Sunday, 7/17/11 to Saturday, 7/23/11

I ran 4 times this week, 32.65 miles.

Sun, 7/17/11: 9.45 miles, 1:35:03m 10:04 pace, 88F, sunny, hot, hazy, humid, no pain.

Garmin Connect Activity for Up to the lake

I got out late ... it was already in the mid 80s. Which probably wasn't the best of ideas. I ran pretty well up to the lake, 4.8 miles, 39:03, 8:08 pace. I stopped up there for about 5 minutes. Then I started back. I soon found out that I had no energy left. I settled into a run/walk until 7.7 miles. Then I just gave up and walked back. It was just too hot and wasn't worth it.

CJ was more sensible and went out to Planet Fitness where she walked 3 miles.

We watched the Women's Soccer World Cup final ... CJ took a nap during the 2nd half. The US women gave it their all but ultimately not scoring after numerous chances in the first half plus poor clearing in the 2nd half and extra time did them in. Japan beat them 2-2 tie, 3-1 in PK. Links here and here.

Mon, 7/18/11: Rest day.

So far, July has been very dry. Only 0.05 inches of rain has fallen at the Rochester International Airport this month so far. I looked at the weather forecast for the next 10 days ... after a couple of days in the 80s, it will be above 90 the rest of the week! It looks like it will be hot in the bedroom for sure! CJ and I just put fans on ... then grin and bear it mostly!

CJ and I escaped the heat briefly to go see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 at the Regal Culver-Ridge. It was our first 3D film and it didn't disappoint! The effects were very good and didn't overpower the film. Now that I have seen all the movies I should read the books!

Tue, 7/19/11: 6.1 miles, 78F, sunny, calm, no stops.

Garmin Connect Activity for FF speed workout

I headed down to Fleet Feet for the Tuesday night speed workout. I headed up to Cobbs Hill in a slow jog, maybe 8:30 pace. Mark had us do a 800m run with 200m jog, 6 x 200m sprint with 170m jog, 800m run with 200m jog. I stayed with the lead group. I ran back to the store a bit faster. Then I stayed for a talk about ultra running. It was interesting to hear 4 ultra runners talk about their motivation, prep work, nutrition, DNFs, worst races, etc.

Wed, 7/20/11: approximately 4 miles, 37:11, 90F, sunny, calm, a bit humid, no pain.

A picture taken by Boots somewhere in the middle of the race

Yes, it was hot, hazy and humid! CJ and I headed down to the Devils Bathtub in Mendon Ponds Park for the Dirt Cheap #4. It was run as a time trial since we went down the infamous steps in numerical order every 5 seconds. It was hot so I headed out nice and heat. I didn't believe it possible but we did find ankle deep mud. A part of the course went either in a rather dry, muddy creek or in a twisty path a bit above the creek ... I chose the rather dry, muddy creek. Yes, it still had wet mud that I had to wash off later with a cool shower. I must say it was hot but I had a blast! CJ agreed! I did OK ... 105th out of 239, result here. I counted and I was 9th out of 24 in my age group.

A nice cool shower when we got home helped to wash off the mud and to cool me off. The bedroom was 86F during the night.

Thu, 7/21/11: Rest day.

A definite rest day. The high was 98F ... definitely hot, hazy and humid! Every time I went between buildings during work it seemed to be hotter.

I had a cholesterol test. The results were normal. My blood pressure was 119/71 and my pulse was 44. I guess I am healthy.

Fri, 7/22/11: Rest day.

My youngest son turned 22 today. He celebrated by going up to Niagara Falls for the weekend for a concert. After work I headed down to Fleet Feet to pick up the Shoreline packets for CJ and I. I tried to go to bed early ... the bedroom was hot like usual. Sleep has not come easily this week ... the bedroom has been above 84F all week, sometimes 89F while we are trying to sleep. The fans just blow the hot air around.

Sat, 7/23/11: 13.1 miles, 1:56:13, 8:54 pace, 84F, sunny, hot, humid, windy, no pain.


CJ and I cut it close this morning. I set my alarm for 5:45AM but it was set for Weekday so it didn't go off. CJ woke up at 6:31AM, I woke up at 6:38AM. We rushed around in a frenzy. Luckily, most everything was already in our bags. I had a banana and energy bar for breakfast. We were on the road by 6:56AM and out at Hamlin Beach State Park by 7:35AM.

Where or where is the finish?

Finally ... the finish!

I started out hot like usual. Don't I always? I soon realized that this race would not be a PR ... the conditions were brutal. It was around 84F or so, sunny, humid and windy. The breeze felt nice but it seemed like it was always a headwind. I started taking walk breaks at mile 3 or 4. I walked through every water stop. There seemed to be little shade on this flat course. I ran when I could, walked when I had to ... and endured. The last mile seemed to take forever. I finished in 1:56:13, good for 67th out of 273, link here. I was 9th out of 24 in my age group, link here.

Meanwhile, my darling girlfriend walked the 5K in 57:33, link here. She felt pretty good. Her ankle felt OK at the start but started to hurt after 1/2 mile. She was out there putting in the effort!

Afterward we both walked down to the beach and sat down in the waves of Lake Ontario to cool off ... that was fun and wet!! All in all, a tiring but satisfying way to spend a Saturday morning! Later, my hip joints ached like the dickens!

Later, CJ took me to Red Robin in Webster using her $25 gift card from MyPoints.com. I had the Whiskey BBQ Hamburger with a chocolate milkshake while CJ had the Ultimate Cheeseburger with an iced tea. Yum!

Sunday, 7/10/11 to Saturday, 7/16/11

I ran 4 times this week, 22.4 miles.

Sun, 7/10/11: 6.2 miles, 51:50, 8:22 pace, 86F, sunny, calm, humid, no pain.

Garmin Connect Activity for Out to Cooper Rd

I finally got out around 11:30AM and was hit in the face by the triple H's; hot, hazy and humid. I started out easy but picked up the pace to 7:48. The heat hit me after mile 3 or so and I stopped 3 times for hydration. I slowed to over 8:30 for the majority of the way. I wore my heart monitor, my average was 146 with a max of 157.

After a cold shower CJ and I headed out to Lyons to see my father at the Wayne County Nursing Home. We met up with my brother and my sister and her husband. We had a good time with Dad. We laughed at this reality show that was on ... 101 Ways to Leave a Game Show. Some of the way they left were nice ... in a car that rolled over and exploded was the best!

