Being a Little Smarter

What I search for when trail running is a rhythm between myself and the forest floor, one that allows me to float effortless above all those roots-rocks-mud-trees and escape into only running. The trail exist, and I exist, but nothing else exist. I am swallowed up and totally engulfed in an ancient state, freeing up my mind to travel backwards in time while I hurl myself foreword. Unfortunately, the best and only true way to accomplish this is by running alone.

Being alone in the woods has never bothered me. It leaves me with a feeling of just how small and powerless I am on earth. Without the falsity of man made infringements, the world seems truly a better place. Or at least more peaceful.

Mid May of this year, something happened to make me think of being alone so much in the woods. On a Tuesday night group run on the Metacomet Trail in Suffield, CT. one new member of the trail running community stepped on a downed tree branch and turned his ankle. We heard the crack of the dry brittle wood, and a yelp. Lightnin’ Steve later mentioned that he thought he heard a second crack, a limb of a human nature. I recalled from my own experiences with ankle twist that if you keep walking the pain resides and within minutes you are running again. Well, this didn’t work. We elevated the injured foot for a while, then decided to walk on out off the ridge.

The park we start at was only a mile and a half from the injury. Fifteen minutes running. The walk this night seemed to take forever as each step was painful to watch as John tried to softly place the swollen foot down. Looking back on the ordeal now, I admire his courage and tolerance of pain. He is going to make a fine trail runner when he mends. We convinced him to get the foot into the cold lake before driving home, telling him all kind of lies about it being only a sprain. The phone call the next day told me different.

A broken ankle. Made me think about how often I disappear into the woods hours from a road crossing solo except for my dog. I do know that I won’t change my habit of venturing out by myself. What I will do is make sure someone always knows where I am (at least which forest) and when I expect to be back. The positive feelings I get from the solitude of trail running are not worth giving up out of fear of an injury. I only need to be a little smarter. Like I said before, maybe it’s the feeling of how small and powerless I am on this great earth that is the appeal......

  {05/30/97}

Back on May 15th I presented a photograph of a section of the Metacomet I referred to as "Dusty's Path".  It was his shortcut in the '90's, and by the mid-two-thousands it became the trail.  Today, I present another shortcut, that was a favorite of Tippi's.

In the center of the photograph, against the dark trees, a Connecticut Blue Blaze is visible.  The trail makes a large ninety here, but Tips always shortcut through this section of brush.  Over a thousand times always...

Not sure if this will become the trail ever, but I hope that I can always remember it as my trail buddies path.  Just around the bend, on the other side of this brush, is the George A. Harmon Woodlot sign.

Music 2017...

Here is effort #18, 30 Century Man...

Recorded over this past weekend, with some drum work by Jon Evil. Dark Heart Duo Rides Again!

 

Lyme disease symptoms returned as the week progressed, slight at first but increasing in severity by last evening.  That being said, I began a cycle of doxycycline, which I'll be on for 21 days.

When I first came down with a Lyme Infection, I ended up in the hospital.  It propelled me to read many articles on Lyme, it's treatment, and living with Lyme.  One thing I recall is that the bacteria hates heat, so exercise is good.

I took a late afternoon trip to the Metacomet, and totaled up 4-miles.  Wore a hat and dressed in long sleeves due to the potential side-effect of the doxy with the sun.  It was overcasts enough, and shaded for the most part.

This means it is going to be very difficult to enjoy longish runs.  I'll have to run very early or very late if I am planning on any distance.  It also means I need to monitor how my body feels and reacts day-to-day.  Not the greatest news, but I'll manage.

Old News Department:  This day has found me completing two marathons in my past.  

In 2001, I completed my 23rd marathon at Nipmuck, in 4:27:17.  This was a 35th place, and my 5th completed Nipmuck.

Also, on this day in 2012, Wuzzam, Tippi and I completed a Tunxis Marathon in 6:26:10.  This was my 45th Marathon, and Tippi's 16th.

Video courtesy of Wuzzam; Tippi and I on the Indian Council Caves

One the the areas I planned as a "goal" for 2017 was the East Branch Trail from the Chesterfield Gorge.  I have been here once in my life, on November 28, 2010 for the Gorge Apres Gorge 5k Trail Race.  Today was the day, for at least some of it.

The East Branch Trail distance has some variance, from what I researched.  The route can travel from Chesterfield Gorge to Knightville Dam if you wanted, evidently.  There are mile markers throughout the trail, so I figured on 6-miles out, and then return.

There is enough elevation change on this old road to keep it interesting.  There is also a side trail that could be used, with a bit of actual climbing involved.  I stuck to the East Branch Trail, and enjoyed the old stone walls, the feeder streams, the beautiful meadow at Indian Hollow, and the Westfield River roaring away.  Finished up with 12.9-miles, which was really great.  Fell apart a bit over the last three-miles, maybe too fast for me too early.

