Seasons 20K September 6, 2015

I wasn't feelin' the love for another long road race. Especially on a course that promised hills, summer heat, and dreaded humidity. I did sign up for this, running distances from 5K to 42.2K, to enjoy the pleasure of competing. And enjoy it I will! We hopped into the van and took the easy, hour or so, drive up 495 to Acton. Parking was easy, and plentiful. The bib pick-up was quick and the volunteers friendly and helpful. We then greeted and chatted with the USATFNE reps for a couple of minutes. There was an announcement for the potentional Iron Runners to attend the finish line for a photo. I strolled over and lined up with a few CMS Teammates for the picture.

I ran about 2 miles earlier that morning at home, leaving the jog over to the start line as my warm-up. I followed the signs that pointed to the start line. I asked around and no one was aware of where the start line actually was located. About 10 minutes or so before 9:00am a pick-up arrived and the staff set-up the bib/timing sensors.

At first glance the field size appeard smaller than other Grand Prix races. I spoke a bit with Phil Savoy and saw a couple of other CMS folk.

With tribute to the Flag performed, and at the sound of the air horn, we were off. It was not crowded so I was just a couple of seconds off the start line. I hit, or so I thought, the start button on my watch. I checked my position as compared to the runners around me as not to go out to fast. It was getting hot already. I checked my watch and discovered that I hadn't pushed the start button. Thinking back, I probably hit the lap button. Anyway, I hit the start button about 300-400 meters into the race. I caught up with CMS teammate Phil Savoy. A couple/three miles in I caught up Garcia(GLRR) and Doneski(WRT) and we ran together for a bit. There were many trees, and thankfully shade, through much of the course. There were some downhill sections that left my legs sore on Monday. Around mile 7 I let the pace slip and everyone ran away from me. Miles 8, 9, and 10 took everything I had to focus, but I still was off pace. At Mile 11, I experienced a bit of resurgence, but that last 1.4 along Great Road was a fairly uncomfortable experience.

After crossing the finish line, for which I was extremely grateful, I was accosted by Jim Garcia who was waiting for my somewhat tardy arrival. We chatted for a few minutes about the race. I spoke with Phil Savoy, who I tried to stay with but didn't have the horsepower.

Overall, while way behind where I should have been in this race, I have had a good year. I picked-up a few more Grand Prix points, supported the CMS seniors as best I could, and had some fun. There is one last race left in the Road Grand Prix, the Lone Gull 10k in Gloucester, I ran Lone Gull last year as part of the 2014 GP. The course has wonderful views of the ocean as well as showcases New England approaching autumn. And, except for part of mile 2, it is fairly flat!

 A quick cooldown and I headed over to the Red Raven Pub to enjoy a free proferred adult beverage.

Next and last stop...the Lone Gull 10K, Gloucester, MA.

Running in the Blackstone Valley Corridor

I was busy this morning when, as sometimes happens, I found that despite my best efforts, I was not accomplishing much. I decided that perhaps it would be best if I went for a run. A change of scenery was in order, as well. I changed into running gear, grabbed some water, and hopped into my automobile for a scenic drive to West Hill Park in Uxbridge, MA

On the way out I detoured through Main Street to see the progress toward completion of the Blackstone Valley Greenway Multi-Use Trail. 

Approximately 3 miles of the trail runs from the Rhode Island border, through Blackstone to Millville along the Blackstone River. It is also a section of the 2900 mile long East Coast Coast Greenway. 

It appeared as though some work still needs to be completed.

While I was in the neighborhood, the High Rocks section of Blackstone was right around the corner. I took the short drive over to view the Blackstone river flowing over the Rolling Dam. The boat launch has served as a paddle/bike/run transition during the Blackstone Valley Greenway Challenge. 

The water level is very low and the Rolling Dam, also call the Roaring Dam, was not roaring very loud. The dam was built in 1886, replacing a log dam that was constructed around 1810. I've taken my canoe out on this water many times, paddling up river to Millville. 

