LONG DISTANCE 2012 - Race #27
Rochester Autumn Classic F1 Duathlon
Sunday, September 30, 2012
2012 Event Totals
Run 228.6 mi, 55 hr 10 min
Bike 147.1 mi, 13 hr 34 min
Snowshoe 14.3 mi, 3 hr 37 min
Kayak 4.5 mi, 1 hr 23 min
states visited: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VT
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
DECISION TIME...
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
... though more in the line of "figured out what I'm going to do".
After missing the Rochester Marathon last Sunday, I had originally figured I'd stay east this coming weekend and run Nipmuck, as an indicator of where I'm at, distance-wise. But as I was walking tonight I was struck by the thought that I'd really much rather do the Autumn Classic duathlon as I'd originally planned - both because it wouldn't leave me anywhere near as wiped out afterwards and because it would put far fewer restrictions on what running I can do this week. And bottom line - right now the du will just be more fun than Nipmuck (at which I'd probably have a struggle on my hands to meet all three time cutoffs.) As a bonus, I'll also get to spend time with Ann again this weekend, and the following weekend I can stay local and run Monroe Dunbar Brook on Sunday - I had especially wanted to do that this year because I'm hoping to be in Ohio next year on Columbus Day weekend, running the Towpath Marathon.
I've also decided to run the Empire State Marathon in Syracuse on October 21, for a number of reasons I'm not going to list hear - but not the least of which is, I'll finally be running a marathon this fall, even if a month later than I had originally planned. That race also fits nicely in to some of Ann's weekend commitments for October, which means I'll get to see her before November arrives.
And I'm 99% sure I'm going to tackle the Seashore Nature Trail 50k down in VA again in December, despite the additional complications of having a week of work between the weekend of the race and the start of our winter break at school.
Sounds like I better get off my backside and do some running...
JMH
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
... though more in the line of "figured out what I'm going to do".
After missing the Rochester Marathon last Sunday, I had originally figured I'd stay east this coming weekend and run Nipmuck, as an indicator of where I'm at, distance-wise. But as I was walking tonight I was struck by the thought that I'd really much rather do the Autumn Classic duathlon as I'd originally planned - both because it wouldn't leave me anywhere near as wiped out afterwards and because it would put far fewer restrictions on what running I can do this week. And bottom line - right now the du will just be more fun than Nipmuck (at which I'd probably have a struggle on my hands to meet all three time cutoffs.) As a bonus, I'll also get to spend time with Ann again this weekend, and the following weekend I can stay local and run Monroe Dunbar Brook on Sunday - I had especially wanted to do that this year because I'm hoping to be in Ohio next year on Columbus Day weekend, running the Towpath Marathon.
I've also decided to run the Empire State Marathon in Syracuse on October 21, for a number of reasons I'm not going to list hear - but not the least of which is, I'll finally be running a marathon this fall, even if a month later than I had originally planned. That race also fits nicely in to some of Ann's weekend commitments for October, which means I'll get to see her before November arrives.
And I'm 99% sure I'm going to tackle the Seashore Nature Trail 50k down in VA again in December, despite the additional complications of having a week of work between the weekend of the race and the start of our winter break at school.
Sounds like I better get off my backside and do some running...
JMH
WALKING IN THE MOONLIGHT
2.3 Mile Walk on the Mohawk Hudson Bike Path
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Gave up my plan to go for a run tonight - too tired and hungry once I got home from school. So instead I ran a few errands and then stopped at the Niskayuna Lions Park for a walk on the bike path.
One plus to the earlier sunset - fewer people on the bike path when I go there at 7 PM! In fact, I only saw one gal on rollerblades and a bit later I was passed by a small group of cyclists buzzing along in the almost-dark.
Didn't see much wildlife (it was getting dark after all!) but I did hear plenty of geese and ducks and even a few squawks from herons. In fact, the only critter I saw was a bit unusual. Recently the town laid pavement from the bike path to the road right near the Niska Isle bridge, so I decided to walk down to the road and see if they had provided any sort of parking as well. About three quarters of the way there I noticed a light-colored object alongside the path a ways ahead, which then lifted its head - it was a skunk with a very large stripe of white. I retreated, he retreated, and we were both happier for it. Too bad it was too dark for pictures...