Later, CJ made an excellent dinner of leftover chicken from Prime Steakhouse, couscous and salad.

I don't like to run the AC ($$$ to RG&E) but it was awfully hot during the night. It is July and the bedroom was 84F which made for a very restless night.

Mon, 7/11/11: Rest day.

CJ had a sleep doctor appointment that I didn't know about. She did leave a note but I didn't see it ... so I worried until she came home around 8:30PM. She had also gone out to the Finger Lakes Racino where she won some laundry money. She is quite the lucky girl!

Tue, 7/12/11: 6.2 miles, 1:00:41, 9:47 pace, 88F, sunny, a bit windy, dry, no pain.

Garmin Connect Activity for Mendon Ponds Park - Blue and Green trail

CJ and I headed down to Fleet Feet first where I signed up for the Shoreline Half and CJ signed up for the 5K on July 23rd. This is the first year for these two events. The long running Shoreline Triathalon is on July 24th.

Then we headed out to one of our home away from homes, Mendon Ponds Park. Yes, it was hot! I ran the usual Blue and Green trail. I walked some hills like usual. I saw a red fox, doe and turtle along with the usual squirrels and chipmunks. All the animals were surprised ... not sure about the turtle though! CJ walked 2 miles on the Blue trail.

The Hundred Acre Pond is behind me

When we got back to our apartment it was close to 90F inside. We shut the windows and turned on the AC. It cooled down the living room after a bit. We ate a leftover supper ... late like usual! It was 9:20PM by the time we got done. It was midnight before we hit the sack, it was 84F in the bedroom. I always wake up around 6AM so another night of barely enough sleep ... rinse, repeat, ready for a new day!

Wed, 7/13/11: Rest day.

Just your usual rest day. CJ and I did laundry after work. Lots of excitement, for sure! It was cooler so sleep came easier.

Thu, 7/14/11: 5 miles, 37:42, 7:32 pace, 146 bpm average, 80F, sunny, a bit of wind, not as humid, no stops, no pain.

Garmin Connect Activity for Remington's Run

I headed down to Remington's to the monthly Remington's Run. I started out slow for a bit then picked up the pace. I held it nice and steady while I concentrated on my form. It was a sweet run! The usual appetizers were tasty!

The Rochester Airshow is this weekend and the Blue Angels were out practicing in the afternoon. I had a birds-eye view of the diamond formation when I was getting on 531 around 3PM. If I had a camera I would have had a great picture! This stock pic I grabbed from the Internet will have to do!

Fri, 7/15/11: 5 miles, 38:14, 7:39 pace, 76F, sunny, calm, dry, no stops, no pain.

Garmin Connect Activity for FF Happy Hour run + 1 Loop

CJ and I headed down to Fleet Feet for the usual Happy Hour run. Only 2 other runners showed up. I went out easy, caught up to CJ and said "Hi", then turned it up. I ran a bit hard, then added a loop around the Cobb Hill Reservoir. It was a nice, sweet run! CJ walked 2.33 miles.

On the way home we saw an "organ donor" ... err, motorcyclist, in a crouch rocket pull a wheelie at 60+ mph on 104W just as we were getting off our exit. We heard a lot of motorcyclists tooling up and down 104 during the night.

Let me congratulate Fleet Feet on their 7th anniversary which was today! They are a large reason why I am in such good shape right now ... though sometimes my aches and pain disagree! Their store is staffed with employees that care about runners and are willing to work the extra mile (pun intended). I run a lot of their races through their sister company, Yellow Jacket Racing. All are excellent, well run events.

I started running in the mid 2000's when I was still living in Newark NY. At first, I was a fair weather runner ... which didn't last too long. I ran my first race in Newark on Thanksgiving 2005. Anyway, I have been getting Fleet Feet emails since 7/5/2006. After I joined Facebook, I joined their fanpage. Then I started posting my running pics. I moved up to Rochester in November 2008 so I started running from Fleet Feet on a mostly regular basis. My pic of running through the Jensen Stables knee high creek caught the eye of my darling girlfriend, CJ, who contacted me through Facebook. We had dated for a year back in 1977-78 when we attended different colleges in Cleveland ... 33 years ago now. I went out to see her in Cleveland on 9/5/2009 and the rest is romantic history! The power of running and Facebook to bring people together!

Sat, 7/16/11: Rest day.

CJ and I went to the Miller Luau in Penfield. My cousin's daughter got married in Hawaii on New Year's Eve last year. They held a Hawaii-themed reception for all the local relatives and friends as evidenced by our pic. We got to take some of the flowers home.

Sunday, 7/3/11 to Saturday, 7/9/11

I ran 4 times this week, 17.55 miles.

Sun, 7/3/11: Rest day.

Just your usual rest day. I went out and got the Sunday paper and two Apple Cinnamon donuts from DunkinDonuts. The Sunday Democrat and Chronicle recently went up to $2 ... I am beginning to question whether it is worth it. Later we watched our latest NetFlix DVD, The Tourist with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. An unremarkable movie. I tried to go to bed early to rest up for the Brighton 5K but it was a hot and sticky night ... not too great for sleeping.

Mon, 7/4/11: 3.1 miles, 21:01, 6:47 pace, 78F, sunny, calm, ran hard, no pain.


CJ and I made it down to Brighton High School for the Brighton 5K. I wanted to run this 5K because everyone told me it was flat and fast. My Garmin said only 16 feet of vertical rise... flat enough!

I went out hard with a 6:27 first mile. I slowed a bit to 6:56 in the second mile and a bit more to 7:00 in the third mile. I sprinted to the finish over the last tenth in 38 seconds in 6:20 pace but couldn't break 21:00. I set a new PR by 35 seconds! Yeah, baby! My heart rate was pretty constant, around 160 all the way and peaking to 168 in the sprint to the finish.

I finished 81st out of 658, link here. I finished 5th out of 37 in my age group, link here.

CJ and I made it a leisurely day by heading to Starbucks in Brighton, Fashion Bug in Webster, Lane Bryant in Greece and Famous Dave's for lunch.

Tue, 7/5/11: 5 miles, 82F, sunny, calm, ran hard then easy, mild pain later.

Garmin Connect Activity for FF Cobbs Hill speed workout, 8x200m sprints, 4 loops

CJ and I just headed down to Cobbs Hill reservoir for the Fleet Feet Tuesday night speed workout. Mark had us triple up to do 8x200m sprints back and forth. I had to start out a bit slow since I was not warm yet. It was quite a workout! I cooled down with 4 times around the reservoir and then a bit down Highland Ave to get to 5 miles. My lower abs tightened up afterwards and couldn't go into Wegmans with CJ. I hobbled back to the apartment. CJ made a late supper of pork chops, baked potato and salad. I went to bed early too.

