames of my glasses had come undone at 10 miles and after a minute of fiddling with them, I stuffed them in my pocket and kept running. Classical music and sleeping afterwards.

( picture while out on a lonely road )

82% humidity. Tried to stay strong throughout. Left knee very slightly tender at first. Right calf woke up in a painful cramp. Passed one house that smelled of roses from the flowers blooming along the fence. 47:32 for 5 miles (9:30/mile)
( more pictures from the scenic route )