Training Log Archive: cfosp1In the 31 days ending Oct 31, 2019:
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Thursday Oct 31, 2019 #
8 AM
Hiking 40:17 3.85 km (10:28 / km) +37m 9:59 / km
ahr:103 max:139 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Energy Park Short
8:00 AM; Hamline Midway
-3.4 °C; Cloudy
Quick walk before today's task: raking leaves and getting them ready to ship to compost site. Winter-like.
8:00 AM; Hamline Midway
-3.4 °C; Cloudy
Quick walk before today's task: raking leaves and getting them ready to ship to compost site. Winter-like.
Wednesday Oct 30, 2019 #
9 AM
Running 41:35 7.53 km (5:31 / km) +64m 5:18 / km
ahr:146 max:165 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Como Park McMurray Fields
9:05 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-3.0 °C; Partly cloudy
Run with Roux. Checking out how far he's along with convalescence from his broken toe. As far as I can tell, he's back to normal, i.e. running circles around me for the duration of this run and for the rest of the day ...
9:05 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-3.0 °C; Partly cloudy
Run with Roux. Checking out how far he's along with convalescence from his broken toe. As far as I can tell, he's back to normal, i.e. running circles around me for the duration of this run and for the rest of the day ...
Tuesday Oct 29, 2019 #
5 PM
Hiking 24:42 [1] 2.37 km (10:25 / km) +7m 10:16 / km
ahr:73 max:93 shoes: Hoka One One Challenger ATR 4
Hamline Campus
5:13 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
2.1 °C; Partly cloudy
Quick walk with dogs after long day in planes. They (and I) appreciated it! Crisp, much of leaves off the trees.
5:13 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
2.1 °C; Partly cloudy
Quick walk with dogs after long day in planes. They (and I) appreciated it! Crisp, much of leaves off the trees.
Monday Oct 28, 2019 #
8 AM
Running 57:52 9.02 km (6:25 / km) +137m 5:58 / km
ahr:139 max:160 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Stockem-Membach-Waisenbüschchen-Eupen
8:02 AM; Eupen, Belgium
1.0 °C; Clear
Nice run around the playgrounds of my childhood. Memories of fishing hole, woodland haunts and sledding hills. Hoar frost on the meadows, first real frost according to my brother. Beautiful in the sun.
8:02 AM; Eupen, Belgium
1.0 °C; Clear
Nice run around the playgrounds of my childhood. Memories of fishing hole, woodland haunts and sledding hills. Hoar frost on the meadows, first real frost according to my brother. Beautiful in the sun.
Sunday Oct 27, 2019 #
5 PM
Hiking 44:04 4.02 km (10:58 / km) +69m 10:06 / km
ahr:119 max:162 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Waisenbüschchen
5:30 PM; Eupen, Belgium
5.7 °C; Clear
Quick walk with Arnulf's dog Letti. Beautiful evening sky after a rainy and grey Sunday.
5:30 PM; Eupen, Belgium
5.7 °C; Clear
Quick walk with Arnulf's dog Letti. Beautiful evening sky after a rainy and grey Sunday.
Saturday Oct 26, 2019 #
8 AM
Running: Long 1:41:07 16.31 km (6:12 / km) +299m 5:41 / km
ahr:145 max:164 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Selterschlag-Diebach-Talsperre-Kanzel & Krone
8:22 AM; Eupen, Belgium
12.9 °C; Partly cloudy
Decided on Talsperre, then Kanzel und Krone. Fully prepared for the many climbs. First from Selterschlag towards Schoenefeld, then from Diebach towards the dam. Passed a few horseback riders and exchanged a greeting. Other than that, I saw very few hikers and and cyclists. Beautiful woods.
8:22 AM; Eupen, Belgium
12.9 °C; Partly cloudy
Decided on Talsperre, then Kanzel und Krone. Fully prepared for the many climbs. First from Selterschlag towards Schoenefeld, then from Diebach towards the dam. Passed a few horseback riders and exchanged a greeting. Other than that, I saw very few hikers and and cyclists. Beautiful woods.
1 PM
Hiking 59:33 4.02 km (14:49 / km) +490m 9:12 / km
ahr:109 max:157 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Brackenvenn, Belgium
2:43 PM; Eupen, Belgium
16.3 °C; Clear
Nice hike with my friend Verena. Not as familiar with this part of the High Fens as with others but I have criss-crossed it on Sunday hikes with my family as a wee lad. Verena was a great guide, alerting me of good photo spots. Many hikers out enjoying this beautiful fall day.
2:43 PM; Eupen, Belgium
16.3 °C; Clear
Nice hike with my friend Verena. Not as familiar with this part of the High Fens as with others but I have criss-crossed it on Sunday hikes with my family as a wee lad. Verena was a great guide, alerting me of good photo spots. Many hikers out enjoying this beautiful fall day.
