The "Little Engine That Could" Day

After Tuesday's large crowd, this run was a lot less rowdy. John, Phillip, Hans, Andrew, and I ran the altered renegade route (takes us on the roads and some trails instead of just trails). Phillip and Hans had already run 4 miles before the rest of us got there. Hans is trying to get ready for Marathon to Marathon October 18th and as a result is stuffing in extra miles where he can.

Andrew told me from the beginning that he planned to walk as little as possible and push his limits. With the weather getting cooler, this was actually a feasible goal. I told him to go for it. It's not like I generally keep up with him even when he does walk more. Not that I mind. I see him at the start and at the finish, and if I need him, we have our cell phones.

I actually did really well today. I guess you could say a combination of the weather, a little inspiration from Andrew and also Hans and Phillip, and just all that I have on my mind from grading, working, thesis, etc. helped me keep going. I walked a lot less than I usually do. Granted it was at my plodding pace...but it was a plodding pace I maintained up and over each hill.

When I manage to convince myself to tackle the hills, it's actually a pleasant feeling to reach the top and just cruise back down. I even made it all the way up and over the last hill coming up to the nature center without stopping once, and before that I had not walked since not too far after our bench meeting place.

Oh, and I did not run a race in September as planned. A lock-in I had pretty much wiped out all hope of getting up and running on the 27th. However, I plan to run the Raven Fun Run October 18th, and Andrew and I are thinking of participating in both Rocky Raccoon and Sunmart (I would do the shorter distances while Andrew may run the longer route on at least RR). Both are a bit daunting, but I think with enough training and determination I can do it. Any thoughts from those who have run them?

In summary: "I think I can, I think I can..."