There's Barbara and I holding up our Crimestoppers race awards. Barbara finished 1st in her age group for the 5k. I finished 3rd in my age group for the 10k.

So, Saturday morning I ran the Crimestoppers 10k but it wasn’t my best race by any means.  I started off strong clocking a 6:30 for the first mile and a 6:40 for the second but I began to slow down after that.  I want to blame most of it on the heat and humidity and, I believe I could get away with that pretty much but, there is one thing I’ve neglected this whole year and that is speed training.  I just haven’t done any speed training.  I’m not a big fan of speed training and my end time proved that to be true.  I finished at :44:57 according to my Timex gps watch.  I’m not sure what my chip time was since race results have not been posted online yet that I know of.

The Crimestoppers 10k is one of my favorite local races but it takes place at the beginning of May…That means that the weather always plays a big part in my overall finish time.  Saturday, as warm as it was, I knew I would be lucky to get into the 42 minute range but I thought that since I’ve been packing in some mileage I would fare better than I did.  I don’t know why I actually hoped I could get a 10k pr but I did…until about mile three, that is.  At mile 3, I knew that a pr would be out of reach and to finish under 43 minutes would be wishful thinking.  That’s how quickly I began to fall apart!  At mile 5, my stomach began to get upset.  So, I was forced to slow it down unless I wanted to have a nasty accident during the race.  When my stomach began to feel better I picked up the pace again but my stomach began to flare up again.  So again, I slowed it down.  This continued until the last half mile.  It was in the last half mile that I began to kick it up a notch because I knew that porta-toilets would be awaiting me at the finish line.  Unfortunately, kicking it up a notch did nothing to make my time much better but fortunately, kicking it up a notch did not throw my stomach into a tail spin.  So, I finished the race soaking wet in sweat and with my stomach not exploding at the finish line…that’s a good thing!

Gracie, Jennifer and Morgan. Morgan finished 1st in his age division for the 10k. He is a very fast kid!

I love the Crimestoppers 10k because it begins and ends in the most beautiful park in Savannah, Forsyth Park.  But, before the race ends in Forsyth Park the race takes you up Bull Street to Washington Ave (which is one of the most beautiful streets in Savannah) and into and through the heart of Daffin Park, my second favorite park in Savannah.  It’s a great run but it always tends to be a warm run because it takes place so late in Spring.

Interestingly, The Seacrest run for preservation race follows the same route but occurs the last weekend of February.  And, what a difference in finish time & overall placement the seacrest race has over the Crimestoppers 10k !  I finished the preservation 10k this past February with a respectable :42:21 and, I finished 12th overall.   This past Saturday, although, I’m in better shape than I was in February I finished with approximate time of 44:57 and placed 20th overall.  The temperature during the preservation 10k back in February was in the 50′s.  Saturday’s Crimestoppers 10k was in the upper 70′s, I believe.  And, it was so dang muggy.  Like I stated earlier, I finished the run soaking wet.  Friend of mine, Barbara, told me at the finish line that it looked like I had gone swimming with my clothes on.  I also smelled like total ass at the end of the run.  That’s never fun especially when there are so many pretty ladies around.

Takis crossing the finish line for the 10k

I did finish take 3rd place in my age division.  That was cool, I guess.  Not that I’m ungrateful for finishing third in my age division but it seems that I always finish 3rd in my age division for most races.  It would be nice to place a little higher every now and then in a race.

One other thing, I have to give a positive shout out to Fleet Feet Savannah for putting together another great event.  Mike Espinoza and his crew really know how to put together a good event.  Kudos to them!

Lastly, despite my less than splendid finish I got to meet in person some really great people that I have only known via facebook…Jennifer Rodriguez, Morgan Rodriguez, April Groves and Takis & Michael Kiriakos – it was such a pleasure to meet you all in person finally!  And, I also had the wonderful privilege of seeing Barbara D’Angelo and Gracie Wessinger again.

In the end I ask myself why do I race?  I race because I like to experience the benefits of my hard training matched up against other runners.  And, I race because there is nothing quite like the excitement and camaraderie you experience when you are around a lot of fellow runners.  I get pumped up and energized by all of the wonderful runners I meet at races and, it’s great to form bonds and friendships with such excellent people.

the starting line for the Crimestoppers 5k/10k

Well, there you have it.

The Crimestoppers 10k in Savannah is a great run despite the heat and humidity.  This race is a little gem.  If you haven’t done it you should seriously give it a shot.  You will not be disappointed.

Thank you so much for stopping by.

All the very best to you and yours.

peace,

dh

05/05/2012

Happy cinco de mayo…whatever that means.

one of the rabbits i saw on the rtt this evening

I ran 6 miles at the rails to trails this evening.  I did not feel like running but I made myself go out there and do it any way.  I got to the rtt feeling very tired, hungry and my achilles tendon was hurting bad on both feet.  I had spent most of the afternoon digging a 6′ x 8′ hole in my backyard.  So, going running was not ranking high on my “want to do” list this evening.  The #1 thing on my “want to do” list tonight was to eat some hot wings, an avocado dipped in extra virgin olive oil and, drink a glass of orange juice.