Hiking 36:07 [1] 1.6 km (22:34 / km) +490m 8:55 / km
ahr:90 max:120 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Schoenefeld Mushroom Picking
1:45 PM; Eupen, Belgium
18.4 °C; Clear
Instead of having coffee on Monday with Verena, we decided on picking mushrooms on Saturday. Beautiful afternoon in the woods and plenty of ceps. We "caught our limit" (limited by the containers we had along) in about half an hour and headed for a hike in Brackenvenn, followed by a beer atTernell's.
1:45 PM; Eupen, Belgium
18.4 °C; Clear
Instead of having coffee on Monday with Verena, we decided on picking mushrooms on Saturday. Beautiful afternoon in the woods and plenty of ceps. We "caught our limit" (limited by the containers we had along) in about half an hour and headed for a hike in Brackenvenn, followed by a beer atTernell's.
Friday Oct 25, 2019 #
12 PM
Biking: Trail/Road 2:47:03 53.18 km (3:08 / km) +628m 2:58 / km
ahr:138 max:169 shoes: Good Loaner Bike
Eupen-Henri Chapelle-Plombiere-Moresnet-Walhorn
12:02 PM; Eupen, Belgium
15.5 °C; Partly cloudy
The bike was not ideal (tires underinflated, upright riding position) but acceptable. Had some new snippets of routes and some old favorites. First the overlook over the Aubel landscape from near the American cemetery, then, looking towards the Dutch border from Hombourg, trying to figure out the old farmstead of my uncle Tony. Voelkerich, where I used to turn off when I was riding my bike to uncle Tony. Had a nice visit with my aunt and uncle in the care home in Moresnet. Lastly, a somewhat challenging ride home passing through various villages along the way and via some carriageways. Traffic was getting thicker as I approached Eupen and the 16:00 rush hour but I made it back without any troubles.
12:02 PM; Eupen, Belgium
15.5 °C; Partly cloudy
The bike was not ideal (tires underinflated, upright riding position) but acceptable. Had some new snippets of routes and some old favorites. First the overlook over the Aubel landscape from near the American cemetery, then, looking towards the Dutch border from Hombourg, trying to figure out the old farmstead of my uncle Tony. Voelkerich, where I used to turn off when I was riding my bike to uncle Tony. Had a nice visit with my aunt and uncle in the care home in Moresnet. Lastly, a somewhat challenging ride home passing through various villages along the way and via some carriageways. Traffic was getting thicker as I approached Eupen and the 16:00 rush hour but I made it back without any troubles.
Thursday Oct 24, 2019 #
8 AM
Running 1:04:03 10.26 km (6:15 / km) +165m 5:47 / km
ahr:142 max:162 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Eupen Membach via Hertogenwald
8:08 AM; Eupen, Belgium
12.8 °C; Cloudy
Always a trip down memory lane when I return to my hometown. Good to check everything out with a run. Not too many changes heading down to Unterstadt, except for various infrastructure projects that are finally complete, making life for pedestrians a lot easier. Lovely run along the Weser/Vesdre, at the very northern edge of the Ardennes. Explored a new route through Membach and ran past my friends Fritz and Renate's house. A few minutes later, a van pulled over in front of me and honked when I went past. It was Renate. After a quick chat I continued, past my parents home and some other landmarks.
8:08 AM; Eupen, Belgium
12.8 °C; Cloudy
Always a trip down memory lane when I return to my hometown. Good to check everything out with a run. Not too many changes heading down to Unterstadt, except for various infrastructure projects that are finally complete, making life for pedestrians a lot easier. Lovely run along the Weser/Vesdre, at the very northern edge of the Ardennes. Explored a new route through Membach and ran past my friends Fritz and Renate's house. A few minutes later, a van pulled over in front of me and honked when I went past. It was Renate. After a quick chat I continued, past my parents home and some other landmarks.
Tuesday Oct 22, 2019 #
8 AM
Running: Hills 44:59 7.38 km (6:06 / km) +193m 5:23 / km
ahr:146 max:169 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Stow-Dikler Loop 4x4:00 Hills @L4
8:17 AM; Stow on the Wold
6.6 °C; Cloudy
When I left, police were just closing 4068 at the intersection with A429, I wondered if it was because of an accident. Sure enough, after a bucolic jog through the pasture I went past where a a motorcyclist had collided with a car. Someone was just being loaded into an ambulance. I'm not a rubbernecker, so I continued and started my hill runs along 4068. Good workout.
8:17 AM; Stow on the Wold
6.6 °C; Cloudy
When I left, police were just closing 4068 at the intersection with A429, I wondered if it was because of an accident. Sure enough, after a bucolic jog through the pasture I went past where a a motorcyclist had collided with a car. Someone was just being loaded into an ambulance. I'm not a rubbernecker, so I continued and started my hill runs along 4068. Good workout.
