On this day, October 9th, 2013, Tippi and I ran the DAR State Forest Marathon in 6:10:00.  It was my 50th completed marathon, and Tippi's 17th and final finish.  She ran some decent distance after this one, for a couple years, but nothing over 20-miles.

We began in Goshen, at the Daughter's of American Revolution State Forest, and ran out to Bullet Reservation, and back.  Had a nice stop along the way at Chapel Ledge and Chapel Falls.

Tippi looking off Chapel Ledge (or Pony Ledge).

Tippi looking off Chapel Ledge.

Tippi on Chapel Ledge.

Chapel Falls.

Chapel Falls.

Tippi cooling off in a pool at Chapel Falls.

Nice easy walk in Jesse Smith Town Forest, in Suffield.  Time is closing in for Tippi, and visiting many of our favorite spots is easing the burden for us.  Saying goodbye is difficult, even in this quiet forest of tall white pine.

Took a walk at Sunrise Park in West Suffield today.  It is a spot that Tippi and I have visited to base our runs out of often.  We have many outstanding memories here.

Sometime in October of 2002 - 2003, Tippi completed her first "Marathon"; it would also be my 24th.  We had the "Bandit" along for the adventure.  Our time was recorded as 5:38:00 over 24.7-miles.  I recall the end of the run taking forever once we descended Frissell and headed back to Mt. Washington State Forest Headquarters.

Maybe on top of Alander?

Intersection prior to Brace.

I believe this is the top of Brace Mountain.

The Bandit climbing Round Mountain.

The Bandit at the peak of Round Mountain.

The Bandit climbing Mt Frissell.

The Bandit climbing Frissell.

At the Tri-State Marker (NY, MA, CT).

On this day in 1994, I participated in the 1st Hartford Marathon, running a time of ~3:16:00.  I needed sub 3:10:00 to qualify for Boston, and completing the run "easily" at this pace gained me confidence for my official attempt the following May at Vermont City.  This was my 4th marathon.

4.1-miles along the Farmington River Flats, "over the hill" from Cowles Park.  K2 joined me after work, we just barely beat the rain!

On this day in 2012, I completed my 47th marathon, Nipmuck.  My time was 4:46:30, which was good for 28th place.  This was the 9th time I completed this event.

A quick run along one of my most run routes, Metacomet Trail from Phelps Road, Suffield heading north.  3-miles total for the out and back.

In Memory...  Rest in Peace Dusty (August 28, 1986 - September 25, 2000).

5.4-miles on the Tunxis Trail.  Ran between Route 219 and Ratlum Road, including a nice view of Lake McDonough.

6.2-miles in the Bald Mountain area of Shenipsit State Forest.

Looking back to something really special run-wise,,,, on this day in 2006 I completed my 34th marathon, at Greylock.  Greylock Marathon's always mean more to me, and this one was especially memorable due to the company I had for the entire route.

Tippi enjoyed completing her 10th marathon, her second time at Greylock.  I had my dad and our friend Paul H along as well.  We finished at 7:29:23, and just beat some rain.  Unbelievable day!

Greylock Finish, 2006 

3.4-miles on the Metacomet Trail, Hatchet Hill section down to Cowles Park.  Jumping off the Metacomet onto Taj Mahal (I think), there is an interesting merger between a Hemlock and Black Birch.

On this day in 1997 I completed my 15th marathon in 5:03:39.  This was my first attempt at Pisgah, and I have it listed as 29.3-miles.  This was decent running, from where I am now.

On this day in 2009, I completed my 43rd marathon, the 2nd Curly's Marathon.  After feeling as though I was demolished at this event last year, I had a goal of finishing under 5-hours.  In 2008, the event took me 5:54:36.  This would be a challenge, and something I do not usually stress myself with (having a "goal" time).

The day was tremendous, and I felt great.  Somehow though, in the first 5 or 6 miles, I missed a turn.  I ran a ways before I turned around.  By the time I re-entered the correct course, I was at the very back of the race.  After several minutes, I caught my (at the time) 70-year old father.  This was not great, but I felt so fantastically good that I wasn't really bothered by it.

A few miles later I caught Wuzzam, and we ran along the top and Berry Pond together.  I pushed decently down the Turner Trail, lost Wuzzam but got to half-way just after 2:30:00.  All I needed to do was run the same time for the second loop - yes, I would be tired, but I wouldn't have to run the extra mile or more.

I can still recall getting back to the top and knowing I would really have to push down the entire Turner Trail.  I did, and finished under my 5-hour goal with a 4:59:27.  I felt really, really good on this day.  I have no idea how far I went out of my way on that first loop - but judging where I came back out on the course and who I was behind at that point, it was meaningful minutes.  Keeping a positive attitude through it really helped, and I felt blessed.

Old Faithfull, 3.8-miles from Phelps Road in Suffield along the Metacomet Trail.

The new bridge on the Metacomet inspired me to see if the route all the way to the quarry north of Route 57 was still in my memory (or marked).  All went well, and I was able to get around the quarry easily enough before heading back.  Round Trip of 10.9-miles.

 Looking East at beginning of Bog Bridge.

Halfway across.

A look North from mid-point of bridge.

 

East-Side of Bridge on the way back.

 

Took a very quick run on the Metacomet (or New England Trail, as it is more currently named) from Rising Corner into Agawam.  Had a really nice surprise as The Pioneer Valley Hiking Club seems to have finished the bridge work over the swamp.  It is amazing, and very well done.