What I forgot to mention in the previous post…
Saturday was opening day for trout season and Deer Creek was crowded with people trying to find a place to cast a hook into quiet waters. And quiet waters were hard to find! The snow melt has begun and Deer Creek offered up mostly rapids for the anglers. It was the same situation on the Susan River, where I saw stretches of river that looked as good as any Class III rapids in the world. But I did see one good sized (3 pound) rainbow being carried home from the Susan… about 2 miles above Hobo Camp.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Progress
Friday afternoon: On our way out of town, we stopped at Fleet Feet so that I could buy a new pair of shoes and some socks. This store didn’t disappoint. Great service and I felt that I was fitted properly. And oddly enough I was sold a pair of size 12’s! I have always bought 11’s or 11 -1/2’s. But the shoe felt good enough for me to want to try it on our practice walk.
Shopping done, we headed up the hill on our way to Susanville and a long practice walk on Saturday morning. The river along the highway, Deer Creek, was running high and fast with lots of blue green water. A real beauty! When we turned onto Highway 36 and left the river, we began to see water standing in the small meadows alongside the road. Water was everywhere! The flood control channel near Chester was running high with spectacular man-made waterfalls. And when we crossed the causeway at Almanor, we could see that the lake was as high as we had ever seen it.
Here’s a link to a photo blog I found and it has quite a few Lassen County photos in it…explore!
Jill and I got an early start on our practice, walking on the new walking/bicycle trail that runs along the Susan River. It’s great paved trail and meanders from near the Little League field down past Wal*Mart. (We bought water at Wal*Mart…good idea!) I think we did that section about 4 times before we headed back uptown and over to the trailhead of the Biz Johnson trail. Here we knew that we had at least 9 miles ahead of us.
I wish I could say that the trail experience was great…but the surface was so uneven after a hard winter that we were both grumbling as we picked our way through the rocks, big and small, that littered the trail. There were even a few VW sized rocks that had made their way down and onto the middle of the trail. Even with the hazards, we seemed to be making pretty good progress, until about the time my GPS unit said we done about 10 miles. That was when I first noticed the small itching sensation that signals the start of a blister. Darn!
I went another mile before I was talked into sitting down and putting a bandage on it. It didn’t look bad at all; we had caught it before it had become serious. I re-laced everything and we continued uphill at a slightly reduced pace.
We turned around at the first tunnel (A spooky place!) and shared a quick bite of a small Cliff Bar. We were both happy to have that water now, as there is nothing quite as dry as a Cliff Bar after 11 miles of hard trailing!
The return trip went well and we ended up with 17.1 miles in less than 4 hours. The hardest part of the trip? That had to be the walk up Main Street from Richmond Road to near Lassen Street where the car was parked. Nothing says “I’m done!” quite like a steep hill climb after a hard morning on the trail.
But of course we weren’t done…when we got back up to the house, we found a small chore waiting for us. The 36’ long floor joists for the Dunn addition needed to be turned around and placed on the waiting supports. I can tell you that they look great! And I know that Bill and Jill are happy to see some progress being made after an overly long winter.
My original plan was to do 18 miles, but considering the condition of the trail, I think we did an exceptional job…ending up with an estimated pace of 13.7 minute/miles and at an altitude of 4,200 feet.
Shopping done, we headed up the hill on our way to Susanville and a long practice walk on Saturday morning. The river along the highway, Deer Creek, was running high and fast with lots of blue green water. A real beauty! When we turned onto Highway 36 and left the river, we began to see water standing in the small meadows alongside the road. Water was everywhere! The flood control channel near Chester was running high with spectacular man-made waterfalls. And when we crossed the causeway at Almanor, we could see that the lake was as high as we had ever seen it.
Here’s a link to a photo blog I found and it has quite a few Lassen County photos in it…explore!
Jill and I got an early start on our practice, walking on the new walking/bicycle trail that runs along the Susan River. It’s great paved trail and meanders from near the Little League field down past Wal*Mart. (We bought water at Wal*Mart…good idea!) I think we did that section about 4 times before we headed back uptown and over to the trailhead of the Biz Johnson trail. Here we knew that we had at least 9 miles ahead of us.
I wish I could say that the trail experience was great…but the surface was so uneven after a hard winter that we were both grumbling as we picked our way through the rocks, big and small, that littered the trail. There were even a few VW sized rocks that had made their way down and onto the middle of the trail. Even with the hazards, we seemed to be making pretty good progress, until about the time my GPS unit said we done about 10 miles. That was when I first noticed the small itching sensation that signals the start of a blister. Darn!