The start of the run was rough.  I was aching badly below the knees but after a mile I actually began to feel better but my stomach was still growling.  As I ran, I noticed a magnificent array of colors above the trail as the sun was winding down for the night.  Two rabbits darted across the trail, a female red cardinal landed on a bush a few feet from me, five pelicans flew overhead.  It was magnifico!  Sorry, I did not mean to start talking in Spanish.  When I get overwhelmed with beauty I begin to espeak in espanish.  It was quite a moment, though.  I wish you had been there to enjoy it as well.  I took some quick pictures but of course, that only captures a thin sliver of the moment.  To truly appreciate it you have to experience everything in that moment, – the smell of the ocean being brought in by the gusty wind, the thick humidity enveloping you like a jacket made of warm water, the sounds of the birds, the feel of the pebbly ground underneath your feet.  So, you just had to be there.  Hopefully, you’ll be there next time.

see what i mean about the sky? it was beautiful tonight

Any way, what started off as a bad run became a pretty darn good run.  I reached the end of the trail and hung a few prayer flags and turned around and headed home.  I made a stop at Publix first, though and bought a 6 pack of Corona Light, half gallon of orange juice and a couple of avocados.

It was really nice out there.  The trail was pretty vacant.  I saw 4 other people on the trail.  I got bit by a horse fly as I was hanging prayer flags.  That was not fun.  Normally, I am not a violent man but that fly managed to get the wild beast out of me.  Killed it, I did.  I am not proud but I’m not remorseful either.  What’s done is done.

Wildlife inventory:

• 2 rabbits
• 1 cargo ship
• 5 pelicans
• 2 snowy egrets
• 1 horse fly
• 2 fiddler crabs
• 4 grackles
• 1 red female cardinal
• 1 helicopter

the horse fly i killed at the end of the rails to trails where the shrine and the prayer flags are at

Tomorrow, I’m doing a light 4 mile run.  On Saturday, if everything works together, I’m going to rock that Crimestoppers 10k with a pr!  I hope I can finish under 42.  That is my goal.

• run log
• mapped run
• total miles on grey bikilas: 210.82
• total real miles for 2012: 394.89
• total treadmill miles for 2012: 47.49
• total Gypsy walk mileage: 1.16
• mapped Gypsy walk

a marsh flower

Here’s my projected running schedule for the week:

1. Sunday, 04/29: 5.65 miles
2. Monday, 04/30, projected run: 8 miles, actually ran 8.41 miles
3. Tuesday, 04/24, projected run: 8 miles, actually ran 8.34
4. Wednesday, 04/25, projected run: 5.6 miles, actually ran 0 miles
5. Thursday, 04/26, projected run: 5.6 miles, actually ran 6 miles
6. Friday, 04/27,  projected run: 4 miles
7. Saturday, 04/28, projected run: 6.2 miles in the morning; 12 miles in the evening

projected mileage for the week: 55.05 miles

accumulated mileage so far this week: 28.4 miles

the hole i've dug for my pond. still have a lot of work to do.

In case you are wondering why I was digging a 6′ x 8′ hole in my backyard it’s because I’m building a pond.  When the pond is complete it will be 18 inches deep and have some water plants in it and some gold fish.  I’m knocking out the hard part right now.  I moved a lot of dirt today!  When I finish it I’ll post some pictures on this site.  Actually, I’ll go ahead and post a picture of where I’m at right now.  Mr. Gypsy tried to help.

Thank you much for stopping by.

All the very best to you and yours.

peace and pelicans,

dh

05/03/2012

shadow of gypsy and i during our 1.2 mile walk tonight

I did not run tonight.  Why?  I was tired.  But, I was not tired enough to cancel my daily walk with Mr. Gypsy.  Yes, Mr. Gypsy and I take a walk every day after work without miss.  On Saturdays and Sundays, same thing.  Mr. Gypsy insists on our daily walks.  It’s the only way I can get him to poop.  Yes, that is true.  Mr. Gypsy refuses to take a poop unless we go for a walk.  So, if I do not walk him he will explode and poop will fly every where!  So, walk, we must, every day.

good looking little guy

Normally, we walk the neighborhood.  Other times, we’ll jump in my car and drive some where and walk there.  It all depends on the mood of the moment.  The mood of the moment was to drive to the Wilmington River Pier and walk around that part of Thunderbolt.  So, we did.  Tonight’s walk, I must admit, was a little taxing on my patience.  I love hanging with Gypsy and, walking him but some times, he does try my patience.  You see, Gypsy is the kind of dog that never met a tree he did not want to pee on.  Well, Savannah is a very tree friendly city.  There are trees every where.  You cannot go anywhere in Savannah without confronting at least one hundred trees in a square block.  And, Gypsy has to pee on every single one of them.  And, before he pee’s on each tree he has to spend at least a minute sniffing it as if it has to pass the sniff test first.  And, after every tree passes the sniff test then, it must be pee’d on.  Gypsy is the kind of dog that would rather sniff a tree than sniff another dog’s butt.  You know that’s weird.

