Weekly Summary: May 27-Jun. 2

05-27-13

Mon-PM: 15 mi (2:16) // Fort Snelling State Park

Pike Island (2x)

Mostly just loops around Pike Island (4x). I think I've decided that what I love about Pike Island are the trees.

05-28-13

Tue-PM: 6 mi (:56) // Greenway

Bridge Which Must Not Be Named (2x), Sabo (2x)

Easy, afternoon recovery run after some morning rain. First run without noticeable wind in a long time.

05-29-13

Wed-PM: 2 mi (warm-up) + 6 mi (:58) // Hyland State Park

Hyland 10k: 39:02, 14th. Whew, running hills at speed is quite the adventure! Wasn't really sure what pace to go out at since I don't race many 10k's, and since the terrain was up and down all the way, but decided to risk starting near the front so I didn't have to spend energy sneaking around people, especially with all the mud. Was able to keep it steady throughout, even catching someone just before the finish! Course may have been a tad short, but given the low-key atmosphere (and endless hills) I don't think anyone minded too much. A great start to the summer!

05-30-13

Thu: 0
Rest.

05-31-13

Fri-PM: 16 mi (2:47) // Afton State Park
Afton bridges (9x)

Toughed out one loop of the 50k course (4,670' net change; 1 cliff bar). Legs were still fatigued a bit from Wednesday's quick effort over the hills, but still happy to have some unhurried hours to wander through the trails. The course itself seems to have survived the winter, with only a minor re-route in the first couple of miles. The Snowshoe loop could use a little TLC with a chainsaw, but it was still mostly runnable. Did what I could to clear some of the trees with my hands and feet. Wildlife sightings were plentiful: deer, turkeys, and a couple snakes. Nothing like the feeling of *almost* stepping on a snake:

06-01-13

Sat-AM: 12 mi (1:49) // Lower Mississippi loop
Bridge Which Must Not Be Named (2x), Intercity (1x), Lake St. (1x)
Easy, morning recovery run. Lots of activity along the Greenway . . . cyclists, runners, rollerbladers, etc! Made zoning-out kinda difficult. Must have been some sort of informal event. Pretty morning though in the +60Fs!

06-02-13

Sun-PM: 13 mi (2:05) // Fort Snelling State Park
Pike Island (2x)
Evening run around the park, with a couple of loops around Pike Island (lengthened out the last one via the cutbacks across the island). Loving these slow summer sunsets. Still light out on the trail ~8:30pm!

Totals: 70.0 mi (10:50, 21 bridges)