Wed, 7/6/11: Rest day.

Just your average hot, humid rest day. CJ and I were just a bit off all day. I couldn't sleep ... I watched a DVD of Them! for a bit out on the couch with one eye open until 2AM.

Thu, 7/7/11: 5.45 miles, 1:10:20, 74F, cloudy, calm, no pain.

Ellison Park Wetlands, White trail out, got lost, White trail back

I really needed to run tonight. Luckily it was a bit less humid. I headed out to Ellison Park Wetlands which is quite a bit closer than Mendon Ponds Park. I headed out nice and easy. I soon found out that there were some hashers running around too. I ran into them a number of times. I got lost at the end of the White trail ... I had to bushwack a bit until I found the White trail again with some hasher help and ran it to the end. I ran it all the way back without any trouble. I picked up another slash on my right shin for my trail trouble ... oh well!

Fri, 7/8/11: 4 miles, 30:22, 7:35 pace, 78F, sunny, calm, no stops, no pain.

Garmin Connect Activity for FF Happy Hour run

CJ and I headed down to Fleet Feet for the usual Happy Hour run. We met up with the usual Friday night runners plus Ron from Texas was there. I went out easy but turned it on after a bit. What can I say? I just have one speed most of the time when I run road. CJ walked 2 miles. We went to the Otter Lodge after with Anne, Becky and Ron for some rehydration. A nice change of pace.

Sat, 7/9/11: Rest day.

A nice, relaxing rest day. After a good morning we headed to New Nails so CJ could repair her left pinkie nail. They sure do look nice!

Then we headed out to Newark to get my father's mail then out to see 2 of my 3 kids. My daughter is getting ready to move to Ohio at the end of the month. My youngest son was slowly getting ready to work from 11PM to 7AM, then to a poker tournament at noon tomorrow.

After a bit, we headed to Prime Steakhouse to use our Groupon coupon that was going to expire that night ... luckily I looked at the coupon on Friday. Afterward, we listened to the sweet sound of Hard Logic at the Webster Jazz Fest.

Sunday, 6/26/11 to Saturday, 7/1/11

I ran 2 times this week, 12.0 miles.
Month of June: 64.8 miles, 11 runs in 30 days, 5.9 miles/run
2011 so far, 573.7 miles, 91 runs in 181 days, 6.3 miles/run

Sun, 6/26/11: Yet another rest day.

CJ and I spent a most excellent morning and just lazed around. I stayed in and rested my left foot. It hurts a bit when I walk still. It doesn't matter what shoe or sneaker I wear. CJ thinks I have a stress fracture but I just suffer.

I got a phone call from Uncle Bud that Aunt Eleanor was at Strong Memorial Hospital in the Surgical ICU. CJ and I went down and met with her family. The news was not good. She has the C-Diff bacteria and it has caused many problems. I notified my brother and sister and my children. We prepared for the worst.

Later I got on my tech hat and ordered some stuff; a dedicated SD reader and Compact Flash reader from TigerDirect to put pics on my new photo frame along with a Jawbone Bluetooth from www.1saleaday.com for my cell. I will give CJ my old and reliable Motorola Bluetooth. I got some pretty good deals so I pulled the trigger.

Mon, 6/27/11: A sad rest day.

My Aunt Eleanor passed away around 11:30AM surrounded by her family. I last saw her at my father's 80th birthday when we "busted' him out to the Palmyra VFW for a party. I hope my mother, Eleanor and their youngest sister, Shirley, are all gabbing away up in Heaven! I called my children and my ex with the sad news. My ex used to see Aunt Eleanor and Uncle Bud at the Wegmans in Newark every couple of months or so. She would always take time to talk even though Nancy and I weren't married anymore. She was a special lady and will be missed. Calling hours will be Thursday at the Steven's Funeral Home in Marion and the funeral will be on Friday.

I guess I am glad that I am of relatively good health. I know I could do better ... exercising my core, eating a bit better come to mind. Once I get my bicycle up and running (one of these days) ... I plan on cross training. I hope CJ will be able to join me.

CJ made a very tasty roaster chicken, noddles alfredo and brussel spouts. My girlfriend can cook!

Tue, 6/28/11: Another rest day.

I am beyond antsy to run again. I walk around all day at work. My left foot aches. I am trying to be nice to it but I need to run again!

When we went out shopping at our local Wegmans, my darling CJ bought me some shoe cushions to put in my work shoes. Thank you, honey!

Wed, 6/29/11: 5.8 miles, 1:10:36, 12:10 pace, 70F, sunny, a bit windy, no pain.

Garmin Connect Activity for Ellison Park Wetlands, White trail

I needed to run again and CJ needed to walk so we headed down to Ellison Park Wetlands. I ran the White trail all the way to the end and back in a really nice and easy pace. CJ walked 1 mile. My left foot didn't really hurt so I guess a week off from running was enough rest.

We ate and rehydrated at MacGregor's Restaurant and Tap House. We are regulars now ... we even know a couple of the waitresses by name.

I got my SD reader from TigerDirect. I tested it and it works fine. Now I can put pics on it and run them on my digital photo frame. We just have to figure out where we are going to put it.

Thu, 6/30/11: Rest day.

An aside from the working world ... there are some people that email you to ask you to do something with a "please" and "thank you" and then there are some people to tell you to do something with some caps in their email while CC-ing in your supervisor and his boss. Guess which email I got today? The required work got done.

Later, CJ and I headed out to Steven's Funeral Home in Marion for my Aunt Eleanor's calling hours. We gave our condolences to the family, talked to people I had not seen for a much too long time and introduced CJ to my relations. We met up with my brother from Syracuse and my sister from Lexington, KY. A long day with a PB&J and potato chips for a late night snack.

Fri, 7/1/11: Rest day.

CJ and I headed out to the Steven's Funeral Home in Marion again for Aunt Eleanor's funeral followed by her burial at the Marion Cemetery. It was nice ceremony. Everyone placing a rose on her casket was quite moving. Then we all met up at the Marion American Legion for a bite to eat. I only took a half day off of work so I had to go back to work.

Sat, 7/2/11: 6.2 miles, 1:01:02, 9:51 pace, 87F, sunny, calm, no pain.

