Monday, June 29, 2015

Ragnar Trail Relay New England 2015

I had been interested for a while in doing a relay race but the point-to-point road ones, while cool, seemed to require a lot of planning and equipment.  The idea of traveling together in a smelly van was less than compelling.  When Ragnar announced the trail relay, I was definitely intrigued.  Instead of traveling to each segment of the course, the laps would be three separate trails, each beginning and ending at the trail "village."  The relay was comprised of 24 laps and each of the eight participants would run each of the trails once (masochists could sign up for an ultra team made up of only four runners).  Bob Jackman was committed to fielding a team and did an amazing amount of work to get everything set up.  I was happy and exited to join the team comprised of Jonny Hammett, Jeff Walker, Chris Garvin, Ryan Wooley, Mike Galoob, Jackman and the legendary Boj.

The race began on Friday morning. Teams began in waves that started at 10 AM and continued every half hour until 5 PM.  Faster teams were seeded later and we found ourselves in the last heat.  I drove up with Galoob, Jonny and Wooley. It was a fun ride up and we met Bob and his wife for lunch at a magical restaurant that Jonny had picked out.  After a tasty meal we drove up to Northfield Mountain, the location of the race.  We dropped all the gear off and lugged it up to the primo spot Bob had secured. Tents, tables and chairs were set up - it was like being at a Phish festival except instead of going to concerts we were going to run trails in the woods.

Bob was able to secure sponsorship from Foolproof Brewing so we were decked out in Foolproof hats, shirts, coozies and some sharp looking green singlets.  And of course there were cans of Foolproof to drink.  With several hours to kill before our 5 PM start we checked out the lay of the land, hung out and soaked up the atmosphere.  I was antsy and ready to get going.  Finally our start time was approaching so I got into race gear and went for a short warm-up before we all made our way down to the village.

Fine food and service awaiting us at the classy French King

They scoffed at my peanut butter & bacon sammich but it was the right choice

We had a great setup with tents, table and chairs

Near the end of Lap 1 - Photo by Gameface

Lap 1 - The Green Trail

I was leading off for our team so I was the only one to toe a starting line.  There were 11 teams in this last wave and as soon as we entered the woods the climbing began.  This first lap was only 3.5 miles so I wanted to work hard, figuring that since my next lap would be in the dark I'd be going slower for that one.  I was in second place behind a yellow singlet guy who took off way ahead.  There were other runners on the course but it wasn't difficult to get past them.  But the climbs continued and I was quickly getting tired from both the climbs and the 70 degree temperature.  Finally I resorted to powerhiking the last couple because they were steep and I was worn out.  Beaten already?  Three of the guys I had started with passed me at this point but thankfully we had reached the summit and the next two miles of the course was the descent.  I was keeping up with the three ahead of me on the wide carriage roads.  The three courses converged in narrow singletrack - it might have been difficult passing slower runners here normally but since we were a train of fast folk people heard us coming and made way.  The last half mile is flat grassland and here we caught up to the yellow singlet guy and I was able to pass a couple of the others.  It was fun running back into the village transition area.  Everyone's cheering and there's a great vibe as people are celebrating finishing their lap.  I ran into the transition tent, unclipped the belt holding our team bib and handed it to Jeff as he began the second lap.

I came out of the tent, sweaty and tired as the questions from my teammates began.  As we finished laps we all gave race updates about the trails and conditions and whatnot.  I definitely underestimated the climbs we'd be facing and went out too fast in the first lap.  But I finished pretty close to the predicted time on Jackman's Fantabulous Score Sheet so I was happy overall.  Now I had probably four hours of downtime before it was time to run again.  I chowed on some Boloco mexi bowl, had a beer and hung out at our campsite.  We'd head to the village to cheer on the teammates every time one came into the chute.  They had flatscreens which broadcast when teams were 1/4 mile away from the finish.  Pretty clever and it let the runners and spectators know when to get ready.

Great festival vibe from tent city

The Village - the big white tent is the transition area

Waiting for "Foolproof Brewing Company Jesters" to appear on the screen

Lap 2 - The Red Trail

My second lap began around 9:30 PM and it was the longest one at 6.5 miles.  It was now night so I had to use my headlamp.  The trail was well marked with trail signs that glowed in the light reflection.  I had no trouble following the trail with my lamp on the high setting.  I tried to go at a more conservative pace but the hills were more relentless than the green loop.  First it was steep singletrack which wasn't too bad but that soon switched to wide carriage roads and it just kept going up.  Soon I was hiking and feeling dejected at tiring so soon.  I ran anything runnable (for me), passed the occasional runner and plodded along.  I wanted to complete this loop in under an hour but that possibility was going out the window and I was full of negative thoughts.  Finally the carriage road climbs became more manageable and when I finally started descending the race completely changed.