Ended the day by wandering a bit at the Chesterfield Gorge, which is a lot like a larger version of Windsor Jambs.  I need to make a visit when an interpreter is available.  It would be excellent to understand the formations and age of the gorge.

Around the 6-mile marker, the Westfield is quiet here.

 Someone saw something in this rock.

 Looking across Indian Hollow.

Undulating Stonewalls.

One of the feeder streams.

Gorge with old bridgework for the old post road between Boston & Albany.

More Gorge.

  

Music 2017...

Here is effort #17, For the Love of Ivy / Sextrouble...

The Primitives playing at a party during the later stages of 1984. We had managed to hang onto a groove for longer periods of time, by that fall.  We were also having fun and being ferocious at the same time.

 

Going back to this day in 2002, it was a Greylock adventure...

Tippi waiting for us to climb Jones Nose

Wuzzam, Pop, Billy D and the Paul on Jones Nose

Paul on Jones Nose

Pop Finishing Overlook Trail

15 Years Ago Today, in 2002, on Tunxis North....

Two throwbacks today...

On this day in 1998, I completed the my 4th Nipmuck marathon in 4:28:33, a 41st placement.  This was my 18th finished marathon.

Also on this day, in 2009, I completed my 7th Nipmuck Marathon in 4:37:03 (a fantastic 19th place).  This was my 40th marathon overall.

A great marathoning day in my history!

On this day in 2010, I ran the Nipmuck Marathon for the 8th time.  It was my 44th marathon completed, with a time of 5:07:28.  This was good for 34th place overall.

Throwback Photo:  Old Adams Road, Mount Greylock, June 6th, 2002

Music 2017...

Here is effort #16, Halloween...

This was written by Aldo, with no title. Recorded same day, summer '84, as Blister My Paint. Skip and I messing around with some effects and Aldo's words, upstairs in church, Williamstown.

 

Old accomplishments ~~

On this day in 1994 I completed my 3rd marathon - Nipmuck.  It was my first Nipmuck Marathon completed, and my time was 4:02:00, good enough for 23rd place.

Also, on this day in 2005, I completed my 25th marathon - also Nipmuck, with a time of 4:48:13.  This was good for 29th place.

It was back to the 8-mile run along the Metacomet to Copper/Peak Mountain from Phelps Road.  I was a little leg tired from yesterday's adventure, so I didn't have plans to run all that hard today.

My previous two runs on this ridge were positive ones, as follows:

May 13th - 1:47:00
May 20th - 1:41:00

I haven't worn a wristwatch in five or so years, but I do carry my GPS with me and it offers feedback.  This is one of the very few "courses" where I actually consult it to see my speed (or lack of).  I started out on the climb and gained some momentum once topped out.  I realized I did not feel all that weary after all.  The high 60's with no humidity had a lot to do with it as well.

At the halfway I was really pleased to finally look at my GPS and see 50-minutes.  Wow, if I could recreate this going back, I could dip under 100 minutes!  The route heading north is much easier, with only one difficult uphill in the middle, about a 150' steep climb out of the notch.

I ran steady but not all-out hard going back.  The uphills were a struggle, and I really bogged down, but the flatter sections made me feel as though I was still a force.  Completed the run in 1:37:00, which is again improvement.

This is about as close to racing as I get.  The main difference is, even as I try to run hard during my training, I am still in control of the pace the forest gives me.  The lack of other runners influencing my effort is rewarding, and good for injury prevention.  So, while there are days when I think about a race, the thought fades pretty quickly.

Took a drive to Granville State Forest, with the intentions of refreshing my memory with the Ore Hill Trail;  I've pieced together a marathon from Granville to Satan's Kingdom, with the Hubbard River Trail as the lead leg.  Ore Hill was a trail I was familiar with 15-20 years ago, so I thought it would be a good day to check.

Traveled along Route 20 to Coe Road, and spent a few moments at the marker for Milo B, who died at this location in 1854.

Milo B Coe Marker

After speaking with the two DCR staff in the Headquarters for a few minutes as I was grabbing a trail-map, I noticed a "new" trail on the map (well, new to me as its been a while since I visited here).  The J&D Hewitt Trail appeared to follow the Hubbard River north for a bit, and then dead-end according to the map.  I followed it, and at this point I won't recommend using it.  The beginning is grown in with high grass, and the route follows what may have once been an old logging road, before stopping.  No signage, but the Hubbard River is pretty nice up this way.

Turn around point on the J&D Hewitt Trail

After getting my feet wet crossing the river, I bushwhacked toward Ore Hill Trail and enjoyed some old stonewalls and other stonework.

Maybe a balanced rock? Just needs to be cleaned up underneath?

Ore Hill was muddy and miserable, even after the intersection with Hayes Road and the climb.  Prior to that, I explored some bike trails north of this area, but both ended up in backyards.  Neither are good enough to re-visit.  Once on the top of Ore Hill, and the descent, the trail was better, but still wet, rutted, and being used for ATV's etc.  My initial choice of Hubbard River Trail will stand.  What is said about a first instinct is in fact true for me today.