I enjoyed the sounds for a few more minutes and headed north toward Uxbridge. Daniels Farmstead, in Blackstone, was a hive of activity. I pulled into the parking lot and saw signs indicating that an art show was in progress. I was in a bit of a hurry now, so I captured a quick shot of the farm and buildings and kept driving.

Finally arriving at the West Hill Dam Parking area I walked over and took this image overlooking the south side of the dam.

Then, I started my run on the ranger road.

This is a view of the north side of the dam from the ranger road. The water level, as with the Blackstone River, is very low.

A bit further up the road were some nice soft trails with great views of the river.

I reached the grassland area and ran easy just enjoying the morning.

At the end of the grasslands is an old stone foundation still in decent shape. At this point I was entering West Hill Park. This is the stomping ground of the Tri-Valley Front Runners and where the Club holds their Summer Trail Series. 

I cut down a side trail just to take a look.

Slowed to enjoy the scenery.

At last, I arrived at my destination.

I was able to enjoy some nice relaxing time running through the woods.  And I was not bothered by any horseflies or mosquitoes.

I headed back toward my car through this root obstacle course. 

And some trails with snacks.

Followed by some rocky road, not the tasty kind.

The loop I ran exited at the far end of the dam. 

I have run in some wonderful places around the country, sometimes forgetting what a great area I live in to run and train. It took a bad morning of work to force me out of my shop. I laughed at myself for not getting out often enough to enjoy the area. And maybe I don't laugh enough.

And this reminded me of a quote from the Three Musketeers...

“I do not often laugh, sir,” answered the unknown. “As you may yourself discover by the expression of my continence. But yet I mean to preserve the right of laughing when I please.” 

Season's 20K Prep, Oatmeal Cookies, and Butter

When I finished writing last night, I realized that perhaps this must be written on my woodworking blog( which I often neglect); however, since I began this as a follow-up to my Seasons 20k Prep blog, it shall remain. So I am guest blogging myself...I think.

So I was on my run yesterday, the last hard effort before the Season's 20k. I decided to run an out and back with the turnaround being Daniel's Farmstead in Blackstone. On an aside, the Farmstead is a transition point during the Greenway Challenge held this year on September 26th. The views are great from atop this hill and the farm, http://www.danielsfarmstead.org/history.htm dating from before the American Revolution, is a pleasant place to visit.

My scheduled run was 45 minutes at marathon pace and 20 minutes at half marathon pace. I was a bit slow getting out, taking 25:30 to get to the farm on a 23 minute goal. I headed back down the hill passing Spring Hill Farm, a little place with a few cows. I slowed to take a look as I have this obsession with butter and cheese making. I have been working on an Oatmeal Protein Cookie Recipe that requires some butter. I make my butter from heavy cream purchased from a local dairy and it does improve the quality/texture of the cookie. Running along I wondered if hand churning the cream into butter with a dasher, a la back in the day, created a different taste/texture than using the electric mixer as I do. There was only one way to find out.

At 45 minutes I picked up the pace and reaching the BMR high School, forgetting that the new school year was starting, ran through a crowded parking lot. Not wanting to run any more hills, I finished the last 10 minutes on the track. I took a slow walk home, creating a plan for an old school butter churn.

I have a lot of work to do in my shop and did not want to derange my schedule. The churn work did not start until later in the evening. I scoured around for a suitable container and some oak scrap. I found this old 1 liter jar that would hold enough cream to make about 1/2 pound of butter.

 The jar had a lip that would be perfect for minimizing splash. I marked the lid stock, attached it to a faceplate and turned a groove to fit the lip.

The jar lip fit well into the groove and I marked the outside diameter of the lid for turning.

A little roughing gouge work and a few minutes later the shaping was complete.

It took but a few seconds to secure the stock and bore the hole for the dasher handle.

I selected a spokeshave, jumped on my shaving horse and started rounding the dasher handle. Though I was trying to work quickly using power tools, I had to perform at least one task ol' school. Besides, the handle feel is much nicer than that of lathe turned.

I ran out of time and will try to complete the dasher tonight.