I was flying down the carriage roads and singletrack, somewhat recklessly but I wanted to redeem myself if I could for the lost time on the climbs.  People could see my jittering headlamp coming from behind and they quickly got out of my way as I flew past them.  Most people were clearly taking it slow and steady on these downhill trails (it was night time after all) and I probably looked like a lunatic going as fast as I was.  I can only imagine how my compatriots looked as most of them finished this lap 8-10 minutes faster.  The uphills may have gotten the best of me but they hadn't robbed me of all my energy and by the time I reached the grasslands I was moving at a snappy pace.  I finished in 57 minutes, not quite what was expected of me but I was psyched that I had ran as well as I did on the downhill and happy to be done with my second lap.

Now the late night weirdness began.  I was amped up from the run so rest was out of the question for a while.  I hung out at the campsite, then the village, then back to the campsite.  The temperature dropped and everything became wet with night condensation.  I went in my tent at midnight to try to rest.  I stayed in there for an hour but couldn't fall asleep (should've brought earplugs).  The camp quieted down in the night but there was still a lot of activity as people were always coming and going from their laps.  People had had all kinds of glowing shit on their campsites and outfits and the constant drone of music was now absent from the village, replaced with an ultrarunning movie on a big screen behind the transition tent.   It was late but there was always a lot of people around the fire pit.  And the glow of headlamps was ever present as runners finished their lap and others headed out.

Boj finishing up his first lap

Jonny sets out to conquer the red trail

Bob created an estimated time chart that was beyond detailed - and
ultimately were weren't that far off his predictions - photo by Bob Jackman

Lap 3 - The Yellow Trail

Though we hadn't started until 5 PM we were now only a couple laps behind the farthest teams.  We seemed to definitely be vying for the fastest time and I wanted to keep the momentum going on my last lap.  Even though it was almost 3 AM I entered the tent amped up and ready to run.  The yellow loop was almost five miles but where the red loop had two hellish climbs this one only had one.  It was still a bear and I did a good amount of hiking early on but as the trail turned to carriage roads I was able to run more and more.  Once the descents began I tried to duplicate my run from the red trail but my legs were starting to fall apart.  I almost rolled my ankles a couple times - exhaustion was setting in and my form was getting sloppy.  So was the trail.  There were muddy spots and the night air made for some slippery rocks.  I was able to push it towards the end, finishing in about 43 minutes and happy with my contribution to the team.

Afterwards: relief to finally be done.  I had a couple beers and chatted with Wooley at the village for a while.  When I tried to sleep again it still eluded me and I resigned myself to watching both the sky lighten and more teammates finish their laps.  Exhaustion finally hit me around 7 AM and I dozed for 45 minutes or so.  Bob Jackman had the honor of running the last lap (a dubious honor perhaps since it was on the cursed red trail) and as he came into view we all cheered and followed him into the tent.  We finished around 8:30 AM in about 15 and a half hours.  We're still waiting on the official results but I think we're all very happy with how the team performed.

Then it was time to pack up and get the hell out of Dodge.  I had to make it back by early afternoon for the girls' dance recital (for the record I did not fall asleep during the show).  This whole race was a lot of fun and it ran very smoothly.  I had a great time running with the guys and the format was tougher than expected but awesome at the same time.  Big thanks to Bob Jackman for organizing it from the get-go, securing sponsorship and pulling it all together.

3:40 in the morning and I am finished! - Photo by Bob Jackman

8:30 AM and we are all done - Photo by Bob Jackman

Thanks to Foolproof for sponsoring - Photo by Bob Jackman

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Weekly Log: 6.22.15 - 6.28.15

June is almost over.  Yikes!  Should be a fun week though with the Ragnar Trail Relay on Friday/Saturday.  Looking forward to contributing to a kickass team.

Monday - Providence, RI - 7.4 miles

200 push-ups (standard/military/wide) 35/25/35/35/30/40

I really would like to finish the Strava Nepal challenge which involves hitting 7,400 of climbing in June.  Cake for some people but a challenge for me, especially since I was without a space watch for Week 1 and had off my feet for Week 2.  With with about 2,700 of climbing during my three Ragnar legs I shouldn't have a problem hitting it by the end of the month.  Still I needed a decent amount today to keep me on track.  But it was 82 in the city today.  Not ideal.

