road running 1:10:31 [3] 7.49 mi (9:25 / mi) +1121ft 8:15 / mi
rhr:54 weight:132.5lbs shoes: Brooks something-or-others
Up in the hills. Rain, somewhat hard at times, gusty wind out of the south, but temps were in the upper 50s and I was comfortable the whole time -- soaking wet, but comfortable.
Interesting run. Roads that I was somewhat familiar before, but obviously not totally familiar with. When I turned west off the Shelburne Colrain road, the turn was in the correct place, just past the town line, but then it didn't behave like my quick glance at a map before the run had me believing it would.
Kept going, up and down, up and down. Kept expecting to be able to take another left, but no such thing. Was trying to remember the macro lay of the land -- what the major bounds were (ridges, rivers, bigger roads), trying to think if there was any way I could end up seriously different than where I hoped.
And of course the only indication of direction on a heavily overcast day was the wind direction, and it was pretty variable because of the terrain.
About 5 miles in I decided that plan B -- turn around and go back the way I'd come -- was coming pretty close to being put into action, but thought I'd give it another half mile. And fortunately in another half mile I came to an intersection I recognized. And only a couple of miles to the car instead of another five and a half.
The funny thing was that I'd almost bagged the run. While I was changing into running clothes it started raining harder and harder and my will power was slipping away. But then there was a lull and I managed to get myself out the door, for a couple a couple of miles at least.
But once you get going, and get wet, it's no big deal, as long as your temperature control is OK. And really rather enjoyable.
And now, afterwards, looking at the map, I went exactly where I planned to go.... :-)