Tuesday, March 31, 2020
It blows my mind sometimes that the most reliable place to see wood ducks in Albany is in the heart of the city, at Washington Park Lake.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
A GOOD RUN
10.1 Mile Run on the Albany County Rail Trail
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
10.1 Mile Run on the Albany County Rail Trail
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Crowds near the parking areas, but not so much once I got about a mile away from each. For whatever reason, today's run "clicked" and I ended up running most of it similar to how I'd run a race. The last mile was a spur-of-the-moment addition, and I have to say it hurt... but that means I was right to add it.
I'm going to be feeling this one for the next few days... but today was evidence that I'm getting somewhere with my goal to "Do Better."
JMH
Sunday, March 29, 2020
4 EAGLES, 2 HERONS, A HORNED GREBE, & TOO MANY WOODPECKERS TO COUNT
7.4 Mile Run at Schodack Island State Park
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Steady rain all morning and now it's raining steadily again, but I lucked out when I went out for my run and only had a few sprinkles as I was changing into my running shoes. And whether it was the weather, the time of day, the remoteness of the park, or the fact that I ventured a lot further from the parking lot than many folks would want to, I encountered very few people while I was out there. But plenty of critters, which I never mind...
I ended up spotting four eagles in all - two adults and two juveniles - at various points during the run. A nice change from the last time I was here.
I also was fortunate to see a horned grebe in the water off the boat launch as I was just getting started. I think the only other time I've seen one of these guys was a couple of years ago, when one hung out at Buckingham Pond for a few days.
I heard plenty of woodpeckers and spotted a two (one pileated, one downy) - I was reminded of a late March walk Ann and I took years ago at Greece Canal Park when the woods were full of woodpeckers.
A few deer ran away from me as I plodded down the trails. And as I was wrapping my run up two herons flew overhead. I even spotted a couple of bunnies as I was leaving the park.
JMH
7.4 Mile Run at Schodack Island State Park
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Steady rain all morning and now it's raining steadily again, but I lucked out when I went out for my run and only had a few sprinkles as I was changing into my running shoes. And whether it was the weather, the time of day, the remoteness of the park, or the fact that I ventured a lot further from the parking lot than many folks would want to, I encountered very few people while I was out there. But plenty of critters, which I never mind...
I ended up spotting four eagles in all - two adults and two juveniles - at various points during the run. A nice change from the last time I was here.
I also was fortunate to see a horned grebe in the water off the boat launch as I was just getting started. I think the only other time I've seen one of these guys was a couple of years ago, when one hung out at Buckingham Pond for a few days.
I heard plenty of woodpeckers and spotted a two (one pileated, one downy) - I was reminded of a late March walk Ann and I took years ago at Greece Canal Park when the woods were full of woodpeckers.
A few deer ran away from me as I plodded down the trails. And as I was wrapping my run up two herons flew overhead. I even spotted a couple of bunnies as I was leaving the park.
JMH
Friday, March 27, 2020
CRITTERS!
1.9 Mile Walk at Ann Lee Pond
0.9 Mile Walk at the Bauer Environmental Park
Friday, March 27, 2020
It took a bit of thinking but I finally decided Ann Lee Pond was a good place to go for a walk this evening - fairly level terrain, the possibility of interesting wildlife, and it seemed less likely to be mobbed with people. Plus I haven't been there in ages.
One of the first things I saw at the pond was a pair of ring-necked ducks. They usually migrate back through this area around now, but I hadn't seen any yet this season.
Next I spotted several mergansers - I've been seeing them around for a couple of weeks, but it was still a pleasant surprise to find some here.
I also spotted a couple of beavers swimming around, though I didn't get a good look at them before I headed back into the woods along the wetlands. Oddly enough, they seemed a lot more active than beavers usually are.
Back along the edge of the former beaver pond, I spotted one remaining heron nest (there used to be two or three) - with two herons in residence.
I had originally thought to loop through the woods and come out on the far side of the pond but decided to go back to the bridge and see if I could get a better view of the beavers. I didn't have much luck, but they did occasionally pop their heads up out of the water in a very un-beaver-like manner. It wasn't until I got back to the spot where I first saw the ring-necked ducks that I good a good enough view to convince myself - that the "beavers" were actually (I think) otters!
... which makes so much more sense in retrospect, though how some otters ended up in Ann Lee Pond is beyond me.