in downtown savannah this past weekend

I love my dog sooooo much but this sniffing and peeing on every God forsaken tree about drives me nuts at times!  Tonight was one of those evening’s where I had to constantly remind myself that this is Mr. Gypsy’s walk, not mine.  I have my run time.  Mr. Gypsy has his walk, sniff, pee time.  These walks are his.  I normally let him lead the way unless it’s obvious that he’s about to walk into incoming traffic without a care in the world.  Where I’m passionate about running, Gypsy is passionate about sniffing and peeing on every tree, twig, street sign and fire hydrant during our daily walks.

Normally, our walks only cover 1 to 1.5 miles but the time it takes us to do those walks is approximately 30 minutes.  Gyspy likes to savor every moment of the walk.  This is the time he gets to sniff and pee.  This is his time!  And, he knows it.  So, I must work on my patience.  That is my test.  And, he must sniff and pee.  That is his quest.

okay, he likes to pee on street signs too.

So, tonight during the walk I just wanted to say, “Gypsy, the tank is empty buddy!  Why are you continuing to try and pee on every dang tree!  Nothing is coming out!”  But, I chilled.  I reminded myself that this is his walk, not mine.  I have my run time.  Gypsy has his walk time.  If he wants to sniff and pee on every stinkin tree in Savannah that’s his God-given right, by golly!

So, pee away, my little buddy!  Pee away!

sniff, sniff, sniff Gypsy went. Pee, pee, pee he did try but the tank was empty.

You know, Gypsy is the best dog in the whole world.  I mean, I love this animal so much.  He truly is my bestest buddy.  If he wants to sniff and pee on every effen tree, sign, bush, what-have-you, so be it!  I’m just happy that I got this little guy around keeping me company and enriching my life immensely…even if he likes to pee on every tree in Savannah.

So, instead of a running blog, this is what you get tonight.

I hope you enjoyed hearing about my little buddy Mr. Gyspy and his goal to pee on every tree in Savannah.

there he is, my bestest buddy, Mr. Gypsy

Thank you so much for stopping by.

All the very best to you and yours.

peace and Gypsy,

dh

05/02/2012

my bestest buddy

two black head seagulls on the bridge to ft. pulaski

I ran 8.34 painful miles yesterday evening at the rails to trails and Ft. Pulaski.  The pain was predominately on the front side of my right hip  The callouses on the balls of my feet made running a bit difficult as well.  I haven’t experienced such hip discomfort since the RnR Savannah marathon last November.  The pain was mainly when lifting my right leg and not at all when it impacted the ground.  I’m not sure what that means.  I have a great book called “Listen to your pain” that addresses many aches runners experience.  I highly recommend the book to any runner.  Actually, I’ve given this book to several runners that I know.  It’s really good.  My current copy of the book is lent out to a friend.  So, I’ll have to get it back to see what may have caused this hip discomfort I’m having.

Today, I will run 5.6 miles, probably, at the rtt.  Thursday is another 5.6 mile day.  So, hopefully, my body will recover some.  I want to make sure that I’m strong for the Crimestoppers 10k this Saturday.  I’m going all out on that race.  So, hopefully, everything will hold together.

Aside from the hip and feet discomforts yesterday the run was quite nice.  Instead of running the western section of the rtt like I normally do I ran the eastern section and, instead of turning around at the trail head I ran into Ft. Pulaski.  I did a loop around the parking lot in front of the old fortress and saw 4 deer there.  I love that.  I also watched as some guy pulled in a whiting fish on the bridge leading into Ft. Pulaski.  Every time I run in Ft. Pulaski I always wonder why I don’t run there more often.  It’s just such a beautiful place to run around in.  It’s very quiet and peaceful filled with all kinds of wildlife.  During a run in Pulaski one or two years ago I actually saw 35 deer in one area!  That was amazing to me.  Only four deer last night, though.

After looping the Ft Pulaski parking lot I ran back to where I started the run…the mid-section of the rtt.

the whiting fish the dude caught

Wildlife inventory:

• 4 dogs
• 3 black head seagulls
• 8 terns
• 4 deer
• 3 bumble bees
• 1 wood stork
• 4 pelicans
• 2 great egrets
• 8 grackles
• 1 red winged black bird
• 1 whiting fish (on a hook)

I still have to draw that bird that i saw yesterday on the trail with the two babies.  I meant to do that today but was kind of busy at work.  I’ll do it tomorrow.  I promise.

