Simply Good for the Soul

Greetings! Spring weather worked as a great incentive to rack up more miles in the last two months than the previous two. I've been in a rut for much too long of primarily exercising indoors. Truthfully the outdoor hiatus helped me to appreciate the many benefits of running, mostly experiencing the incredible change of seasons. I'm fortunate not to be adversely impacted by pollen. Thus, being outside through the spring has been glorious, even when jogging along multi-lane divided state roads.

Other than enjoying nature I've been increasing mileage. I even did a couple of speed workouts. Those reminded me how intense I was about running in the Atlanta Track Club Grand Prix series during the early 2000s. I regularly participated in around twenty races collecting points based on finishing time in age categories. I've lightened up a bit over the years. Of course, some argue exercising every single day is not light by any measure. At any rate, I'm having fun. I fully recognize the appeal of variety. I expect to do a lot running through the fall.  We'll see what happens after that time.

Change has advantages. Run.

 Tom

Be considerate

Greetings! As noted in the most recent post, Shannan and I planned to spend a weekend in a state park. We visited Tugaloo Sate Park, a peninsula jetting out into Lake Hartwell. The trip was ideal on most fronts. We stayed in a yurt, our second experience in the edifice perfected by folks on the steppe and still in use by many good people in Europe and Asia. Our yurt provided a stunning view of Lake Hartwell and the weekend served up perfect weather for such an outing. 

Only a few times in seven years have I used this site for the sole purpose to vent. That is not the agenda of this post in its entirety, however, I do want to take a slight, and what I feel is an unavoidable, detour. In short, I find it surprising the following sentences need to be expressed at all. However, my experience this weekend made it painfully obvious these words are worth releasing in to the Universe for the betterment of humanity. 

 

I completely understand we are in a national conversation around public restrooms. It’s one I’ve been addressing from a scholarly standpoint for about five years. However, the following comments are not about transgender, they are about everyday decency and consideration. I’m not sure how some do not understand this, but a Family Restroom is not intended for couples. I don’t have small children. My comments here are linked to common sense and courtesy to those who need family facilities for the designated purpose. I was overwhelmed to see that far too many couples don’t seem to understand the FAMILY restroom concept.

Back to the fantastic trip in Tugaloo. As I noted previously, I looked forward to running in the state park. The opportunity to do so did not disappoint. Tugaloo State Park contains just shy of four miles of marked trails. This along with heavily wooded roads and lake banks made for a grand place to get and out and jog.

Follow the Rules. Run.

Tom

Running: A State of Mind

Greetings! Often I get so caught up in thinking or enjoying the surroundings that I find most all occasions I go for a run as absolutely glorious. Many find this difficult to believe given I’ve be doing the same monotonous (their word) activity for two decades. I have noted many times on this site that I often hesitate to get started, usually due to cold, rain or both. However, in inclement weather or even with pain from lingering injuries it only takes a few minutes for me to get caught up in the experience of running. 

 

I’ll happily admit that I don’t have warm and fuzzy feelings for running along big and busy thoroughfares. The routes closest to our home are troublesome to a degree. One direction is a winding, hilly narrow road with no sidewalk. The other leads to a large multi-lane divided state highway. I only take the narrow route early on weekend mornings. Otherwise it’s just too risky. Albeit, I can run for many miles on the state road, it’s not not big on scenery after the first couple of miles. In addition, there are all the cars and their drivers, who often are either not cognizant of runners or find us irritating. Still, I count myself fortunate to have a safe place to run right in my own neighborhood. Many of my friends drive to parks or paths to go jogging.

 

Later this month Shannan and I will spend some time in a state park we haven’t visited previously. I am looking forward to a couple of long runs in a serene setting sans cars and drivers.  I’ll let you know how it goes.

State Parks or State Roads. Run.

Tom

Boulder Dash

Greetings! Shannan and I participated in the 7th annual Boulder Dash (http://boulderdash5k.com) the last weekend in April. The event included 5K and 10K races. The first couple of miles take place inside a working rock quarry. This was the allure of the race and the reason we decided to give it a try. Forsyth’s Northside Hospital marked the starting point. From there we moved a short distance on street before entering the quarry. The terrain change was immediately noticeable, not so much because of the gravel and loose rock, but rather from the dust being kicked up by all the runners. The course was not very demanding, though it did have one significant hill inside the quarry. Smiles and primal yells indicated most participants seemed to appreciate the downhill finish. 

Overall the Boulder Dash was a well organized event with nice after race area which included free food, vendors, water, music and the obligatory t-shirt. The event is family friendly, in fact a large contingent of Girls on the Run participated. I haven’t been running in races for some time. The race brought couple of things as interesting as the rock quarry course. For one, a fellow answered a phone call while running. Like so many folks glued to the cell, the conversation sounded neither urgent or important. While he was distracted, I passed him.

Although the location is less than an hour from our house, we decided to spend the night in a nearby hotel and created a mini getaway. This was a fun new addition to my old pre-race routines and rituals. One last marker clearly indicated to me how time has changed. 15 years ago I would have been very careful with food intake the entire week prior to the race. We went to a brew pub the night before and had snacks, then moved on to a restaurant for appetizers and a full meal.  The changes were much welcomed. We had a great time. 

Do something different. Run.

Tom