After that I headed over to Bauer Park hoping to hear or see an owl... sadly, all I saw and heard were two small children on bicycles accompanied by their father. Well, that and a bunch of peepers in the marshy section near the other entrance. I did see that the town has apparently put down a drainage pipe and filled in over top of it so allow easy access between the Sunset Blvd parking area and the fields and woods heading over to Ann Lee Pond... the last time I went there I had to jump the stream. So that's definitely someplace to do a bit more exploring at, before the bugs get too bad.
JMH
1.9 Mile Walk at Ann Lee Pond
0.9 Mile Walk at the Bauer Environmental Park
Friday, March 27, 2020
It took a bit of thinking but I finally decided Ann Lee Pond was a good place to go for a walk this evening - fairly level terrain, the possibility of interesting wildlife, and it seemed less likely to be mobbed with people. Plus I haven't been there in ages.
One of the first things I saw at the pond was a pair of ring-necked ducks. They usually migrate back through this area around now, but I hadn't seen any yet this season.
And of course, the usual geese and mallards, including one pair of geese who are clearly planning to nest.
... which makes so much more sense in retrospect, though how some otters ended up in Ann Lee Pond is beyond me.
After that I headed over to Bauer Park hoping to hear or see an owl... sadly, all I saw and heard were two small children on bicycles accompanied by their father. Well, that and a bunch of peepers in the marshy section near the other entrance. I did see that the town has apparently put down a drainage pipe and filled in over top of it so allow easy access between the Sunset Blvd parking area and the fields and woods heading over to Ann Lee Pond... the last time I went there I had to jump the stream. So that's definitely someplace to do a bit more exploring at, before the bugs get too bad.
JMH
OW. OW. OW.
12.1 Mile Ride Through the Corning Preserve & Schuyler Flatts Cultural Park
Friday, March 27, 2020
Lots of people at the two ends of the Corning Preserve, not so many in the middle sections. But what was most disappointing is how bad the pavement has gotten from the end of the section that Albany repaved about a decade ago to Watervliet - the root heaves are almost non-stop and bone-jarring to ride over (and over, and over...)
12.1 Mile Ride Through the Corning Preserve & Schuyler Flatts Cultural Park
Friday, March 27, 2020
Lots of people at the two ends of the Corning Preserve, not so many in the middle sections. But what was most disappointing is how bad the pavement has gotten from the end of the section that Albany repaved about a decade ago to Watervliet - the root heaves are almost non-stop and bone-jarring to ride over (and over, and over...)
Thursday, March 26, 2020
TIRED LEGS & "HABITAT RESTORATION"
5.1 Mile Run in the Albany Pine Bush (Blueberry Hills & Kaikout Kill Barrens)
Thursday, March 26, 2020
I'm not sure why I felt such a strong urge to go for a run today, after putting in 40 miles on the bike over the last two days... it's probably go something to do with school starting back up soon. I've also been feeling a pull toward the Blueberry Hills/Kaikout Barrens sections of the Pine Bush - which frankly isn't a great place to run on tired legs, since there are more than a few hills to go up and down. But so it goes...
This area has changed so much in the last 15 years that it's almost painful. There used to be a few sections of meadow with the rest mostly wooded with a mix of conifers and deciduous trees, and there were multiple trail loops that wound their way through the area. One of the things I liked about it was the mix of terrain - plenty of short steep hills to go up and down, but also some longer flat sections to cruise along. The ridge line of the Kaikout Kill Barrens was especially memorable, because the trees were smaller and had twisted trunks - honestly it looked like a haunted forest, especially on a misty evening.
Habitat restoration (mainly trying to convert the whole place back to meadows with a few pines throughout) has totally changed that, along with many of the trails being relocated to keep them as close to the edge of the property as possible. Tonight the reminder was even more obvious, because several sections have been cleared relatively recently (the slash is still on the ground.) As I've said before, I understand and even support the goal of preserving an ecologically unique environment - though sometimes it seems like one type of invasive species is cleared away (trees and shrubs) only to allow another to take its place (brambles, ugh.) And I can't help it - I miss the woods and the variety of trails.
As expected, tonight was slow going, and I'm anticipating a good deal of grumbling from my legs tomorrow. And also as expected, there were other people walking the trails, though not nearly as many as on the bike path earlier today. It's good that people are getting outdoors more - too bad it took a pandemic and pseudo-quarantine to make it happen.
