2011- LOOKING BACK
Saturday, December 31, 2011

2011 TOTALS:

RUN 813.7 mi
RIDE 699.6 mi
SNOWSHOE 136.9 mi
HIKE/WALK 407.9 mi
PADDLE 14.7 mi
XC SKI 27.2 mi
DAYS OUTDOORS 276/365

2011 Event Totals

54 RACES/EVENTS

Run 381.0 mi, 94 hr 16 min
Bike 57.7 mi, 4 hr 17 min
Snowshoe 74.3 mi, 18 hr 57 min

states visited: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT

Plateau Snowshoe Race Postponed
Saturday, December 31, 2011

No surprise there (unless they had decided to hold a trail race) - there's no freakin' snow! (And not much prospect for any in the near future - 2012 is expected to start with temperatures in the high 40's! Though we're supposed to see some more seasonable temperatures early in the week...)

JMH

A GREY, DRIZZLY AFTERNOON
2.4 Mile Walk at Green Lakes State Park
Saturday, December 31, 2011

No More Duckies Until Spring?
Saturday, December 31, 2011

On our way out of town Ann and I stopped at Buckingham Lake to give the ducks one last treat of some cracked corn before the new year... but there were no ducks to be seen. While the weather was fairly warm today, I'm guessing that the recent cold spell we had froze enough of the pond that the ducks headed off to someplace with more consistent open waters. Too bad, really - I've enjoyed feeding them (especially now that I have healthy food for them to eat!) and would have liked to have watched them one more time before the pond is frozen and still for winter. But I have no doubt they'll be back once the warmer weather returns.

JMH

INCOMING GEESE!
1.4 Mile Walk at Ooms Conservation Area
Friday, December 30, 2011

2 Mile Walk at Rotterdam Great Flats Nature Trail
Thursday, December 29, 2011

2.4 Mile Walk at Indian Kill Nature Preserve
Thursday, December 29, 2011

Visiting Montezuma NWR on a Windy, Snowy Day
December 28, 2011

LAST RUN OF 2011
7.5 Mile Run at Black Creek Park
Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Mud, leaves, stone, branches,
All underfoot.
Snapping, crackling, crunching.

Sleet briefly hisses down from the sky.

Squirrels rustle in the brush.
Deer bound away, tails flagging white.

Flocks of robins call from the trees.
Hundreds of blackbirds darken the sky.

Wading through an icy stream.
Brrrrr!

No better way to wind down the year
Than with a run through the woods and fields
On a grey December day.

JMH

1.9 Mile Walk Along the Monkey Run Trails
Monday, December 26, 2011

After a long morning spent shopping (well... Ann and her family shopped, I mostly just tagged along) and then a long lunch, we took advantage of the last remaining bits of daylight to go for a walk on the Monkey Run trails in Victor. According to Rich and Sue Freeman's Take a Hike - Family Walks in the Rochester, NY Area, Valentown Road used to be called Monkey Run Road, for reasons which have been lost to time. While Victor Hiking Trails adds no information on the origins of the name, they do note that these were the first trails created by the organization, way back in 1993.

Ann and I found a nice set of trails, mostly wooded, with lots of rolling hills (no surprise for Victor) and some nifty bridges, including a rather impressive pipe/culvert set up along what appears to be an old road. This is a tough time of year in some ways - mostly brown and grey surroundings, since snow continues to elude us - but we could still see that this area is pretty neat. I would definitely like to come back during warmer weather and see what kind of wildlife and flora we find.

JMH

2.1 Mile Walk on the Erie Canalway Trail (Greece)
Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and so on to any and all - one more week and 2011 is over. If not for the fact that every year I find myself thinking how quickly the time passes, I'd find it hard to believe that we're so close to a new year.

I had originally planned to go for a run when Ann went to do an EMT shift, but a sore knee and general tiredness made me reconsider - so after dropping her off at the ambulance base I headed over to Henpeck Park in Greece and walked west for a while on the Erie Canalway Trail. It was dark and peaceful, though pretty darn windy - enough so that I turned around after only 15-20 minutes and headed back. When I got back to the canal entrance to Greece Canal Park, I took the path down into the park and walked to the shores of the two ponds. It was really nice to be able to walk on the park road without having to worry about a car blasting through! Spent a little bit listening to the wind whistling through the trees and the trees swaying and creaking, then headed back up the hill and back to the car. A run would have been a nice way to celebrate the holiday... but this was a pleasant walk all the same.