Garmin Connect Activity for Mendon Ponds - Blue & Green trail

I headed down to one of my homes away from home, Mendon Ponds Park, for a much needed trail run. I knew it was hot but hey, I am stronger than the heat. I headed out nice and easy on the usual Blue then onto the Green trail. I considered going around twice but didn't want to push it since it was 87F out. I cooled off then headed home. I wore my heartstrap but it didn't record any data. I re-synced it to my Garmin and it should give heart data next time.

CJ made another scrumptious BLT dinner! Yummy! Then we settled down for the beginning episodes of Battlestar Galactica ... captured on our trusty DVR.

Sunday, 6/19/11 to Saturday, 6/25/11

I ran 2 time this week, 17.9 miles.

Sun, 6/19/11: 9.3 miles, 1:26:41, 9:19 pace, 70F, sunny, calm, 3 stops for Gu and hydration, hip pain after the turn.

Garmin Connect Activity for West and East Zoo Trail up to Thomas Ave

I managed to get out for my long run a bit after 10AM. I started out pretty well. I got passed by a faster runner who snuck up on me just I came off the West Zoo trail up to the railroad track. I had thought of looping the Zoo trail twice but I had hip pain as I got to Thomas Ave. It didn't go away so I just slowed it down, made it up the East Zoo trail and made it home. I am mystified by what is wrong lately.

CJ and I just lazed around the rest of the day. I managed to watch a bit of the Nascar race, the Indy car race and the US Open ... a coronation for Rory McIlroy at -16.

Mon, 6/20/11: Rest day.

CJ and I spent the evening doing laundry. Yay ... clean clothes! Then we watched a NetFlix DVD that had been gathering dust ... We Are Soldiers with Mel Gibson. Quite graphic!

Tue, 6/21/11: Another rest day.

I did want to get out for a run down at Fleet Feet but I got home late from work. Then, I did want to get out for a run anyway ... but I got distracted. I probably needed another rest day anyway!

Wed, 6/22/11: 8.6 miles, 1:25:48, 9:58 pace, 80F, sunny, humid, calm, mild hip pain.

Garmin Connect Activity for Mendon Ponds - Blue, Green, Blue Trail

I knew I needed a trail run so I headed down to Mendon Ponds. It was quite warm and humid. I headed out the Blue (1.8 miles), then the Green (5.8 miles). I sweated like a pig but I soon got into the run. I headed out the Blue again (7.6 miles). I then wanted to do another Blue but I cut it short when I saw another shower moving in. I got to my car just as the rain moved in. The fact that my hips started hurting factored into my decision too.

Thu, 6/23/11: Rest day.

Just your usual rest day.

Thu & Fri, 6/23 & 6/24/11: Rest days.

Yes, Friday was a usual run night ... but my left foot hurt most of the day during work. I am sick and tired of my feet hurting. So I decided to rest my foot. I had an idea of heading down to Letchworth State Park on Saturday morning. But I think not ... much as I would have liked to.

So after a bit ... I started to work on my Pandigital Digital Photo Frame that I got it through www.1saleaday.com. It was a pretty good deal ... a 10.4" DPF refurb with touchscreen and remote for $40. I bought a 4GB SD card so I could put pics on my DPF through my card reader ... at least that is what I wanted to do. Which ... didn't work out so well since I guess my card reader doesn't work. Luckily, the DPF has some internal memory so I could just put some pics directly on it from my laptop. It looked pretty cool! Now to put pics on it! What I really want to do is put pics on it so I can show my father when I go seen him at the Wayne County Nursing Home.

Sat, 6/25/11: Yet another rest day.

Saturday dawned a nice cool, windy morning ... a most excellent day to have run Sehgahunda, how I would have loved to. But instead I slept in. What is my complusion with Sehgahunda? Who knows? I just want to do it to prove to myself that I can do it. But yes, I rested my left foot instead.

After a bit I went out for a haircut, then CJ and I spent a little quality time in the bedroom ... we boxed up some of our clothes to donate and I threw away the oldest years of Runner's World, Running Times, PC World and Maximum PC.

Sunday, 6/12/11 to Saturday, 6/18/11

I ran 3 times this week, 19.1 miles.

Sun, 6/12/11: 11.5 miles estimated, nice and easy, 1 stop for hydration, moderate hip pain.

Garmin Connect Activity for up the east side, across O'Rorke, down the west side

I wanted a new long run so I headed up St Paul with a side trip on Winona, down into the Flats on Seneca Park Ave, up Sagamore Ave, then down Thomas Ave to the O'Rorke Bridge. I took a Gu and water there. I accidentally put my Garmin on pause, then continued down the Genesee River Trail back to Lake Ave where I turned my Garmin back on. I estimate that I didn't record 2 miles. My hips started hurting as I slowly made my way down Lake Ave and Maplewood Drive, across the pedestrian bridge to the Seneca Park Zoo and back home. My Garmin recorded 9.5 miles in 1:23:00, 8:44 pace. My hips were barking at me so I immediately took a shower and a soak in the tub.

CJ made a luscious BLT supper. Mmmmmmmmm ... very tasty!

Later, CJ and I watched Game 6 of the NBA Finals between the Dallas Maverick and the Miami Heat. Dallas closed out Miami, 105-95, link here. Dirk won the MVP. He started out slow, 3 in the 1st half but had 18 in the 2nd half when it counted. The Mavs won their 1st championship ... the Heats were denied!

Mon, 6/13/11: Rest day.

Just your average rest day. There were no NBA games ... just Game 6 of the NHL Stanley Cup between Boston and Vancouver. It was a game I should have watched ... at least the first period. I am not much of a hockey fan.

Anyway, Boston chased the Vancouver goalie 3-0 in 8:35 of the 1st period and won, 5-2, link here. The goalie had gotten chased the previous game in Boston and said some derogatory remarks about Boston ... which the Bruims took offense to. The deciding Game 7 will be Wednesday night in Vancouver.

Tue, 6/15/11: Another rest day.

I could have ran today but I wanted to be fresh for Dirt Cheap #3 tomorrow. I also wanted to wait for the arrival of a 10.4" Digital Photo Frame that I ordered from www.1saleaday.com ... which ended up being rescheduled to Wednesday, :-(.

Wed, 6.16.11: 3.4 miles, 36:30, 82F, sunny, calm, walked some hills, no pain.