Still I ventured over to College Hill and ran up and down a bunch of streets like an asshole.  I brought a handheld with me which proved sound and my legs were pretty trashed by the time I returned to the office.  A tough run I'm glad I fit in because I'll be taking it easy in anticipation of Friday.

Tuesday - 0 miles

Ab Ripper X (15 minutes)

No running today but I did a lunch yoga session.

Wednesday - East Providence, RI - 6 miles

240 push-ups (standard/wide) 40/35/40/40/40/45

Another hot day and I wanted something pretty easy so I mapped out a new loop.  I started at the Ten Mile River bike path and took it up to Slater Park, hitting some trails alongside it.  Then I jumped on the train tracks and ran them up to a small neighborhood on the other side of the river.  A busier road brought me over to the familiar Seekonk Meadows and I ran the trails here on the other side of the river before taking neighborhood roads back to the car.  Fun loop and I enjoyed connecting these distinct areas.

Thursday - 0 miles

Rest day before the Ragnar mayhem.

Friday - Northfield, MA - 11.6 miles

Saturday - Northfield, MA - 5.2 miles

Ragnar Trail Relay which was Friday afternoon into early early Saturday morning.  Separate write-up forthcoming.

Sunday - Charlestown, RI - 3.2 miles

Short afternoon run with the dog to shakeout the legs after the Ragnar abuse.  Legs didn't feel too bad though my ankles are pretty sore from all the descents of the previous day.

Weekly Mileage: 33.7 miles

Year to Date: 828.9 miles

Friday, June 19, 2015

Weekly Log: 5.15.15 - 5.21.15

Last week my dreaded nemesis the Janky Knee reasserted itself.  I didn't do much running and was a bit bummed out.  Hopefully I will return back to the fray this week.  It's now less than two weeks until the Ragnar Trail Relay up in Mass and I want to be ready!

Monday - East Providence, RI - 5.7 miles

195 push-ups (standard/military/wide) 35/25/35/35/25/40

A drizzly rain continued throughout the day but the temperature was warm.  I was determined to get a run in and luckily ol' Master Jank didn't feel too bad.  I decided to do a little exploration down in Riverside.  As soon as I started I felt good - I guess almost a week off will do that to you.  The pace was peppy in the low 7s and I explored a nice neighborhood along the bay.  Memories of the 2012 Providence marathon came back as I recognized a neighborhood the race employed for a very odd turnaround.  I followed some steps down to the beach and ran along the water for a few moments.  The bay was silent, waveless and shrouded in fog.  Very serene but the low tide stank was powerful.  Then I continued on narrow roads lined with beachhouses that reminded me of my great aunts' house up in Buzzards Bay.  Great run with refreshing rain and lack of jankiness.

Tuesday - Rehoboth, MA - 6 miles

I decided to check out some new country roads farther to the east.  I parked at the Rehoboth Country Club and did a loop I had mapped out in advance.  I knew there'd be a couple hills and a downhill segment attempt near the end.  Knee didn't feel too bad and I was surprised how snappy the pace was.  This pleased me as I've been feeling slow ever since the Backroad Ramble.  On the segment I turned it on and kept the pace under six, in part thanks to the downhill though there were a few short uphills to contend with as well.  Very hot out there but the country houses were remote and beautiful.  A good run and the jankiness that came later was not unexpected nor or much concern.

Wednesday - 0 miles

Ab Ripper X (15 minutes)

I wanted to return to lunch yoga and that's just what I did.  Good session and I definitely think it helps keep everything loose and in working order.

Thursday - Smithfield, RI - 9 miles

240 push-ups (standard/wide) 35/40/35/40/40/50

Amanda was volunteering at Ezri's school today so I was able to get out of the house early this morning.  After considering my options, I decided it was worth the extra driving and went up to Wolf Hill in Smithfield.  It had been a while and I was happy to see a new trail sign at the entrance.  They've changed some of the trail names/blazes and added lovely little signs along the various routes.  I wanted to get a goodly amount of elevation today so I hit pretty much all the trails including a long stretch along the powerlines.  I was glad to see that the WWII Memorial trail had been extended - the No Trespassing signs and branch barricades were gone and now it was a legitimate section of the trail network.  Another big change was at the Mercer Lookout.  They cut down a bunch of trees in front of the lookout, improving the view towards Providence.  They added a second official parking lot near the Mercer Lookout as well.  Towards the end I was running out of time and considered just taking the trail along the pond back to the car - and lose precious elevation?  I headed back into the woods and up what is now the Mary Mowry Trail.  It's a legitimate climb and I was happy to head back down to the car after that.