JMH
5.1 Mile Run in the Albany Pine Bush (Blueberry Hills & Kaikout Kill Barrens)
Thursday, March 26, 2020
I'm not sure why I felt such a strong urge to go for a run today, after putting in 40 miles on the bike over the last two days... it's probably go something to do with school starting back up soon. I've also been feeling a pull toward the Blueberry Hills/Kaikout Barrens sections of the Pine Bush - which frankly isn't a great place to run on tired legs, since there are more than a few hills to go up and down. But so it goes...
This area has changed so much in the last 15 years that it's almost painful. There used to be a few sections of meadow with the rest mostly wooded with a mix of conifers and deciduous trees, and there were multiple trail loops that wound their way through the area. One of the things I liked about it was the mix of terrain - plenty of short steep hills to go up and down, but also some longer flat sections to cruise along. The ridge line of the Kaikout Kill Barrens was especially memorable, because the trees were smaller and had twisted trunks - honestly it looked like a haunted forest, especially on a misty evening.
Habitat restoration (mainly trying to convert the whole place back to meadows with a few pines throughout) has totally changed that, along with many of the trails being relocated to keep them as close to the edge of the property as possible. Tonight the reminder was even more obvious, because several sections have been cleared relatively recently (the slash is still on the ground.) As I've said before, I understand and even support the goal of preserving an ecologically unique environment - though sometimes it seems like one type of invasive species is cleared away (trees and shrubs) only to allow another to take its place (brambles, ugh.) And I can't help it - I miss the woods and the variety of trails.
As expected, tonight was slow going, and I'm anticipating a good deal of grumbling from my legs tomorrow. And also as expected, there were other people walking the trails, though not nearly as many as on the bike path earlier today. It's good that people are getting outdoors more - too bad it took a pandemic and pseudo-quarantine to make it happen.
JMH
BUSY PATHS
15.4 Mile Ride on the Mohawk Hudson Bike Path, Rt 5S, and Rt 5
Thursday, March 26, 2020
I originally planned to just ride the path between Scrafford Lane and SCCC - but when I was driving to Lock 8 to park I could see how busy the path was along the SCCC to Lock 8 segment (the small parking area along the road to Lock 8 was overflowing with cars - there were almost as many parked along the road as there were in the parking lot) so I decided to concentrate on heading west instead. It was still pretty busy between Lock 8 and the 5S crossing, and even along the old canal... but the stretch of path west of Rotterdam Junction was pretty quiet. Right where that comes out on the road, I got a good view of the construction site alongside the railroad tracks - but I still can't tell if it's work for the railroad, or if they're working on another stretch of bike path to connect to the new section that starts in Pattersonville. (If the latter, I'm guessing they're going to have to tunnel under the tracks, which seems like it would be ridiculously expensive.
I decided to cross the river at Lock 9 and take Rt 5 east to the next bridge, which would allow me to get back on the bike path about half a mile east of the Kiwanis Park. The good part of that was, there's a very wide breakdown lane, but unfortunately 5 is a 4 lane highway along there, so I spent a couple of miles sucking down exhaust fumes and really appreciating the fact that I mostly ride on vehicle-free paths.
Legs felt decent except when I had to climb, then they reminded me that I'd done almost 26 miles with some climbing yesterday. 40 miles in two days isn't anything amazing, but it's also decent for this time of year and especially for the shape I've been in (or rather, haven't been in.)
Today's critter surprise was the first nesting goose I've seen this season - no doubt with more to come.
JMH
15.4 Mile Ride on the Mohawk Hudson Bike Path, Rt 5S, and Rt 5
Thursday, March 26, 2020
I decided to cross the river at Lock 9 and take Rt 5 east to the next bridge, which would allow me to get back on the bike path about half a mile east of the Kiwanis Park. The good part of that was, there's a very wide breakdown lane, but unfortunately 5 is a 4 lane highway along there, so I spent a couple of miles sucking down exhaust fumes and really appreciating the fact that I mostly ride on vehicle-free paths.
Legs felt decent except when I had to climb, then they reminded me that I'd done almost 26 miles with some climbing yesterday. 40 miles in two days isn't anything amazing, but it's also decent for this time of year and especially for the shape I've been in (or rather, haven't been in.)
Today's critter surprise was the first nesting goose I've seen this season - no doubt with more to come.
JMH
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
THE HERON IS BACK
1 Mile Walk at Buckingham Pond
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
... or at least, a heron is. One of the things I really enjoy about Buckingham Pond is how it provides a little natural oasis in the midst of the Albany neighborhoods, so seeing the heron there tonight provided a welcome reminder of that.