11 AM
Hiking 3:00:02 10.22 km (17:37 / km) +266m 15:35 / km
ahr:110 max:157 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Broadway to Broadway Tower
11:34 AM; Broadway, UK
13.0 °C; Partly cloudy
Since we were in this area I had suggested to visit Broadway Tower near the town of the same name and make it a hike. Lynn mentioned it to our server Jane this morning and she said it was a mountain. Lynn was somewhat hesitant but I suggested to give it a go. It was indeed about a 200 m climb to the top but it went well. Sunshine and a gorgeous view Plus many people with their dogs made up for the steep climb. We climbed the tower, had a beverage and a snack at the cafe and thought the downhill would be a piece of cake. We considered everything but about 500 m in ankle-deep slick mud on cow paths, which slowed us down significantly. But we made it, not worse for wear. I asked to use a hose at the hotel to clean our shoes, everything back in order!
11:34 AM; Broadway, UK
13.0 °C; Partly cloudy
Since we were in this area I had suggested to visit Broadway Tower near the town of the same name and make it a hike. Lynn mentioned it to our server Jane this morning and she said it was a mountain. Lynn was somewhat hesitant but I suggested to give it a go. It was indeed about a 200 m climb to the top but it went well. Sunshine and a gorgeous view Plus many people with their dogs made up for the steep climb. We climbed the tower, had a beverage and a snack at the cafe and thought the downhill would be a piece of cake. We considered everything but about 500 m in ankle-deep slick mud on cow paths, which slowed us down significantly. But we made it, not worse for wear. I asked to use a hose at the hotel to clean our shoes, everything back in order!
Monday Oct 21, 2019 #
12 PM
Hiking 2:18:32 9.5 km (14:35 / km) +151m 13:31 / km
ahr:93 max:138 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Stow-Maugersbury-Nether Swell-Upper Swell
12:57 PM; Stow on the Wold
10.9 °C; Cloudy
Nice hike with Lynn, mostly west of Stow-on-the-Wold. But we started by heading east, to Maugersbury. Sky was overcast but no rain, trails were still muddy and meadows were wet. I love hiking this area because it reminds me so much of where I grew up in Belgium.
Encountered a few hikers, some with dogs or kids or both. Chatted with one man who had lived for 30 years in the SE US and was happy to be back in the UK with its cool weather. We ended our hike with tea, scones, clotted cream and jam at the Old Bakery in Stow, just before they closed for the day.
12:57 PM; Stow on the Wold
10.9 °C; Cloudy
Nice hike with Lynn, mostly west of Stow-on-the-Wold. But we started by heading east, to Maugersbury. Sky was overcast but no rain, trails were still muddy and meadows were wet. I love hiking this area because it reminds me so much of where I grew up in Belgium.
Encountered a few hikers, some with dogs or kids or both. Chatted with one man who had lived for 30 years in the SE US and was happy to be back in the UK with its cool weather. We ended our hike with tea, scones, clotted cream and jam at the Old Bakery in Stow, just before they closed for the day.
Sunday Oct 20, 2019 #
4 PM
Running 27:06 4.37 km (6:12 / km) +92m 5:37 / km
ahr:142 max:159 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Stow-River Dikler Loop
4:01 PM; Stow on the Wold
10.8 °C; Partly cloudy
Short run, but not in Kansas anymore. Hills like I know from running in Eupen. Ran down to River Dikler along 4077, being thankful for the wide shoulder. When the shoulder stopped, there was a sign for the Gloucester Trail and a style into a pasture. Perfect. Followed the track down the rest of the hill, crossed the Dikler, passed a couple walking their wet and happy springer. Path turned into a private road, where I encountered a couple with two little ones and two whippets. Found myself on 4068 and started climbing back to Stow. Here, there was also ample opportunity to avoid encountering cars. The last stretch was across a large commons meadow, got my lab fix there. My Garmin said that I climbed a total of 92 m. Dubious, I checked elevation finder, which confirmed that the climb from the 4068 bridge across the Dikler was indeed 92 m.
4:01 PM; Stow on the Wold
10.8 °C; Partly cloudy
Short run, but not in Kansas anymore. Hills like I know from running in Eupen. Ran down to River Dikler along 4077, being thankful for the wide shoulder. When the shoulder stopped, there was a sign for the Gloucester Trail and a style into a pasture. Perfect. Followed the track down the rest of the hill, crossed the Dikler, passed a couple walking their wet and happy springer. Path turned into a private road, where I encountered a couple with two little ones and two whippets. Found myself on 4068 and started climbing back to Stow. Here, there was also ample opportunity to avoid encountering cars. The last stretch was across a large commons meadow, got my lab fix there. My Garmin said that I climbed a total of 92 m. Dubious, I checked elevation finder, which confirmed that the climb from the 4068 bridge across the Dikler was indeed 92 m.
Saturday Oct 19, 2019 #
7 AM
Hiking 33:37 3.1 km (10:51 / km) +17m 10:33 / km
ahr:92 max:125 shoes: Hoka One One Challenger ATR 4
Tidmarsh Lane to Gail's
7:53 AM; Oxford, UK
7.7 °C; Clear
Last time to Gail's for some croissants. Took a different route, along the canal till the first bridge to Jericho. Beautiful morning, cloudless.
