Up, up and away...

Lining up at the start line near the break of dawn, looking out over the bay, maybe taking a selfie or two, and planning the best strategy for a swift 10k....those are all the characteristics of the beginning to the 2nd Across the Bay 10k.

Many a driver finds the Chesapeake Bay Bridge intimidating.  In fact, it has been called one of the scariest bridges in the world.  Spanning the 4.3 miles across the Bay from the Broadneck Peninsula to the Eastern Shore and soaring 189 feet above the water, even my own mother refuses to drive across this bridge.  So why run over?  Why the heck not?  And now I've done it twice.

First things first, I need to recap the parts of this race that leave a lot to be desired.  I admire the race team's ability to secure the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium for packet pick up, but they don't use the space efficiently.  While you go to one side to pick up your bib (with plenty of blank space left on that side), runners are then directed to the other side of the stadium for the crowded and not very useful expo....then must walk up to the second deck to pick up the race shirt.  Carrying a 21 month old the whole time did not leave me feeling warm fuzzies for the race team.

Then there's race morning.  I get why runners can't park at Northrop Grumman.  There is literally no where to put cars.  That said, if you live just a mile or two from the start (like I do) it is a bit of a pain to have to travel 6 miles in the opposite direction to park at the community college and catch a bus back to the start near my house.

Ok, rant over.

So, beautiful morning, fresh legs, a fantastic day break and thousands of my closest friends gathered for the singing of the Star Spangled Banner and the official start to the race.  Technically I was supposed to run in wave two, but as I arrived, no one was stopping folks from joining wave one.  When the gun went off, I settled in for the 10k run. 

The start is crowded and narrow, so it's hard to hit your pace right of the bat.  But once you clear the Northrup property and reach route 50, it became smooth sailing.  I could choose my path up and over the bridge and happily settled into a swift pace.

I planned to really run this race....see what I had in me at this point in the season.  What I never expected was just how everything worked together to deliver my best 10k ever.  My legs felt strong, my lungs felt open, my muscles were loose, and the temperature was right.  Combine those factors and you've got one hell of a good race ahead of you.

The first mile was smooth, and then came the incline up the bridge beginning at mile two.  That's when I started to feel myself pull back a bit...grrr and why?  I've got no answer.  Perhaps I felt like I didn't have enough to maintain the pace all the way up to the top of the bridge.  Or maybe I just had a mental break in my confidence.  Mile two took me 8:34.

After that, however, just try to stop me.  Something fell into place and I started to see the pace tick lower and lower as I crossed the top span of the bridge (fantastic views....and it barely feels like you're at the top of a bridge).  As we began to pass the Athletes Helping Athletes teams, I felt even stronger for the grit these kids show in just coming out for the event.  I was re-energized every time I passed one of those teams and cheered for the athlete in the jogging stroller.

As the road leveled out on the other side of the bridge, I had to keep my head in the game and maintain pace.  It was a war between one side saying I was slower on a flat stretch and the other side screaming "YOU GOT THIS."  Luckily, the enthusiastic side, and legs that still felt like they had miles in them, won out.

I was cruising into the finish for a 49:10 finish when....whoops, it happened.  I had to turn around and go back to pick up my iphone, which went flying out of the back pocket of my running belt (my fault totally since I had just unzipped it for easier access after crossing the finish).   And hey, wouldn't you know the race photographer caught that delovely race snafu for me to cherish for all eternity :)

Blooper aside, I had an amazing race.  Crossing the finish at 49:17 (averaging 7:56/mile) still put me at my fastest 10k finish ever.  Overall, I finished in the top 6% of all runners and in the top 2.5% of all female runners.  Sorry for the personal back patting, but I've got to be proud of that one.

Now, as I cruise into the Richmond marathon this weekend, my last scheduled race of the season, I've got two new pr's in my pocket (10K and marathon), a good base of training, and one of my best running buds alongside me to look forward to.  Nothing's stopping me from finishing 2015 on a high note and blazing into 2016.  Happy trails!!!

2015 miles to date:  1130.3 miles

Observations: Though my training early this year had fits and starts, getting into a strong rhythm and incorporating a variety of different activities (mostly paddleboarding with the diva and yoga) to take the focus off my running muscles, seems to be the right combination to ensure results.