• run log
• mapped run
• total miles on grey bikilas: 204.82
• total real miles for 2012: 388.89
• total treadmill miles for 2012: 47.49
• total Gypsy walk: 0.93 mile

after my walk with mr. Gypsi

Hre’s my projected running schedule for the week:

1. Sunday, 04/29: 5.65 miles
2. Monday, 04/30, projected run: 8 miles, actually ran 8.41 miles
3. Tuesday, 04/24, projected run: 8 miles, actually ran 8.34
4. Wednesday, 04/25, projected run: 5.6 miles
5. Thursday, 04/26, projected run: 5.6 miles
6. Friday, 04/27,  projected run: 4 miles
7. Saturday, 04/28, projected run: 6.2 miles in the morning; 12 miles in the evening

projected mileage for the week: 55.05 miles

accumulated mileage so far this week: 22.4 miles

the sun going down from the bridge to ft. pulaski

That is all for now.

Thank you for stopping by.

All the best to you and yours.

peace and skulls,

dh

05/02/2012

sunsetting at the rails to trails

I ran 8.41 miles tonight at the, you’ll never guess…the rails to trails!  Yes, every now and then I like to change things up a little.  So, I ran at the rails to trails tonight.  Yesterday, I did the same thing, – I ran 5.65 miles at the rails to trails.

Tomorrow, I may have to change things up again and run at the rails to trails, again.  We’ll see.  I believe in being spontaneous…every now and then.

I have callouses on the balls of both of my feet that are very sensitive.  They’ve been very sensitive all weekend long.  I tell ya, if it’s not a root canal that’s causing me problems it’s these dang callouses on the bottoms of my feet.  And, if it’s neither of those two, then, it’s my stomach acting all crazy during a run.  Some times, I think I cannot win for lose.  Speaking of winning, this Saturday is the Crimestoppers 10k.  I love that race.  I hope to finish that race in the top 20.  I’ve been able to do that for the last 4 times I’ve run this race.  So, I hope this year doesn’t disappoint.

Tonight, I ran to the end of the rtt where the shrine and the prayer flags are and then came back up the same way and, continued down the eastern section of the trail until reaching the second bridge.  At the end of the second bridge I turned around and ran back to the start.  It was a good run for me.

The first 2 miles were a little rough because i did not stretch before the run and I felt quite stiff and clunky.  I then loosened up and ran a comfortable pace despite feeling a little warm during the run despite not having a shirt on.  Yeah, I ran without a shirt.  I kind of felt naked.  All I had on during the run were my blue bikilas, grey running shorts, sunglasses, my camera and Iphone…Nothing else.  It’s like I always say, nothing gets between me and my iphone…nothing.

Any way, I’ve grown quite accustomed to running with a shirt.  So, going shirtless was kind of weird for me.  Every time I saw a woman on the trail I flexed my pectoral muscles.  I think they liked that.  They got a good laugh out of it.

Wildlife inventory:

• 1 pelican
• 2 rabbits
• 1 tern
• 8 grackles
• 1 cargo ship
• 1 male red cardinal
• 1 crow
• 2 bumble bees
• 1 fiddler crab
• 2 red winged black birds
• 4 birds that were very weird looking.  2 of the birds were babies.  They were really cool looking.  I’ll try to draw the birds and post the picture later.  Their bodies kind of looked like brown gourds with 5 to 6 inch legs and with long hooked beaks.  They walked really fast and disappeared in the bush.  I couldn’t get a picture of them because they were to darn fast.

cargo ship

So, you’re probably wondering about this past weekend, right?  Did I run or not?  The answer is complicated.  For the sake of arguing, let’s just say that, I did not but I walked a lot.  That counts, right?  You see, Saturday morning was the Savannah Sidewalk Arts Festival.  I never ever miss that event.  At least, I haven’t for the last 4 years.  I love that event.  It’s really amazing how all of the sidewalks in Forsyth Park are turned into giant canvasses of brilliant chalk colors.  There are some incredibly talented kids at SCAD.  Wow, some of that chalk art was amazing!  There was a large Darth Vader reaching out to grab anyone venturing to close to his chalk space.  There was a big menacing T-Rex face looking like it wanted to eat some one.  There was even a dude walking a giant turtle!  It was awesome.  I love this event.  Later in the evening, I had a date with a very pretty lady.  This past weekend was awesome even, though, I did not run.  I’ll make up for my lack of running this week and next.  I promise.

darth vader on chalk at forsyth park this past weekend

• run log
• mapped run
• total miles on blue bikilas: 298.88
• total real miles for 2012: 380.55
• total treadmill miles for 2012: 47.49
• total gypsy walk: 1.3 miles

weather beaten sign at the rtt

My running this week will be a little different because of the Crimestoppers 10k.  I don’t want to wear myself out for the race.  So, I’m starting off Monday and Tuesday with 8 milers and Wednesday and Thursday with 5.6 milers and Friday, I’ll do a light 4 miler.  On Saturday, I’ll go all out for the 10k and then in the late afternoon, I’ll run 12 miles.

