Chasing Ducks

Pepper loves chasing ducks in the river.  She jumped right in while running through Water Works.  We had a nice, late afternoon 5.6 mile run.  Our pace was decent.  It was 66 deg F and sunny.  Oh, yea, the feel of goose poop squishing through your toes is to die for!  These days are getting short.

Legs Still Work, Lungs Now Hurt

Ran for the first time in 5 weeks.  I was disappointed in my performance at the YUT-C 50K, so I took a break.  The weather is cool, my legs are tired and my lungs are surprisingly sore.  Shouldn't expect more.

Cool 77

The Pooper and I - how many times have I started a post this way? - ran the 8.2 mile run to waterworks,
Brust Park, then around Silver Lake and home today.  This was the same route as the Swimming Silver run last week.  It was a "cool" 77 deg F with low humidity, so Pepper didn't need a rest and swim as she did last week.  We ran it faster this time, but still slower than my goal.  I want to finish this run with a sub 10min/mile pace, but I think I'll need to do it without the sniffer/squatter.

September 1'st

A new month.  The Pooper, me, heat and 3.8 miles:  we did good.  Not fast.  But, solid.  She had a solid on the way as well.  I love the looks from the drivers passing by (as we're running, not while she's stooping).  I worried a little as I was leading her most of the way, but she proved to be a trooper.  We ran at dusk so the sun didn't effect us, but it was still very hot.  This is the hottest summer I remember.

Thought I would show a recent lunch from the garden.  I love lunch time in the summer!

Botzum to Everett Rd Covered Bridge

Pepper & I ran a leisurely 8.4 miles from the Botzum trail head to Everett Road Covered Bridge and back today.  We averaged a leisurely 12.3 mi/min pace.  With about 3 miles to go, my feet got hyper-sensitive on the cinder trail and I slowed down.  I tried to find as much grass to run on as I could, but there were sections of the trail where it just wasn't productive.  Besides, I'm looking forward to my upcoming 50K on technical trails that make the towpath seem luxurious and comfortable.  The coolest part of the trail was when we left the towpath just after Hunt Farm and followed a bridal trail to the covered bridge.  I will actively seek out these bridal trails in the future.  They aren't paved as the towpath is - they're just dirt kicked up by the horses and are therefore much easier (and more natural) to run on.  We took a break at the covered bridge - I wanted to make sure Pepper didn't have any overheating issues - and I spent some time reading the info on Mr. Siberling and Ralph Regula.  Some very good info.  We benefit from their care for the natural wonder that the Cuyahoga Vally provides.

Swimming Silver

The Pooper and I ran an 8.2'er today.  We started at the start, ran to WW, then to Burst Park.  Then retraced our barefoot footsteps along the bike/hike trail to Silver Lake (SL).  Ran around SL and had to rest about 8/10th's of the way through.  It was hot - 82 deg F with a lot of humidity.  She just plopped down in a tree lawn.  I pushed her too hard.  Black and tan double coat isn't meant for the summer heat.  She needs a sled, and snow to really shine.  So, we rested, drank some water, and started again.  A few yards later we found the "public" access to the private lake.  She was eying the lake with desire so I let her at it. 15 minuets later, a belly full of water, I knew she could run the remaining 1.5 miles home.  Every time I run, I learn something.  Every time I run with Pepper, I learn something more.  I am so glad to have the privilege to run with such an instructive partner.

Hot Silver

The Pooper & I ran a hot 6.5 today.  We started from the usual start line - our house, then ran to Water Works to Silver Lake, around Silver Lake and back home to the Falls.  It was hot.  I sweated as if it was 85 deg F out - and it was.  Thankfully, we had cloud cover most of the way.  The Pooper held up well.  We didn't have to stop to lay down and hydrate - although we did hydrate on the way.  I was worried she would need a heat rest as we did last Wednesday.  She made it through without a hickup.