Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Feeling the love for the trails

Getting into the swing of the training now and starting to feel some improvements, even if they are just mental. Of course there is lots of room for improvement there at any given time. No input required from the peanut gallery.

Last weekend I finally had the pleasure of running the Hog Pen Gap 17 Km race from Helen, GA. It's been on the to do list for a while and I can now check that box. A lovely 10.4 mile run in the cold and wet complete with a total climb of 2500 ft. The major prize at the top to go along with the sense of accomplishment is the best chicken soup in the world. The sauce of 2 hours running in the cold and wet really finishes off the soup nicely, highly recommend it. So look out next year because I will be rounding up a crew to participate, complete with adult beverages in Helen after once the chicken soup cure is complete.

This evening I hit Stone Mountain to get in some trail running before it got too dark. Found it quite exhilarating to be running in the woods as it started to get dark, a nice extra challenge to see all the roots and rocks as the shadows get longer. The increased concentration only adds to the pleasure of being out there. As I was running along on the trail where it parallels the road I remember times when I was on that stretch of road running along seeing people down on the trail, they always seemed to be enjoying it more. I now realize that they were, on the trail you have to be totally engaged in what you are doing which adds to the sense of escape and relaxation that naturally comes with a good run. Next trick now will be to start doing some runs with a head lamp on the trails, all part of getting ready for the main event.

Right now working on figuring out diet but at least I'm getting my training routine down and it seems to be kicking in. Training in week 6, 30 to go. Next event will be the 4th Annual Thrill In The Hills at Fort Yargo State Park which is a trail marathon on February 27th, should be fun.

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