last 12

I ran the final 12 miles Saturday at Mont Bell state park. Beautiful and cool in the early am.

Thanks to Damon for running with me.

100 miles done.

Bad dog! Don't bite me braugh!

Thursday am- 6 mile out and back... on CCC Rd yes indeed. German Shepherd wants to use me as a chew toy - fired me up for the rest of the run.

Thursday pm - 12 miles (brentwood loop x 2 plus) lightning storm misses the area but looms on horizon. Blisters on right foot.

Friday am - 6 miles CCC again, this time I have an aluminum metal shaft, about 4.5 ft long for that dog... who is waiting for me in the road barking a quarter mile off. I charge and raise my weapon shouting scratching my pole on the road. I pass the house with the dog going nuts 10 feet away from me, looking for an opening to attack. I hear myself say- "get back or I'm gonna HURT you". I was so angry, blood was pumping in my ears. On my return, I was ready for a fight- thinking of the movie 300 I charge through the foggy air. The dog's owner appeared. We had an awkward, yet cordial conversation- there was a short in his electric fence. He said he'd get it fixed- i have a better idea...

anyway- 88miles ... I am within striking distance.

Country Miles

Tuesday I ran 6m in the early morning and didn't think it warranted a post.

But today I ran 6 in the am and the 12 out Moran Rd in Franklin. A beautiful stretch that follows the river and passes 7 foot high cornfields. I saw a coiled snake on the road that turned out to be a big black rubber work glove with the thumb stuck up at a jaunty angle- it has been one of those days. The 12 miles felt good even if I suspected someone urinating in my stashed extra water bottle. I did not drink the suspicious liquid but upon further investigation back at the Jeep, it was not as I had feared... urine-free.

I have now run 64 miles this week. As a good running buddy Roy says- "Keep moving forward".

Godspeed

Flood Run Day 2

Five miles this morning seemed like a safe plan. I knew I didn't want to do 10 in the afternoon bakery/sauna that is Midtown. The run was nice- my pace started slow but got better as my legs loosened up.

After work- I ran Belmont Blvd. + and got in 7 miles. The sky was turning purple to the west as I finished and thunder grumbled in the distance.

My mileage is now 40, but running has a cumulative effect. I know I have hard miles ahead of me. I pray for strength.

I thought of this while running... Vanity is an unarmored breast.

28 miles- Flood Run Day One

Sunday started early- 4am after a short restless sleep, I was to Percy Warner Stonegate by 5am and running down Belle Meade Blvd thereafter. I watched the sky go from dark to a rich lavender as daybreak approached. The beautiful homes sat still full of sleep. The magnolia blooms smelled sugary and were covered in dew. Only me, a few service trucks and the police seemed to be out. Five miles and I was back to the Jeep to refuel.

I debated whether or not to tote 2 handheld water-bottles for the next stint. It was the 11.2m through the park road. The trees rose above me like the walls of a cathedral as the fresh morning light began to shimmer in the early morning breeze. I drained both bottles and was thankful to have them.

Back to the Jeep at a step or 2 under 17 miles. By now the park was buzzing with bikers, walkers, dogs, kids, joggers, and running groups. The heat is no longer coming... the heat is here. I am soaked from head to toe in sweat. I opt to carry only one bottle. I am running toward the Radnor Lake Nature Center-it is to be 5.5 miles out and 5.5 m back. The short part on Hillsboro Rd was challenging, mainly because of the lack of a descent shoulder and cars traveling fast. I found myself yelling, "How bout a few inches here!" I was starting to feel the heat, I get irritable (irrational) when my body is depleted - miles 20 -22.5 leveled out in effort and I was blessed to run in some shade and I got my head together.

Entering the air-conditioned Nature Center was just incredible- as I filled my bottle I looked at the tile floor beneath me. A puddle ring had already formed around my feet, sweat. I gobbled down my last gel and headed back whence I came, the temp was nearly 90 and so humid it felt like a sauna.

I worked through the last miles and was glad to have an ice water towel waiting on me in the car.

Then, I met a good friend at Loveless for Biscuits and such.

28 miles.

Trail Head

A trail has a mind, it has the mind of those who created it… near civilization a trail will make very thoughtful turns, having a purpose, a feel, a sense that its heading somewhere specific. But when a trail gets out, far away… it takes on a new mind… one that meanders, explores, twists and turns in nonsense ways or to far off landmarks or waterfalls. There is a definite cognition to both- almost speaking in your ear as you run, sometimes merciless, often wondrous. -- JMS

Flood Relief Run

Last week of July- I will run to benefit 3 Lodge Brothers who suffered major damage in the flood. It's hot and humid and the trails are dusty... a few more weeks to prepare for what I have committed to do.

more to come... as the pace increases.