7:53 AM; Oxford, UK
7.7 °C; Clear
Last time to Gail's for some croissants. Took a different route, along the canal till the first bridge to Jericho. Beautiful morning, cloudless.
11 AM
Running 13:56 2.21 km (6:18 / km) +6m 6:13 / km
ahr:134 max:152 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Tidmarsh Lane to Europcar
11:45 AM; Oxford, UK
13.6 °C; Partly cloudy
Picking up rental car for transportation to the Cotswolds.
11:45 AM; Oxford, UK
13.6 °C; Partly cloudy
Picking up rental car for transportation to the Cotswolds.
Friday Oct 18, 2019 #
10 AM
Hiking 19:21 1.8 km (10:45 / km) +9m 10:29 / km
ahr:79 max:117 shoes: Five Ten Kestrel
Grog Shop to Tidmarsh Lane
1:29 PM; Oxford, UK
13.8 °C; Partly cloudy
Probably last time to walk this stretch between Oxford Canal and Castle Mill Stream
1:29 PM; Oxford, UK
13.8 °C; Partly cloudy
Probably last time to walk this stretch between Oxford Canal and Castle Mill Stream
Biking Road 2:35:23 52.82 km (2:57 / km) +460m 2:49 / km
ahr:143 max:169 shoes: Good Loaner Bike
Brill Windmill and Headington Shark
10:10 AM; Oxford, UK
12.1 °C; Partly cloudy
Finally got a ride in. Apprentice at Walton Street Cycles had trouble with taking off pedals and needed help from his elders. Other than that, bike was decent enough. Slight differences in shifter and more significant in gearing took some getting used to. After I got out of town, it was a lovely ride through English landscape with pastures and hedgerows. Roads were mostly dry. There was some climbing, hills were steep but not long. The bike shop guy who helped me told me that I must be a glutton for punishment. I found that the wind on the way back was more of a factor than the hills on the way out. The village of Brill with its windmill was the apex and also turn around point. The wind was strong and I put on my rain jacket because I got a little chilled. Next landmark was the Headington Shark. Check out my FB page for the pictures, pretty hilarious. The ride back into town was like the ride out a hassle of traffic and red lights. But I made it, as expected in a little more than 2:30 riding time. I was passed by one cyclist and saw a couple more while riding.
10:10 AM; Oxford, UK
12.1 °C; Partly cloudy
Finally got a ride in. Apprentice at Walton Street Cycles had trouble with taking off pedals and needed help from his elders. Other than that, bike was decent enough. Slight differences in shifter and more significant in gearing took some getting used to. After I got out of town, it was a lovely ride through English landscape with pastures and hedgerows. Roads were mostly dry. There was some climbing, hills were steep but not long. The bike shop guy who helped me told me that I must be a glutton for punishment. I found that the wind on the way back was more of a factor than the hills on the way out. The village of Brill with its windmill was the apex and also turn around point. The wind was strong and I put on my rain jacket because I got a little chilled. Next landmark was the Headington Shark. Check out my FB page for the pictures, pretty hilarious. The ride back into town was like the ride out a hassle of traffic and red lights. But I made it, as expected in a little more than 2:30 riding time. I was passed by one cyclist and saw a couple more while riding.
Thursday Oct 17, 2019 #
8 AM
Hiking 31:39 2.83 km (11:11 / km) +21m 10:47 / km
ahr:103 max:144 shoes: Hoka One One Challenger ATR 4
Tidmarsh Lane to Gail's
8:43 AM; Oxford, UK
7.3 °C; Light rain
Picking up croissants. No luck with Nescafe pods, shops at Westgate still closed.
8:43 AM; Oxford, UK
7.3 °C; Light rain
Picking up croissants. No luck with Nescafe pods, shops at Westgate still closed.
Wednesday Oct 16, 2019 #
7 AM
Running 1:27:47 13.17 km (6:40 / km) +40m 6:34 / km
ahr:133 max:166 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Christ Church Meadow and Mesopotamia Walk
7:25 AM; Oxford, UK
13.0 °C; Light rain
A run with many dead ends. Had laid out a nice route and memorised major parts. First, I made a few attempts to reach Christ Church Meadow via some courtyards without exit. Then, I missed my exit from the meadow due to a navigation error and found myself in the middle of Oriel College. Found my route barred trying to enter Water Meadow and Addison's Walk from multiple directions. Finally reached Mesopotamia Walk and had clear sailing from there. Did a couple of short tempo sections, it was a good workout with some orienteering elements.
7:25 AM; Oxford, UK
13.0 °C; Light rain
A run with many dead ends. Had laid out a nice route and memorised major parts. First, I made a few attempts to reach Christ Church Meadow via some courtyards without exit. Then, I missed my exit from the meadow due to a navigation error and found myself in the middle of Oriel College. Found my route barred trying to enter Water Meadow and Addison's Walk from multiple directions. Finally reached Mesopotamia Walk and had clear sailing from there. Did a couple of short tempo sections, it was a good workout with some orienteering elements.
