Just a little muddy last night at Shawnee Mission Park. The mountain bike trails were closed so we ran an out and back 6 miles on the Off-leash dog park area. As always the Monday MudBabes made things happen!
Hello Muddy
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After Boston
Have to admit the Boston bombings and senseless loss of life and limb was nearly too much to handle this past week. Obviously I was not there nor can I fully comprehend how it feels to be a part of such a tragedy, I can only guess. With that being said I did feel very “connected” as a runner, someone who has run those streets (not during the race) and my boss was in the race.
What has been, and not to anyone’s surprise, truly amazing has been the aftermath…not the car chase, gun battles or capture. The acts of pure kindness and real feats of heroism have been shining brilliantly in this time of dark intentions and horrible events.
Listening to the Marathon Talk and other podcasts this week they had several interviewees on who were at the race an experienced first hand just how good we can be to each other. Stranded runners were given shelter, food, clothing, and even comic relief. Here in the Kansas City area the Garmin Marathon allowed local runners who did not finish Boston the chance to run across the finish line and get their medals. I volunteered at a trail race put on by the Trail Nerds and many runners had “Boston 4.15.2013″ bibs attached next to the race bibs. Even at the start of the race several words of remembrance were offered.
Not really sure what this post is about other than I know for a fact more good exists in this world than bad.
The NYC
This past Monday, while traveling on business, I had a chance to get down to the World Trade Center and see the September 11th Memorial and all the new construction going on around the area. There are, at the same time, no words and too many words to describe being down at Ground Zero. Even though we were there a short time it was very impressive to see the rebuilding as well as take a few moments to reflect on those who gave their lives.
The memorial itself was very impressive. Thinking about how far the towers stretched into the sky and now the fountains cascade down into the ground, you cannot see the bottom of the center of the memorial. During the short time I spent at the memorial I heard several different languages and saw many people reflecting and talking about the events of that day. Just like most of us I can remember exactly where I was when the first tower was hit and I hope to never feel the same way again. One can only imagine the feelings of those who rushed into help and perished as heros. All I can say in thank you and God Bless.
Get Off the Couch and Make Something Happen
It is way too easy to NOT get out and make great things happen. I need to stop taking things easy!
It’s fun being outdoors!
Sledding is much more fun than being inside!
Gymboss King!
YES! The Gymboss to a lickin’ and it kept on tickin’!!!
Out on the trail a few weeks ago I made a nice face plant and the Gymboss took the brunt of the fall. Happily it still works and is ready to hit the trail again soon.
Clinton Sunday Long Run
This past Sunday I was able to get to Clinton Lake for a nice long slow training run on the North Shore trails. Originally had planned to run about 10 miles and ended up closer to 15 after misjudging the distance back from one point on the trail. I went out on the Blue Trail and ran past mile marker 6 then catching a connector back over to the White Trail to head back to the car.
When I came to the nearest mile marker it said 10! Thinking I was in for a super long run I started to get a little nervous. After a few miles I came to Land’s End and was able to cut a mile or so off by taking a slightly different path and cut another mile off by going directly past Lake Henry without doing the little “extra” loop.
Rounding the last little hill I was happy to come back to Outlook Park…none the worse for wear but very tired! It was nice to get in a few extra miles and it highlighted the fact that I need to re-focus and make my training consistent and intentional.
Heading home I felt my legs tightening up since my drive was right around 35 minutes back to the house. Can’t wait for the next Trail Nerds event!
Saturday WyCo Loop
For a Saturday in January to be 55 degrees is something to enjoy and one of the best ways to enjoy is out on the trail! Unfortunately I was not able to get out with the early runners at 7am so I made it to the park in the afternoon around 2pm.
Arriving at the park it was filled with cars and kids on the playground equipment. It is always nice to see families out enjoying the park together, we need to spend more time outside as a general rule so when the kids start learning to be outside it most likely only helps to build good habits overall. I am looking forward to the next few years when I can bring my kids out to the trail and go for a run together!
Heading out onto the trail I was among a few other runners either starting or finishing their Saturday training session. It seems that with the Psycho 5K and Psycho WyCo Run Toto Tun races coming up many more people are out trying to get their legs ready for the Three Hills and Festers Wander…and don’t forget about Fall Down Hill! Right away it was apparent that this run was going to be a little muddy.
Most of the time people would probably complain about lots of slipping and sliding out on the run, but here at WyCo it’s just par for the course. Most of the time the trail is soft and with some water running through a couple of the drainage areas the trail is pretty squishy. In actuality I find it sometimes adds to the run or the workout, basically forcing you to have better form. The form tightens up because you have to run quick and light (I am neither…its more of a frame of mind) working to land mid to fore foot. If you bang the heel down you will go sliding each and every time your foot hits the ground. So, off and running things started as usual.
Getting to the Wyandotte Triangle my right foot started to feel like it was asleep. Not sure what was going on so I kept going and took a couple of short walk breaks. Back running the foot really was asleep and I tried wiggling the foot, high stepping, even waving my arms (crazy, I know) to get the blood flowing and circulating. Finally past the triangle and up to the road I sat down on one of the rocks and took off my shoe. Shortly after taking the shoe off my foot woke up and I was back running on the trail. I got past Fall Down Hill and up the dam and when I was walking up to the top of the road my foot fell asleep again so I stopped and took my shoe off again. For the second time my foot woke up and I was on my way. I decided to skip Festers Wander and headed down the road to the Archery Range where I picked up the trail. Running past shelter 10 was ok and then I decided to walk because it was feeling odd again. Ending the run I headed up the last to hills back to the Ranger Station.
Not sure what was going on but I’ll head out Monday for a few more miles and I hope the foot is a-ok because if its not I may have to skip the race in three weeks. I really do not want to skip but there is no way I can do two loops with a lame foot. Hopefully all will be well and things will go smoothly.
Running in the New Year
Sitting here in the middle of January with a tough twenty mile trail race looming. The Psycho Wyco is going to be here sooner than I would like. Recent training runs along the course have been slow and diligent. Each time I run a loop I feel tired and abused, but at the same time a little stronger than the last.
Signing up for two loops is a rather daunting endeavour even though I have run a coupe of marathons. 20 miles should be easier than 26 but not at Wyandotte County Lake Park. Last night on our Wednesday night run I signaled some doubt about my ability to compete both loops to my running partner Wael. He simply stated, “you signed up for two loops, you’re going to run two loops”. Welcome sage advice from a friend.
I signed up for two loops, I am going to run two loops.
Merry Christmas!
TJ’s first Christmas!
Here in Hutchinson celebrating with the family and TJ’s first Christmas! V got her bike and some My Little Pony items that she was dying for and TJ got his little walker. Super cold and windy so I didn’t get my annual Xmas morning run, going to have to postpone until we get home tonight. Now off to Grandma’s to see the rest of the family.
May you and yours celebrate today and the rest of the holiday season in good spirits and hearty health!
She was thrilled to see the bike, and the Little Pony’s!