1 Mile Walk at Buckingham Pond
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
... or at least, a heron is. One of the things I really enjoy about Buckingham Pond is how it provides a little natural oasis in the midst of the Albany neighborhoods, so seeing the heron there tonight provided a welcome reminder of that.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
6.9 Mile Run at the Crossings of Colonie
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
If today's map looks different from the ones I usually post, that's because it is - another possible sign of the degree to which current events have me distracted is that I arrived at the Crossings & discovered that I had forgotten both my camera and my Garmin Forerunner 35, so my usual screencap of the Garmin Connect map and elevation profile isn't possible for today's outing. Fortunately I had decided to run somewhere that it's fairly easy to follow most of the paths on mapmyrun.com, though I'm sure the two stretches that run through wooded areas are estimates at best.
The paths were mostly clear of snow, which was a really nice surprise. Plenty of people out walking today, and a few runners... even a couple of people on bikes, though they mostly seemed to be avoiding the paths. Lots of birds - I saw another pileated woodpecker early on, and toward the end heard a mockingbird singing what seemed like a dozen different bird songs, as they so gloriously do.
One plus to forgetting the camera - I ran pretty consistently most of the time, without stopping. Not race pace, but more than I would usually run for a training run.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
If today's map looks different from the ones I usually post, that's because it is - another possible sign of the degree to which current events have me distracted is that I arrived at the Crossings & discovered that I had forgotten both my camera and my Garmin Forerunner 35, so my usual screencap of the Garmin Connect map and elevation profile isn't possible for today's outing. Fortunately I had decided to run somewhere that it's fairly easy to follow most of the paths on mapmyrun.com, though I'm sure the two stretches that run through wooded areas are estimates at best.
The paths were mostly clear of snow, which was a really nice surprise. Plenty of people out walking today, and a few runners... even a couple of people on bikes, though they mostly seemed to be avoiding the paths. Lots of birds - I saw another pileated woodpecker early on, and toward the end heard a mockingbird singing what seemed like a dozen different bird songs, as they so gloriously do.
One plus to forgetting the camera - I ran pretty consistently most of the time, without stopping. Not race pace, but more than I would usually run for a training run.
Monday, March 23, 2020
WINTER PUTS IN A RETURN APPEARANCE
1.8 Mile Walk Around the Snow Covered Pine Hills Neighborhood
Monday, March 23, 2020
Looks like I should have pushed myself harder to get out on the bike today (even though it was cold and grey) because when I stepped out the door this evening to go for a walk I discovered that during the later afternoon and early evening 4-5" of wet, heavy snow had fallen. And since I don't think we're supposed to get more warm weather until next week - at least some snow and ice is probably going to be around for a while. And I don't know that I want to drag my fat bike up from the basement for just one or two rides...
1.8 Mile Walk Around the Snow Covered Pine Hills Neighborhood
Monday, March 23, 2020
Looks like I should have pushed myself harder to get out on the bike today (even though it was cold and grey) because when I stepped out the door this evening to go for a walk I discovered that during the later afternoon and early evening 4-5" of wet, heavy snow had fallen. And since I don't think we're supposed to get more warm weather until next week - at least some snow and ice is probably going to be around for a while. And I don't know that I want to drag my fat bike up from the basement for just one or two rides...
JMH
REALLY POOR TIMING...
Monday, March 23, 2020
Does this little guy look sad? It's probably because we just got word that his race, the Dunn Tire Mountain Goat 10 miler in Syracuse, is cancelled (or rather, replaced with a virtual run or a couple of other options.) Originally the hope was they'd be able to reschedule, but with a race of this magnitude I would imagine the logistics of rescheduling are practically impossible.
Of course, this also calls the entire Syrathon 2020 into question, since I don't know that it's possible to complete the 26.2 miles without the Mountain Goat, plus there's at least one other race in the series at the end of April that is probably cancelled or postponed as well - anything between now and mid-May which isn't just hasn't gotten the message out yet. I guess I really picked the wrong year to sign up for the Syrathon.
And just to be clear - I do recognize that cancelled races are a minor inconvenience in the face of a viral pandemic that's killing thousands of people and catastrophically overloading medical systems around the work, and the world economy grinding to a halt because no one can go to work in hopes that this will help slow the spread of COVID-19. We have huge challenges ahead of us and only time will tell what things are going to be like on the other side.