I went another mile before I was talked into sitting down and putting a bandage on it. It didn’t look bad at all; we had caught it before it had become serious. I re-laced everything and we continued uphill at a slightly reduced pace.
We turned around at the first tunnel (A spooky place!) and shared a quick bite of a small Cliff Bar. We were both happy to have that water now, as there is nothing quite as dry as a Cliff Bar after 11 miles of hard trailing!
The return trip went well and we ended up with 17.1 miles in less than 4 hours. The hardest part of the trip? That had to be the walk up Main Street from Richmond Road to near Lassen Street where the car was parked. Nothing says “I’m done!” quite like a steep hill climb after a hard morning on the trail.
But of course we weren’t done…when we got back up to the house, we found a small chore waiting for us. The 36’ long floor joists for the Dunn addition needed to be turned around and placed on the waiting supports. I can tell you that they look great! And I know that Bill and Jill are happy to see some progress being made after an overly long winter.
My original plan was to do 18 miles, but considering the condition of the trail, I think we did an exceptional job…ending up with an estimated pace of 13.7 minute/miles and at an altitude of 4,200 feet.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Cooking!
I decided to see how fast I might be able to go for a 4 miler this morning and I got it done in 43 minutes. That's a 10.75 minute/mile average. Now I need to find some shoes for tomorrows longer walk.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Old Shoes
Gotta get rid of them!
I did a longer walk today, about 11.25 miles. And it was quickly apparent that these old NB 110’s are worn out and useless. I have done innumerable practice sessions in them and two 1/2 marathons. Maybe 150 miles? Whatever! It’s time for something new on my feet. I do have a pair of NB 111’s, but they aren’t ready for a marathon. Or I’m not ready for one while wearing them.
It wasn’t the fastest practice and I didn’t even bother to try timing it accurately. I know that I walked for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, so that makes my pace somewhere in the neighborhood of 13.3 minute miles. But, my feet hurt!
And while I was walking, I would look up every once in awhile and wonder…where was I? The trees are now covered with leaves, giving the park a whole new look and it seemed to happen overnight.
Weight 206 (6 pounds overweight!) BP 121/65 Pulse 71
I did a longer walk today, about 11.25 miles. And it was quickly apparent that these old NB 110’s are worn out and useless. I have done innumerable practice sessions in them and two 1/2 marathons. Maybe 150 miles? Whatever! It’s time for something new on my feet. I do have a pair of NB 111’s, but they aren’t ready for a marathon. Or I’m not ready for one while wearing them.
It wasn’t the fastest practice and I didn’t even bother to try timing it accurately. I know that I walked for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, so that makes my pace somewhere in the neighborhood of 13.3 minute miles. But, my feet hurt!
And while I was walking, I would look up every once in awhile and wonder…where was I? The trees are now covered with leaves, giving the park a whole new look and it seemed to happen overnight.
Weight 206 (6 pounds overweight!) BP 121/65 Pulse 71
Monday, April 24, 2006
Better Times Are Ahead
OK! A good time and a surprise as well. I wasn’t all that happy when I started out this morning. I had left my pack in Susanville and it contains my Kleenex, my pedometer and my GPS unit; plus my bandages for the occasional blister.
I had to make do with another “fanny pack” and just that was enough to make me grouchy. But I started out with the intention of doing 10 easy miles. I knew the distance for that was out to the gate and back twice. At the end of the first 5 miles I was doing a 12.6 minute/mile pace and I was happy with that. Then I decided to see if I could pick up the pace for the next five.
On my way and at the 7 mile mark, I felt the first little itch that signals the beginning of a blister on my left heel, so I decided to turn it around and go for a fast nine miles instead. And I ended up with a 12.0 minute/mile average for 9 miles. That has made me very optimistic about the upcoming race…
Another benefit was the fact that I put another 9 miles on the “death” shoes. I have found that these New Balance shoes are great once they are broken in, but they kill me until that happens.
I had to make do with another “fanny pack” and just that was enough to make me grouchy. But I started out with the intention of doing 10 easy miles. I knew the distance for that was out to the gate and back twice. At the end of the first 5 miles I was doing a 12.6 minute/mile pace and I was happy with that. Then I decided to see if I could pick up the pace for the next five.