Run with a view...

Some races are about speed.  Some races are about the difficulty of the course.  Some races are about finishing.  And some races (or training runs) are simply about the views. 

Last weekend I traveled with two of my "besties" (oh goodness, did I actually just use that word?) to Charleston, SC for the 38th Annual Cooper River Bridge Run.  We enjoyed food, shopping, friendship...and, oh yeah, we ran a race too.  A race with a view.

Going to Charleston was a little nostalgic for me.  When I was growing up, every other summer my mom would take my sister and I to Myrtle Beach for vacation and we'd almost always finish the vacation with a trip to Charleston.  The history buff in me LOVES Charleston.  I loved Rainbow Row.   I loved the Civil War forts and historic tours.  I loved the old market.  Leading up to this race weekend, I looked forward to reliving some of those memories....this time with my friends.

The Cooper River Bridge Run starts in Mt Pleasant, across the Cooper River from Charleston, ascends the bridge and finishes on Meeting Street right after turning off of Wentworth.  Between the drop off at the start line and the mimosas at brunch after the finish, there was no end to the entertainment and the varying views.

It all begins in the starting corrals (very well organized by most race standards, let alone one with 40,000+ registered runners).  As we waited for our start, dude in front of us was using a gatorade bottle for his spit cup, then left said spit bottle on the ground for 30,000 runners to trip over.  Sort of gross...or really gross.  Then we get started.

To say this race committee knew how to provide quality entertainment would be an understatement.  We were provided great Southern bands just about every third to half a mile along the race course.  Just as the sounds of one band began to fade, another began to grow in volume.  And not just your local high school bands or whoever was available to make a little noise.  These were the types of bands you would pay money to go hear. 

Most importantly, with few exceptions, everywhere you looked were the types of views you expect to see running a race in Charleston.  From the picturesque salt marshes with the long piers reaching out through the cordgrass to the waterway, dappled with bird houses on stilts, to the weathered brick-faced buildings that you could imagine rehabbing into something beautiful, every where you look there was an amazing view.  But much of it paled as we climbed the 5.6% slope to the top of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.  Looking down on Charleston, and all that makes Charleston as charming as lore would have it, is amazing.  And the new bridge is a beautiful example of what a bridge can look like.

Race finished, we immediately needed a new view....preferably one with mimosas...and biscuits...and grits (we were in the South).  We parted with money and made our own personal investments in the economy at the shops.  We strolled the water front parks and historic streets (wondering at the street-side doors that lead to no where but the porch).  We ate in amazing restaurants.  And I even gracefully sipped a whiskey cocktail at Cannon Green.

I capped off the weekend with a short run on Sunday morning to Folly Beach.  It was a windy, brisk morning.  But when the views consist of the salt marshes, signs promising womanless beauty pageants or fresh shrimp and end at the Folly Beach fishing pier, who notices brisk temperatures.

Thank you Leah and Ann for a fantastic adventure.  I really look forward to the next one.  Happy trails!!!

2015 miles to date:  246.86

Observations:  In trying to ramp up my weekly mileage to where it should be, I'm wearing my body out and risking injury.  I've decided to take the ramp a little slower and, to keep from pushing too far too fast, I've decided to opt out of the spring 50K I planned to run in April....eyes on the prize in November, not going to risk losing my summer training because I'm sidelined.  

Feeling dynamite...

Yesterday my energy stores were waning.  I was at about the 10 mile mark and turning into the home stretch of my run when it happened.  You know, that song that boosts your mood when it comes through your headphones when you need it most?  That's what happened.

Back to the beginning....I needed a long run, but my body was a bit battered from hard runs and taking on a bit too much extra weight at barre class.  Exhaustion and achy muscles rarely keep me from getting done what needs to get done, so I headed out early evening for that long run.

Since I was over near Truxton Park, I decided to shake it up a bit and head out from there.  The run started with heavy legs but a determined psyche.  As I headed down into Eastport, around City Dock (what an absolutely amazing afternoon for that view), around the sea wall to Hospital Point and across the Naval Academy bridge to the peninsula I kept my eyes on the prize.  It was on the North side of the bridge that I finally realized how far my tired legs had carried me (7 miles at that point) and that I still had to get back to Truxton Park where my car was.