JMH
Monday, March 23, 2020
Does this little guy look sad? It's probably because we just got word that his race, the Dunn Tire Mountain Goat 10 miler in Syracuse, is cancelled (or rather, replaced with a virtual run or a couple of other options.) Originally the hope was they'd be able to reschedule, but with a race of this magnitude I would imagine the logistics of rescheduling are practically impossible.
Of course, this also calls the entire Syrathon 2020 into question, since I don't know that it's possible to complete the 26.2 miles without the Mountain Goat, plus there's at least one other race in the series at the end of April that is probably cancelled or postponed as well - anything between now and mid-May which isn't just hasn't gotten the message out yet. I guess I really picked the wrong year to sign up for the Syrathon.
And just to be clear - I do recognize that cancelled races are a minor inconvenience in the face of a viral pandemic that's killing thousands of people and catastrophically overloading medical systems around the work, and the world economy grinding to a halt because no one can go to work in hopes that this will help slow the spread of COVID-19. We have huge challenges ahead of us and only time will tell what things are going to be like on the other side.
JMH
Sunday, March 22, 2020
3.4 Mile Run at Saratoga Spa State Park
5.3 Mile Run at Saratoga Spa State Park
Sunday, March 22, 2020
5.3 Mile Run at Saratoga Spa State Park
Sunday, March 22, 2020
I was originally supposed to run the 5ish mile Root n Road race at Mendon Ponds Park yesterday morning - a race similar to the old RT Turkey Run in that part of the course is on roads and part on trails in the park. My legs were tired after Friday's long run, so I delayed for a day and did my mixed-surface run today... extended the distance a bit in part because I can use the extra and in part because I really enjoy running at the Spa park and didn't want to leave anything out.
Friday's run was done on a 60+ degree afternoon; I'm not sure today got much above 40. The park was really busy, but I found convenient parking on the far side of the quad - a handy starting point to both runs, allowing me to change shoes in between.
The paved loop out the Avenue of Pines, along Rt 9, and then back on the road running along the edge of the golf course was mostly sunny and had me wondering if I'd overdressed. Fortunately, there was enough shade for the last half mile or so that I knew to keep everything I was wearing, since I'd mostly be in the woods for the trail run. No surprise, I mostly followed the 5 mile trail, with a few extra bits. Not as many folks on the trails, but lots of people playing disc golf. Luckily I didn't have to duck any flying disks.
I had originally thought I might go for another run tomorrow, but now I'm not sure - today was a little longer than I had planned (especially after Friday's nearly 10 miles) and my legs are definitely feeling today and Friday, so tomorrow might end up being another break day. We'll just have to wait and see.
JMH
Friday, March 20, 2020
9.8 Mile Run in the Albany Pine Bush
(DiCaprio Park, Madison Ave Pinelands, & Hunger Kill Barrens)
Friday, March 20, 2020
(DiCaprio Park, Madison Ave Pinelands, & Hunger Kill Barrens)
Friday, March 20, 2020
As I was getting ready to head out for my run, I got word that the governor is putting the entire state on a quarantine footing - so I was understandably distracted. Which probably explains why I ended up with only a long sleeved shirt to wear, no rain gear in the car besides my poncho, and no water bottle. (Fortunately, I have several bottles in a bin in the trunk... but since I was already parked at DiCaprio Park when I realized what was missing, the only thing I had to fill the bottle was Gold Peak Diet Iced Tea. I can say with certainty now that this is not my hydration fluid of choice while running...)
I started out taking the trail from DiCaprio Park over to the Madison Avenue Pinelands trailhead, followed the small loop there, and then headed back. Just as I started back it started raining, so I pulled on the windbreaker I was carrying. Fortunately it was warm enough that the rain was actually comfortable rather than cold, and it stopped after a short while in any case - after which it was sunny for much of the time!
Back at the park I hit right around 7 miles at the trailhead kiosk and seriously considered calling it a day, but for some reason kept going over to the Hunger Kill Barrens. I'm definitely not used to running this kind of distance (and really, there were plenty of points where I was walking instead of running, anyway.)
One surprise was the spring peepers in every pool of water... they were definitely enjoying the warm day and making quite a racket! I lucked out when I got back to the park the first time - there was a large puddle at the edge of the field so I got a decent look at the froggies doing their best to make sure there are future generations of froggies. Unfortunately, they're going to be unhappy over the next few days, especially when the temperatures drop below freezing at night.
Other than the distance being tougher than I would have preferred, this was definitely a good way to spend a few hours this afternoon. The peepers are a nice reminder that spring is on the way (even if winter gets a rebuttal over the next few days) and it was great to be in the Pine Bush instead of wandering around Albany.
