My Birthday Ride

I always go on the bike path on my birthday. Since my birthday is in mid August I am lucky lucky lucky to NEVER have to work on my birthday.  I generally make the day all about me! For several years I have been running but due to my heel this year I am biking.  The Burlington Bike Path crosses the Winooski River with a bike bridge that connects with Colchester. Then you meander through the neighborhoods until you come to the causeway, an old railroad track.  The track doesn't go quite all the way to South Hero. There is a "cut" that boats  can get through.  In the summer on the weekends you can take the bike ferry across and ride much farther.  You can't beat this relaxing beautiful bike ride as a birthday treat.

I am guessing this picture is from the dedication/grand opening of the bike bridge.

The causeway which is 3 miles one way until you reach the cut.

So today three of my friends and I rode the whole bike path which is always gorgeous and the causeway. It was a gorgeous day!  We rode slightly more than 24 miles in all but it is an easy 24 miles.  It is mostly flat. We got started fairly early and man did the bike path get crowded later.  A lot of the people at that point had no idea about bike path etiquette and were pretty much in the way!  

Riding near the beginning of the causeway 

Looking out - you can see it extending way in the distance(The white rocks on the side of the trail)

  

Looking ahead/My three friends/At the cut looking across- it's  a short distance

Green Mountains behind us

Adirondacks in the distance behind the bikes

A boat going through the cut

After the ride we went out to lunch which was excellent. It seemed like I barely got home and showered before it was time to leave for dinner with my husband and my son.  We went to a steak house where I had the most fantastic teriyaki steak. I intended to take pics but forgot to take a picture of the salad - it was fantastic,  took a picture of the steak when I was half done and took a picture of the chocolate peanut butter dessert when we were ALL done.  I shared!  So pictures of the meal equaled a failure!  

All in all -  a great birthday!

Dear Heel

Dear Heel,

Can't we meet halfway?  I am doing everything I can for you.

 I STOPPED RUNNING! Do you get what a big deal this is?  I will repeat.  I HAVE STOPPED RUNNING!

 I am wearing that hideous boot to bed each night.  I am wearing supportive shoes all.the.time!  I don't go barefoot. I am not wearing my beloved Keens.  I roll you around on a golf ball, a tennis ball and a frozen water bottle.  I am doing my stretches as often as I can.  I now own a pair of orthotics that I have resisted for years. I am breaking them in gradually just as I was told.  I am doing the strengthening exercises I was shown.


I AM NOT RUNNING!  Do you get this?

So heel do your part and please heel!

Sincerely,
AJH

Heel Pain/Biking/Speedway Race Expo

I ran 12 miles on Thursday in Burlington on the bike path.  This was a step back week.  The first 9 miles were great and then the heel pain began.  I had a great pace for the first 6, quite good  for the next 3 and so so for the last 3 but overall pace was good.  It was humid but bearable.  BUT when I was at 6 miles I went to have a Luna moon and a crown came out. This did not exactly make my day. I go to the dentist tomorrow and will find out just how bad it is!  And by bad I mean expensive. (It was fine, he was able to cement it back in.  The fillings will need to be replaced but this is soooo much better than replacing a crown.)

Now it is Sunday and I haven't run since Thursday. I decided  I really needed to listen to my body (even though I have been ignoring it for weeks) and stop running.  It kills me as I am someone who follows a training plan to a t.  I am panicked about running a marathon not fully trained but figure if I don't do this I may not be able to run it at all.  I am going to take a week off from running.  And then evaluate. I may try it again in a week and see.

So Sat. and today I got my bike out of the hay barn (truthfully) and rode.  Yesterday I rode 10 miles which I know isn't much for you bikers but for this runner in hilly country 10 miles seemed fine. Today I went 12 and a friend went with me!  It was a glorious morning - for any sport.  The temp was perfect, it was crystal clear and the scenery was to die for even if it is the scenery I see every day.  I looked around and took it all in as if I was a tourist to my beautiful state.