With a good run done in the morning, I decided to hit up lunch yoga for the second day in a row.  Finished off a good day's work with office push-ups in the afternoon.

Purdy new signs at Wolf Hill

Friday - Charlestown/East Providence, RI - 9.2 miles

Ab Ripper X (15 minutes)

Did a couple miles in the early AM with the dog.  Cut through the woods to drop back down to our house to shorten the run so that I could fit in Ab Ripper as well.

It was a hot one and I had intended to venture over to College Hill but the heat turned me off.  I switched to the East Bay Bike Path instead, hoping for a little relief in the way of a bay breeze.  Not much wind but a portion of the run was cloudy so that was something.  I stuck to the plan for hills and ran repeats on the nearby roads.  Couple youngsters were skateboarding down some pretty steep drops so good on 'em.  In the end it only totaled about 500 feet of elevation but I was pleased to get it done on a scorcher.

Saturday - 0 miles

No running today but I did brew up 2.5 gallons of a new IPA recipe I found online.  It was an all-grain batch and once again I was undershot the gravity, coming in at 1.054 instead of 1.07.  Oh well.  It has a ton of different hops so it should be tasty.

Sunday - Charlestown, RI - 8.6 miles

We went to my parents' for lunch and I had notions of getting dropped off midway and running back home afterwards.  I should've known that was a foolish idea - once I gorged myself on dessert I had no desire for such things.  Plus janky knee was feeling achy so I was full of excuses.  Not wanted to take a zero for the weekend, I committed to taking the dog out when we got home.  After 3.5 with the dog I was afraid he was going to keel over so I dropped him off at the house and went back out.  At this point the temperature was finally breaking and I enjoyed the run up and down Old Coach.  No issue from the janky knee on the run so all's well that ends well.

Weekly Mileage: 38.6 miles
Year to Date: 833.8 miles


Nice rebound after issues with the janky knee last week.  Also a goodly amount of elevation (for me) totaling about 2600 feet.  

Friday, June 12, 2015

Weekly Log: 6.8.15 - 6.14.15

Monday - Seekonk, MA - 2.5 miles

170 push-ups (standard/military/wide) 30/20/30/35/20/35

Wasn't looking to run much today and decided at the last minute to do a loop around the Turner Reservoir and then a couple miles in the Seekonk Meadows.  My janky knee began this weird "pulse" feeling after two miles.  It was sporadic but very noticeable and I decided to bail on the rest of the run.  I wanted this to be a low mileage week anyway and I don't want to chance it.

Tuesday - 0 miles

Bah.  My janky knee is sore today.  The damn thing feels off.  And on the drive home the heel on that foot really began to ache.  My legs are falling apart!

Wednesday - 0 miles

Ab Ripper X (15 minutes)

Knee still feels off.  Me no likey.  I did get a decent Ripper session done in the morning.  And at lunch, I went back over and did lunch yoga for the first time in a long time.  I think it's definitely good for me and I need to make a habit of it.  I know I've said that before.  Hopefully tomorrow I can try a short run.

Thursday - Charlestown, RI/Seekonk, MA - 6.1 miles

Did two miles in the morning with the dog.  Knee felt okay but still off a bit.  At lunch I chanced a trail run over in Seekonk Meadows.  I cinched that knee strap thing I have up tight and did four easy miles in the oppressive heat.  I wore my MT00s were are as minimal as trails shoes get - haven't worn them since the Resolution 5k but I do enjoy them so long as the trail isn't technical.  I discovered a new trail that runs out along the river - it's twisty turny and goes by a cool old stone basement.  A shitload of poison ivy on either side of the path so I had to step carefully.  Knee didn't feel any worse while running so I take that as a good sign!  Good lord it was hot though.

Friday - 0 miles


Ab Ripper X (15 minutes)
205 push-ups (standard/wide) 35/35/35/35/30/35

Two times in the week seems to make all the difference with Ab Ripper.  I was able to get through most of the exercises this time.   Then late morning at the office I grinded out some sets of push-ups.

Unfortunately my knee has been achy all day.  I was planning to do six easy but the Jank seems to have definitely returned so I pulled the ripcord and decided to rest it.  I'm pretty bummed - especially being only two weeks removed from Ragnar - but I'm hopeful that a few more days will improve things.