JMH

Weekly Activity Summary
12/18/2011 - 12/24/2011

running (1x) - 6.4 mi
riding - 0 mi
walking/hiking (11x) - 21.7 mi
snowshoeing - 0 mi

LOTS of walking during this post-50k week, a little running... and no snowshoeing, because we still don't have any snow :-(

JMH

HUNGRY LITTLE BIRDS
1.2 Mile Walk at Mendon Ponds Park
Saturday, December 24, 2011

After lunch we headed over to Mendon for a bit more walking and to see if the birds were interested in some sunflower seeds. I suspected the cold weather would have them a bit more receptive than the last time we were there, and I was right - we had chickadees coming to our hands fairly quickly, and then a pair of red-breasted nuthatches. A couple of titmouses (titmice?) also flitted around but didn't seem quite ready to take seeds from our hands.

We ended up walking about halfway down the eastern shore of Quaker Pond, feeding more birds along the way. On the way back I cut through the pine grove and spotted two deer resting near the edge of the woods - and no surprise, on our way out of the park we saw close to two dozen more deer in various locations. A nice treat for Christmas Eve...

JMH

1.6 Mile Walk on the Auburn Trail
Saturday, December 24, 2011

Ann and I walked the Auburn Trail (an old railbed southeast of Rochester) from Railroad Mills Rd to Fishers Rd back in August, 2010. There had been considerable controversy regarding this section of trail, which the Town of Victor Parks and Recreation Department wanted to resurface much the same as the other sections of the Auburn Trail - a 10 foot wide stone dust path, with two+ foot wide shoulders - and which many local residents and trail users wanted left in a condition much closer to the unfinished state - a realtively narrow path running down the center of the old railroad grade, with as little disturbance as possible to the surrounding environment. Late summer and early fall this year, a collapsed culvert over the Irondequoit Creek had been replaced by a bridge, and the trail had been resurfaced in a compromise plan - about eight feet wide. I was curious to see what the new trail was like, so this morning we headed over to Fishers for a short walk.

This would be a great trail for a short stretch of XC skiing - fairly flat and relatively straight. We saw a few birds, heard a few more, and spotted several hawks as we walked from Railroad Mills Rd to the new bridge and back. I think I like walking this trail more in the summer - then there are flowers, insects, and more birds to see, as well as frogs and turtles in the wetlands alongside the trail. But even in the browns and greys of winter, the trail has its own beauty.

I can't say I'm particularly fond of the trail resurfacing. As with the work done to resurface the other sections of the Auburn Trail and the Lehigh Valley Trail, the new trail is more of a stone dust road than what I think of as a trail, and some of the character of the trail has definitely been lost. I suppose if the new surface makes it easier for more people to use the trail, it is ultimately a good thing... but I still miss the more rough-and-ready trails that I rode my bike and walked on in the past.

JMH

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, DUCKIES!
0.8 Mile Walk at Buckingham Lake
Friday, December 23, 2011

My walk at Bauer Park was short enough that I wanted to get outside for a bit longer before heading home (and then on to Rochester) so I picked up some cracked corn when I was buying dinner and stopped at Buckingham Lake to feed the feathered food vacuums. They have definitely learned to recognize that bag = food, because when I got out of the car they started swimming toward the shore and were on land to greet me and get their share of corny goodness.

After I'd handed out the half a dozen cups of corn, I did a quick walk around the pond. Just after I started a group of ducks came flying in - I wish I could have gotten it on video, because it was very impressive, especially when they hit the crosswind over the water. Looks like the city has been working on the section of trail that washed out back in early September - they've added some stone dust over the rock base and piled topsoil along the edge of the water. Unfortunately all the rain over the last couple of days left it a muddy mess, but at least they're working on it. As I got back to the car, dozens of crows were going overhead, off to wherever they're going to roost tonight.