Yesterday I went into school and started setting up my room.  Once I start going it feels a bit like summer is over but I won't go in each day until I have worked out, gone on line, done what I want to do.  It is fun to start seeing my coworkers I haven't seen all summer. I do work with a lot of great people.  I have told myself I want to do one fun thing each week and I am trying to find some people to go rafting (without much success.)  Last week was the Speedway Race.  This coming week is also my birthday (and I LOVE my birthday) and I always run on the bike path. I was scheduled for 20 miles but that won't be happening. I will probably bike it though which is what I used to do before I became a runner.  The bike path and I have celebrated many birthdays together.  If I am biking I can carry a bit more with me (a book) and really take my time.

Last night my hubby and I went to the local A+W in an antique convertible with a friend.  It was a blast. I haven't been to the A+W in years!  It was a beautiful evening.

I also promised a report on the race expo from my Speedway 5K. Well, State Police Races don't really have expos but the race was near Tilton where the factory outlets are. It would be foolish to drive all that way and not multi task and do something else.  So I created my own Expo!

A Nike Outlet - what could be better! And I returned one pair of Tempo shorts so these were FREE!

Two new wicking sports bras

I got two pairs of sneakers, not to run in but to wear. If I am going to have to wear this type of shoe more for my orthotics and to help my heel heal, I am going to have some sneakers I like. I have no idea of the last time I just bought sneakers with no thought to stability etc. I have been wearing my old Brooks adrenaline which are too worn for running.  Everything I bought is running related!  New school/work clothes?  Who needs those!

These have quite a bit of purple!  I want colorful shoes!

Another follow up to my last post.  I haven't heard from PD yet but I am sure he will be calling soon.  

Racing on the Speedway - 5K Race Interview

Race Car Digest 

August 5, 2009

PD is showing me he thinks I rocked it!

Patrick Dempsey:  The word on the street is that you loved this race, AJH.  As the man behind the scene helping out the race director I would like to interview you.  Your answers may help enrich everyone's race experience next year.

AJH: I'd be pleased to be interviewed. 

Before the race

Patrick Dempsey:  Are you a big fan of Nascar?  Is that what appealed to you?

AJH: No, in fact I'd be surprised if I could name two race car drivers.  I have never watched a race in my life. BUT I do like unusual places to race and this certainly fit that bill.  PLUS I am a  third grade teacher and this is something that will impress my students when I start school in a few weeks.

Also before the race

Patrick Dempsey:  Is this the usual type of race course you would choose to run on?

AJH: No, I always go for the scenic courses. I like to race near water particularly the ocean. I like to race on bike paths that are surrounded by trees.  No one would call this course scenic. BUT it was fun seeing the other racers for most of the race.  Spectators could see you several times.

      

 I'm in pink.  This is around half way.

Patrick Dempsey:  What was the weather like for a running race?

AJH: It was hot and humid.  I also am a morning runner so running at 6:30 P.M. was not ideal for me. BUT everyone else was in the same boat.  They had hoses spraying water at several points on the course.  The general atmosphere was very friendly and happy.  It was definitely a race for families.  All the kids had big swag bags and huge smiles on their faces as they heard all the cheering as they ran their 1 mile run!  

Patrick Dempsey:  What was unusual about this race?

AJH: Of course the race course was.  We ran the around the loop and then up onto the motorcycle course.  It was a double loop course so we did the whole thing twice.  There were two hills but nothing too terrible.  The road itself was actually quite flat. Perhaps we missed the banked turns when we went onto the motorcycle course which made up a fair amount of our race. I loved driving through the tunnel to get into the race. There was a police helicopter circling overhead and it had the siren going like it was stopping us - for our excess speed I am sure. I thought that was cool so I would guess the kids loved it. Several kids ran the whole 5K.  

 The tunnel.  These are both leaving. I was waaaay

too excited to take one when entering.

Patrick Dempsey:  What were your stats for the race?

AJH: Well, I was 4th out of 14 in my age group. I would have liked to have been third because there were some awesome medals.  I was 152/323 overall which puts me in the top 50% something I am always happy with.  I did not get a PR for the year BUT I  had a great time in general.  My time was 28:46.  My first mile was 8:41; second mile 9:13, third mile 9:15 last .2 (according to Garmin) 8:23.  Garmin gave me an overall pace of 9:01. 