JMH
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
4.4 Mile Ride on the Mohawk Hudson Bike Path
11.6 Mile Ride on the Erie Canalway Trail
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
It was sunny and warm when I got back from picking up more parts for the sink and cut a larger opening for the new basin, but by the time I got to the Kiwanis Park in Rotterdam it was getting murky, and it was definitely chillier than I expected. There was a train parked at Scrafford Lane, so I changed my plan to just keep riding west and went back to the car, in part so I could pull on pants and in part so I could drive to the newish Pattersonville trailhead to continue riding.
It was a decent ride but between the grey and the chill I never quite got into it, so I pushed myself to ride at least 15 miles (combined) but gave up on doing 20 or more.
Today's unexpected animal was a lone turtle up on a log in a section of the old canal next to the new section of path... given that parts of the old canal are still iced over, it must have been especially warm in that spot to motivate that turtle to sun himself.
JMH
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
I HATE WORKING ON PLUMBING...
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
... and apparently I learned nothing from the toilet install back in August, since I started taking the bathroom sink apart after dinner and then had to race to Lowes (hoping they were still open - Home Depot closes at 6 PM now) to find parts to replace some 21+ year old metal fixtures that snapped or fell to pieces when I was trying to disassemble the basin - and this was after discovering that the shut off valves don't totally work and spraying water all over the place.
Unfortunately after I got everything reassembled I discovered the one part I hadn't replaced (because I didn't think I could remove it without using the hacksaw) now leaks, so tomorrow I attack the whole thing again and replace that part as well.
Plumbers get paid good money for a reason. Working on plumbing sucks. Dammit, Jim, I'm a turtle, not a plumber!
JMH
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
... and apparently I learned nothing from the toilet install back in August, since I started taking the bathroom sink apart after dinner and then had to race to Lowes (hoping they were still open - Home Depot closes at 6 PM now) to find parts to replace some 21+ year old metal fixtures that snapped or fell to pieces when I was trying to disassemble the basin - and this was after discovering that the shut off valves don't totally work and spraying water all over the place.
Unfortunately after I got everything reassembled I discovered the one part I hadn't replaced (because I didn't think I could remove it without using the hacksaw) now leaks, so tomorrow I attack the whole thing again and replace that part as well.
Plumbers get paid good money for a reason. Working on plumbing sucks. Dammit, Jim, I'm a turtle, not a plumber!
JMH
Monday, March 16, 2020
CHILLY & WINDY 😞
15.7 Mile Ride on the Mohawk Hudson Bike Path
Monday, March 16, 2020
The cold was bearable but the wind, while providing a good workout, was tiring. And since I'm hoping to run 6-7 miles tomorrow... I called it a day about 5 miles sooner than I'd been hoping to, because going further would have either meant climbing some tougher hills or spending more time riding against the wind, and my legs didn't feel up to either unless tomorrow is going to be a rest day.
Spotted a wood duck in one of the ponds, and there were two killdeers in the field next to the parking lot when I got back to the car.
Quite a few people on the path, despite the cold and wind.
JMH
15.7 Mile Ride on the Mohawk Hudson Bike Path
Monday, March 16, 2020
The cold was bearable but the wind, while providing a good workout, was tiring. And since I'm hoping to run 6-7 miles tomorrow... I called it a day about 5 miles sooner than I'd been hoping to, because going further would have either meant climbing some tougher hills or spending more time riding against the wind, and my legs didn't feel up to either unless tomorrow is going to be a rest day.
Spotted a wood duck in one of the ponds, and there were two killdeers in the field next to the parking lot when I got back to the car.
Quite a few people on the path, despite the cold and wind.
JMH
Sunday, March 15, 2020
DO BETTER 2020 - Race #17
F.I.T. Rock 5mi Trail Race
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Many of the races I'm signed up for over the next month have been either cancelled or postponed, so it was a pleasant surprise to learn that today's F.I.T. trail races in RI would go on, albeit with some changes in format to reduce the risk of having a lot of people in close proximity. Originally the 5 mi was supposed to start at 8 AM and the 10k immediately following the 10 AM kids' race. Instead, we had rolling starts, where runners showed up and started when they were ready. I actually started about 6 min before 8 AM, ran the 5 mile, and then after a quick visit to the bathroom and change of shirts, ran the 5k, finishing the whole thing around 10 AM (probably close to an hour earlier than I would have if we'd been on the original schedule.)
