Running Trails with the Shenipsit Striders

I finally got my chance to do some real trail running today. My group was up in Holyoke running the St Patrick's Day race which gave me the opening to go with the Shenipsit Striders to Penwood State Park. I wasn't sure what to expect but when finally running it was a rude awakening. Much harder than I imagined but still fun. Very steep inclines and most flat trails were rocks covered with leaves. Not the 10' wide gravel paths I thought were in most state parks. The picture below shows one of the many hills we had to walk because of the steepness and rocky terrain.

Part of the Traprock 50k course in Penwood State Park. 3/17/2012

It became clear that as the "new guy" and first time trail runner that I had to be last so as not to impact the experienced runners. Some of these guys had run 100 mile ultras in the past. The sudden change in angles were a constant challenge. I had to focus on each foot placement as I ran due to roots, stones, etc. There were a few areas that were flat and open which allowed me to run my normal stride. But I kept at it. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire run as well as the scenery. 

I'll definitly run more trails and my interest in woodland ultras is even greater. The Traprock 50k which is the 31 mile ultra run on this course must be a killer. As I write this my legs and back are sore from the pounding and turns. That is from one "loop". The Traprock is three "loops". Based on my 2:05 time the full race would take more than six hours and probably seven. Maybe next year.......

First warm day....great for a run

Ran 6.5 miles this morning with temps in the mid 40's. Great run. It was one of those runs where everything felt good from the start. Legs OK.....easy to run fast.....felt like I could do a full marathon. I headed into Bristol towards Rt 6 and around the Stop&Shop plaza.


My average pace was 9:09/mile and completed 6.51 miles in 59:31. Not bad for what was approximately a 1/4 marathon. When I run the Hartford Quarter Marathon in a few weeks I hope to do the same pace or even better. As I completed the run I watched the sunrise from the backyard. Couldn't resist a photo-op.

Wild animals and Running update

Bobcat staring down two deer

Above is a picture of a bobcat that was hanging out behind our house. It was a bit of a shock since I've only seen them at a distance or fleeing away. After a few moments we discovered it was staring at two deer also perched on the rocks. Click on the pictures for a better view.

Tense standoff

This standoff continued for a few minutes until the deer took off. We have seen many interesting animals in the backyard this year. Its great to just watch....like having our own personal zoo.

Running

Ran 13.2 miles on Saturday and 4 miles this morning. Slowly getting better. Now I will step up the frequency and distance to prepare for spring time races. The weather is improving with temps hovering in the low 30s'. With the extra morning light its' becoming fun again.

Hyannis Half Marathon

Completed the Hyannis Half Marathon and regained some self confidence. Good race for me with a finish time of 2:00:41 which is a pace of 9:13. After a winter of injuries and sickness I needed a good test like this race. I was able to run well for most if it and complete it with my usual half marathon time. My recent knee pain/issues didn't bother me at all. Nice race and course with the neighborhood loop going out by the beaches. Around 4,000 runners in all.

Just before the finish line.

Tried to keep my pace around 9/mile which I did except for the last few. A little more effort could have resulted in a sub 2 hour run. But that's OK because I regained some lost confidence with this race. It was great having my family there especially our grandchildren. Now I can focus on te new race season and get back to where I was last fall.