Training Log - Tuesday, April 5, 2011 (Part 1)

Richard arrived at my house at 5:30AM, not really wanting to run. It was pretty nasty outside, cold and windy, nothing like the awesome weather we had yesterday morning. However, we were both dressed and ready to go so we sucked it up and went outside. We headed for UAH trying to decide where to run. After a brief discussion, I decided to follow Richard's suggestion and run a new route. He had it all mapped out in his head for what should 6-7 miles, just enough. He also mentioned a small culvert/creek crossing that would require some "tight walking" along a wooden fence. I wasn't sure what that meant but how bad could it be, right?

Well, when we got there I thought he was kidding. The manmade canal was about 20 feet wide and probably filled with rainwater about 3 feet deep. The wooden fence he referred to was actually hanging over the steep edge of the canal, requiring us to monkey swing around the fence by first grabbing a tree to swing to the fence, followed by grabbing a hole in the fence to swing around it. Luckily, Richard went first. When I swung around the fence, he grabbed hold of my hand to pull me up. I was expecting the wooden fence to give as I was swinging around, sending me backwards into the culvert and landing on my back in 3 feet deep sewage and rain water. Thankfully, that was not the case. Now I remember why I always question Richard's suggestions for a new route to run;-)

We ended up running a nice and easy 7 miles and the weather, while initially really cold, worked out nicely for us on this run. I am contemplating another run this evening during my son's soccer practice. We shall see.