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. 

Anniversary

Today is my one year running anniversary.  I began a new life, my running life, on August 13, 2009.  I remember it well.  I ran 2.5 miles through the streets of Cuyahoga Falls, with walking spells every half mile or so.  As I progressed, I decided to only walk "that one block" and to run at least 3 or 4 blocks.  It didn't take long to get the walking spells down to 2 or 3 blocks per run.  Pepper ran with me from the beginning.  However, last year was not as hot as this, and we were able to run together always.  I have left her at home for the last few runs because of the heat.

Today's run was 5.6 miles past the clocktower and Rockin' on the River; from there on to the Glens trail, then city streets to State, to Broad and back home.  It was a satisfying run with sweat, blood and cheers - a few teenage girls were impressed with my svelte physique and naked feet and couldn't hold back the appraise.  OK, so maybe some of that is in my head?

When I began, one year ago, it was without shoes and the idea, planted by Christoper McDougall, that if we were born to do this, I had better get to it.  Today I am so much better off than the day before I started.  Like many, I had "run" before.  As part of my high school hockey team, we went out for 2 mile runs, on occasion, before the season started.  I "hated" every minute.  Today, I consider running fun.

I consider barefoot running essential.  I bought my vff's in December and used them mostly for that month and the following January and February, with a few bf winter runs sprinkled in.  I do like the Snow.  Otherwise, all of my running is barefoot.  I try to do most things outside of running barefoot as well.  I get told off by the "establishment" on occasion, and usually argue the merits of a barefoot lifestyle with them, or just let it slide and get out of there with my beer.

On to the Blood!
Today's run was also fret with injuries.  I smashed my left big toe on a rock on  Glens Trail, then dragged the same on on the sidewalk on State Road.  These two injuries got the juices flowing.  Then I dragged my right big toe on the Broad Street Sidewalk, but it was only a scrape and no blood.  I think both Barefoot Josh and Viper are playing Opposum (see picture above) and aren't actually hurt.  Since they have shown no proof, I believe they are only trying to psyche out their potential competitors, lulling them into a sense of confidence with stories of broken toes.  So, here is my gory photo of the day:

No one can say I'm faking it!  This stuff ain't always easy or pain free.  But I'll take this pain any day over the pain of a heart attack.

Hot 3.7

I ran a "fast" 3.7 late today - after the heat subsided - a bit.  Just me; no Pooper.  The first mile was at a blistering 8:45 mi/min pace, but the total was 10:30.  If my math is right, that should put my last mile at ~12:30.  I may have mentioned I'm slow.  It felt fast though.  And I did have a hiccup when a dog was chasing me near the end.  I stopped to say hello, quickly.  So, that was my first run for the week.  I need to apply myself more!

My pledge is to surpass Viper's mileage by the end of the year.  I'd better get to it, 'cuz he's been racking the miles up as of late!