Great weather for a run

Once again we had unseasonably warm weather here in middle Georgia. Hard to make excuses when it is this nice at the end of January.
Mike Hopkins met me for breakfast at 7am and then it was over to the Pig Trail for a 22 miler. We had a couple other guys join us for the first two laps and then Mike and I got separated on the third and final loop. I then turned on some music for some distraction from my dead legs caused by yesterday's ride. The run was sluggish but all in all a good day in the woods.

Last Baselayer Ride

The Baselayer rides are long rides in the Fall/Winter to build a good base for the upcoming season. Each one has a different ride leader who picks the route for that day. This adds some variety to riding the roads in middle Georgia.
We have had good weather for most of the rides and today's weather was perfect. 35 degrees at the start of the ride, warming to a high of 65. Lots of sunshine. We had a big group of 16 riders today.
Today we rode 144 miles to F.D.R. State Park and back to Macon. Lunched at Dowdell's Knob. Dowdell’s Knob is where President Franklin D. Roosevelt sometimes picnicked and pondered world affairs. A life-size sculpture of the president now welcomes visitors to the overlook. Training partner Greg Bryant with F.D.R.

Seven plus hours on the bike goes a long way in training for the Cohutta 100 mile mountain bike race in April. I will start riding the mountain bike more in the next 8 to 10 weeks to get used to the different position of that bike and to tune up my trail riding techniques.

Only four weeks till Cheaha 50k!

Long trail run with an old friend

I met Mike at Dauset Trails this morning for a 20 mile run.

I have known Mike for over 30 years. We have biked and run untold miles together on the trails and road. We trained together for my first marathon in 1996. He got me on my first mountain bike in 1994. We trained together for his first and only triathlon. We have raced together in adventure races. Now he is training for Mount Cheaha 50k, which he ran as his first ultra three years ago. It is great to be back on the trails with him.
The trail was muddy from the recent rains, and it looked like the rain would start again any minute. The rains held off and we had a good run. Having someone out there with me made the miles pass quickly.
As soon as I got home and opened the truck door, I could tell my other running partner knew I had been cheating on him. Sorry Duncan. I'll make it up to you tomorrow.

Hard Choice

Both Duncan and Bethany wanted to join me for a a quick lap at the Pig Trail.
Bethany had on the proper head wear for a trail run. I am going to have to get a running stroller soon so she won't feel left out.

Since it was too close to nap time for her, Duncan won out. He has an excess of nervous energy these last few days.

I have been trying out some different shoes lately. I need something with more grip for the Dragons Back Race in September. Bought a couple pair of Inov8 shoes. These are light weight, low heel to toe drop shoes.

So far they have worked well up to 22 miles but may need a little more cushioning for a 200 mile week. Still have plenty of time to find the right combination of traction and cushion.

the BIG change for 2012 and beyond

Bethany Lois Dove born January 11,2012.
This is the going to be the best change. I can't wait to show her some of my favorite trails.

Weekend ride and run

Two solid days of training this weekend.

88 miles Saturday on the road bike on a Baselayer ride. These rides have helped me jump start getting back into bike shape. It has been several years since I have done any serious bike training. By the time the Cohutta 100 mountain bike race comes around in late April this year I should have my bike legs back.

20 mile trail run Sunday morning. I had a couple training partners for the first two laps but had to break out Old Faithful for the last lap after the other two had to leave. He is always ready and willing to go. Only 7 more weeks till Mt. Cheaha!

3 more days...     

2012. A year of changes

2012 promises to be full of changes.
I hope this blog will keep family and friends up to date.
More coming soon...