Training Log Archive: Fanatic

Some more heat training, not that I wanted it--it was 85°F today. Ran on the bike trails south of Reservoir Road in Lenox. The knee still hasn't recovered, but I was trying to run 'normally' on it. But one thing was certain, getting my normal pace back will take some work. Even on the downhills I was barely getting under 12-minute miles. :-(

http://www.movescount.com/moves/move61950232

Event: EMPO local -- Partridge Run WMA
 

Between my knee and a non-functioning brain, today's attempt at orienteering can best be described as dismal. Too bad since it was a great, sunny day, albeit on the warm side. Just couldn't get into the map at all, which was sad, since the course set by Phil Hawkes-Teeter was great. Oh well, nothing to do, but keep orienteering to get back in the groove.

Thought I had started my Suunto, but evidently not, so time, distance, and climb are all just guesses.

Almost took the day off, but decided to go for an easy stroll after dinner instead. Out past the black cows and back.

http://www.movescount.com/moves/move61698351

Went back to October Mountain Campground to continue exploring the Eagle Ledge Trail that I was on briefly a few days ago. The trail is fairly flat in the beginning and in fairly good shape, but once it starts to climb it becomes apparent how poorly maintained the trail is. Not sure why the workers are so friggin lazy, it wouldn't have taken much work to install some water bars to prevent erosion over the years, but there are virtually none. Consequently many sections are just rocks and leaves, with very poor footing. Such a shame, really.

Once on top, I did do some running to get back to the start, but it was slow and careful, including a number of walking breaks when the trail was rocky. The knee didn't complain too badly--probably because I had just made an appointment to see the orthopedic surgeon. :-)

http://www.movescount.com/moves/move61591642

Drove to the trailhead parking on Richmond Mountain Road in Lenox, just north of Kripalu. From there I took the fairly new Brothers Trail, which rolls gently until it leads to the Charcoal Trail. From there, it's a sharp climb to the top of Yokun Ridge.

Headed north from there, passed Olivia's Overlook and stayed on the Ridge trail before descending and swinging toward Monks Pond. Was thinking about how it might be time to put on a trail run in the Berkshires that would benefit the Berkshire Natural Resources Council; they own much of this land and build these wonderful trails. And since I'm slowly getting out of directing the 7 Sisters Trail Race, I might have some time to start a new race. :-)

Took an anti-inflammatory pill last night, so the knee had calmed down a bit, but it still doesn't feel like it should.

http://www.movescount.com/moves/move61492435

C • BNRC Benefit Run 2

Drove to the AT just south and east of Goose Pond in Tyringham and ran north to the cabin. Unfortunately, my knee doesn't like this running stuff and got progressively tighter and sore as I continued on. Think it may be time to visit an orthopedic specialist.

It was a much more pleasant day for running today, so despite the knee, I was glad to get out.

http://www.movescount.com/moves/move61392692

I didn't exactly pick the perfect day to resume running after my injury and all the time I needed to spend on the 7 Sisters Trail Race--it was well above 80°F when I got out to run. That made for a rather slow run, but the knee didn't complain too much and I have also stopped taking the anti-inflammatory, so the fact that the pain was minimal is a good sign.

If anyone is interested in the 7 Sisters Trail Race results, they can be found here: http://7sisterstrailrace.com/?p=459

http://www.movescount.com/moves/move61289122

C • seven sisters press 2