The half moon was a bit mirky at times, probably because of the warm front that was moving through (and providing some very pleasant temperatures - unlike last night, tonight was a shorts night.) It's really too bad I was too tired to run... it would have been a nice time under the running in the moonlight on the bike path. But tonight's walk was pretty darn pleasant too.
JMH
2.3 Mile Walk on the Mohawk Hudson Bike Path
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Gave up my plan to go for a run tonight - too tired and hungry once I got home from school. So instead I ran a few errands and then stopped at the Niskayuna Lions Park for a walk on the bike path.
One plus to the earlier sunset - fewer people on the bike path when I go there at 7 PM! In fact, I only saw one gal on rollerblades and a bit later I was passed by a small group of cyclists buzzing along in the almost-dark.
Didn't see much wildlife (it was getting dark after all!) but I did hear plenty of geese and ducks and even a few squawks from herons. In fact, the only critter I saw was a bit unusual. Recently the town laid pavement from the bike path to the road right near the Niska Isle bridge, so I decided to walk down to the road and see if they had provided any sort of parking as well. About three quarters of the way there I noticed a light-colored object alongside the path a ways ahead, which then lifted its head - it was a skunk with a very large stripe of white. I retreated, he retreated, and we were both happier for it. Too bad it was too dark for pictures...
The half moon was a bit mirky at times, probably because of the warm front that was moving through (and providing some very pleasant temperatures - unlike last night, tonight was a shorts night.) It's really too bad I was too tired to run... it would have been a nice time under the running in the moonlight on the bike path. But tonight's walk was pretty darn pleasant too.
JMH
Monday, September 24, 2012
FALL OR AUTUMN... WHATEVER YOU CALL IT, IT'S HERE!
2.7 Mile Walk at Five Rivers EEC
Monday, September 24, 2012
Of course, we all know that autumn "officially" arrived on Saturday morning, during the autumnal equinox - but the clearest sign of the changing seasons came to me tonight, when I decided to wear long pants for my walk at Five Rivers. Other than for work, I can't recall the last time I wore long pants... sometime back in May I suspect.
Another sign of course is the ever decreasing hours of daylight that I lament very year around this time.
Nothing unusual at Five Rivers, just a few bunnies, deer, and of course lots of birds. The itchy duck mob was splashing around in the Heron Pond, and I briefly saw the resident heron at the far end of the Beaver Pond until he decided to fly off. A flock of geese landed on the Beaver Pond just as it was getting dark, and two of the beavers were out and about. I also spotted a bat fluttering around - I'm guessing it's harder to find bugs to eat with the chilly weather, which is too bad - our bats need all the breaks they can get right now.
I did hear some howling and yipping when I got back to my car - sounded like it was off past the DEC center up the hill, and I really couldn't be sure if it was coyotes (my hope) or just dogs at one of the houses over that way.
JMH
2.7 Mile Walk at Five Rivers EEC
Monday, September 24, 2012
Of course, we all know that autumn "officially" arrived on Saturday morning, during the autumnal equinox - but the clearest sign of the changing seasons came to me tonight, when I decided to wear long pants for my walk at Five Rivers. Other than for work, I can't recall the last time I wore long pants... sometime back in May I suspect.
Another sign of course is the ever decreasing hours of daylight that I lament very year around this time.
Nothing unusual at Five Rivers, just a few bunnies, deer, and of course lots of birds. The itchy duck mob was splashing around in the Heron Pond, and I briefly saw the resident heron at the far end of the Beaver Pond until he decided to fly off. A flock of geese landed on the Beaver Pond just as it was getting dark, and two of the beavers were out and about. I also spotted a bat fluttering around - I'm guessing it's harder to find bugs to eat with the chilly weather, which is too bad - our bats need all the breaks they can get right now.
I did hear some howling and yipping when I got back to my car - sounded like it was off past the DEC center up the hill, and I really couldn't be sure if it was coyotes (my hope) or just dogs at one of the houses over that way.
JMH
Sunday, September 23, 2012
I Miss...
Sunday, September 23, 2012
... well, lots of things, actually, but the particular thing I was thinking of this evening was a race I ran back in 2005, the Jordan Alpine Classic.