Garmin Connect Activity for Dirt Cheap #3 - 2011

Please forgive the Garmin data, I accidentally turned on my Garmin for 2 seconds on Friday down at Fleet Feet. I didn't magically fly over to Brighton!

CJ and I headed down to Ellison Park Wetlands for Dirt Cheap #3. They started the men and women off separately. It was a tough course with lots of up and down like usual. We were all over ... the White, Blue, Red, Yellow, Salmon trails. I ran well, 70th out of 297 runners link here. I finished 4th out of 22 in my age group. I was a bit pooped afterward from the heat and the exertion. I ran a dental care kit from Randy, the running dentist, at the raffle!

Pre-race ...

 The run down the road at the beginning ...

Gritting my teeth as I went up the final hill ...

The finish!

The post race raffle win!

 

Afterward, CJ and I just plopped our stuff down and went to bed! I did note that in the deciding Game 7 of the Stanley Cub, the Boston Bruins won 4-0 against the Vancouver Canucks to win their 1st Stanley Cub since 1972, link here.

I didn't sleep well ... an apartment in the next building which is adjacent to our bedroom window decided to have a party until the wee hours of the morning. Oh well!

Thu, 6/16/11: Rest day.

Just your average rest day. CJ and I went straight to bed after dinner. Alas, two hours early to bed meant a hour early to work ... but I was well rested!

Fri, 6/17/11: 4.2 miles, 31:45, 7:32 pace, 74F, sunny, calm, 2 stops for traffic, no pain.

Garmin Connect Activity for FF Happy Hour run

CJ and I head down to Fleet Feet for the usual Happy Hour run. We got there late because we detoured around an accident on 590S. I headed out for the usual run after a very brief stretch. I was a bit tight at the beginning but loosened up after a mile. CJ was afraid due to her twisted ankle of a month ago but went out for 2 blocks. I found her lost Nike+ in the back seat of my car.

Sat, 6/18/11: Rest day.

CJ and I made our way down to see my father at the Wayne County Nursing Home. They held their usual Father's Day car show. We wheeled Dad around and looked at the cars. We met up with my brother from Syracuse and enjoyed catching up with each other. I had not seen him since my father's birthday last year. Afterward, we went over to my ex to see my youngest son and daughter. He had to go off to work at Byrne Dairy in Phelps.

Sunday, 6/5/11 to Saturday, 6/11/11

I ran 4 times this week, 17 miles.

Sun, 6/5/11: 6.3 miles, 1:03:14, 10:03 pace, 75F, sunny, calm, nice and easy, walked a few hills, no pain.

Garmin Connect Activity for Mendon Ponds, Blue and Green trail

I had been putting off my first post Sehgahunda run. I decided that my first run needed to be on familiar turf. What turf is more familiar to me than Mendon Ponds Park? So I headed down there around 3PM. My Salamon XT Wings 2 trail shoes needed some seriouse de-mudding before I could put them on. I wore shorts, a ss tech top, sunglasses and my Camelbak. My cell was in the Camelbak just in case. I headed out on the blue then the green trail, one loop. After a bit I found my running zen ... just settled into a pace that was comfortable with and that I could keep for a long time, up and down hills. I drank 59 oz of water from my Camelbak, I walked some of the earlier hills while I was warming up. All in all, a nice run ... I felt pretty good.

Later, CJ and I watched Game 3 of the NBA Finals between Dallas and Miami. The more I watch, the more I am rooting for Dallas. I really dislike the "me, me, me" attitude of Bosh and Lebron of Miami. Wade of Miami I can handle ... he scores his points and might have a smile or fist pump but nothing too outlandish. Anyway ... Dallas lost by 2, 86-88, link here. Miami is up 2-1.

Mon, 6/6/11: Rest day.

Just your normal rest day. CJ and I got some stuff done before settling down to watch DVRed episodes of Star Trek - Enterprise.

Tue, 6/7/11: Rest day.

I saw my primary physician today around noon. You could have knocked me over with a thimble when he told me I had suffered from overhyration, Wikipedia link here; also known as hyponatremia, here. I certainly had the symptoms: vomiting, confusion, lethargy, restlessness, and decreased consciousness. I did drink a lot of water but I had no idea. Now I will probably have to guard against drinking too little water during runs!

I really wanted to go out for a run but CJ and I decided to stay in and rest. Later, she made a tasty supper of chicken and salad.

We settled into watch Game 4 of the NBA Finals between Dallas and Miami in Dallas. It did look like Miami was going to pull to a 3-1 lead but Dallas pulled it out at the end (21-9 in the final 10:12 Miami only scored 14 in the 4th, 5-15 from the field, Dirk had 10 points and 5 rebounds in the 4th, including a layup with 14.4 seconds to go) to win by 3, link here. The series is all tied now at 2. Lebron can wait for his first championship ... MJ had to wait for years before Chicago finally beat Detroit or Boston to even reach the NBA Finals.

While I was watching the game I uploaded pics from the last 3 races: the Williamson 10K, Lilac 10K and Sehgahunda. Thanks to my beautiful girlfriend, CJ, for taking pics!

Wed, 6/8/11: 4.9 miles, 59:36, 12:10 pace, 85F, sunny, humid, a bit windy, no pain.

Garmin Connect Activity for Ellison Park Wetlands, White Trail

I convinced CJ that I really needed to run ... no matter the heat, humidity or wind. A restaurant nearby was essential, so Ellison Park Wetlands with MacGregor's Grill and Taproom next door was the obvious spot.

CJ waited for me in MacGregor's ... I headed up the White Trail. I tried to stay on the White but ended up taking a shortcut on the Yellow for a bit. I ran nice and easy, mindful of the technical terrain which is so much harder than Mendon Ponds. I was at 1.94 miles and 23:09 at the turnaround, 11:56 pace. I brushed against a nasty pricker bush and got a couple of scratches on my right shin. I rested for a couple of minutes. I headed back and tried to stay on the White Trail ... again I headed up lost for a bit ... this time on the Salmon. The way back was 2.96 miles, 36:27, 12:19 pace. It was a bit stifling and humid in the woods on the way back. I didn't see much mud at all but some rain could surely change that in a hurry!

I changed my shirt and tried to towel off before I headed into MacGregor's but still dripped for a while when I met up with my darling CJ. We had an enjoyable dinner at MacGregor's. I had the Carribean steak wrappini and CJ had the BBQ chicken sandwich. Then headed home ... but not before wrestling with the 104W construction closure after 9PM.