I cut out the return back through downtown Annapolis to save myself a couple miles and shot across Taylor to Spa Road.  I started wondering at one point if I was going to have to walk a portion of that road back to my car, but my head kept refusing to give in.  Then, just as I was turning off Spa onto Hilltop Dynamite came through my headphones....and the rest is history.

I've come to the conclusion that Taio Cruz's Dynamite is actually all about running.  Let's review why this song is all about one of my greatest passions by taking a look at the lyrics.

I throw my hands up in the air sometimes - This happens at random points throughout my training runs and almost always during a race...especially when there is a camera near by.

 

I wanna celebrate and live my life - Running is my celebration of what I can accomplish with determination and a little effort.

 

I came to dance, dance, dance, dance; I hit the floor 'cause that's my plans, plans, plans, plans - Here he's really talking about the race course and my intention to turn in a good run...I also occasionally dance when running if I'm inspired by a particularly good tune in the playlist.

I'm wearing all my favorite brands, brands, brands, brands - New Balance, Brooks, Asics, Adidas, Nike, Under Armour...you get the picture. 

Give me some space for both my hands, hands, hands, hands - This is my running space, and that's your running space.  Respect the barriers or face the consequences of my flailing elbows or overexcited gestures when I'm chatting during a run.

'Cause I told you once, Now I told you twice, We gon' light it up, Like it's dynamite - This one says I am all about finishing this run/race in a way that will make you remember me.

 

I came to move, move, move, move, Get out the way of me and my crew, crew, crew, crew; I'm in the club so I'm gonna do, do, do, do; Just whatever I came here to do, do, do, do - You don't want to mess with the awesomeness that is me and my posse of running pals because we have goals and nothing is going to get in our way.  And oh by the way, we're going to look amazing doing it.

And there it is.  Taio Cruz was speaking to runners everywhere.  And he managed to speak to me right when I needed it most.  Happy trails!!!

 

Stats -

Miles:  11 miles + 0.5 cool down

Time:   2 hours (average pace of 10:54 per mile)

Location:  just about half of Annapolis

Feeling:  tired but accomplished

Action on the Severn...

Let's just say that, overall, this week has been abysmal for running.  Bronchitis is kicking my butt, so I've laid off enough to not totally kill myself, but still logged 14ish miles overall.  Hopefully this coming week will be conducive to catching up on miles.  Though, truth be told, I'm not behind for the month given last weekend's 25 miles logged in two days.  Anyway, I digress...I seem to be good at that these days.

On to today's run.  Brie and I are back in action...sort of.  As I already said, I've got bronchitis and can't breathe real well and Brie's still got the IT band issue, so we're not in tip top running form.  That's never stopped us though, and since we are running a half marathon next weekend, we set out at 6:30 this morning for a semi-longish run.

The weather was fantastic.  It's not been this good in months and was wonderful for stretching the legs.  The first couple miles felt very familiar.  Brie and I chatted about all the super duper news and goings on in our lives...and there seemed to be a lot this week.  We headed toward Annapolis, down Main Street and over to City Dock. 

Once we were on the Naval Academy "Yard," heading toward the sea wall, things got a little weird.  First we saw the DNR boat come up to the sea wall with its lights on.  An then at the bend before College Creek, we saw a MP sitting next to his car on the sea wall, that's when we saw the fire truck up on the Academy Bridge with its lights flashing.  What the heck was going on?  We thought immediately it must be a search and rescue.  Jumper?  Cap-sized vessel?  Who knows?  Our thoughts on the search and rescue were confirmed when a state police helicopter also came onto the scene, circling the Severn in the area between the bridge and the entry of the river to the Chesapeake.  I hope it wasn't a sad day for a family, but I've not been able to learn anything more than what we saw with our own eyes....which admittedly wasn't much.