Here's the description from the race page, way back then -
If you want a real challenge in the fall and don't mind getting muddy and wet, run the Alpine Classic at the Jordan Fall Festival. It's an endurance test. After the traditional cannon start, runners climb over steep hills, maneuver through woods and fields, and wade across a stream. They even climb a 12-foot vertical bank using a 1-inch thick rope. Mid-way in the race, the course goes down a very steep path, similar to an expert ski trail. It is recommended by some you don't run this part, but rather just sit down and slide. The race ends at the Jordan Fall Festival grounds near the original Erie Canal towpath.
The Alpine Classic started out as part of the Elbridge Country Fair, running from 1980 until the fair closed down in 1992. Two years later it was ressurected as part of the Jordan Fall Festival, which is how I ran it in 2005. I missed it the following year, and I believe it vanished from the Festival schedule in 2007, apparently due to needing an RD. A version of the race reappeared in 2009 - with a good deal more road running and some not nearly as scenic trail segments - it was a nice run, but not the blast that I remember from the 2005 course. Since then it has been gone from the schedule, I suspect for good.
I found myself thinking about the Alpine Classic tonight because I drove through Jordan on my way home, not realizing that it was the weekend of the Fall Festival - while everything had wrapped up by the time I was there, it still brought back good memories of the race back in 2005. (Yes... an 8.5 mile run up and down muddy hills in the rain provides good memories. Go figure...)
JMH
Sunday, September 23, 2012
... well, lots of things, actually, but the particular thing I was thinking of this evening was a race I ran back in 2005, the Jordan Alpine Classic.
Here's the description from the race page, way back then -
If you want a real challenge in the fall and don't mind getting muddy and wet, run the Alpine Classic at the Jordan Fall Festival. It's an endurance test. After the traditional cannon start, runners climb over steep hills, maneuver through woods and fields, and wade across a stream. They even climb a 12-foot vertical bank using a 1-inch thick rope. Mid-way in the race, the course goes down a very steep path, similar to an expert ski trail. It is recommended by some you don't run this part, but rather just sit down and slide. The race ends at the Jordan Fall Festival grounds near the original Erie Canal towpath.
The Alpine Classic started out as part of the Elbridge Country Fair, running from 1980 until the fair closed down in 1992. Two years later it was ressurected as part of the Jordan Fall Festival, which is how I ran it in 2005. I missed it the following year, and I believe it vanished from the Festival schedule in 2007, apparently due to needing an RD. A version of the race reappeared in 2009 - with a good deal more road running and some not nearly as scenic trail segments - it was a nice run, but not the blast that I remember from the 2005 course. Since then it has been gone from the schedule, I suspect for good.
I found myself thinking about the Alpine Classic tonight because I drove through Jordan on my way home, not realizing that it was the weekend of the Fall Festival - while everything had wrapped up by the time I was there, it still brought back good memories of the race back in 2005. (Yes... an 8.5 mile run up and down muddy hills in the rain provides good memories. Go figure...)
JMH
Saturday, September 22, 2012
BAD TIMING...
Rochester Marathon Unlikely for the Turtle
Saturday, September 22, 2012
The signs were certainly there... last night my easy ride was much tougher than it should have been, and I was ready to fall asleep by around 8:30 PM... this morning I woke up feeling generally crappy and went mildly downhill from there. Nothing too drastic, but there's no question my body's trying to fight some sort of bug off.
There was a time when I would have said no big deal, I'll just run a slower time... but the reality is, if I haven't made a miraculous recovery by the end of the day, running the marathon tomorrow is a bad idea because (1) I probably won't finish (not a distaster, but it would be really frustrating, and would also involve complicated logistics of Ann coming to get me somewhere along the course and then getting me back to my car near the finish - and the area near the finish is nuts) and (2) I stand a good chance of walloping my system enough that whatever this bug is will take a really solid bite out of me and I'll end up being either really sick or sick for an extended period of time, or both.
It's particularly frustrating because in the last day or so I reached a point where I have been really looking forward to running on Sunday.
Sigh...
JMH
Rochester Marathon Unlikely for the Turtle
Saturday, September 22, 2012
The signs were certainly there... last night my easy ride was much tougher than it should have been, and I was ready to fall asleep by around 8:30 PM... this morning I woke up feeling generally crappy and went mildly downhill from there. Nothing too drastic, but there's no question my body's trying to fight some sort of bug off.