Saturday - 0 miles


Sunday - 0 miles

Knee was achy/sore on Saturday so I rested it as planned.  It was still cruddy on Sunday so I delayed my morning run and instead focused on yard work.  Those afternoon runs rarely materialize when I'm feeling good so I wasn't shocked that I had zero motivation to get out there and eek out a few miles.  Instead we went to East Beach in the late afternoon to take advantage of living so close to lovely beaches.

Weekly Mileage: 8.8 miles
Year to Date: 795.2 miles


Well this week was a bust.  It's hard not to let the janky knee bum me out.  But I'll try to think of this as a positive rest week that let my body otherwise recover.  I did get into a good rhythm of push-ups/core work this week so that's something.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Ray Cherenzia Backroad Ramble 5K

Official time: 19:44.  8th overall.  Results here.

Haven't written one of these in a while.  By this time last year I had nine races under my belt.  This year: four.  I jumped into this race at the last minute when Amanda suggested it might be a fun Sunday activity.  It's held at the YMCA Camp at Wachaug where Ezri will be attending this summer.  Jeff Walker has taken a hand in improving the course over the last few years and it features post race food and water fun.  I had planned a long run this morning so I went out early and did six hilly miles in northern Burlingame.  Not exactly sound race planning but I knew I didn't have the speed to really compete at such a short distance and I wanted to get decent mileage on the day.

The race begins down near the water and immediately goes uphill through the ampitheater steps.  Yeesh.  At the rise I found myself in 2nd behind young Matt Walker.  He dropped a 17:27 5k the day prior and I knew my days of besting him were long over.  I also knew I was going too fast and eased off to let Garvin, Jeff and others go by.  Johnny Eckel went by as well.  Another youngster!

A cruel way to start a 5k - Photo by Jana Walker

On the dirt road towards the campground I found myself running alongside a guy in a green shirt and a hat.  I didn't recognize him and moved ahead of him just before the singletrack.  I hoped I could put some distance on him here.  I was in 6th place but the rest of the pack was well ahead.  As I came into the playground area I was already tired.  There was a guy up ahead in an orange shirt that I hoped I could reel in by the end.  I heard footsteps - Jonny Hammett was still lurking behind me somewhere and I hoped it was him and not Green Shirt.  Otherwise there might be two people passing me.

When I ran the inaugural version of this race back in 2011 the course just stayed to the roads in the camp.  Now it made use of trail and grass which was much preferable.  I lost sight of Orange sShirt in the woods but could see him when we crossed the grassfield.  On the single track that led back to Sanctuary Road I skirted past people still on their way out - in doing so I managed to smack my shoulder into a tree trunk which left a good mark.  Back on the dirt road I could see Orange Shirt and Eckel up ahead.  Here come some footsteps.  Oh no, it's Green Shirt!  From behind I hear Jonny telling me to hang on and I try to lock onto Green shirt but I only managed a few moments before I fall back.  Jonny passes me and I watch him easily overtake Green Shirt and go on to pass Orange and Eckel.

Slogging towards the finish - Photo by Jana Walker

Crossing through the beach parking lot I slowly gain on Orange and Green Shirts but I don't have the kick or motivation to catch them.  Thankfully the downhill finish was on the road and not back down the amphitheater steps.  I finished a few seconds after Orange and Green Shirts, feeling tired and slow.  I tried to temper my expectations going into this race (especially considering I had already done six miles of hills earlier in the morning) but it was still frustrating to experience the results.  I thought I'd be able to muster a better effort on the way back but I slowed considerably as the race unfolded.

But at any rate the afternoon at the YMCA camp was a lot of fun.  Ezri got to do a short fun run that she had desperately been looking forward to.  I got a calf massage which was wonderful (they've been tight for a while).  And the three of us went out for a canoe ride.  Ezri freaked out and didn't want to go but we set sail and paddled away, with her whimpering the whole time.  Ah memories.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Weekly Log: 6.1.15 - 6.7.15

A new week, a new month.  I'm without my beloved spacewatch this week.  A new one will hopefully arrive by week's end.  Until then I'm going to have to map out runs/guestimate my distance.  First world problems, indeed.

Monday - East Providence, RI - 7 miles

I parked further south along the East Bay bike path so I could explore further.  The section in Riverside was in rough shape from the previous night's storm - lots of rocks and debris on the path.  It was overcast and cool but the rain held off - perfect running weather.  The last time I was on this path was during the 2012 Providence Marathon so my memory was hazy.  Down into Barrington the path runs alongside a beautiful pond/marsh landscape.  Unfortunately it was time to turn around at this point.  Nice area and I'll be sure to return again.