Well, we finished the spin around Hospital Point and had two options - head back through the Yard and downtown toward our start point or exit gate 8 and head straight back for the start point.  Gate 8 was only about 2 miles versus 4ish and my lungs were straining and Brie's IT band was also bothersome, so we took the shorter route.  It wasn't a cop out, just understanding the limits and needs of our own bodies.  This has probably been one of the greatest unexpected lessons I've learned throughout this year of running to meet my goal - you can't get it done if you don't understand what your body is telling you and when.  Sometimes you can still push a little further, and if you listen, you know when those times are.  And sometimes you've got to end a run sooner or risk not being able to run for several days or longer (why I've taken the past couple days off).

We got back to the start while planning our packet pick up, race schedule, and what we're going to do for fun the day before the race.  I've said it before, but I'll say it again.  I love these runs.  They are my therapy, my exercise, my time with friends and my fun.  Thank you Brie! Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  7.42
Time:   1:16:26 (average pace of 10:18 per mile)
Location:  downtown Annapolis and the Naval Academy
Feeling:  the lungs were very rough but the legs felt decent

When it rains, it pours...

Today was A-10 time.  For those not in the Annapolis running know, that means the Annapolis Ten Miler.  It also marks the end of hot, hot, hot and humid August racing...or at least in most usual years.  This year was a bit different, but let me begin with the four day gap in running first.

I haven't hit the pavement since Tuesday, and its now Sunday.  Why, you ask?  Well, Wednesday morning we were out at the Queenstown Outlets when I lifted the diva just exactly the wrong way and tweaked the back.  It hurt scary bad.  I had visions of the SI joint injury flash before my face again and all I could do was pray that it was just a freak pain that would go away with a few days rest.  So, while it was hard not to lace up my shoes, I waited until this morning to give my back as much rest as possible to avoid turning a small thing into another back injury. 

The rest paid off.  I woke up this morning with no back pain..though now we had to contend with the rain.  Really if you want to get technical, we had to contend with thunder, lightning and heavy down pours.  Yep, perfect running weather.

I met up with Brie at her house.  We planned to walk down to the race.  We decided to wait out the major down pour and show up at the last minute.  That wait paid off too, and our walk up to the start at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium was marked only by a slight sprinkle. 

We arrived, quite literally, with only a couple minutes until the start gun went off.  Not bad...usually I wait in the corral for about 15-20 minutes after arriving 45 - 60 minutes early.  I like this.  Anyway, I can't believe the start gun actually went off on time.  After all there was lightning in the sky and most sensible folks don't run when its lightning.  Oh wait, that would assume that those of us who showed up in a thunder storm are sensible people.  Ha! 

From the beginning through about mile 3ish, the rain poured with real intensity.  It was awesome!  Like I said before, this race is usually so hot you want to rip your clothes off.  The rain kept it cool and so much more fun.  Well that and my amazing running partner (sorry, no great pics of us this time because I couldn't bring electronics out into this storm).  We saw and chatted with a number of friends along the way - shout out to Ron Bowman, Lara Mish, Jennifer Bornemann, Heather DeBuse.

As we crossed the bridge onto the Broadneck Peninsula, this was the section I was unsure of in the race plan.  The course had a slight change this year due to some permitting issues.  As a matter of fact, it changed to match up somewhat with Zooma and the Annapolis Half in a way I don't like...or at least that's what I thought going into the race.  As it turned out, the course change wasn't bad.  As with past years, this year we did not need to go through Ferry Farms to make use of the sprinklers the residents so kindly turn on the street to cool down this atrociously hot race.  Nope, mother nature took care of that with on and off sprinkles and rain the duration of the race.  So in the end, the course change wasn't bad.

As we made the turn back toward the finish, Brie's IT band was starting to act up a bit and my hamstrings were getting tight.  At mile 8 I kicked it in to try to stretch them out a bit.  God love Brie for being supportive and not getting upset that I needed to stretch it out a bit.  The end of the race was good...course was slightly long though.  I finished 93 out of 292 in my age group, with Brie just two minutes behind me.  We received our customary cold towels and finisher's premiums, watermelon and other race amenities, but it was the first time I ever remember being cold at the end of the A-10.  I love it!

It's always more fun to run the streets of Annapolis with other adventurous runners and I think this race had them in spades.  Thanks Annapolis Striders for the best A-10 yet!  (In my humble opinion.)  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  10.11 (plus 1.77 mile walk to and from the stadium)
Time:   1:32:51 (average pace of 9:11 per mile...though I believe given the extra ten pounds of water weighing down our shoes and the rainy conditions really gives us a 5-10 minute handicap :) )
Location:  Annapolis
Feeling:  I LOVE IT!!!  Today felt totally awesome!

