Farewell to Smithfield Weekly Log: 4.7.14 - 4.13.14

And so my time in Smithfield comes to an end.  I've gotten a new job over in East Providence that starts on Thursday.  I will really miss the trails in this section of Rhode Island.  Wolf Hill had become one of my favorite places to run and the hills there kept me honest.  The Snake Den was another great area with challenging and sketchy trails.  Even the roads up here were enjoyable with lots of rolling hills and farmland.  And of course the trails behind Fidelity were where I cut my teeth as a trail runner.  Miles of rocky singletrack crafted by dirt bikers - these were not easy trails to run.  I credit a lot of my success at last year's NipMuck marathon to training on these trails.  But a change of scenery was long overdue and I'm looking forward to exploring the roads of Providence and the woods of Seekonk (for if there's one thing I now know, it's that trails are everywhere.  You just gotta find them.)

Monday - Charlestown/Smithfield, RI - 9.7 miles

My legs are completely beat to shit from two straight days of racing.  Quads, calves, hammies - they all feel ready to seize up if I just look at 'em funny.  This would've been an ideal day to take off but duty and nostalgia forced my hand.

First up was a dog jog.  Amanda's in California through Wednesday so the early morning constitutionals with Oliver fall upon me.  Calf almost seized up just putting my socks on but once we got out there it was alright, though I think my gait was more of a shuffle.  Even with an extra slow pace the jog was punishing and I was happy when we got back to the house.

Then up at work I ran the trails behind the office for the last time.  I wouldn't have any time on Tuesday or Wednesday so today was my only window.  It was a few hours since the dog jog and the legs had a little more life in them.  I started on a long dirt road that heads into the woods.  I was afraid there would be Big River-eque water hazards but apparently the road drains well.  After about a mile I jumped onto single track.  I was able to string together about five miles of my favorite trails.  The legs held up pretty well but I was taking it very easy and towards the end I could really feel it.  One last beautiful morning in the quiet woods of Smithfield.  Farewell.

Tuesday - Charlestown, RI - 2.1 miles

170 push-ups (standard/military/wide) 20/20/30/30/20/30/20

My legs!  If it had been raining I'd have told Oliver to sod off but it was only misting and so out we went.  10 minute miles and it felt plenty fast enough for me.  That should give you an idea of how the ol' legs are feeling.

Wednesday - Charlestown, RI - 4 miles

Legs are finally starting to shake off the lethargy.  Was able to extend the dog jog this morning which felt good.  Last day of work in Smithfield.  Coworkers gave me a nice send-off.  Feels weird to finally be leaving after 7.5 years.

Thursday - Charlestown, RI - 5.2 miles

Another good dog jog as sunrise swept over the land.  Thanks to the jogs I'm getting decent mileage this week despite only one dog-less run.  New office is small, informal and very different from corporate America.  But a nice change.  With an hour lunch I'll guess I'll have to get used to doing some lunch runs though today I was content to just take a short walk.

After work I headed down to Westerly for the WTAC trail series victory party.  I jogged over to Grey Sail Brewery where we had some tasty brews and toured the facility.  Then another short jog back to the car (kudos to Galoob for running with a full growler) before walking over to the pizza joint for lots of pizza pie.  Most departed after that but a few of us continued on to the Malted Barley.  I can report that Founder's KBS is indeed all that.  Great evening with an awesome group of guys (and Beth!)

Friday - East Providence, RI - 5.1 miles

Early reports of rain proved incorrect and I decided to take my first stab at a lunch run.  Ran across the nearby bridge to check out Blackstone Park.  Small wooded area with smooth trails.  Bunch of people with dogs enjoying the weather and none of the beasts proved troublesome.  I have a feeling city dogs are used to ignoring runners.  Hilly little park actually.  Grabbed a short segment to let the Strava World know that I have arrived.  Back at work, I cooled off and cleaned up as best I could.  There's no shower here so making myself presentable after future lunch runs will definitely require some practice.

Saturday - Carter Preserve, Charlestown, RI - 14.5 miles

Met up with Jonny at the entrance to Carter Preserve on Route 112.  We both ran there from our respective houses.  For me it was a 5:50 AM start.  Legs were pretty tired and we were both happy to keep the pace easy and casual.  Lots of race talk.  After about six miles of trails in the preserve we went our separate ways back home.  Just before I hit Route 2 I heard a gunshot and then rounded the corner to find a cop and another fellow standing over the body of a deer.  Guess the guy had hit it.  Took the Narragansett trail back instead of Route 2 to change things up.  Good run to start the Saturday.

Sunday - Rest day

Weekly Mileage: 40.9 miles

Year to Date: 582.1 miles

A different sort of week with the last Smithfield run to start things off then lots of dog jogging.  Happy that I was able to hit 40 miles despite the unorthodox schedule.  Back up to 50 next week?