I Love Trail Running...

I ran 26 miles on the trails in Rock Creek Park map today. I felt pretty good. I had a lot left. If I had more fluids and fuel I could have gone further if I needed to. I was breaking in a new pair of Montrail Vitesse for the JFK. My feet were happy.

I talked to Scott on the phone when I was about 3 hours into the run. He was getting ready for his 50 Miles for Michelle. I was hoping to run it with him but we couldn't work it out. He and Michelle have been and will be on my mind throughout the day and night. Good luck Scott and Happy Birthday!!

Fun Training Run on the AT

Just a little rocky coming out of the AT at Weaverton, Maryland near Harper's Ferry, West Virginia at the end of the 15 mile run.

Ready to hit the trail near Boonesboro, Maryland.

Careful to pick my way through the "mine field".

A fww stretches are very runnable. The entire run was gorgeous! I can't wait to run this with Scott at the JFK 50 November 17th!

Scott's First Ultra!!

Congratulation on Scott's awesome first Ultra, the tough Cle Elum 50K in the mountains of Washington State. Check out his blog for the race report.
http://www.ikeeprunning.blogspot.com/

Here are a few photos of him at 2.5 miles and 21 miles.
http://www.pbase.com/gtach/image/85777524
http://www.pbase.com/gtach/image/85786658

Big Foot...

I guess I over trained these past few weeks. My right foot is swollen. So I decided to rest it this weekend. I spent all day waiting for the race report from my son, Scott. He ran his first ultra marathon. The Cle Elum 50 K in Washington. He finally called with a great report. He finished in 7 hours and 15 minutes. He said it was tough. But he never gave up. I'm very proud of him.

Running Home From Work

School started this week at Washington Latin http://www.washingtonlatin.org/ . I love it. I metro and walk (a little over a mile walk) to school each morning. And then I change and stuff my work clothes in the backpack and run home. Usually 1.5- 2 hours. I love it. Next week cross country starts up so I will see how the running home thing works out. So far so good. The JFK 50 miler is sneaking up on Scott and I. I can't wait. It sounds like Scott's knee is better. He is still planning a 50 K in two weeks and then the Portland marathon mext month. Both as warm-ups to the JFK.

An Evening Run on the National Mall

Valley Trail, Rock Creek Park, Washington DC: a trailrunner's delight

What a great trail run today! I spent about 4 hours in Rock Creek Park mostly on the Valley Trail. There are several other trails that intersect it that I explored as well. These trails have such a wonderful variety, from gnarly technical inclines/declines to awesome cruising trails. Wildlife is plentiful (deer, birds - no cougars or bears, I assume). Much of the trail is next to and above the creek with it's whirling water music. There are many bikers, joggers and runners on the bike paths in the park. The dirt trails are much less populated. A great get away only 7.5 miles from home with metro access! And a perfect training run for the JFK 50 or any other tail run.