Swamp Stomper Training Run #3

'Twas another fine day in the forrest. I was hoping for snow, but...

Today's run was great from the standpoint of being with friends, running the trails. The "great" ends after that. Temps were about 29 when we started and about 40 by the end. I have yet to get any cold weather running gear, so I just wore two long sleeved shirts, two pair of socks, shorts, gloves, a beanie and a windbreaker. By the 3rd mile, I was sweating profusely. The windbreaker and gloves were dropped and by the end of the next mile...I was freezing again!

I wore my clunky Merrill trail shoes for traction. By the time I arrived at the red trail, I remembered that I truly hate these shoes! They are too heavy and too stiff. So, hopefully I will remember to never, ever wear them again! My Saucony's may be old and lack sufficient tread, but at least they are comfortable (and light)!!

The creek crossing was slick, but dry. I was glad and disappointed at the same time. I wanted to forde the creek and learn to run in wet socks/shoes, but with the temps so low, I was glad to stay somewhat dry!

I made the turn-around (9 miles) in a little under 2.5 hours. With only 6 miles back to the start you would think I could cover that in about an hour, but it took me 1.5 hours...and Cliff pushing and pulling me along (thanks Cliff!). A total of right under four hours for today's 25k which is fast enough for the cut-off, but I will really need to cut it down to at the most 3.5 hours.