Tuesday Oct 15, 2019 #
11 AM
Biking: Trail 2:01:08 13.82 km (8:46 / km) +41m 8:38 / km
ahr:102 max:136 shoes: Good Loaner Bike
Walton Street Cycles to King's Lock, Godstow
11:14 AM; Oxford, UK
12.9 °C; Partly cloudy
Rented bikes and did a leisurly ride along the Thames Path with Lynn. The sometimes muddy trail and a few cattle gates injected some challenged but the bikes had fenders, so we didn't get too splattered. Turned around at King's Lock. Checked out The Trout and Perch pubs along the way, we had dinner reservation for this evening at the latter.
11:14 AM; Oxford, UK
12.9 °C; Partly cloudy
Rented bikes and did a leisurly ride along the Thames Path with Lynn. The sometimes muddy trail and a few cattle gates injected some challenged but the bikes had fenders, so we didn't get too splattered. Turned around at King's Lock. Checked out The Trout and Perch pubs along the way, we had dinner reservation for this evening at the latter.
4 PM
Hiking 1:31:59 6.83 km (13:28 / km) +22m 13:15 / km
ahr:96 max:136 shoes: Five Ten Kestrel
Tidmarsh Lane to The Perch
4:52 PM; Oxford, UK
13.2 °C; Partly cloudy
Lovely evening walk to our chosen dinner location, the Perch, W of Oxford and Port Meadow. The water in the Thames was quite high and I had noticed during our bike ride that parts of Port Meadow were flooded. I was a little worried about the Thames Path, which we were taking but here was only a short step across a flooding induced puddle near where Castle Mill Stream splits from the Thames.
Walked back home the same way after an excellent dinner of beef cheeks, a dessert of something called a "sticky toffee pudding." Turned out that the pudding was a very guey type of chocolate sponge cake, swimming in a pool of caramel sauce, topped with a dab of icecream. Delicious! A glass of sweet port went very well with it. Friends had recommended the restaurant and also suggested to take a flashlight. I poo-pooed this but took my Petzl NAO based on Lynn's request. It came in helpful to avoid the puddles along the way.
4:52 PM; Oxford, UK
13.2 °C; Partly cloudy
Lovely evening walk to our chosen dinner location, the Perch, W of Oxford and Port Meadow. The water in the Thames was quite high and I had noticed during our bike ride that parts of Port Meadow were flooded. I was a little worried about the Thames Path, which we were taking but here was only a short step across a flooding induced puddle near where Castle Mill Stream splits from the Thames.
Walked back home the same way after an excellent dinner of beef cheeks, a dessert of something called a "sticky toffee pudding." Turned out that the pudding was a very guey type of chocolate sponge cake, swimming in a pool of caramel sauce, topped with a dab of icecream. Delicious! A glass of sweet port went very well with it. Friends had recommended the restaurant and also suggested to take a flashlight. I poo-pooed this but took my Petzl NAO based on Lynn's request. It came in helpful to avoid the puddles along the way.
Monday Oct 14, 2019 #
7 AM
Running 1:22:13 13.04 km (6:18 / km) +83m 6:07 / km
ahr:145 max:161 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Tidmarsh Lane to Rose Hill via Thames Path
7:52 AM; Oxford, UK
10.2 °C; Light rain
Decided to run downstream along the Thames to cover the south of town. Explored options on map, nothing lend itself to a nice circle route, but that's OK, the Thames Path provided plenty of sights and diversions. I ran by the Oxford University Colleges' boat houses, plenty of action here. I counted six or seven eights and many single sculls. The eights were a mix of beginners on at least two and more proficient rowers on the others. The trail was busy with bike commuters, runners and walkers. I messed up a little near the turn-around point, missing going through Rivermead Nature Park and instead cutting through town. Made up for this by doing a short stair climbing interval (10 x sprinting about 20 steps) where I rejoined the Thames Path. All in all an excellent workout, mostly L2.
7:52 AM; Oxford, UK
10.2 °C; Light rain
Decided to run downstream along the Thames to cover the south of town. Explored options on map, nothing lend itself to a nice circle route, but that's OK, the Thames Path provided plenty of sights and diversions. I ran by the Oxford University Colleges' boat houses, plenty of action here. I counted six or seven eights and many single sculls. The eights were a mix of beginners on at least two and more proficient rowers on the others. The trail was busy with bike commuters, runners and walkers. I messed up a little near the turn-around point, missing going through Rivermead Nature Park and instead cutting through town. Made up for this by doing a short stair climbing interval (10 x sprinting about 20 steps) where I rejoined the Thames Path. All in all an excellent workout, mostly L2.
Sunday Oct 13, 2019 #
8 AM
Hiking 19:25 [1] 1.87 km (10:23 / km) +13m 10:02 / km
ahr:92 max:116 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Tidmarsh Lane to Wellington Sq
8:01 AM; Oxford, UK
10.8 °C; Rain
Rainy walk to GAIL Bakery for some croissants. Worth the effort.