On my way and at the 7 mile mark, I felt the first little itch that signals the beginning of a blister on my left heel, so I decided to turn it around and go for a fast nine miles instead. And I ended up with a 12.0 minute/mile average for 9 miles. That has made me very optimistic about the upcoming race…
Another benefit was the fact that I put another 9 miles on the “death” shoes. I have found that these New Balance shoes are great once they are broken in, but they kill me until that happens.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Almost
Bad news…the much anticipated high altitude walking was a bust. It rained continually while we were in Susanville and the trails were mud paths. We gave up waiting for a break in the weather just before noon and headed home…but we’re heading back up next Friday, to get in one good walk at altitude before we head to the Redwoods. So this week it's back to Bidwell and some long walks.
Early
It's just a little after 6 and I'm looking out of the window at a very wet landscape. A Lassen County landscape at that. I'm at Bill and Jill's house for a high altitude practice and it doesn't look very promising. I was hoping we might get in 16 or 18 miles today, but with the weather looking "iffy", I'm not sure now.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Slower?
No, not the best of days. I had intended to get in a long walk this morning, but I just couldn’t get it into gear. My mind said “Go!” but my body was reluctant for some reason. I finished the standard circuit in 83 minutes, which is OK, but certainly not what I was hoping for. Since I had made a promise to myself to get in a longer walk, I added a mile to the course and finished with 7.25 miles in 1:41. And I was sweating?
I suppose I should take comfort in the fact that I did the exercise without a lot of discomfort. I was still able to breathe normally. I see that my BP is slightly elevated…133/71, but the pulse is fine at 59. Weight? Oops! Maybe that’s the culprit? No, I weighed that much yesterday and did quite well.
I suppose I should take comfort in the fact that I did the exercise without a lot of discomfort. I was still able to breathe normally. I see that my BP is slightly elevated…133/71, but the pulse is fine at 59. Weight? Oops! Maybe that’s the culprit? No, I weighed that much yesterday and did quite well.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Tuesdays Pace
Not bad at all…I decided to do a short and fast walk this morning and did a four miler in 46 minutes. That’s an 11.5 minute per mile pace and I will take that kind of performance anytime. I knew I was doing fine when I reached one of my landmarks in 21 minutes, compared to the 23 minutes I had experienced a few weeks ago. Sunshine does wonders for me!
Monday, April 17, 2006
A Good One
What a great day! I got out of the car and into the park about 7 this morning and decided to start my practice over on the opposite side of 1-Mile, the side where the mile markers begin. The temperature was in the 40’s but with fair skies to look at, it wasn’t noticeably cold.
Before I had made it around once, I decided that I felt good enough to go for a half marathon distance. (13.2 miles) So I faithfully followed the route and went around one more time.
According to the GPS unit, I was maintaining a 4.5 mph pace and even at the 13.2 mile point; the pace was still the same.
Some figures:
1:22 for one 6.25 mile circuit of the park. (13:12 minute/mile)
2:50 for the half – marathon (12.88 minute/mile)
3:01 total walking time, at 4.5 mph. (14.05 miles total)
The best part of course was getting in another half - marathon and then some; another ¾+ miles. It’s all psychological of course, but I needed to do this. Now the next marathon doesn’t sound so forbidding. And I did better today, in a solo walk, no crowds, no competition…than I did a few months back while competing in the Bidwell Classic. My time then was 2:51…
Before I had made it around once, I decided that I felt good enough to go for a half marathon distance. (13.2 miles) So I faithfully followed the route and went around one more time.
According to the GPS unit, I was maintaining a 4.5 mph pace and even at the 13.2 mile point; the pace was still the same.
Some figures:
1:22 for one 6.25 mile circuit of the park. (13:12 minute/mile)
2:50 for the half – marathon (12.88 minute/mile)
3:01 total walking time, at 4.5 mph. (14.05 miles total)
The best part of course was getting in another half - marathon and then some; another ¾+ miles. It’s all psychological of course, but I needed to do this. Now the next marathon doesn’t sound so forbidding. And I did better today, in a solo walk, no crowds, no competition…than I did a few months back while competing in the Bidwell Classic. My time then was 2:51…
Saturday, April 15, 2006
A Little Bit Faster
I’m just back from a good and fast practice. The temperature this morning wasn’t bad, maybe 50°, but the wind was blowing in gusts. And I don’t like being in the park in this kind of weather. The ground is already saturated and with gusting winds, you never know when a tree might decide to leap out of the ground and mug you. The last time through the park I saw two downed trees...