Tuesday - West Greenwich, RI - 6 miles

200 push-ups (standard/military/wide) 30/25/25/30/20/40/30

Cold and rainy morning.  Amanda wasn't working so I was able to run before heading up to Providence.  That meant trails even though conditions were shitty out there.  I opted to stick to the dirt roads of Big River.  It made for a relaxing morning run once my hands warmed up.  Instead of my lunch run I went to donate blood - always a good thing to do.  And another family milestone - Em got her driver's license today.  Watch out world!

Wednesday - Providence, RI - 8.1 miles

Elbow planks (in seconds) 47/54/62/55/43/53/66/52/62

Planks!  The great equalizer.  Did some of these in the office today and oof, that'll do it.  I've been slacking off about doing push-ups in the morning so this little office sessions seem like a good alternative.

Beautiful day for a lunch run so I went over and did a loop through Providence.  Early on I took a path behind East Side Market to an old railroad drawbridge that's no longer in use.  A guy was running down the tracks pops out of the woods and introduced himself - turns out it was Warren Angell and he recognized me from our mutual friends.  You never know who you're going to meet on a run.  Then I continued on through India Point Park and over to Kennedy Plaza but heading back to the office through Brown.  A fun run and the legs felt good.  This mid-distance runs seem to be doing the trick!

Thursday - East Providence, RI - 4 miles

180 push-ups (standard/wide/decline) 30/25/20/30/30/20/25

Dropped the car in the morning off nearby for an oil change and ran the mile back to the office.  In the afternoon I ran back to pick it up but went and checked out the new "Linear Park."  It's the rebuilt bike path along 295.  It's actually pretty nice and there's a separate walking section from the bike lane for most of it.  Not sure if it makes it any faster for me to get over to India Point Park but it's a nice alternative.  Very easy day overall.  And my new Garmin Forerunner 210 arrived at home - looking forward to trying it out tomorrow.

Friday - Seekonk, MA - 10 miles

Ab Ripper X (15 minutes)

My new watch is here!  The Garmin Forerunner 210 is a streamlined watch with less info displays.  But since I never used the 305 for setting up fancy workouts, this one should suit me just fine.  Decided to try a loop that incorporated Caratunk, a bunch of country roads and then those dunes I discovered nearby.  It's spring and Caratunk is in its glory - tall grasses and plenty of flowers and creatures.  From there I followed the powerlines to where I bushwacked through the woods to a super fancy neighborhood with the swankiest of the swank houses dwell.  I was now in familiar territory and took these roads for a big loop which eventually led to the dunes.  I wanted to do a loop around the pond before taking another potential shortcut back to some roads.  Guess I was a little cocky 'cause I got pretty turned around in there.  It ended up adding an extra 1.5 miles to the run.  Looking at Strava, I should have stuck to my guns because I turned around right before the trail I was looking for.

The trail around the pond was busy.  First I had to skirt past a giant old fashioned van two stoners had driven down a dirt trail that barely fit it.  Once I got past Fishbowl McGee and Smokey Joe, I soon came upon a couple more respectable teen fishing in the pond.  The shortcut I was looking for worked, I came out in a neighborhood but it was still another 1.5 miles back to the car.  I'm sure with some snooping I can find a more direct shortcut back to Caratunk.  Anyway the watch seemed to work well and as a plus it's very wearable as an everyday watch.

Back in business!

Saturday - South Kingstown, RI - 2.5 miles

In what was less of a run and more of an excuse to mess around with the new spacewatch, I stopped over near Matunuck Schoolhouse Road to check out a few (very) small trail sections.  The first was an Art Trail with about 24 different exhibits along it's very short route.  Then I continued on to a management area that led to a field with very tall grass.  Looked like tick central so no thank you.  Then I found a found down a utility road of some sort.

Sunday - Charlestown, RI - 9.9 miles

I was planning a long run but we made a last minute decision to attend the Backroads Ramble 5k at Camp Wachaug.  I still went out in the morning but cut the run short.  I did two loops in North Burlingame on the main dirt roads.  Got six miles out of it and my legs felt tired.  How would I race in a few hours?

As it often is, the legs loosed up and felt much better by race time.  I'll have a separate report on the race itself soon enough.

Weekly Mileage: 47.6 miles

Year to Date: 786.4 miles


Another solid week of running ending with an unexpected race.   Legs are feeling the miles so I plan to ease off a bit next week.