Cross Training

The skies cleared this morning, allowing for a beautiful window to visit Smith Mountain Lake State Park. We arrived early to go for a three-hour canoe trip with one of the park's rangers. I had a great time, got a little too much sun, and learned a lot more about the lake around us. The best part was the price: $3 to enter the park and $5 for the canoe trip.

Later today, we brought the dog back with us to hike on some of the trails. The trails are multi-use (hiking and biking), wide, and relatively flat. Still, they have information placards and great views to make the short hikes a lot of fun.

Of course, to finish the day, I had to take a dip in the lake. This time, I spent a much more rigorous hour on the lake, constantly in motion either water running or working on my strokes, which have grown very rusty over the years. When I dried off, I was completely exhausted.

1 Hour: Water Running

Today was a near total washout. While much of the east coast was pummelled with rainstorms and flooding, the lake received plenty of rain, but did not flood. I did not go for a typical run today, but I did jump in the lake with a steady downpour around me and tried a modified version of water running. I took my skimpy raft and lodged it under my armpits. Then I let my legs start running. All in all, I ran for an hour, saw a blue heron fly within 20 feet of me, and experienced the peace of watching rain fall on a lake all around me. When I pulled myself back onto the dock, my legs were thoroughly exhausted.

We spent the rest of the day relaxing about the cabin. I passed most of my time reading, but took numerous breaks to do curl-ups, push-ups, squats, and lunges to keep myself from falling asleep and getting some good exercise in at the same time.

30 Minutes

Another humid morning, but another great half-hour run with my dog. I felt so miserably hot at run's end that I decided to jump in the cool lake afterwards. I immediately felt better and spent another hour swimming, something I rarely get a chance to do back home. I also met the lady living across the cove, who was water running. Hmm...I'll have to give that a try tomorrow.

30 Minutes

We arrived at Smith Mountain Lake yesterday for a week's vacation. This morning I started the day taking the dog for a half-hour run in some very muggy weather. The coming forecast is rain, so this is the dew before the storm. We ran around the cabin's surrounding development. Other than being completely drenched in sweat, I enjoyed myself, and so did my dog. Oh and I went swimming in the lake's deep water for an hour yesterday and another hour or so today.

Backpacking Weekend

My brother and I hiked out from Route 7 on the Appalachian Trail headed south toward Route 50. I was carrying about 30 lbs. All in all, we hiked about 15 miles, nothing crazy, but enough to feel some exercise. I still have some experimentation to do to prevent blisters. It's become obvious that my feet are very prone to them.

If you've lost your faith in humanity, read this: The first night in camp, I couldn't find my wallet (driver's license, health/dental care cards, credit card, ATM card, and a little cash). I figured I left it in the car or at the house. When my wife picked us up, she told me she found my wallet wedged in the front door. I sat there puzzled for a while trying to think of how I possibly did that without remembering...then it dawned on me. I didn't put it there, someone else did. Someone who found my wallet drove out of their way to return it to my house! And they didn't take anything.

The good samaritan didn't leave his/her name, but I'd like to say: THANK YOU!!! I'll be sure to pay forward the favor to another stranger.

45 Minutes: Leesburg

My wife called me at work today and let me know her relatively new car inexplicably broke down in the middle of a road that did not have a safe shoulder to pull off on. I left work early, drove out to meet her. Fortunately, someone eventually helped to push her car to safety. She was bummed that AAA said a tow truck would be by within two hours, something the dispatcher confirmed. I didn't mind. I had my running bag in the backseat, changed into my running clothes and off I went. It wasn't the best running route, but I was great to feel that I was making the most of my time.

45 Minutes: W&OD Trail

A short, easy paced run.

1 Hour: W&OD Trail

I just had to put in an hour-long run because I never really love a run until after 45 minutes. The weather wasn't too bad and the fun felt great.

45 Minutes: W&OD Trail

Same kind of run as yesterday, but today I managed a slightly faster pace.

30 Minutes: W&OD Trail

Just a simple maintenance run. I'm kind of in a limbo state right now, waiting to start marathon training in July.