8:01 AM; Oxford, UK
10.8 °C; Rain
Rainy walk to GAIL Bakery for some croissants. Worth the effort.
Saturday Oct 12, 2019 #
7 AM
Running: Long 1:46:01 16.29 km (6:30 / km) +139m 6:15 / km
ahr:143 max:162 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Tidmarsh Lane to Wytham Woods
7:59 AM; Oxford, UK
10.2 °C; Light rain
Rainy morning, went anyway. Headed out of town along A420 but failed to turn off past the roundabout. Recognized my error and came back onto the frontage road. Unfortunately, the road I had hoped to take was a private one which crossed a working farm. So I continued on the frontage road to Wytham. After a few false turns in that tiny village, I got onto the road (another private one) which led to the Wytham Woods car park. I am a little confused as to what the rules are RE private vs. public access. I did end up making it to the highest point of Wytham Woods, then back, via Godstow and the Thames Path. Encountered a rowing team on the Thames and quite a few anglers who sat in their very neat chair-umbrella-fishing box contraptions. Felt very good after this long and slow workout.
7:59 AM; Oxford, UK
10.2 °C; Light rain
Rainy morning, went anyway. Headed out of town along A420 but failed to turn off past the roundabout. Recognized my error and came back onto the frontage road. Unfortunately, the road I had hoped to take was a private one which crossed a working farm. So I continued on the frontage road to Wytham. After a few false turns in that tiny village, I got onto the road (another private one) which led to the Wytham Woods car park. I am a little confused as to what the rules are RE private vs. public access. I did end up making it to the highest point of Wytham Woods, then back, via Godstow and the Thames Path. Encountered a rowing team on the Thames and quite a few anglers who sat in their very neat chair-umbrella-fishing box contraptions. Felt very good after this long and slow workout.
Friday Oct 11, 2019 #
9 AM
Hiking 1:15:17 5.67 km (13:17 / km) +46m 12:46 / km
ahr:102 max:140 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Oxford Errands
9:15 AM; Oxford, UK
14.8 °C; Cloudy
Dropped Lynn off at Rewley House, then continued towards the Grog Shop, where I intended to find some decent beer (success). On the way, I noticed Gail Bakery and saw some decent looking dark and crusty breads. Stopped in to purchase one and some croissants. Back along a path called the Willow Trail and then Thames and Oxford Canal.
9:15 AM; Oxford, UK
14.8 °C; Cloudy
Dropped Lynn off at Rewley House, then continued towards the Grog Shop, where I intended to find some decent beer (success). On the way, I noticed Gail Bakery and saw some decent looking dark and crusty breads. Stopped in to purchase one and some croissants. Back along a path called the Willow Trail and then Thames and Oxford Canal.
4 PM
Hiking 8:45 0.81 km (10:48 / km) +8m 10:18 / km
ahr:100 max:129 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Picking up Lynn at Rewley House
4:47 PM; Oxford, UK
15.9 °C; Rain
Raining pretty hard, since I was bringing Lynn's umbrella, I used it.
4:47 PM; Oxford, UK
15.9 °C; Rain
Raining pretty hard, since I was bringing Lynn's umbrella, I used it.
Thursday Oct 10, 2019 #
7 AM
Running 1:03:06 10.18 km (6:12 / km) +28m 6:07 / km
ahr:139 max:161 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Quaking Bridge Around Port Meadow
7:50 AM; Oxford, UK
9.3 °C; Clear
Lovely morning, cool and bright. Studied map carefully before I took off and found my way to River Thames without a hitch. Crossed over to the right bank and enjoyed the pastoral views, with cows and horses grazing on the opposing bank. The Thames Path is interrupted by styles that separate pastures. Houseboat barges on the Oxford Canal and marinas along the Thames. Crossed from Port Meadow into Burgess Field Nature Park. Shrubland here, with many birds singing. Back to Thames Path and crossing over to Oxford Canal, needed to duck when the path went under several rail tracks.
7:50 AM; Oxford, UK
9.3 °C; Clear
Lovely morning, cool and bright. Studied map carefully before I took off and found my way to River Thames without a hitch. Crossed over to the right bank and enjoyed the pastoral views, with cows and horses grazing on the opposing bank. The Thames Path is interrupted by styles that separate pastures. Houseboat barges on the Oxford Canal and marinas along the Thames. Crossed from Port Meadow into Burgess Field Nature Park. Shrubland here, with many birds singing. Back to Thames Path and crossing over to Oxford Canal, needed to duck when the path went under several rail tracks.