Here’s my projected running schedule for the week:

1. Sunday, 04/29: 5.65 miles
2. Monday, 04/30, projected run: 8 miles, actually ran 8.41 miles
3. Tuesday, 04/24, projected run: 8 miles
4. Wednesday, 04/25, projected run: 5.6 miles
5. Thursday, 04/26, projected run: 5.6 miles
6. Friday, 04/27,  projected run: 4 miles
7. Saturday, 04/28, projected run: 6.2 miles in the morning; 12 miles in the evening

projected mileage for the week: 55.05 miles

accumulated mileage so far this week: 14.06 miles

Thank you so much for stopping by.  I’m sorry that I did not run this weekend.  Actually, no, I’m not sorry.  I had a great weekend.  Any way, it’s still early enough that missing one weekend of running will not jeopardize my Cremator Ultra 50 training.  I’m on attack mode now.

I wish you and yours the very, very best.

Take care and God bless.

peace and boots,

dh

04/30/2012

the barge i saw while running the rails to trails. in this picture I'm about 1/4 of a mile from the end of the trail where the shrine is and the prayer flags are.

I’ve now gone five straight days with runs over 7 miles each day.  Tonight’s run was 7.55 miles at the rails to trails and the zombie trail.  I keep running the rtt.  I may have to change things up a little bit tomorrow.  Tonight’s run was a little rough but good.  I ran pretty strong but I was pretty dehydrated.  I normally do not carry water with me for training runs that are under 8 miles during fall, winter and spring.  Today, I think I probably should have.  It was a warm run with a temperature of 88 degrees and humidity at 27%.  Yesterday’s temperature at the start of the run was 73 degrees.  That’s a big difference.  I was very thirsty after mile 3.  Still, though, I made myself go.

I ran to the end of the western section of the rails to trails, hung a couple of prayer flags and cruised back up the trail and then got on highway 80 and ran to the end of the zombie trail and back.  It was an interesting run, to say the least.  First, I saw more wildlife tonight during this run than I have since my 19 mile run at the Savannah Wildlife refuge a few weeks ago.  Second, a young lady was walking her dogs on the trail unleashed and one of them, a pitbull mix, no less, ran up to me menacingly and hit my hand with her snout sending my camera flying to the ground.  I stood motionless until the young lady could get her dog under her control.  She apologized profusely and I was cool with it.  Actually, I was in such a good mood that it did not bother me one bit.  Actually, I told the young lady that it was okay.  Her dog felt threatened and wanted to protect her master.  The dog did not bite me.  It just wanted to let me know that it would be wise for me not to mess with her pack.  I happily obliged and kept on running.

The third thing that happened was that I ran into four young men at the zombie trail.  When I first noticed them on the trail I thought maybe I should turn around and run back to the rtt but then thought, you know, I have just as much right to be back there as these kids.  So, I ran past them and turned around at the end of the zombie trail and headed back.  No blood was spilled, no zombies vaporized.  Life is good.

the signs at the rails to trails are beginning to wear out. Some may be due an upgrade.

Wildlife inventory:

• 1 green heron
• 4 pelicans
• 3 bumble bees
• 2 cargo ships
• 1 barge
• 2 dragon flies
• 1 butterfly
• 7 moths
• a bunch of horse flies at the end of the rtt where the prayer flags are.  They were attacking me.
• 3 red winged black birds
• 3 grackles
• 4 dogs, one charged me.
• 2 doves
• 1 female red cardinal
• about 100 minnows in the water
• 2 terns

a prayer flag I hung. this young lady is only 14 years old and is battling cancer. Recently, she lost all of her hair due to chemotherapy. She's a friend of my niece, Lauren, that lives in Colorado. Please pray for her. Lauren and her friends have cut their own hair in support of Emma. I am so very proud of Lauren. She's such a wonderful, kind-hearted young lady.

So, tomorrow is my last of the 7s.  Then, on Saturday, it’s a 14 miler.  I feel good and I feel strong!  I’ve been sleeping well at night and eating well, too.  I have a lot of energy and I’m getting a lot of things done at work.  Gypsy and I continue to do our walks right after work and then it’s off for my running.  All I need now is the woman!  And, I believe that will be happening very soon!  Life is good.

• run log
• mapped run
• total miles on blue bikilas: 290.47
• total real miles for 2012: 366.49
• total treadmill miles for 2012: 47.49
• total gypsy walk mileage: 1.2
• Gypsy mapped walk

Here’s my projected running schedule for the week:

1. Sunday, 04/22: 7.04 miles
2. Monday, 04/23, projected run: 7 miles, actually ran 7.25 miles
3. Tuesday, 04/24, projected run: 7 miles, actually ran 7.76 miles
4. Wednesday, 04/25, projected run: 7 miles, actually ran 7.38 miles
5. Thursday, 04/26, projected run: 7 miles, actually ran 7.55
6. Friday, 04/27,  projected run: 7 miles
7. Saturday, 04/28, projected run: 14-15 miles

projected mileage for the week: 56-57 miles

accumulated mileage so far this week: 36.98

Well, I’ve eaten dinner, taken a shower and I’m about to wrap this blog entry and hit the bed.

