Training Log - Monday, March 22, 2010

Quite a rocky start to the week, literally and figuratively. I planned to go for an easy 6 miler with my three running buddies on a section of one of the Dizzy Fifites loops. The first shock was the weather this morning; I immediately checked my calendar to reassure myself that it was indeed spring. I double-checked the clocks in my house. Again, I was able to confirm that they had all been set an hour ahead to adjust for daylight savings time, another indicator that it was spring. So how is it, that it was actually 35 degrees and snowing when I stepped outside my house? Anyway, I picked up Richard at his house for his first run with the group since his return from the 150 mile race through the Chilean Atacama Desert last week. We got to the State Park hiker's parking lot atop Monte Sano mountain at 5:45 AM and Mike had actually gotten there first. Highly unusual. James arrived shortly after. On top of the mountain, it was even colder. Luckily, we all wore at least two layers, although Richard immediately regretted opting for shorts. After a few equipment adjustments we went off into the darkness. Aparently, James and I are the only ones ever thinking to bring our headlamps so that added a level of difficulty as well. As it turned out, the lights were not our biggest problem. Instead, Richard pulled up lame a little less than a mile into the run. Apparently, his ankle injury from the desert race was more serious that he initially anticipated. He decided to cut his run short and I joined him on the way back to the aprking lot, while James and Mike continued on the original route. I have to admit, I wasn't all too sad about cutting the run short. The outside of my right knee still bothered me and most of the muscles in my lower limbs are still adjusting to the new insoles. This basically cut our run in half for a short 3.3 miler. Still better than nothing. I just hope Richard's injury is not as serious as it currently appears to be. Hopefully, he will follow my advise and see his doc this afternoon.