 Hot and thirsty!

Patrick Dempsey:  Would you come back to this race next year?

AJH: No, I would if I was closer but I don't see myself driving the distance again. I would rather try a different new race.  BUT I absolutely would if I was going to get a ride in a race car - or any car in fact - with you.

Patrick Dempsey:  Well, AJH it's been nice talking to you.  Thank you for your time.  Perhaps we will be seeing you here again next year. I'll be in touch.

Unusual Race Site

Tonight I did a race on the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. I like unusual races and venues and this just appealed to me. Did NOT get a PR but I certainly had a good time!!!


Race report and expo report to come!

No sights like this!

Thunder Storms

I'm sitting here very frustrated.  Today is my day to do my two runs.  My first run went great. I actually strength trained this morning with my son and did a very short stint on the elliptical.  Once I got home I went for a run at 2:00 p.m. not at all my usual time. I had 9 on the books for today but ran 6 so I could do 3 tonight.  I did quite well running at 2; much better than I expected.  My pace was good for each mile.  I am guessing this is about the time I will run my second leg of the 100 on 100.  So tonight a 3 mile finish for a second run of the day was going to be easy. So why the frustration?  Thunder storm after thunder storm are rolling through.  I haven't given up yet on the possibilty of getting it in there but soon I will have to.  I will run in any weather but thunder storms.

Okay it never happened - the second run that is.  Thunderstorms continued into the late evening.  They may also spoil my race on Wed. night!  This threw off my schedule for the week.  I am not really good at what is called being flexible! Today is a recovery day, resting my heel before the race and trying to run somewhat less.

Some of you commented on my high mileage for July.  I questioned it a little myself because it was up so much from previous months. So I got out my running log from last year to see what the mileage was as I was also training for a marathon then.  I was  a bit astounded at last July (192) and August (221.1).  If only I could do that again and stay healthy for running!

When I am icing my heel I am getting a lot of reading done. I took last week's books back to the library to pick up some more.  Here are the books I got:

Red Hook Road - Ayelet Waldman - hot off the presses, first to check it out!

Wildwater Walking Club - Claire Cook

The Help - Kathryn Stockett - everyone in the world has read this but me

Henry's Sisters - Cathy Lamb

Storm Prey - Jonh Sanford

I started right in with Red Hook Road.  Love starting a new book by a favorite author!

Running/Friends/Gardens

I am icing my pesky heel as I write this. I ran 6 and 8 respectfully this weekend.  Yesterday was pain free with very slight pain today.  I am sure that if I amped up the mileage it would be a different story.  I am rethinking my marathon training. I have always prided myself on my many days of running and the miles I am  able to add up but I need to stop thinking that more miles are always good.  My mileage for July was 197.5  miles.  Some of that was due to marathon training, some because of vacation.  Remember I love to run on vacation! Perhaps the high mileage is part of my problem. So how do I fit training for my relay and my marathon into a smart plan?

 First I will run at least slightly less, yet still get at least one day with two workouts in.  I did not race this weekend but will probably do a 5K mid week. I don't think I can resist the race I am planning on because it is so unusual.  I may not get to race the train but this race is pretty darn cool also.  More to come later...........

The temperature was perfect for running both yesterday and today.  I ran with T both days and today we played around with the camera just a bit.

T and I fooling around with the self timer.  This one is fine.

We aren't gleeful over our run. We are laughing because we are never ready when the shot goes off.

Like I said, we are never ready! Or did T just spot a bear?

Last night I met my friend that I visited in Conn. in a local restaurant for supper. She was here in Vermont kayaking on Lake Champlain with friends from Conn. It was great to see her on my turf and meet some of her other friends!  My husband got to join us and he hasn't seen K in a long time so all in all we had a great time!

Dinners lately have been all about the garden.  This picture really doesn't do our garden justice. It looks great - thanks to my husband who spends a lot of time in it.  A supper straight from the garden -  an excellent way to end the weekend!

We have lots of tomatoes!  We gave away several to grateful neighbors just today.

We do not have so many of these. Woe is me because I love love love yellow squash!