There was a time when I would have said no big deal, I'll just run a slower time... but the reality is, if I haven't made a miraculous recovery by the end of the day, running the marathon tomorrow is a bad idea because (1) I probably won't finish (not a distaster, but it would be really frustrating, and would also involve complicated logistics of Ann coming to get me somewhere along the course and then getting me back to my car near the finish - and the area near the finish is nuts) and (2) I stand a good chance of walloping my system enough that whatever this bug is will take a really solid bite out of me and I'll end up being either really sick or sick for an extended period of time, or both.
It's particularly frustrating because in the last day or so I reached a point where I have been really looking forward to running on Sunday.
Sigh...
JMH
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
T Minus 3.5 Days & Counting: It's Hard to Believe...
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
... that in 3 1/2 days or so I'll be running the Rochester Marathon... and I'm not even thinking about it all that much, beyond trying to make sure I don't tire my legs out too much this week. When did I go from being anxious about an upcoming marathon to it just being one of those things I do periodically?
Of course, it probably helps that I know I'm not ready to run this race all that well, so I'm treating it essentially as an expensive training run where the goal is to finish. And I suspect it helps to be fairly confident that I can finish, barring mishaps or stupidity on my part... it's really just a matter of how long it will take (my predicition is somewhere between 5 1/2 and 6 hours) and how much it's going to hurt...
And no doubt I'll have plenty of anxiety Sunday morning...
JMH
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
... that in 3 1/2 days or so I'll be running the Rochester Marathon... and I'm not even thinking about it all that much, beyond trying to make sure I don't tire my legs out too much this week. When did I go from being anxious about an upcoming marathon to it just being one of those things I do periodically?
Of course, it probably helps that I know I'm not ready to run this race all that well, so I'm treating it essentially as an expensive training run where the goal is to finish. And I suspect it helps to be fairly confident that I can finish, barring mishaps or stupidity on my part... it's really just a matter of how long it will take (my predicition is somewhere between 5 1/2 and 6 hours) and how much it's going to hurt...
And no doubt I'll have plenty of anxiety Sunday morning...
JMH
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Serendipitous Coopers Hawk
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Early in the school year I always try to take my classes outside for labs while the weather is still nice. This morning I was out on the track with one class and saw a bird fly down onto the bleachers on the opposite side of the field. Fortunately I had my good camera with me... love that 140x zoom...
JMH
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Early in the school year I always try to take my classes outside for labs while the weather is still nice. This morning I was out on the track with one class and saw a bird fly down onto the bleachers on the opposite side of the field. Fortunately I had my good camera with me... love that 140x zoom...
JMH
Sunday, September 09, 2012
Saturday, September 08, 2012
QUIET...
Saturday, September 8, 2012
I find it more than a bit sad that the thing I noticed the most when I woke up in my motel room this morning was that it was QUIET. Sometimes I suspect I don't even register how much the area I live in gets on my nerves (and then of course there are other times when I'm very much aware of it...) Between the next door neighbors who seem to always communicate by shouting and the multitude of shrieking children they have (not to mention the constant cigarette smoke, but that's a different issue) and the new batch of college kids upstairs and the various loud students all around - my surroundings at home include an almost constant barrage of obnoxious background noise. That's the only thing I do like about waking up really early in the morning... it's usually about as quite as it gets around here then.
I won't be living here forever... but some days it seems like even living here for the near future is too long. It's going to be wonderful to someday bid a not too fond farewell to this crummy city and head off into the countryside to live instead.
JMH
Saturday, September 8, 2012
I find it more than a bit sad that the thing I noticed the most when I woke up in my motel room this morning was that it was QUIET. Sometimes I suspect I don't even register how much the area I live in gets on my nerves (and then of course there are other times when I'm very much aware of it...) Between the next door neighbors who seem to always communicate by shouting and the multitude of shrieking children they have (not to mention the constant cigarette smoke, but that's a different issue) and the new batch of college kids upstairs and the various loud students all around - my surroundings at home include an almost constant barrage of obnoxious background noise. That's the only thing I do like about waking up really early in the morning... it's usually about as quite as it gets around here then.
I won't be living here forever... but some days it seems like even living here for the near future is too long. It's going to be wonderful to someday bid a not too fond farewell to this crummy city and head off into the countryside to live instead.
JMH
Friday, September 07, 2012
Monday, September 03, 2012
Sunday, September 02, 2012
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