Thu, 6/9/11: 5 miles, 39:59, 8:00 pace, 80F, sunny, not as humid, calm, no stops, no pain.

Garmin Connect Activity for Remington's Run

CJ and I headed down to Remington's for the monthly run. I headed out easy and just kept it going. Nothing I haven't done before ... just an average run. It did feel good to get out 2 nights in a row.

Later, CJ and I watched Game 5 of the NBA Finals between Dallas and Miami. Dallas owed the 4th quarter againg ... outscoring Miami 17-4 in the final 4:23 by overcome a brief 99-95 lead by Miami and a triple double of 17-10-10 by Lebron to win 112-103, link here, to take a 3-2 lead. Now the series moves to South Beach where Dallas will have 2 chances to close out Miami to win their 1st NBA championship. Go Dallas!

Fri, 6/10/11: 2.7 miles on the treadmill

CJ and I finally got out to Planet Fitness after a long time. I ran 2.7 miles at a really easy pace. We don't really like working out so late at 8PM but it was what it was. I tend to get a bit cranky when I eat late ... I hope CJ didn't mind!

Sat, 6/11/11: 3.1 miles, 21:48, 7:02 pace, 70F, sunny, calm, no stops, no pain.


CJ and I headed out to Newark for Newarkfest and the Newark Running for the Red 5K. We got there in time. I met up with Chris W and talked with him a bit before the race. I started the race fast and held up it up the 88 South hill going out of Newark. The run down Grace Ave was welcome. I picked off a couple of runners on the run back to Main St. I ran well. I was 15th out of 147, 3rd in my 50-59 age group. Just 12 seconds off my 5K PR ... sweet!

The start!

The finish!

The finish board.

15th overall, 3rd in my age group.

The bling!

We walked around NewarkFest for a bit. I bought CJ a nice white dress with a hankerchief bottom. We also sat and listened to a rock group named Misdemeanor before heading back up to Rochester. Luckily, the deer that rocketed across 31W about 1/2 mile before Lollipop Farm did nothing except shock the crap out of us! We stopped by Fleet Feet to pick up some Gu. Later, after a long nap, we felt our brain cells turn to mush as we watched Ice Road Terror and Ice Twisters on the SyFy channel. Just kidding, I hope!

Tuesday, 5/31/11 to Saturday, 6/4/11

I ran 0 times this week, 0 miles.

Tue, 5/31/11: Rest day.

I went back to work over the protests of my girlfriend, CJ. My energy level was at 20% ... maybe. The day was very hot, around 90F.

I watched Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Miami vs Dallas. Who will get the championship? Dirk of Dallas or the Lebron-Bosh-Wade triumervate of Miami? Miami ended up taking Game 1 over Miami, 92-84, link here.

Wed, 6/1/11: Another rest day.

My energy level was around 50%. A bit better but I still feel like I am under water. CJ and I went to bed early and got 8 hours of sleep for once!

The major news of the day was the tornado in Springfield, MA that killed 3, link here. My oldest son goes to grad school at UMass-Amherst which is about 30 miles north of there. He said that he got tons of rain, wind and lightning but no tornado.

Thu, 6/2/11: Yet another rest day.

My energy level was around 75%. I still fell like something is dragging me. My primary doctor's appointment for today was rescheduled until Tuesday so my records from Dansville can be sent and so I can get some bloodwork done. I have lost 6 pounds over the past 3 days so CJ and I are concerned.

I watched some of Game 2 of the NBA Finals between Miami and Dallas. I fell asleep and missed Dallas coming from 15 down at 7:14 to go in the 4th quarter by outscoring Miami 22-5 to win 95-93, link here.

Fri, 6/3/11: Yet another rest day.

Today was the first day that I actually felt like myself. Whoever had been sitting on my shoulders was gone! I could have gone for a run but didn't. CJ convinced me to stay home and engage in a more enjoyable aerobic activity ... grocery shopping.

Sat, 6/4/11: Yet another rest day.

I headed out to Newark to pick up my father's mail. Then I headed out to Lyons to see my father at the Wayne County Nursing Home. He had his catheter changed in the morning so when I got there he was out of it and wanted to take a nap. I stayed for a bit then I headed back to Newark to see my youngest son and daughter. My daughter's laptop had sound issues with DVDs not playing when being played by Toshiba DVD Player. I fixed it by reinstalling her sound drivers. She was pleased. I saw my youngest son briefly ... he was going ready to work from 11PM to 7AM.

Sehgahunda II and its aftermath - Saturday, 5/28/11 to Monday, 5/30/11

Sat, 5/28/11: 22.07 miles, 6:07:44, 65F, a bit of sun, calm, very muddy conditions, gave it everything I had.


First ... I did not finish the Sehgahunda Trail Marathon. I got farther than I did last year ... I got to Check Point 6 (CP6). Second ... I didn't jet to Dansville ... an ambulance took me. My Garmin must have caught a fix when I was unloaded.

I pushed myself to my limits. My memories are clouded and fuzzy but here is what I remember ...

A pre race kiss ...

I think we were listening to Boots ...

The start ... CJ and I got to the start around 7:40AM. The weather was pretty good, about 60F and a cloudy sun. There was the usual group of serious endurance runners milling around the parking lot at the Mount Morris Dam. The timing chips were delayed getting back from the packet pickup at the finish at the parade grounds down in Portageville due to the truck getting stuck in the mud on the washed out roads ... such a good sign. The pre-race instructions were the usual plus dire warnings of slippery rocks at the stream crossings. The solo women went off about 10 minutes late. The solo men went off 15 minutes later. The relay runners went off 30 minutes afterwards ... behind me.

The start

Up to CP1, 6.1 miles ... I knew this part of the course well. The mud was not too deep and manageable. The creek crossings were swift at times but easily crossed. I passed a couple of solo women very close to where I was headed up to CP1. I would see a couple of them later around CP6 when they repassed me. The climb up to CP1 (and all the other climbs to other CPs) revealed the true nature of Sehgahunda ... lots of deep mud. By deep, I mean at least 6 inches of mud or more at points. The trail conditions were bad ... then got worse. At points one step in the mud equaled the exertion of one step plus half a step sideways. Sometimes the mud tried to take my shoe off. On the way up to CP1 from the trail I had crossed several mudfields. I was running well, I was in good spirits. I gave hand slaps to runners I knew as they were coming down from CP1. I didn't see CJ at CP1. I had a gel or two and headed back into the mix.