Thank you so much for stopping by.

I wish you and yours the very best.

Take care and God bless.

peace and zombies,

dh

04/26/2012

at the end of my 7.38 mile run, overlooking the savannah river with my bikilas ls

Ran 7.38 miles this evening at the rails to trails.  That now makes 4 days in a row of runs over 7 miles.  Two more days of 7 milers and then a 14 to 15 miler.  Next week will be a lighter week than this one.  And, the following Saturday, May 5th, I’m running the Crimestoppers 10k.  I love this run.  It starts and ends at Forsyth park and it’s just good fun before and after the race.

The Crimestoppers is my last race until July’s Cremator ultra 50.  This week of 7′s is part of building up my mileage base for the Cremator.  Following the Crimestoppers race, I will begin doing two runs a day on every other Saturday.  On the Saturdays that I’m not running twice a day I’ll do pretty long runs.  I’m preparing for the Cremator a lot better this year than last.  I do not want a repeat of last year, – you know, the big DNF!  That was my first and hopefully, my last DNF!  I’ll give you more details about how I plan to execute the Cremator with each blog I do.  For now, though, just know that I’m building my mileage base.  That means logging lots of miles spread through-out the week.

the eastern section of the rtt as the sun was setting. it was nice.

As for tonight’s run at the rtt, I ran a bit slower than I did yesterday and the day before.  It was good to run slower.  My legs definitely felt tonight’s miles.  Even my feet were a bit sore.

Instead of running the western section of the rails tonight, I ran the eastern section because it is exactly 3 miles from the mid-section to the rtt trail head.  The western section, as much as I love that side is not 3 miles to the end.  It’s more like 2.83 miles.  I ran to the trail head of the rtt and continued running up the new trail.  I followed the new trail until it ended on highway 80 across the street from the driveway to the Lazaretto Creek pier.  I then ran back to the rails to trails trail head via highway 80.

I will tell you that I love running the new trail in vff’s!  The ground on the new trail is very soft and spongy.  It feels wonderful underfoot especially when the feet are aching like mine were today.  It’s also a very pretty trail that does not get heavy use.  Along the trail you have some spectacular views of the Cockspur light house and old Ft. Pulaski fortress.  The trail is just under 2/3′s of a mile long but it gave me the 7 miles I was shooting for without any last minute additional running to get to that some times elusive 7 mile marker.

wildlife inventory:

• 2 great blue herons
• 5 grackles
• 3 moths
• 4 red-winged black birds
• 1 airplane
• 2 dogs

le pebble between me toes

For the first two miles of the run I felt this constant irritation between my little toe on my right foot and the that other toe next to it.  Finally, the irritation was enough to make me stop and check it out.  A pebble had gotten wedged in between the pinky toe and that other toe and it was irritating the crud out of me.  I pulled out the pebble and pulverized it in my left hand in my anger.  Actually, I just threw it to the ground and continued running.

Btw, tonight was vff wash day.  I threw both of my bikilas into the wash (the blue ones and grey ones).  Boy, they smelled total ass!

The trail again was windy but the temperature was a warmish 73 degrees.  I couldn’t get the humidity because my iphone kept losing the 3g signal.  AT&T’s network really sucks!  Sorry, for dumping this on you.  I’ve never been so disappointed with the lack of quality of a company as I am with AT&T and their lackluster 3g/4g/wifi service.  Very disappointing.

a bridge in the new trail

• run log
• mapped run
• total mileage on grey bikilas: 190.83
• total real miles for 2012: 358.94
• total treadmill miles for 2012: 47.49
• total Gypsy walk mileage: 1.36 miles
• Gypsy mapped walk

Here’s my projected running schedule for the week:

1. Sunday, 04/22: 7.04 miles
2. Monday, 04/23, projected run: 7 miles, actually ran 7.25 miles
3. Tuesday, 04/24, projected run: 7 miles, actually ran 7.76 miles
4. Wednesday, 04/25, projected run: 7 miles, actually ran 7.38 miles
5. Thursday, 04/26, projected run: 7 miles
6. Friday, 04/27,  projected run: 7 miles
7. Saturday, 04/28, projected run: 14-15 miles

projected mileage for the week: 56-57 miles

accumulated mileage so far this week: 29.43

one of the birds i saw during tonight's run

Thanks so much for stopping by.

I’m off for a much needed shower, a couple of chocolate chip cookies and then bed.

All the very best to you and yours.