Rockin through Annapolis...

Today was the TriRock triathlon in Annapolis.  Truth told, I was supposed to be volunteering at the Fleet Feet water stop from 4:30am - 11:30am and then hit the roads with Brie in the afternoon.  It didn't work out that way.  For days I waited for information from the race organizers of Fleet Feet to tell me where to go, I even emailed both, but neither responded.  So, why wait until the afternoon to run?  Brie and I hit the roads in the morning planning to cheer for TriRock racers while we cruised the streets on our feet. 

We took off at a reasonable pace (after all, Brie has had some achilles issues and we don't want her to end up with a real injury at the beginning of the summer race season) around Navy stadium warming up.  By Rowe Boulevard and all along Route 450, we were able to cheer on the bike leg of the race (we missed the swim...we did not hit downtown until well into the bike/run leg).  It's always inspiring to watch all walks of life working hard to achieve a goal, small or large.  We even saw a few folks we know as we crossed the Naval Academy bridge and then returned to hit the yard.

Because most of the streets downtown were closed or only partially accesible by traffic, the Naval Academy was SUPER quiet.  Sure, we passed a few other joggers getting in the Saturday miles, but it was otherwise completely dead.  Until we ran into the French tall ships docked along the seawall near the sailing basin unloading their raw sewage (YUCK...it smelled nasty).  What might you ask are French ships doing at the academy?  Well, I don't know, but we think it may be as part of the War of 1812 commemoration happening along the east coast this year.  Once we got back off the yard, we wrestled the cheering crowds as we made our way back out of town to Admiral Heights to end our run.  In all, it was a great way to spend a Saturday - catching up with a bud, grabbing a few miles and cheering on amazing athletes.

The rest of the day was also super cool.  First Jay and I hit Sugar Buns for lunch before the Paca House garden sale (where I spent way too much money on plants for my gardens).  We also caught up with Ryan for burgers on the grill (turkey burgers that is) and an evening showing of the Avengers (great movie, go see it).  I can't ask for a better Saturday.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  9.08
Time:   1:27:08 (average pace of 9:35 per mile)
Location:  all over Annapolis
Feeling:  All the muscles were comfortable

It's raining, it's pouring...

Well happy birthday to me! Today did not go quite as planned, but it was just as good as the original plan. Yesterday afternoon the forecast for today indicated rain beginning in the early morning hours - heavy rain. The Mulligan Metric Marathon, which was the race on the schedule, was to go straight through a viaduct and with the weather there was concern that water would be rushing over the course. Definitely not safe. So the race director postponed the race by a week. A little rain, however, wasn't going to stop Brie and I from getting in a decent run anyway.

So maybe it wasn't the metric marathon, and maybe it wasn't a super long jog, but we still got out in the rain and cruised the streets of Annapolis, the Yard, the Academy bridge and back. It was close to 10 miles. Not bad for a run through the rain. Actually it was the great type of rain to run in if you have to run in rain. Not too hard, but more than a sprinkle. What made it the best way to start of my birthday was of course the conversation. Girl time if you will. Everything from this past week's GhostHunters episode that took place on the Yard (and no, I probably will not be running past the Naval Institute or the planes in front of family housing at night....not interested in running into that ghost) to the state of my worn out New Balance running capris.

To tell the truth, I've been complaining about those darn running capris for weeks. They are three years old...an age running capris should never make it to, but I just couldn't find new ones I liked. Until yesterday. When shopping at REI in Timonium I found a pair of Brooks I really liked. Did I buy them? Of course not. I knew I was headed to Falls Road Running Store to pick up my race packet for today and just figured I might find them there. Yeah, bad call. When I got in the car I had the email that the race was postponed, so no Falls Road Running. Today Brie said to me "why don't you just order them online?" That smart one in the group. And yes, Brie, I did go online and order the new Brooks running capris :) Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 9.3
Time: 1:25:18 (average pace of 9:10 per mile)
Location: Annapolis, the Yard, the bridge
Feeling: Wet, but all the muscles did all the right things

Reasons to love Annapolis...

