Fri 7/20 - PM 70 minutes very easy

Along the Charles. Drove to Lincoln from work, took a nap that was supposed to 15-20 minutes and wound up being 45. At that point, I wasn't going to be able to run in the woods and make it to the city in time for a previously planned occasion (so many social engagements, so little time). Headed into the city directly instead and did a puttering jog along the river. In hindsight probably a better idea anyway. Right calf tight from yesterday, not a big surprise but kind of a bummer. Goes back to the drills the other day I'd imagine.

Thu 7/19 - PM 45 minutes incl. 5k road race

Flatter than flat 5k along the beachfront boulevard in S. Boston. Relatively low expectations as I was feeling predictably tired at the end of the work day. Hoped to take a brief nap but it wasn't happening after the ride over from work took longer than expected and parking snafus at the good old Bayside Expo Center. Feeling somewhat flat during the warmup as well. Temperature quite comfortable although there was more humidity than earlier in the day, and a breeze that was in our faces the first half of the out and back course. Hit the first mile in 5:06 which seemed a little fast given the effort level and the wind. By this point already being more or less forced to take the lead when I would have rather followed someone for protection from the wind. At the turnaround one of the early leaders made a tremendous move, got about 15m ahead of me and proceeded to stall out. Two miles went in 10:08 which I found totally unbelievable given the fact that I felt like I was still holding a little something back. Thought I might have the thing in the bag until the eventual winner pulled alongside and gradually pulled away. Thought I had a shot at reeling him back in but sometime around 400m to go realized it wouldn't be happening. Soon after hit the 3 mile mark in a sparkling 15:38. Given the tailwind and effort to maintain contact, there is no fucking way I slowed down that drastically. Far more likely the second mile was short. Maybe the first mile too. Whatever the case, water found its own level in the end. Cooldown was almost non-existent as the post-race feed beckoned.

Wed 7/18 - PM 90 minutes plus 15 minutes in Walden

At last, some relief from the insufferable heat and humidity as t-storms rolled through early in the afternoon. Dropped the temperature a good 15-20 degrees, although the mugginess of course stuck around which was something of a bummer. Started off easy, gathered steam gradually to the stopping point which was a bit more than 65 minutes in. At this point another line of showers was moving in and making the sky impressively dark along with thunder rumbling in the distance. As such I wasn't inclined to spend too long in the water. The final run back to the parking lot started slowly, then decided to throw in some pickups that were going to be short but ended up being longer than that. Some twinging in the right calf from yesterday's hill drills in all likelihood, right hammie still feeling a bit off as well, but nothing that's incapacitating.

Tue 7/17 - PM 45 minutes easy plus 35 minutes in Walden

As expected, terrible terrible conditions of heat and humidity. Combined with feeling the aftereffects of all the running this weekend, I had planned on doing a shorter easy run with a longer dip in the pond. I also wanted to squeeze in drills on Pine Hill, some apprehension about the wisdom of doing it but went through with it nonetheless. Some soreness in left heel still but other than that went smoothly enough. Didn't plan on going quite as long in the water as it ended up being, but not complaining about it either.

Mon 7/16 - PM 70 minutes easy plus 24 minutes in Walden

Relaxed slow recovery jog, all that I was going to do regardless but the abysmal heat and humidity made it even more of a no-brainer. Right hammie felt tight and stiff, likely from all the descending yesterday. The pond was refreshing even though it's very much lukewarm at this point. Forecast is for two more days of the insufferable muggies.

Sun 7/15 - AM 2:20

Well-earned "big loop" of hilly roads around and eventually leading up to the TV tower. Started at the boat ramp, headed south into town as far as the library before turning back towards NH. Down Pierson, cut over to Mine Rd, then onto Schofield Mtn. via So. Parrish. Up and over Schofield, down to Ashuelot, up and over Burt Hill, on to Staddle Hill, then up Bolton Mtn to wrap things up. Short bathroom break early on, another break around 45 minutes for a gel and a long break at the covered bridge with a languorous soak in the Ashuelot. Warm and sticky conditions, although the overcast kept the temperature from being unbearable. Still, the heat was wearing and combined with all the climbing I finished feeling spent, with the last hour being the toughest. Depth of exhaustion became clear after I got home and took a long nap.

Sat 7/14 - double, 1:55 total

AM - 85 minutes. Back to Northfield more or less on a whim for a run up Old Wendell. I decided mid-week that the summer wouldn't be complete without a visit. Brought the bike this time so I could do a point-to-point run. Stayed entirely on roads, starting with Staddle Hill and Seminary/Winchester and on to Birnam. Took a brief break part way up OW to check out the "hobo trail," something I had no idea even existed. Interesting spot with foliated bedrock forming cascades and the like, although it was dry today. Just under 20 minutes from there to the finish. Hard effort of course but under control.

PM - 30 minutes along the Norwottuck rail trail. Felt like lunch wouldn't ever digest but gave it a go nonetheless. Basically a progression, quite slow to moderately quick. The dip in the river afterward was sublime given the relentless disgusting humidity that's dominating the weather right now. No dead fish that I could see either, unlike last time.