Weekly Log: 2.4.13 - 2.10.13

Monday - Smithfield, RI - 3 miles

I didn't have much time before work so I opted to do a short run in my New Balance 730s.  I definitely changed my form a bit when I ran in these - there's not much cushioning so occassionally I would land with my heel and I'd really feel it.   I think once I get a few more short runs in I'll feel much more comfortable with them.

Tuesday - 0 miles

P90X Chest & Back (60 minutes)
Ab Ripper X (15 minutes)

My calves were really tight when I woke up from yesterday's run in the 730s.  After some stretching and the P90X warm-up they began to loosen up.  My right elbow began to hurt near the beginning of the second Chest & Back round during the push-up routines (just like what happened during Chest, Shoulders & Triceps a few weeks back.)  I'm not sure if it's a form issue or what but it's annoying.

Wednesday - 0 miles

P90X Yoga X (60 minutes)

Thursday - Smithfield, RI - 7 miles

I needed to get a good run in and I didn't want to end up in the woods behind Fidelity again.  I hadn't been to the Powder Mills Wildlife Refuge in a while and it seemed like a good choice.  For those not in the know, you take Putnam Pike up in Smithfield to get there.  It's on the opposite side of the road from the Apple Valley Cinema (is that even there anymore?)

The refuge itself isn't very large - just a few short trails through pine woods.  But it leads to the power lines and from there you can take the access road all the way to that Baptist church that's alongside 295 South.  Between the church and Putnam Pike exit there's a huge network of ATV and dirtbike trails.  There's also a giant sandpit where these crazed bikers get together and do stunts in celebration of their Moon God.  They left a few of their gloves nailed to sticks in the sandpit, no doubt as a warning to trespassers like myself.

There was evidence of recent activity in the pit, but it the sand was mostly frozen over and I had the trails to myself.  I must commend the bikers on their use of orange flags, they were hung liberally throughout the woods, making it easy to follow the various double and single track trails.  I enjoy running here and there are some cool vantage points from which to look down on 295.  One day I'd like to string together all these power line access roads for one huge hilly run.  Probably not legal but definitely epic.

Friday - 0 miles

Saturday - 0 miles

Blizzard knocked out our power and dumped a lot of snow on us.  Spent the day shoveling and keeping warm with the wood stove.

Sunday - Brrr-lingame 5 Miler - 6.8 miles

Brutal but beautfiul insane trail race.  Race report here.

Weekly Mileage: 16.6 miles

Year to Date: 152.4 miles