 Coming up to CP2

Gelling at CP2

Up to CP3, 15.4 miles ... I made it the 2.5 miles up to CP2 without incident. CJ was there and gave me encouragement. Back down the trail I went. I could feel a hot spot on my right pinkie toe and knew I was developing a blister. Back down on the trail I had to make a decision about my blister. It hurt to walk and it hurt to run due to my blister. I decided that it hurt less to run so I tried to run. It did hurt less plus I was taking fewer steps on my blister. I tried to ignore the pain which worked mostly. Eventually I made 6.8 miles and up through the mud fields to CP3. CJ was there and help me put a bandage on my blister and found my spare socks so I could change my socks. It was amazing how much better my feet felt with clean socks ... the clean which didn't last long.

I think this is CP4 ...

Up to CP6, 21.9 miles ... I was still feeling OK as I went down from CP3. I vaguely remember going 2.3 miles to CP4 and and then 1.7 miles to CP5. I do remember that there was NOT an awful lot to eat at CP4 and CP5 that I wanted to eat. I just had my gels, water and Heed for nourishment. I just went on and on ... 2.5 more miles to CP6. I crossed creeks and streams when I had to, I slogged through mud fields, I stepped over logs, I was so very conscious of NOT falling and breaking anything like last year when I fell and broke a rib. I saw nice waterfalls along the trail. My running (probably walking is more accurate) was labored, my fingers were tingling. I knew I was in trouble. I willed myself onward. I told a fellow runner, Marilee, that I was having trouble. When I was walking up to CP6 I saw a volunteer coming down to me. She was a nurse and a wife of a fellow runner. She helped me up the long slope to CP6 and sat me down.

I really tried to collect myself and continue on, I really did. I had been on the trail for more than 6 hours. I knew I was so close ... just about a mile or two down the trail from CP6 was a dirt road and then a cinder trail to the finish, 4.4 miles total. If I had gone back out on the trail I would have collapsed in the mud somewhere. Luckily ... somehow I ended up on a gurney and then into an ambulance. I am a bit foggy on how it happened. I don't remember my timing chip being taken off. I took oxygen and tried to urinate which was hard to do with compression shorts on. I think I almost got more myself in the ambulance but then everything went south. I was in an ambulance on my way to the Dansville Hospital ... again. The ambulance attendants knew me from last year. CJ says that they drive pretty fast ... 70 in a 40 mph zone at one point.

The rest of the day is foggy. I knew I was in the Dansville Hospital ... again. CJ says the same ER nurse took care of me ... again. I was asked questions. I remember CJ having trouble getting my trail shoes off ... I helped her with one of them. I don't remember the mud on my legs being washed off. I don't remember getting stuck with an IV. CJ tells me that I was dehydrated ... that my sodium level was 123, normal was 139. I vaguely remember a chest X-Ray and a CT. I remember vomiting, trying to get it into a bag. I remember my bedding in the ER being changed ... I guess I was quite a mess. I remember being told I was being admitted. I vaguely remember an elevator ride up to my room. I definitely remember my muscles trembling uncontrollably for hours. I remember CJ being very concerned. She was certain that I was either having a heart attack or a stroke. She had never seen anyone exhibit the symptoms that I was displaying in all her years in the health field. I remember CJ rarely leaving my side. I remember being so very tired but being unable to let go of consciousness to let myself go to sleep ... I think I was afraid of not waking up. I got a shot to relax me and I finally got some sleep sometime in the middle of the Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, I don't know when ... CJ had told news of me on Facebook. My brother, sister, children and my fellow runners were concerned. My phone was somewhere so I couldn't call anyone ... not that I had the energy.

Also, let me congratulate the finishers of Sehgahunda ... results here. It would have been nice to have at least a DNF next to my name in the results down at the bottom. I am sure that the other 16 DNFs echo my thought. I salute your stamina and endurance ... you tested yourselves and conquered Sehgahunda!

Sun, 5/29/11: Dansville Hospital.

I woke up in a hospital bed with an IV hooked to my right arm. CJ had stayed the night next to my bed in a chair. I was on a clear liquid diet for breakfast ... it tasted good. CJ had to head back to Mount Morris around 9AM to check out of the hotel. We didn't spend the second night there at all. CJ got back by lunchtime ... I had a bit more to eat. By supper I was on a regular diet. I was told that my sodium was not up to normal yet plus one of my heart indicators was not normal. I would need an echo-cardiogram on Monday so I would need to stay another night. I got my echo-cardiogram later on Sunday, it was normal. It was kind of cool to see my heart valves opening and closing. CJ went home around 7PM ... I was going to get a roommate. Later that night, we got a free light show ... an intense line of thunderstorms moved through.

Mon, 5/30/11: Dansville hospital, then home.

One thing about hospitals ... you don't get much rest. I woke up around 4:30AM and then slept in bits between a blood draw and an IV bag being changed until breakfast around 8AM. I was told that my sodium level was back up to normal at 139. The nurse urged me to get up and walk around. I think she was pulling my leg when she told me that 18 times around the ward was a mile ... they wanted to look at my heart rate while I was exercised. So I got up and started walking around the ward while I rolled my IV alongside me. The doctor soon OKed my discharge. His instructions were clear ... NO running until I had been checked out by my primary doctor. He was said not to use the supplements that I took during the race again. I called CJ. She came down and picked me up.



The damage ... IV on the right arm, blood draw on the left arm

My brother called me while I was still in the hospital. He expressed the following thoughts ... maybe I should call it a day with Sehgahunda, twice Sehgahunda has had my number, maybe I should volunteer or be part of a relay team instead. All good, wise thoughts that I will consider in the next year.

On our way home, we ate lunch at the North Shore Grill in Lakeville. It is quite a nice restaurant with a dock right on Conesus Lake. So much better that eating lunch at McDonald's which was our original intention. It was nice to be alive and looking out on the water. I texted that I was on my way home.

CJ and I were glad to be home. We promptly went to bed and slept for hours. Two of my kids called me. My daughter had DVD problems on her laptop and my youngest son was worried about me. He just got a job at Bryne's Dairy in Phelps!

We reconnected our laptops and reconnected with the Facebook world. I tried to look at all the Sehgahunda pictures and reply to all my comments of concern. I want to thank all who were concerned about me and sent me well wishes.

