Vignettes from Virginia

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Running Progress Report

I have kept paper records of my runs since I started four years ago. But in July I added a free computerized version found on Runners' World. Though I am sentimental about my paper versions, I must admit that the computerized version tells me at a glance some statistics not as easily accessible in the paper version.
Year to date progress:
Though I didn't run as well as I had hoped in the Canandaigua Crosswinds 5K, I did run a tempo run tonight at 9:44 pace (nearly 3 miles). Over the summer I've dropped my Gypsy Hill lap times by 1:30. So I'm well on my way to making a sub-10-minute-mile 5K by the end of the year.
I did run a 10-miler, which wasn't even on my year's running goals.
Though I won't quite make my 520 mile year, as I had hoped, I'll be close (If I could do 28.5 mile weeks for the next two months I'd make it, but 20-25 is enough).
It's okay though...I cut my mileage back when I moved here so that I could adapt to the hills. While that cost some mileage, it also made my legs much stronger.
So I accomplished two things -- hills and a ten-miler -- that weren't even on my list, and failed at the mileage goal that was on the list.
I also think I stayed injury free, although my Achille's did get a bit sore when I first started the hills.
All in all, it seems to me that the accomplishments outweigh the failures, and there's still two months left. So I'm already calling it a successful year. And if I do pull off the sub-10-minute mile 5K in November, I'll be ecstatic. (When I shared that statement with a friend tonight, he said, "Just be content with leaving off the first syllable." Ah yes, maintaining a static state isn't such a bad goal either, especially as one reaches the AARP years.
I'm already thinking about goals for next year. I AM now running 20 mile weeks, so I could set a 1000-mile-goal for next year, and probably make it. But instead I think I'll go for 750, or about 15 miles per week. I want to leave some flexibility in the schedule to make room for treasured times spent camping with the granddaughters, perhaps some kayaking and cycling, and, definitely, some hiking.
I am hoping, too, for a half-marathon next year. And I'm thinking about the Virginia Beach Shamrock...or perhaps the Charlottesville half. Anyone want to join me?

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Goshen Pass

Can't you just hear the water swooshing over the rocks? As you can see the leaves are just beginning to turn here in Virginia. These photos are evidence of the serindipity I received today because I accepted a ride home from church from a stranger -- another time when God sent an "angel" and gave me an opportunity to quiet my spirit and center down. (I also got the first ride I can remember in a BMW convertible, though it was too chilly to have the top down today).

Bill and his painted beauty

This is Blackie, a Paint, according to his owner, Bill. Blackie will deliver a colt soon and a two-year old sibling, a brown horse with the same white stockings on her rear legs, frolicked in the pasture at the horse farm. The farm had Appaloosas also.