JMH

1.2 Mile Walk at Bauer Environmental Park
Friday, December 23, 2011

After braving Barnes & Noble this afternoon (and the traffic to and from Colonie Center) I wanted to get outside for a bit. Thought about the Pine Bush but ended up stopping at the Bauer Environmental Park on Sand Creek Rd. The last time I stopped there it was closed while the trails were being worked on - today I found out what that was all about.

Since I walked there in February 2010, the parking areas have been resurfaced and all the boardwalks have been completely rebuilt. (Actually, I didn't remember it being totally boardwalked, but that's how I described it after walking there last time and the photos I took then support that.) Right now the boardwalk stands out a bit; I imagine it will blend in to the surroundings a bit better once it's had some time to weather. All in all, an impressive bit of work for the Town of Colonie, and a pleasant walk through the woods for me this afternoon.

JMH

6.4 Mile Run in the Albany Pine Bush
Thursday, December 22, 2011

I wish I gotten out for my run this morning when the sun was shining... but there were errands to run and work to be done at home. Still, a run under grey skies beats running after dark, right? Especially when the weather is warm enough in late December to run in shorts and short-sleeves...

Legs seem mostly recovered from the 50k... a few residual aches and pains, but mostly at this point they're just more tired than usual - as they were quick to remind me any time I came to a hill. Ran most of the official trails in the Madison Avenue Pinelands and Great Dunes sections ie. what used to be my usual Pine Bush run. It felt good to be out there, and good to be running again, even if it was slowly (so what else is new?)

JMH

Welcome, Winter Solstice!
Thursday, December 22, 2011

In the US, today is considered the official start of winter, and has the shortest number of hours of daylight. I'm a huge fan of the winter solstice for the simple reason that from here on out, we gain several minutes of daylight each day, which means my days of having to run, bike, or snowshoe after work in the dark are numbered...

JMH

2.2 Mile Walk Around the Pine Hills Neighborhood
Wednesday, December 21, 2011

I had thought to do a short, easy run today, but the rain dissuaded me - and also kept me indoors until evening, when it finally let up consistently. Didn't feel like driving all the way over to the bike path, so I walked around here instead.

I've said it before, but I much prefer this area when the college kids aren't around. Parking is much easier, and it's a lot quieter and more peaceful. Don't know if that makes me a curmudgeon or just someone who should be living out in the country... probably both.

JMH

Bummer... Woodford Snowshoe Race Postponed
Wednesday, December 21, 2011

In the words of Woodford RD Jack Quinn -

As you suspected, “I Love Woodford” will be postponed to later in the season. (TBA). I’m sorry to disappoint you all but Woodford without sufficient snow would tear hell out of everyone's equipment. If you pre-registered, please mark your check void. It will not be cashed. Thanks for your support of the Woodford race. For many of you, it marks the northern boundary of your racing season. Merry Christmas, Felice Navidad, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings! Pick the one that is politically correct for you and delete the rest. May your life be healthy and happy in the New Year with race finishes in front of five people who normally beat you.

I did indeed suspect that's what would happen but had hoped that maybe Woodford had a little more snow than everywhere else around here (ie. more than none.) Woodford holds a special place in my heart, because it's the first snowshoe race I ever did (and my first time snowshoeing on snow more than a couple of inches deep) and I always look forward to running/walking/staggering my way through the course. On the other hand, this makes my travel plans a lot less complicated, since it will save me a trip from Rochester to Albany and back.

With luck, if Woodford does get rescheduled it will be for a day when I can be there...

JMH

3 Mile Walk at Five Rivers EEC
Tuesday, December 20, 2011

SIGH... MISSED THE TRAIL TO THE OLD IRON MINE...
3.3 Mile Hike at Harriman State Park
Monday, December 19, 2011

HUNDREDS OF A DOZEN TUNDRA SWANS
2.7 Mile Walk at Whitesbog
Monday, December 19, 2011

POST-50k TOLL - Day Two
Monday, December 19, 2011

Legs not as tired today, but stiffer - so's my upper body.

Plantar fasciitis continues to holler, but not quite as loud as yesterday.

I think I'll take tomorrow off from running too...

