9 Mile Hike

I was feeling a little sore for a run, so I went for a hike with my dog. Boy, was she happy about that. We went out to the Appalachian Trail, at the VA-WV state lines, where Loudoun County becomes Jefferson County. With the warming weather and the recent rain, the ground was soft and muddy in the beginning, which Maggie just loved. I was borderline skiing as she pulled me across the long stretches of mud. We had a great time and pushed a nice pace--3 mph. Along the way we saw a huge white-tailed buck and another dog. All of a sudden, I looked up and saw a stray dog sitting there staring at us. I'm pretty sure it was a Rottweiler. Whatever it was, it scared the crap out of me. Fortunately, it just sat there and watched as we passed, then headed the opposite direction.

6 Miles

It was a little cold for my liking, so I went to the gym to put in a long, slow day. I started off with 15 minutes on the elliptical, then 15 minutes on the new Nordic Track treadmill, which has a max incline of 30%. I set it to 30% and maintained a 2.75 mph pace for 15 minutes. I was feeling pretty worn, so I took a break to stretch and walk around a little before jumping on the regular treadmill. I managed six miles on the treadmill at a relatively easy 10:00 minute pace. I felt good and tired at the end.

5.7 Miles: Williams Gap Loop

Sitting at work was excruciating with the temps reaching into the 60s. Finally, I decided I'd had enough and headed home early to go for a run. It was the first time in a long time that I started and finished a run in daylight during the work week. I'm still fine tuning my music playlist for 5-6 mile runs. The combination of the warm weather and the upbeat songs sent me off on a pace that was way too fast. As I hit the rolling uphills on Woodgrove, I tried to slow it down a little. In the end, I kept a pace I was happy with (finish time-51:00). It felt great to do this loop again. It's been a while.

I've said it before, but I really need to get some pictures up of this run. I pass a couple red barns and some open fields that make for great photos. I'll wait until the grass is green again.

Today's Inspiration

50 Minutes

I started running today with no real route or time in mind. I just started and figured I'd finish when the time was right. I let my trusty companion, Maggie, wag her tail and set the pace. We went running on what once was a nice trail back on uncleared land nearby, but is now marked up for new homes. We also ran through a new development that has the roads all laid out, but no homes as of yet. I'm amazed, and a little bummed, about all the development happening around me. It's a matter of time before some of the gravel roads I love to run on are paved over, which in turn increases the traffic flow. But for now, I love where I live and love the open spaces that still grace my runs with great views. Today, it was good enough to inspire me to run for 50 minutes, and walk another 45 minutes.

Maggie, as usual, loved it. One great effect from running with her is that she seems to appreciate me more for a few days afterwards--a halo effect. I know I feel closer to her, but I didn't realize how much she sees it as bonding, too.

Oh, and I learned an important lesson. After a run, it is a BAD IDEA to go to Tastee Freez and order the Big Tee (like a Big Mac) and a corn dog. I eat fast food maybe a few times a year these days. When I do, it's never McDonald's. For some reason I like the small town feel of the Tastee Freez in Berryville. Nostalgia is a bad influence for post-run meals. This one sat like a rock in my stomach for at least a few hours.

Down and Out

Well, it took a little while, but the office bug finally hit me. It's nothing too insidious, but I do have a sore throat, ever-present cough, and generally feel really tired. None of these symptoms, I find, lend themselves to running. What sucks is I had a guilt-free night of running ahead of me. My wife has to work late and the gym beckoned. Oh well. Even the best of intentions sometimes fall short.

At least I have a great job and heading home early to take a nap was no problem. Time for rest.