An interesting week 11/7 - 11/13

Monday - Stroudwater.  6 miles, 56:10.  Real relaxed run hit the extension of the trail to the road for a bit before turning around.  Took it nice and easy.

Tuesday - Robinson Woods.  7 miles, 1:02:00.  Due to time and proximity I ended up running in the dark with headlamp and on a trail not very suited for pushing the hills like I wanted. The trails are technical with rocks, roots and undulations as well as difficult to navigate with the leaves and denseness of the woods. That said I ended up hitting a dirt road after a while to get the workout in as safe as possible. Could have been much faster in the daylight, but no worries.

Wednesday - Rest


Thursday - Fort Williams.  6 miles, 51:47.  Not quite what I wanted with the hill workout but once again time, location and safety played a big role. I was only able to get out at dark and decided to hit Fort Williams thinking the open spaces and grassy fields and hills would be a good safe workout. However I really didn't get that much of a burn due to sketchy footing, slower speeds and misty rainy conditions.  It was a fantastic night next to the ocean though and fully enjoyable.

Friday - Scarborough Downs loop.  6.1 miles, 44:34.  This run had a bit more gusto than previously planned due to lackluster runs earlier this week. The legs just felt like moving and it's a relatively flat route so it was fun to cruise through the workout.

Saturday - Rest.  Planned 15 but decided to flip flop days.

Sunday - Cathance.  15 miles, 2:24:00.  Cathance and pancakes! Great run with the Trail Monsters from Ryan and Danielle's house with a solid crew. Gorgeous trails up and around Mt. Ararat, crossing the Cathance River and running along it for a while. Wonderful area with excellent trails that meander across roads, train tracks, through rocky areas and undulating soft terrain. Had some great conversations with all who were there and of course hilarious times.  It's real great to hear plans for the coming year and look back at accomplishments from 2011.

After the run Danielle and Kate had pancakes, sausage, bacon and fresh coffee and beer at the ready. What a way to end a fantastic run with the crew!

Summary -  40 miles for the week.  Except for the couple of hill workouts which never really materialized it was a great week and capped off by an incredibly great time with the TM's!