Of course, this format meant I was alone on the trail except when someone passed me. There were fewer speedsters than I expected, but plenty of runners going at a moderate pace.
I think what this most reminded me of was the Summer Solstice & After the Leaves races at Minnewaska, back when "early start" meant you started whenever you wanted and self-timed. I always tried to get a 45-60 min head start and would spend 70-90 minutes pretty much alone except when another early starter passed me.
I deliberately took it fairly easy during the 5 mile, since I had another 5k to run after that, but I was pleased that I did manage to push myself during the 5k more than I had expected.
As an added benefit, I learned more about the Cumberland Monastery, which is apparently now town property with the park and trails, the town library, a senior center, and more. Pretty cool.
Right now it's unclear when I'll next be able to run a race, given the craziness surrounding COVID-19. But maybe I'll get lucky and a few more will be able to stay on schedule with modifications like today's. In any case I've decided that I need to push myself to run the race distances as much as possible, even though I'll be going slower. Anything else doesn't work if I want to "do better." (And yes, that's referring to a lot more than improving my running pace and endurance.)
JMH
Run 42.6 mi, 10 hr 41 min
Bike 0 mi, 0 hr 0 min
Snowshoe 28.5 mi, 8 hr 26 min
Kayak 0 mi, 0 hr 0 min
states visited: MA, NY, RI
F.I.T. Rock 5mi Trail Race
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Of course, this format meant I was alone on the trail except when someone passed me. There were fewer speedsters than I expected, but plenty of runners going at a moderate pace.
I think what this most reminded me of was the Summer Solstice & After the Leaves races at Minnewaska, back when "early start" meant you started whenever you wanted and self-timed. I always tried to get a 45-60 min head start and would spend 70-90 minutes pretty much alone except when another early starter passed me.
I deliberately took it fairly easy during the 5 mile, since I had another 5k to run after that, but I was pleased that I did manage to push myself during the 5k more than I had expected.
As an added benefit, I learned more about the Cumberland Monastery, which is apparently now town property with the park and trails, the town library, a senior center, and more. Pretty cool.
Right now it's unclear when I'll next be able to run a race, given the craziness surrounding COVID-19. But maybe I'll get lucky and a few more will be able to stay on schedule with modifications like today's. In any case I've decided that I need to push myself to run the race distances as much as possible, even though I'll be going slower. Anything else doesn't work if I want to "do better." (And yes, that's referring to a lot more than improving my running pace and endurance.)
JMH
2020 Event TotalsRun 42.6 mi, 10 hr 41 min
Bike 0 mi, 0 hr 0 min
Snowshoe 28.5 mi, 8 hr 26 min
Kayak 0 mi, 0 hr 0 min
states visited: MA, NY, RI
Saturday, March 14, 2020
5.5 Mile Run Through the Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve & Along the Mohawk Towpath
Saturday, March 14, 2020
A lot colder than I expected today, good thing I packed my jacket. The Vischer Ferry Preserve was downright crowded - the parking areas were overflowing and there were only a few stretches where I was alone on the paths.
Geese and ducks were abundant, no surprise - but I also saw a kingfisher, an eagle, and a heron. No pictures of the latter three, sadly.
JMH
Saturday, March 14, 2020
A lot colder than I expected today, good thing I packed my jacket. The Vischer Ferry Preserve was downright crowded - the parking areas were overflowing and there were only a few stretches where I was alone on the paths.
Geese and ducks were abundant, no surprise - but I also saw a kingfisher, an eagle, and a heron. No pictures of the latter three, sadly.
JMH
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Monday, March 09, 2020
LOW 70'S ON MARCH 9 - YOW!
20.1 Mile Ride on the Mohawk Hudson Bike Path
Monday, March 9, 2020
I've got to say, it sure is sweet to be riding in weather like today's in early March, even though it meant there were a lot of other people on the trail. My legs and I were both tired and I had planned to only do 15 miles... but it was so nice that I kept riding long enough to reach 20 instead. I suspect I'm really going to miss today's weather the next few times I ride...
JMH
20.1 Mile Ride on the Mohawk Hudson Bike Path
Monday, March 9, 2020
I've got to say, it sure is sweet to be riding in weather like today's in early March, even though it meant there were a lot of other people on the trail. My legs and I were both tired and I had planned to only do 15 miles... but it was so nice that I kept riding long enough to reach 20 instead. I suspect I'm really going to miss today's weather the next few times I ride...