1 PM
Hiking 1:26:22 6.21 km (13:54 / km) +31m 13:34 / km
ahr:95 max:130 shoes: Hoka One One Challenger ATR 4
Oxford Sightseeing
1:04 PM; Oxford, UK
14.8 °C; Cloudy
We walked to Rewley House, where Lynn is participating in a writer's workshop during our time in Oxford. Then I showed her some of the sights I encountered during my run this morning. We visited the Oxford Covered Market, followed by a flea market outdoors. We had a late lunch at TSK (Turle Street Kitchen) and then visited Oxford University Church, Exeter College, Jesus College and walked around Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library (need to make arrangements for a tour weeks in advance). A busy day, ended up taking a nap, which I very rarely do.
1:04 PM; Oxford, UK
14.8 °C; Cloudy
We walked to Rewley House, where Lynn is participating in a writer's workshop during our time in Oxford. Then I showed her some of the sights I encountered during my run this morning. We visited the Oxford Covered Market, followed by a flea market outdoors. We had a late lunch at TSK (Turle Street Kitchen) and then visited Oxford University Church, Exeter College, Jesus College and walked around Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library (need to make arrangements for a tour weeks in advance). A busy day, ended up taking a nap, which I very rarely do.
Tuesday Oct 8, 2019 #
5 PM
Running 43:08 7.9 km (5:28 / km) +33m 5:21 / km
ahr:151 max:163 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Newpark House to St. Flannan's College
5:52 PM; Ennis, IRL
11.8 °C; Light rain
Time for my every other day workout. Meant to do a repeat of the first workout in Ennis (minus the getting lost part) and promptly missed the turn onto R469. I realized my mistake when I got to St. Flannan's college. Took a left onto R458 instead and another left to circle back to the road I came from. Since I had already about half my run by that time, I decided to head back, wanting to check out the gravel path I noticed along River Fergus. Unfortunately, it went only about 100 m and ended in a boat launch ramp. I took the neighborhood street back to the main artery and headed back. Saw a full rainbow brightly against the evening sky and thought of the luck of the Irish and the pot of gold that's supposedly at the end of every rainbow on this, our last full day in Éire.
5:52 PM; Ennis, IRL
11.8 °C; Light rain
Time for my every other day workout. Meant to do a repeat of the first workout in Ennis (minus the getting lost part) and promptly missed the turn onto R469. I realized my mistake when I got to St. Flannan's college. Took a left onto R458 instead and another left to circle back to the road I came from. Since I had already about half my run by that time, I decided to head back, wanting to check out the gravel path I noticed along River Fergus. Unfortunately, it went only about 100 m and ended in a boat launch ramp. I took the neighborhood street back to the main artery and headed back. Saw a full rainbow brightly against the evening sky and thought of the luck of the Irish and the pot of gold that's supposedly at the end of every rainbow on this, our last full day in Éire.
Monday Oct 7, 2019 #
11 AM
Hiking 3:34:35 11.16 km (19:14 / km) +400m 16:18 / km
ahr:99 max:146 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre to Moher Tower
11:25 AM; Cliffs of Moher National Park
15.2 °C; Partly cloudy
Hike along the Moher Cliffs, first braving the loads of tour bus visitors, then enjoying the views, a gradually brightening sky and the thundering waves crashing against the rock walls a good 200 m below. As we were getting close to the Moher Tower, we first saw a Rolls with wedding decoration and then the tiny wedding party consisting of the couple (from Kentucky), the minister, the driver and the photographer. Phantastic hike!
11:25 AM; Cliffs of Moher National Park
15.2 °C; Partly cloudy
Hike along the Moher Cliffs, first braving the loads of tour bus visitors, then enjoying the views, a gradually brightening sky and the thundering waves crashing against the rock walls a good 200 m below. As we were getting close to the Moher Tower, we first saw a Rolls with wedding decoration and then the tiny wedding party consisting of the couple (from Kentucky), the minister, the driver and the photographer. Phantastic hike!
Sunday Oct 6, 2019 #
1 PM
Hiking 28:23 [1] 1.82 km (15:36 / km) +11m 15:08 / km
ahr:80 max:119 shoes: Barefoot
Ballybunion Beach Walk and Dip
1:35 PM; Ballybunion, IRL
14.7 °C; Cloudy
Had to take a quick bath in Atlantic Ocean waves. Very refreshing and not cold at all!
1:35 PM; Ballybunion, IRL
14.7 °C; Cloudy
Had to take a quick bath in Atlantic Ocean waves. Very refreshing and not cold at all!
5 PM
Running 1:13:22 12.31 km (5:58 / km) +53m 5:50 / km
ahr:147 max:162 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Newpark House Loop
5:28 PM; Ennis, IRL
13.5 °C; Cloudy
I could have just said Newpark House Run plus a little terrain run. The sad truth was that I got lost, not trusting my instincts. With about 500 m to go, not recgnizing any landmarks on what should really be an almost rectangular loop, I veered into a neighborhood that didn't look anything like what I had previously driven towards our B&B. That was the first gap in judgment. The second one was to jump a fence and go cross country into an area surrounded by blackberry brambles (impenetrable), following some game or cow trails) I ended up my errant ways near a farm house where I was greeted by an angry German shepherd. Thankfully, he let me pass without incident. Back at my mistaken entry into the subdivision, I decided to had back towards town and accosted the first people I encountered, asking for help. They quickly set me straight and made me realize my mistake. After I ran past the first roundabout to the second one, I was very quickly back at Newpark House.