I decided to do a fast 5 mile walk and I did it in 62 minutes. (12.4 minute/mile) That’s a reputable number, one you can always brag about. (A small brag…don’t get carried away!)
And now that I’m home, the wind has really increased. That doesn’t make Sunday a good choice for another walk.
I decided to do a fast 5 mile walk and I did it in 62 minutes. (12.4 minute/mile) That’s a reputable number, one you can always brag about. (A small brag…don’t get carried away!)
And now that I’m home, the wind has really increased. That doesn’t make Sunday a good choice for another walk.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Suns Out!
A good day; a sunny day! You couldn’t ask for a nicer day! OK, enough already. Now, about the walking; I started off a little bit later in the day than usual and wondered if that was the reason for my slow pace. I couldn’t get past 4.3 mph. (13.95 minute/mile) I was struggling for some reason. Then I saw Lin Jensen, the other Chico race walker, coming towards me. We greeted each other and then he turned around to walk with me for a moment while telling me that there was a 21 mile power walk in Santa Cruz coming up soon. I thanked him as he turned to leave and then I turned and walked a little ways with him, explaining that I was signed up for a couple of marathons in the next few months. Again we waved and I returned to my task of getting around the park in as few minutes as possible. And I was still slow…and disappointed.
I kept pushing and pretty soon I was up to 4.4 (13.63 minute/mile) but at the end of one circuit (6.25 miles) I hadn’t advanced beyond the 4.4 pace. OK, I had to push harder and I was rewarded by seeing my pace increase. At the end of nine miles I was averaging 4.6 mph, (13.04 minute/mile) a respectable number. And that means that I had to have been walking in the 12.5 range for the last 3 miles.
I kept pushing and pretty soon I was up to 4.4 (13.63 minute/mile) but at the end of one circuit (6.25 miles) I hadn’t advanced beyond the 4.4 pace. OK, I had to push harder and I was rewarded by seeing my pace increase. At the end of nine miles I was averaging 4.6 mph, (13.04 minute/mile) a respectable number. And that means that I had to have been walking in the 12.5 range for the last 3 miles.
Monday, April 10, 2006
13+
A good walk! I didn’t use any technical equipment…not even a watch. I walked for 2 hours and 1 minute according to the clock on the dash of my truck. So by using my deductive reasoning, I think I got in close to 9 miles. I’m sure I kept a 13 minute plus pace for miles. The nice part was the fact that I certainly could have gone further. Now I need to get in a longer walk tomorrow…maybe 3 hours.
And I had to keep a wary eye on the sky while I was walking, the clouds would move in, dark and forbidding and I would start wondering where I could take shelter? Then they would pass on by and I would see blue sky again.
And I had to keep a wary eye on the sky while I was walking, the clouds would move in, dark and forbidding and I would start wondering where I could take shelter? Then they would pass on by and I would see blue sky again.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Blisters
I’m back from a good walk, a 7.15 mile walk. But, the bad news - I’m slightly injured; I ended up with a blister on my left heel and that will bother me for a day or two. But the important thing is that I got in some good cardio exercise and I’m building endurance for the next marathon. 122/56 - 51 were my BP and pulse today, an hour and one latte later.
Friday, April 07, 2006
North Pole Marathon™
World's Coolest Marathon
I missed this year's event (darn! It's tomorrow) but it's on my calendar now.
I missed this year's event (darn! It's tomorrow) but it's on my calendar now.
OK, it should be on your calendar as well...
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Sore
Almost a good walking day…but I wore my newer shoes and after 6 miles I had to give up and call it good enough. I was getting hot spots on both ankles, despite having stopped about 3 times to lace and re-lace the shoes. I don’t need a foot injury right now, so I contented myself with a good 6 mile walk at 4.3 mph. Not the fastest…
Often Walking
I did get in a good walk yesterday, in fact; very good. The fact that the flu had left me and the promise of better weather had me in a great mood and I didn’t feel any reluctance to get moving…although I didn’t use a watch and just free-styled my way around the park, I know it was a good workout. And it should be good today as well. According to the various forecasts, I may be able to get in a walk tomorrow AM, a little later than usual to avoid the morning showers. I will have to play it by ear.
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