Take care and God bless.

peace and tomatoes,

dh

04/25/2012

my vff foot and cairn at the end of the rails to trails

I went back to the rails to trails tonight and cranked out 7.76 miles and felt great!  I tell ya, I am feeling strong this week.  I wonder if the reason for my sudden stamina and strength in running is due to finally getting this problem in my mouth fixed with the root canal last week?  Where for the last month or more I had felt run down, weak and beat up I am now feeling stronger than ever!  This is a good thing for me!  I’m totally stoked!  This is awesome.

I parked at the mid-section of the rails to trails parking area (not far from the Bull river bridge) and ran west to the end of the rails to trails where I hung a few more prayer flags.  I then ran east until I hit the “two mile” sign way at the other end of the trail.  I then turned around and ran back to the center where my car was parked.

Tonight was a lonely night at the rtt.  I only saw three other people while I was out there running.  And, when I finished the run there were only two cars in the parking area, – mine and Nelson’s whatever car he has.  Nelson is one of my old running buddy’s.  He’s a strong runner.  He’s run Boston 5 times.  Any way, this is the second day in a row that I’ve seen him running the trail.

wildlife inventory:

• 2 grackles
• 1 gnat which I ate
• 1 great egret
• 1 great blue heron

It was another breezy, kind of chilly run at the trail.  The temperature was 66 degrees with humidity at a pleasant 40%.  I ran in shorts and my short sleeve Rock n Roll Savannah marathon quick drying shirt.  The shirt got soaked in my sweat quickly but the breeze helped in keeping me cool.  I wish more local races would give out quick drying shirts over those crummy cotton ones.  If I run a race and get a shirt for that race I would like to be able to use my shirt for training.  You cannot train with cotton, not down here in the South.  Hint, Hint, Mr. Espinoza – get us quick drying shirts instead of cotton ones for some of the races you put together down here!  Please!

Tomorrow is going to be another 7 mile day.  I’ve now run 3 days in a row with runs over 7 miles each of those days.  This whole week will be 7′s.  I expect to win the lottery this Friday.  So, you just may get a free pair of vff’s from me because I’m winning the el lotterio.

this prayer flag seems fitting and very true

• run log
• mapped run
• total mileage on grey bikilas: 183.45
• total real mileage for 2012: 351.56
• total treadmill miles for 2012: 47.49
• Gypsy walk mileage: 1.36
• mapped Gypsy walk

Here’s my projected running schedule for the week:

1. Sunday, 04/22: 7.04 miles
2. Monday, 04/23, projected run: 7 miles, actually ran 7.25 miles
3. Tuesday, 04/24, projected run: 7 miles, actually ran 7.76 miles
4. Wednesday, 04/25, projected run: 7 miles
5. Thursday, 04/26, projected run: 7 miles
6. Friday, 04/27,  projected run: 7 miles
7. Saturday, 04/28, projected run: 14-15 miles

projected mileage for the week: 56-57 miles

accumulated mileage so far this week: 22.05

That’s it for now.  I have to eat dinner, write chapter 4 of my run zombie run story, take a shower and go to sleep.  It’ll be a busy night for me.

All the very best to you and yours.

Take care and God bless.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

peace to you,

dh

04/24/2012

a photo shoot at the rails to trails this evening

Tonight I ran 7.25 miles at the rails to trails, I’m happy to say.  It was a spectacularly beautiful day for a run.  The temperature was a little chilly at 60 degrees with a pretty hefty wind to contend with but that was okay.  As I was approaching the boardwalk to the rails to trails I was greeted by the sight of a lovely young lady modeling for a photographer.  I snapped two pictures of this scene…I hope that was not disrespectful.  Was it?  Yikes, I don’t know.  She was a pretty little auburn haired little thing with a very nice belly.  I’ll stop there, though.

The sky was very blue at the beginning of the run with a few pillowy cumulonimbus clouds here and there turning from fluffy white to greyish pink as the run progressed.  I stopped a few times during the run to hang a few prayer flags, snap some pictures of the scenery and, of the beautiful sky as the sun began to settle down for the night.

And, despite my few photo op stops I still maintained a 7:40 per mile minute pace since I never stopped the stopwatch during the brief breaks.  I was feeling good and strong!  I hope I continue feeling this way for the rest of the week.

the lovely model with the nice belly

So, I ran to the end of the rails to trails, hung some prayer flags and ran back to where I started the run initially and then, continued up highway 80 heading east until my gps watch read 6.0 miles.  I then turned around and stopped for a beautiful sunset picture and continued west until I hit 7.0 miles and then turned around and ran to the parking area at the rtt.  And, that was my run.  It was a good run indeed!

wildlife inventory:

• 1 mosquito
• 1 red winged black bird
• 1 grackle

at the end of the rtt with the cairn and prayer flags

Before I ran I hit the Island’s Ymca and got in a good workout.  I didn’t hit it really hard but well enough to be satisfied.  I also ran into lovely Johanna and we chatted about sailing and climbing mountains for about 15 minutes.  She’s such an amazing lady.  She’s been through a lot but still strong as titanium!