There are so many reasons why Annapolis is, to me, one of the absolute greatest places on the planet...and I get to live here. Today reminded me of just a few of the most important. First and foremost, Annapolis has amazing people, like my great running buddy Brie. She keeps me laughing and motivated over the long runs and can always be counted on to run head first into a challenge. Also, I love the bay - sailing, beach, outdoors, sparkling water, serenity, amazing views - those are all things I associate with the bay. Further, big town amenites but super small town feel - you escape into amazing pockets of solitude but still be close enough to catch an afternoon college football game at a BCS school (shoot me a message if you don't know what that is...we've got some educating to do and I don't want to embarass you publicly).

Today, I got all three of the aforementioned reasons to love Annapolis. The day started with a fantastic run through Greenbury Point and Naval Station Annapolis with Brie. It was a pretty easy run...okay, let me rephrase...it was a comfortable run, though we were cruising a bit. We did take the time to bask in some of the amazing views from the Naval Station, including across Mill Creek and the Severn to the Chesapeake Bay bridge and the sailboats docked at the Mill Creek marina on base. We also took a moment to look across the Severn into downtown Annapolis. In fact, it was here that even a 30+ year resident of Annapolis can still say "I really love this town." We finished up through the Naval Station proper where we passed a number of groups of midshipmen getting in their Saturday PT. We ended our run by checking out the new collection of Vineyard Vines clothing at the exchange...I've got my eye on that navy blue with white starfish wrap skirt.

The afternoon continued the streak of all things amazing about Annapolis, with the spring Blue-Gold football scrimmage at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. I'll tell you, we've got a decent quarterback coming up, but the defense still leaves a little to be desired. Hopefully come the fall season, the boys will have figured out how to stop the other team from scoring. Anyway, it was a great day all in all, including the peanut butter froyo at Menchie's and dinner at Mexican Cafe. Couldn't ask for anything more! Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 10.79
Time: 1:35:58 (average pace of 8:53 per mile)
Location: Greenbury Point at Naval Station Annapolis
Feeling: Loved it - great weather, great company, great feeling legs

A day of joy and dark corners....

I am so grateful for many things in life Grateful for my family, grateful for my friends, grateful to live in financial security and grateful for my health. I am grateful that God has given us days to rest and days that try our limits. I have both of these to talk about today.

First the run...how is it possible to run for a little more than 9 miles and have it feel like you've been sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee? Run it with Brie. She is a kindred spirit and a phenomenal sounding board. She lives with passion and keeps you going. I don't get to spend enough time with her. We met up at her house at 7:30am (which is quite a feat on spring forward day) and headed out toward Navy-Marine Corps Stadium...which is my mothership during the fall months. Our run took us downtown, where the town was just waking up to another beautiful sun over the Bay and Severn River, and on through the Naval Academy. If you ever come to Annapolis and love to run, make sure you catch a few miles out at the Academy (though be ware the long wood bridge across the boat basin...if you are like me, it will freak you out every time though it is incredibly sturdy). It's breathtaking and calm running along the sea wall. Coming out of the Academy, we had a little left, so we tackled an over and back on the Naval Academy Bridge. If you read any of my blog last summer, you know I loathe the bridge. Luckily we only hit the head wind on the back side of the return. I'll tell you though, the toughest part of this run was the hill right near Brie's house. That thing doesn't look big, but can be a real kicker at the end of 9 miles.

Now for the dark corners...a local family needs our prayers. When I joined Junior League of Annapolis, Inc. I met an amazing family of women. During my first year, the son of one of these women fell ill with an extremely rare form of brain cancer. This little boy has been a real fighter over the years, overcoming extraordinary odds. Today he continues to battle, but may not win this time. If you have room in your heart to lift up a little boy and his family during this time, please ask that peace comes to them during this difficult time.

It is difficult to imagine the strength it takes to face such a difficult and unknown future. It is even more difficult to imagine as a child. I didn't know little Joey beyond his mother, but I have been amazed at his strength and the strength of his family. Joey, whatever the coming days bring you, happy trails.