Signage at the trailhead for Ore Hill Trail 

Once done, I had 8.7-miles on my legs.  More than I had anticipated, but it was only about 70-degrees with no humidity, so it seemed very easy.

Hubbard River flowing strong

Hubbard River Granville State Forest.... Part I & II.

Hubbard River, Granville, Massachusetts

I didn't leave work as soon as I had hoped, so my time this afternoon was limited.  I would take advantage of my "disadvantage" and drive to McLean Reservation, and climb up the Western Barndoor Hill.  I've wanted to climb the Western Barndoor Hill, adjacent to the McLean Reservation's Eastern Barndoor Hill, for about two decades but never followed through.  Today would be different.

The run up and back measured out at 1.2-miles, but at the parking spot along Barndoor Hill Road & Kettle Pond Lane there was a path leading east into McClean through the field.  After passing through a few open meadows, I intersected a trail I was familiar with, and made 3.2-miles out of the day.

Once home, I was surprised to get a call from my old friend Hill Billiage.  It had been a very long time since we communicated, and it was beautiful to catch up. 

From the acrchives department...  I completed my 11th marathon on this day in 1996 at Nipmuck.  I ran a 3:56:50 in the race, which was good for 15th place.

View north from West Barndoor Hill

 A view off  Barndoor Hill

 Granby Landtrust signage

 

A bit of afternoon rain before a fantastic clearing of the skies...   I couldn't resist a trip to the woods for a run.  Had the McCann Farm parking lot to myself, and stuck to the Jerry Stage Trail and Shady Brook Trail for a nice 3-mile loop.

The gypsy moth  are really prevalent in this area.  We noticed them  on Monday, but today it seems like they were everywhere.  I ended up brushing at least 30 or 40 off me as I ran up the western portion of the Jerry Stage Trail.  The first couple weren't a bother, but honestly it was a bummer getting these things off my face, neck, head and arms.

I ended up at McCann due to K2 mentioning the difficulty he had on Monday, knowing where he was in relation to time.  I grabbed good gps coordinates and will get the entire McCann-Whitiker area  on one precise map.

Old News Department...

On this day in 1997 I completed my 14th marathon - Nipmuck.  It was the 3rd time I completed Nipmuck, and my time was 4:31:44, good enough for 42nd place.

Also, on this day in 2013, I completed my 49th marathon - Hawley Berkshire East.  I had Wuzzam with me for this one, which was a real beast.  We had a total time on feet of 7:45:15, which was the longest either of have ever been on our feet moving through the forest.  It was most likely more than a marathon distance.  By several miles...  (or more).

In the way-back department, from June 1st, 2002 (fifteen big years if you want me to do the math), a group of Adams-Boys and a few others tackled a long run on Greylock.  By the look of the pictures, I can recreate out steps... it was a longish day judging by the snapshots.

The Group at Jones Nose

Climbing Jones Nose

Rest Break after the climb

Billy leading us through CCC Dymanite Trail

 Another Rest Break

 Deer Hill Falls

 A very young Trail Troll with Tippi

It looked like the severe rain and thunderstorms would happen late enough so that I could take a run in Cowles Park, East Granby between my normal work day and the evening meeting I needed to attend.  

It was crowded at Cowles, perhaps 20 or more mountain bikers rambling around the trails.  I grabbed a quick 3.2-miles on a sort-of loop, and felt satisfied.  Making my way back to running during the week is a challenge, between often longish work-hours and my energy.  So any time I am getting out, I celebrate it.

Kissing Trees

As the training improves, my fitness improves, and confidence grows.  The idea of a "marathon" is active in my mind.  My list for the near future is as follows, in alphabetical order:

2017 - 2020 Marathon Planning

Appalachian Trail  from Salisbury to Mt. Everett and back.

Ashfield Trails.

Bash Bish Falls and the South Taconic Trail.

Charlemont Trails & Berkshire East.

DAR State Forest.

Granville State Forest to Tunxis Trail thru to Satan's Kingdom.

Greylock Marathon. 

Hoosac Range.

Mahican Mohawk from Route 2 North Adams to Charlemont.

McLean Reservation including Holcomb Farm & possibly Enders.

Metacomet from Robinson State Park to Hueblin Tower.

Mohawk Trail State Forest, Negus, Monroe Bridge, and Monroe.

Nipmuck and Natchaug combo.

Robert Frost Trail from Mt. Toby to Wendell State Forest.

Shenipsit (Bald Mountain to Soapstone to Whitiker Woods).

Taconic Crest including the Snow Hole.

Yukon Ridge (Lenox, Pittsfield with BNRC trail).

 

Old Marathon News...

On this day in 2009, Wuzzam and I completed a McClean Reservation Marathon in roughly five hours.   This was my 39th marathon completed.  I recall it being a fairly easy day for us.