I am still evaluating my Sehgahunda experience. According to my data, I drank 158 oz of water from my Camelbak, about 5 quarts during 6 hours plus what water or Heed I drank from the CP tables. I consumed 4 2nd Surge Gels, 5 Roctane Gels, 4 Hammer Gels and 4 10 oz servings of EFS drink. I just can't see how I got dehydrated with not enough sodium. Did I over hydrate? Maybe I should have had a salt tablet? Maybe I had too much caffeine from the gels? I don't know.

EPILOGUE from 6/7/11: My primary doctor said that I overhyrdated, link from Wikipedia here, link from Wikipedia about Hyponatremia, here. I certainly had the symptoms: vomiting, confusion, lethargy, restlessness, and decreased consciousness.

Wrapping this saga up ... during the month of May I ran 118.75 miles, 13 runs out of 31 days with an average of 9.1 miles per run. So far this year I have run 508.9 miles, 80 runs out of 151 days with an average run of 6.4 miles per run.

What have I learned? Some people would tell you that I am stubborn and trying to kill myself. It seems that I can run well in races of 15 miles or less. Maybe I should concentrate on those races. There are plenty of them to keep me busy and maybe leave the extreme events to the young kids. A cost / benefit analysis would suggest that the cost of Sehgahunda for the past two years is not worth the benefit of being able to say I finished the race. It might be best to let the beast of Sehgahunda go ... it has bit me twice. But I do have a year to train for the next Sehgahunda.

Sunday, 5/22/11 to Friday, 5/27/11

I ran 2 times this week, 15.3 miles.

Sun, 5/22/11: 6.2 miles, 46:28, 7:30 pace, 74F, sunny, calm, 1 stop for water, no pain.


CJ and I woke up early enough to go down to Highland Park for the Lilac 10k ... I just didn't anticipate all the roadblocks that the police put up. I ended up backtracking back Monroe Ave to the Brighton Twelve Corners to get to Elmwood Ave so we could park at the Al Sigl Center. I did get up to the start in time. CJ couldn't get up close enough to see me start.

The Lilac 10K Start

My thighs were tight and a bit sore from racing on Friday. I started a bit farther back I like so I had to get around the slower runners before I could hit my stride. I took it nice and easy, 7:04 first mile. I passed the Fleet Feet cheering section at the corner on Monroe and Elmwood around mile 2. Thanks! I kept it going, 7:17, 7:15, 7:27. I did stop for water just before the 5 mile mark, 8:05 pace, for the uphill mile, 7:38 pace, on Highland Ave back to the finish.

Around mile 3 ...

 Heather on her way to a PR of 42:57

 Bill on his way to a 45:38 ... just 18 seconds shy of a PR!

My way back up Highland Ave

The finish!

I met up with CJ at the finish. We shot the breeze with fellow Fleet Feet runners and made our way to the Co-Op Center for post race chow and results. I did OK, 46:28, 7:30 pace. I finished 153rd out of 1231, link here. I finished 16th out of 77, link here. All in all, a pretty sweet way to spend a Sunday morning.

A lazy afternoon ensued. We stopped by BJ's on the way home to pick up some ribs which happened to be on sale, sweet and succulent. We watched The Green Hornet from OnDemand ... an OK flick. But how much green screen CGI and wired fighting sequences can you believe? I mean, c'mon!

I watched the last couple of minutes of Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals between Miami and Chicago. Miami won , link here. I must say that I am not too interested anymore.

Mon, 5/23/11: Rest day.

Just your normal Monday. I watched a bit of Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Finals between Dallas and Oklahoma City. Dallas came from 15 points down at 84-99 with 5 minutes to go to win in OT, 112-105, link here. Dallas has a strangle hold on the series with a 3-1 lead plus going home for Game 5 on Wednesday.

Yes, it rained twice during the day. A line of rain came through around noon and a steady rain for about a hour just before midnight.

Tue, 5/24/11: Another rest day.

Another normal Tuesday. I installed the Flowmeter that I bought for my Camelbak Rogue. Then I tried on all the gear that I want to wear. I found that the Runningfunky gaiters that I bought are way too big around my ankles so they are a non-starter. Luckily, I only paid 7 bucks for them.

I wanted to get up early tomorrow morning for a gear test run so I tried to go to bed early. So ... I didn't see Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals between Miami and Chicago. Miami won, 101-93, link here. Miami went up 3-1 to put a stranglehold on the series. Both Dallas and Miami are 1 win away from the NBA Finals.

Wed, 5/25/11: 9.1 miles, , 8:17 pace, 52F, sunny, calm, 1 hydration stop, no pain.


Garmin Connect Activity for Out to Thomas Ave via the east Zoo trail

I got up at 5:30AM and was out the door by 6:10AM for a test run with all the gear that I will be wearing at the Sehgahunda Trail Marathon on Saturday. I wore my Camelbak Rogue and my Amphipod belt with one 10.5 oz bottle of EFS energy drink. I had a 2nd Surge Energy Gel before I headed out. Everything felt fine, no unbearable bounces from the bottle on my hip. I hydrated and had a Roctane Gu at the turn. Again, everything felt fine ... just nice and easy. My Flowmeter told me that I drank 38 oz of water during the run and another 22 oz when I got done. Perhaps there is something to be said for early morning exercise!

I watched a bit of Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference Finals between Dallas and Oklahoma City. I was tired so I went to bed at the start of the 4th quarter, OKC was leading. Dallas came from 6 down to close out OKC, 100-96, link here.

Thu, 5/26/11: A taper day.

I developed a right hamstring pain, way up high near my butt, during the day. So when I got home, I put ice on it. Hopefully it will just go away and not bother me again.

I didn't watch a second of Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals between Miami and Chicago. Miami closed out Chicago, 4-1, link here. The NBA Finals are set, Dallas vs Miami, starting on Tuesday, May 31st.

Fri, 5/27/11: Another taper day.

I took a half day off of work in advance of Sehgahunda tomorrow. CJ and I picked up my race packet at Fleet Feet and then eased on south to Mount Morris to stay at the Country Inn. Katie was working the front desk and was very happy to see us. She saw our Brooks Nightlife jackets coming in from the parking lot and knew it was a couple of runners. We had supper at the local McDonald's. I had an Angus, a side salad and a Vitamin Water. We relaxed in our room. We never did make it out to the pool. A thunderstorm moved through ... and gave even more rain to the mud that awaited me. My mind was racing when I tried to go to sleep. In my mind I was at the Sehgahunda start ... milling around for the start. I think I managed to get about 4 hours of interrupted sleep. My darling CJ was a saint and slept out in the car due to her snoring.