Stats-
Miles: 9.28
Time: 1:25:00 (average pace of 9:09 per mile)
Location: Admiral Heights, Downtown Annapolis, US Naval Academy
Feeling: Better than I could have imagined

Sticky air and sailboats....

No, the two don't really go together (at least not this time) but I got you to wonder for a moment didn't I?

Last night's bridge run was uber sticky. The temperature was a nice 83 but the humidity was 85% and the feels like was 93...ergo sticky air. I knew this going in, after all we had a torrential downpour only two hours before my spectacular bridge crossing, but I just laughed at the air and said "bring it."

The run was definitely nothing to write home about. Since (as I pointed out earlier) it has recently rained, I was the only runner out there and have no "girl in blue" story to recount today, nor anything even remotely interesting. In fact, the scenery was so tremendously ordinary that I counted the fishermen on the Jonas Green Park pier - 28...and a dog and a really old lady. While rainy weather sends the runners in it apparently brings the fishing enthusiasts out.

So, while crossing the bridge four times and shaving 2 minutes and 30 seconds off my previous bridge run, I had an internal dialogue about what I would write about. Here's where sailboats come in.

To provide you with a little comic relief during this otherwise boring post, I decided to tell you about a sailboat Jason and I recently considered buying. As many of you know, we are looking for an older 24'-30' for weekend cruising on the Chesapeake. Something sturdy, doesn't require work and will last us several seasons if we treat it well.

This brings me to a 1976 Catalina with loads us recent work, a new engine and lots of upgrades. The sailboat was in really great condition and would require us to do very little but sail it for at least two years pending any disaster.

So with all these pluses, why didn't we buy it? I'm glad you asked...it was the current name of the boat. Yes, even though you can change a boat's name with a little paint, Jason just couldn't think about this boat without groaning.

I'll hold you in no more suspense, the name of the boat was Driftwood. While you sit there thinking about why this would be such a tough name to handle and come up with images of a boat beached and turning into something you might like to display in your garden, let me recount the real reason. Have you ever been to Camp Lejeune? If so, you know where I'm going. Marine Corps bases aren't known for nearby sophisticated shopping areas. In fact, quite the opposite. They are known for rows of barber shops, tattoo parlors and strip clubs....oh and rental furniture places.

Now you've guessed it. The absolute closest commercial establishment outside the main gates of Camp Lejeune is none other than The Driftwood, a strip joint (which I imagine on certain evenings may have very sticky air, but I can't speak from experience). And so our search continues.....

Setting some goals....

This week I've managed to lay down a bit more than 13 miles so far. It's been a bit of a rough week because I'm currently taking medication that makes me drowsy...but I haven't let it keep me at home. Depending on what time I get home from work today, it could be a rest day. I need one and so do my muscles for recovery, but I'd rather take a rest day Friday if I can manage.

So what's with the goal setting headline? Didn't I set a goal in my last post? Of course I did, but I managed to leave something out - battling my nemesis. I hate hills. I'm not bad at running hills, but I absolutely abhor running any hill I don't have to. To that end, I choose training routes that are relatively flat or with minor rolling hills. This may be fine for first time runners, but I can do better.

Time to step up to the plate. Relatively close to my house I have a fantastic long climb on the Naval Academy bridge. Those of you who have run the Annapolis Ten Miler or Zooma Annapolis have had the pleasure of tackling this beast - twice per race. It looks relatively gentle, but by the time you are ascending either side, you wish you were cresting the top. So. I'm going to run this bridge more often.



I could set an outrageous goal like "I will run the Naval Academy bridge every week or twice a week." Let's be honest, my schedule is pretty much a moving target. So instead, I will work my darndest to run a pre-determined route at least twice per month that includes the Naval Academy bridge.

Here's the pre-determined route - Start at the Perry Circle parking across from Gate 8 at the Academy. Run north across the bridge. Cross the road just before the right side ramp onto 648 and run south back across the bridge. When outside the gate on Longshaw and Wood Road, cross the street and repeat the bridge returning to the parking at Perry Circle. The distance is a 5k and crosses the bridge span 4 times.

That ought to do it.

My next edition of uphill running? It may actually include what I refer to as Bastard Hill....but let's not go crazy just yet.