my workout

• run log
• mapped run
• total mileage on grey bikilas: 175.69
• total real miles for 2012: 343.8
• total treadmill miles for 2012: 47.49
• total Gypsy walk mileage: 1.42 miles
• mapped Gypsy walk

the pinkish clouds over the rails to trails

Tomorrow, it will be another 7 miler but at a much slower pace.  I’m not sure yet if I will run at the rails to trails or around Thunderbolt.  I haven’t made up my mind yet.  I do like running the rails to trails because it’s easy to knock out the mileage without distractions from traffic and the terrain can be pretty rough at the rtt which is good for me as I train for the Cremator Ultra 50.  That will be here before you know it.  So, I gotta add up the miles!

Here’s my projected running schedule for the week:

1. Sunday, 04/22: 7.04 miles
2. Monday, 04/23, projected run: 7 miles, actually ran 7.25 miles
3. Tuesday, 04/24, projected run: 7 miles
4. Wednesday, 04/25, projected run: 7 miles
5. Thursday, 04/26, projected run: 7 miles
6. Friday, 04/27,  projected run: 7 miles
7. Saturday, 04/28, projected run: 14-15 miles

the sunset from highway 80

That’s it for now.  I must shower, eat a bowl of cereal, brush my teeth and go to sleep.

Thank you so very much for stopping by.

I wish you and yours the ultimate best.

Take care and God bless.

peace and bananas,

dh

04/23/2012

a cairn at the shrine at the end of the rails to trails where the prayer flags are

Today was my first run since last Saturday!  I ran 7.04 miles at the rails to trails and felt good.  Actually, I felt great!  It felt great to run again after a week of no running.  Why did I miss a week of running?  After last Saturday’s run I began to feel quite ill.  Last Sunday, I woke up with the worse tooth ache ever!  Monday, I went to the dentist and was told that I needed a root canal but I had to be referred to a specialist.  On Tuesday, I had the root canal.  And, the rest of the week I was still aching and feeling ill.  The way I felt most of the week it was good that I did not run.  I wanted to run yesterday (Saturday) but I still did not feel 100%.  I woke up this morning with no tooth ache.  So, today was the magical day…I ran!

The weather was ideal for a run too.  The temperature was 69 degrees and it was breezy (as usual at the rails to trails) and quite overcast.  It drizzled on me a bit.  I started off slow because I wasn’t sure what to expect of my legs after not running for over a week.  Soon, though, I found myself picking up the pace and feeling good.  My abdomen did feel like it had an extra jiggle to it, though.  That’s the problem with missing too many days of running…new jiggles invade the stomach.

For the rest of the week I’m going to be doing 7 mile runs daily, until Saturday, that is.  On Saturday, I’ll go for 14 or 15 miles.  Hopefully, by the following week I’ll be doing a long run over 20 miles.

female fiddler crab I saw at the rails to trails

Wildlife inventory:

• 5 fiddler crabs
• 2 seagulls
• 2 odd insects (please refer to the picture below.  I have no idea what that critter is called but I saw two of them).
• 1 great egret
• 3 red-winged black birds
• 2 grackles

one of two bizarre creature I saw at the rails to trails. I have no idea what this creature is called. I may very well have discovered a new species of insect or crab. I should be famous and rich, I think.

It truly is amazing how something like a bad tooth can impact your overall health.  The last few weeks I complained about so many aches and pains and allergy problems.  Today, I had none of that.  I do think the bad tooth contributed to the aches and pains, lack of energy I’ve had recently.  And, I do think that the infection I had in my mouth may have exacerbated my allergies by weakening my overall immune system.  Does that make sense?  To me it does but what do I know?  I’m feeling better.  That’s what is important.  And hopefully, next week will be a very productive one for me.

• run log
• total miles on grey bikilas: 168.44
• total real miles for 2012: 336.55
• total treadmill miles for 2012: 47.49
• gypsy walk today: .95 mile

I saw this pirate button on a prayer flag at the end of the rtt. I thought that was kind of cool.

So, here’s my projected running schedule for the week:

1. Sunday, 04/22: 7.04 miles
2. Monday, 04/23, projected run: 7 miles
3. Tuesday, 04/24, projected run: 7 miles
4. Wednesday, 04/25, projected run: 7 miles
5. Thursday, 04/26, projected run: 7 miles
6. Friday, 04/27,  projected run: 7 miles
7. Saturday, 04/28, projected run: 14-15 miles

Well, that’s it for now.  I’m sorry that I do not have much to say.  Today’s run was great but uneventful.  It was great because I missed a whole week of running.

I wish you and yours the very best.

Take care and God bless.

Thanks for stopping by.

peace,

dh

04/22/2012