5:28 PM; Ennis, IRL
13.5 °C; Cloudy
I could have just said Newpark House Run plus a little terrain run. The sad truth was that I got lost, not trusting my instincts. With about 500 m to go, not recgnizing any landmarks on what should really be an almost rectangular loop, I veered into a neighborhood that didn't look anything like what I had previously driven towards our B&B. That was the first gap in judgment. The second one was to jump a fence and go cross country into an area surrounded by blackberry brambles (impenetrable), following some game or cow trails) I ended up my errant ways near a farm house where I was greeted by an angry German shepherd. Thankfully, he let me pass without incident. Back at my mistaken entry into the subdivision, I decided to had back towards town and accosted the first people I encountered, asking for help. They quickly set me straight and made me realize my mistake. After I ran past the first roundabout to the second one, I was very quickly back at Newpark House.
Friday Oct 4, 2019 #
4 PM
Running 43:26 7.83 km (5:33 / km) +36m 5:25 / km
ahr:150 max:171 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Old Weir Lodge to Ross Castle
4:31 PM; Killarney, IRL
15.8 °C; Partly cloudy
Feels good to be moving after four hours in the car. The guy at the reception was super nice and helpful with directions. Ross Castle on its peninsula in Lough Leane had been an option I had identified. I had no particular goal for this workout except working up a sweat. On the way back, I checked my pace and decided it woud be nice to push my speed for a few minutes, so I did a ~4:30 pace for about four minutes. To think that this was my easy jogging pace for many years, now I'm pushing it into L4. Half of the run was on tow roads and half on forest trails. There were some roe deer in a psture along the road and horse-drawn carriages were shutteling tourists between town and casltle.
4:31 PM; Killarney, IRL
15.8 °C; Partly cloudy
Feels good to be moving after four hours in the car. The guy at the reception was super nice and helpful with directions. Ross Castle on its peninsula in Lough Leane had been an option I had identified. I had no particular goal for this workout except working up a sweat. On the way back, I checked my pace and decided it woud be nice to push my speed for a few minutes, so I did a ~4:30 pace for about four minutes. To think that this was my easy jogging pace for many years, now I'm pushing it into L4. Half of the run was on tow roads and half on forest trails. There were some roe deer in a psture along the road and horse-drawn carriages were shutteling tourists between town and casltle.
Thursday Oct 3, 2019 #
2 PM
Hiking 56:26 2.44 km (23:08 / km) +126m 18:23 / km
ahr:95 max:132 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Garrylucas Beach Walk
2:52 PM; Kinsale, IRL
15.4 °C; Cloudy
After viewing Hurrican Lorenzo from high up at the Head Castle, we drove down and hiked south from Garylucas Beach along the low bluffs, eventually even making it to a stretch of rocky share. The turbulent waves were awesome and it was fun to see the kite surfers practice their sport.
2:52 PM; Kinsale, IRL
15.4 °C; Cloudy
After viewing Hurrican Lorenzo from high up at the Head Castle, we drove down and hiked south from Garylucas Beach along the low bluffs, eventually even making it to a stretch of rocky share. The turbulent waves were awesome and it was fun to see the kite surfers practice their sport.
Wednesday Oct 2, 2019 #
8 AM
Running 1:27:09 14.64 km (5:57 / km) +60m 5:50 / km
ahr:149 max:172 shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
Schoolhouse Hotel to Poolbeg Lighthouse
8:09 AM; Dublin, IRL
7.4 °C; Clear
Accomplished my goal to run to the lighthouse at the end of the seawall and approximated the EU MYR Tuesday night workout in absentia: per Margie 8:00 at L3 followed by 4 x 3:00 at L4. Nice to see Dublin Bay under sunshine, though at barely 4 °C and a cold westerly wind, the early morning rays barely registered.
8:09 AM; Dublin, IRL
7.4 °C; Clear
Accomplished my goal to run to the lighthouse at the end of the seawall and approximated the EU MYR Tuesday night workout in absentia: per Margie 8:00 at L3 followed by 4 x 3:00 at L4. Nice to see Dublin Bay under sunshine, though at barely 4 °C and a cold westerly wind, the early morning rays barely registered.
12 PM
Hiking 27:27 1.53 km (17:59 / km) +27m 16:30 / km
ahr:105 max:148
7 PM
Hiking 18:07 0.99 km (18:17 / km) +6m 17:45 / km
ahr:86 max:112
Tuesday Oct 1, 2019 #
1 PM
Biking Commuting 1:09:11 7.61 km (9:06 / km) +40m 8:52 / km
ahr:99 max:155
5 PM
Hiking 47:33 3.24 km (14:41 / km) +32m 14:00 / km
ahr:97 max:119