JMH

PELICANS!
3.6 Mile Walk at Kiptopeke State Park
Sunday, December 18, 2011

LOTS OF TURKEY VULTURES & AN EAGLE
2.1 Mile Walk at Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR
Sunday, December 18, 2011

POST-50k TOLL - Day One
Sunday, December 18, 2011

Ow. Ow. Ow.

Legs are fried and initially didn't want to completely straighten. Tired muscles aren't doing as much to stabilize my knees, so they're twinging when I move certain ways. Sore quads, tight sore hamstrings. Sore torso and arms. Bruised toes and toenails.

Plantar fasciitis in my left foot is hollering big time... ironically, I think it was all the walking I did in the last 10 miles that aggravated that the most.

I'd still do it again, given the choice. But not for at least a few months, please...

JMH

Weekly Activity Summary
12/11/2011 - 12/17/2011

running (3x) - 43.0 mi
riding - 0 mi
walking/hiking (5x) - 9.4 mi

JMH

SUCCESS!!!!!
LONG DISTANCE 2011 - Race #36
Seashore Nature Trail 50k Race
Saturday, December 17, 2011


JMH

2011 Event Totals
Run 381.0 mi, 94 hr 16 min
Bike 57.7 mi, 4 hr 17 min
Snowshoe 74.3 mi, 18 hr 57 min

states visited: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT

9 1/2 HOURS, 5 STATES... ONE VERY LONG DRIVE
Friday, December 16, 2011

1 Mile Walk at Hannacroix Creek Preserve
Friday, December 16, 2011

Two and a Half Days...
Wednesday, December 14, 2011

... and I'll be once again launching myself into the great unknown... first by driving down to Virginia, a state I've never visited before, and second by attempting the Seashore Nature Trail 50k.

I have to admit, I'm more than a bit intimidated by this one... especially given my DNF's earlier in the year at Sehgahunda and Finger Lakes, and my lack of time running over the past month or so. But hopefully that mostly means I'm going in well-rested (at least in terms of my legs) and able to keep to an average pace of about 16 min/mile, which will allow me to squeak in under both the 7.5 hour (for 27.5 miles) and the 8.5 hour (for the entire distance) cutoffs.

Of course, the 9+ hour drive each way is not inconsiderable either...

JMH

3.1 Mile Walk on the Mohawk Hudson Bike Path
Tuesday, December 13, 2011

1.7 Mile Walk at Mount Tom State Park
Sunday, December 11, 2011

1.5 Mile Walk at Lovers Leap State Park
Sunday, December 11, 2011

6.7 Mile Run at Collis Huntington State Park
Sunday, December 11, 2011

LONG DISTANCE 2011 - Race #35
Gail's Trail Run 5.3mi Trail Race
Sunday, December 11, 2011


JMH

2011 Event Totals
Run 350.0 mi, 86 hr 6 min
Bike 57.7 mi, 4 hr 17 min
Snowshoe 74.3 mi, 18 hr 57 min

states visited: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT

Weekly Activity Summary
12/4/2011 - 12/10/2011

running (1x) - 7.6 mi
riding - 0 mi
walking/hiking (4x) - 7.5 mi

JMH

OWL CALLS ALONG THE HOUSATONIC
7.6 Mile Run Along the Appalachian Trail, Kent to Sharon
Saturday, December 10, 2011

2.6 Mile Walk in the Albany Pine Bush
Friday, December 9, 2011

A Short Walk Is Better Than Nothing, Right?
Thursday, December 8, 2011

3 Mile Walk at Baltimore Woods Nature Center
Sunday, December 4, 2011

LOTS O' WATERFOWL...
0.4 Mile Walk at Webster Pond
Sunday, December 4, 2011

Weekly Activity Summary
11/27/2011 - 12/3/2011

running (2x) - 21.0 mi
riding (1x) - 17.3 mi
walking/hiking (2x) - 3.7 mi

JMH

12.5 Mile Run at Thacher Park
Saturday, December 3, 2011

2.1 Mile Walk in the Albany Pine Bush
Friday, December 2, 2011

Big Changes at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Thursday, December 1, 2011

End-to-End on the Erie Canalway Trail
Thursday, December 1, 2011