Blackwoods to Brighton and Back (recap)

Distance: 9.75 miles

Three of us out tonight. The route was pretty decent. After the recent snow, most of it had cleared away and there wasn't even much in the way of puddles on the sidewalks. I have to admit, we were pretty spoiled a week earlier with the weather, which wasn't nearly as nice tonight. The temperature was probably in the low 30's, but the wind was fierce on the outbound leg of the loop.

A new attender, my friend Kurt, was able to join us tonight. Two of our regulars, including the other organizer, were out sick. Another regular was on a vacation. There are advantages to large groups (ex. multiple paces, new acquaintances, etc.), but there is also something to be said for a smaller group.

Anyone who knows me will corroborate that I'm not a big talker. Hey, it isn't that I avoid talking, it just seems that I'm much better at asking questions and listening. I hope this didn't come across as a running strategy to Kurt and Eddie (I have been known to employ open ended questions to slow down the lead runner, just ask Clint about our Seven Bridges run).

We'll be running the same route on our next outing, or something similar. It isn't overly hilly, the routes clear off quickly after inclement weather, and there are multiple options for the various paces the group may represent.

One last note, if you have considered coming out up until this point, but didn't want to be the odd man out, know that newbies are always welcome. I hope to see you next outing!

Blackwoods to Brighton and Back

Date: Tuesday, April 8,2008 (6:00PM)
Meet Location: 26th Ave E Lakewalk Parking Lot
Activity: Road Running
Weather: mid to low 30's (updated forecast)
Road Conditions: To Be Determined
Essential Gear: none

Anticipated Distance: 9 miles +/- (see anticipated route below). This course was suggested by one of our regular participants. We will assess individual goals at the start. One of the two options will be selected at that time. Option 1: We all follow the same route at the same pace with those who are in it for the shorter distance peeling off early. Option 2: We all follow the same route going at individual paces with lead runners completing horseshoes using avenues periodically so everyone is within a reasonable proximity.

PLEASE be at the parking lot on time or a few minutes early so we can get back at a decent time.

Lakewalk/run (recap)

Distance: 8.9 miles
Effort Level: Average
In a few words: Warmer by the Lake


Six of us started off at the Duluth Running Co. It is great to see all the summer running gear in the shop. If you are a triathlete, make sure to check out their upcoming tri camp later this month. It should be a very valuable weekend for those who are looking to make some serious improvements. Enough about the DRC.

The weather was amazing. It was easily 10 degrees warmer at the lakewalk (high 40's) from the temperature up in Piedmont. All the snow from last night and early this morning was completely melted off the roads, sidewalks, and lakewalk.

We loosely stuck to our run plan of making sure to hit every stair and ramp that came across our path. We couldn't quite convince the majority to follow our tradition of running the biggest hill the same number of times as the number of participants. There is always next week, right? Well, we still hit each stair and ramp at least once, with many of them run several times. For some reason, my GPS odometer didn't reconcile with the distance marked off by MapMyRun, so we went with the GPS since it likely accounted for the multiple stair runs.

Make sure to come out next week. The weather is great, the company is great! Enjoy!