JMH
Sunday, March 08, 2020
ANOTHER TEASER FOR SPRING
+ HURRAY FOR DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
7.3 Mile Run in the Albany Pine Bush (Madison Avenue Pinelands & Great Dune)
Sunday, March 8, 2020
The original plan was to drive to Bolton CT for a race today... but as I thought more about the prospect of spending 4.5 hours in the car on a really pleasant day - it just didn't make sense. So I stayed local and spent part of the late afternoon hauling my sore legs (I guess I worked hard yesterday) up and down hills in the Pine Bush.
I always have mixed feelings about running in the Pine Bush, just because it has changed so much in the last 20 years, and I'm not convinced all of those changes have been for the better. But different or not, it's still a good place for running relatively soft, non-technical trails. The warm weather meant there were lots of birds, squirrels, and chipmunks out and about too.
I even got to hear a barred owl calling as I was changing shoes after I'd finished...
JMH
+ HURRAY FOR DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
7.3 Mile Run in the Albany Pine Bush (Madison Avenue Pinelands & Great Dune)
Sunday, March 8, 2020
The original plan was to drive to Bolton CT for a race today... but as I thought more about the prospect of spending 4.5 hours in the car on a really pleasant day - it just didn't make sense. So I stayed local and spent part of the late afternoon hauling my sore legs (I guess I worked hard yesterday) up and down hills in the Pine Bush.
I always have mixed feelings about running in the Pine Bush, just because it has changed so much in the last 20 years, and I'm not convinced all of those changes have been for the better. But different or not, it's still a good place for running relatively soft, non-technical trails. The warm weather meant there were lots of birds, squirrels, and chipmunks out and about too.
I even got to hear a barred owl calling as I was changing shoes after I'd finished...
JMH
Saturday, March 07, 2020
DO BETTER 2020 - Race #16
Tipperary Hill Shamrock Run 4mi Road Race
Saturday, March 7, 2020
This was race #1 of the 2020 Syrathon, which I've decided to do this year. There are eight races with distances from 5k to 10 miles; to complete the series, I have to run at least 26.2 miles worth of races, which will come down to either 5 or 6 races, depending on which ones I do.
I don't do many races that attract 3000 runners, so this was an "experience"... if I'd been trying to run all out the whole time, it would have been frustrating, but I wasn't, so it wasn't too bad. And once I started running (it took 2.5 minutes to walk to the start line) I ran the whole thing, including the uphills, and it felt like I ran fairly well for the shape I'm currently in. And my knees are intact. So I'm considering this one a success.
One thing that never would have occurred to me was the unofficial alcohol stations (mainly beer, but rumor has it there was a whiskey station last year) along the course... in retrospect it's not surprising for a St Patrick's themed event, but as a non-drinker it's not the sort of thing I think about.
I wonder if anyone else saw the pair of bald eagles circling over us while we were waiting for the race to begin?
Run 37.6 mi, 8 hr 56 min
Bike 0 mi, 0 hr 0 min
Snowshoe 28.5 mi, 8 hr 26 min
Kayak 0 mi, 0 hr 0 min
states visited: MA, NY
Tipperary Hill Shamrock Run 4mi Road Race
Saturday, March 7, 2020
This was race #1 of the 2020 Syrathon, which I've decided to do this year. There are eight races with distances from 5k to 10 miles; to complete the series, I have to run at least 26.2 miles worth of races, which will come down to either 5 or 6 races, depending on which ones I do.
I don't do many races that attract 3000 runners, so this was an "experience"... if I'd been trying to run all out the whole time, it would have been frustrating, but I wasn't, so it wasn't too bad. And once I started running (it took 2.5 minutes to walk to the start line) I ran the whole thing, including the uphills, and it felt like I ran fairly well for the shape I'm currently in. And my knees are intact. So I'm considering this one a success.
One thing that never would have occurred to me was the unofficial alcohol stations (mainly beer, but rumor has it there was a whiskey station last year) along the course... in retrospect it's not surprising for a St Patrick's themed event, but as a non-drinker it's not the sort of thing I think about.
I wonder if anyone else saw the pair of bald eagles circling over us while we were waiting for the race to begin?
JMH
2020 Event TotalsRun 37.6 mi, 8 hr 56 min
Bike 0 mi, 0 hr 0 min
Snowshoe 28.5 mi, 8 hr 26 min
Kayak 0 mi, 0 hr 0 min
states visited: MA, NY
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