What haven't I done?

Wintertime was something of a bust. I did some long runs in the fall and hit the gym in the wintertime. I signed up for the Brew to Brew (almost too late) 44-mile run. The race went just okay. It was unbearably hot and, as I get older, it's harder to acclimate to the heat. 92 F high temp and a steady 25mph headwind made for a slow march from KC to Lawrence, KS. But I did it and lost only 90 minutes to the heat, I was one of the last solo finishers, but at least I finished. The heat finished a lot of other runners.

This is me at the start; it was daylight when I finished.

My new fixed-gear bike?

This bike would satisfy my twin enjoyment of cycling and lawn care. (Photo courtesy of crazyguyonabike (though I forgot which journal)).

Went running yesterday morning but I probably won't do anything more until Saturday because my office is moving. We're going to be busy.

Short long run

Saturday, I stayed stateside to run on Grant's Trail for a short long run (or a long short run). Went 16 miles and had a great time. Went slow and steady on the way out and picked it up on the way back while rockin' the tunes on my MP3 player. Ideally, I'll carry some of that magic over to next weekend's 20-miler.

Another good run in the park

Repeated last night's run again this evening. Very enjoyable. Though when I got home, I ate too much leftover pizza. I really need to jump on a November marathon to take advantage of this fitness.

Surprise Run

Today was to be bike-run-bike day. Rode into work, moderated some squabbles, and left around 5:30 pm for a run around the park. All the way there I obsessed about the growing darkness and the dropping temp's thinking I should bag it or just run 3 miles. But as so often happens, once I hit the course, I had a great run. A steady effort at a good pace for 5+ miles - altogether a satisfactory workout. That is so often the case; when I'm pumped for a run, it's merely okay. But when I dread the run, it turns out well. I don't know why it went so well, but I'll take it and put this evening in the positive energy bank.

Excellent Bike Ride

Decided to get some biking miles in today because I had the day off of work. Rode over the McKinley Bridge with the intention of riding to Edwardsville. Honestly, they should call the McKinley pedestrian bridge the "Bridge to Nowhere." The MCT Schoolhouse trail is but a mile or two away from the foot of the bridge, but there is no easy way to get to it. Nevertheless, I still reached Edwardsville for a cinnamon roll, iced coffee and bookstore perusal. On the way back I met Sharon - originally from Bristol in the UK - and her kids in tow. We had a nice visit as we were both headed the same direction. You meet the nicest people biking. All told, I guess I logged about 70 miles.

Second long run of the season

Really, second 20-miler of the year on Saturday. Went back to the Madison County trail network for another stab at 20+ miles. I did so a couple of weeks ago and it was tough because all the water was on the front part of the course. I ran it in reverse yesterday, but it was still a slog because the weather was warmer 70's to 80's. Still, I stayed on my feet and I don't feel bad today and I didn't binge yesterday, so I guess it was mission accomplished.