Tue 9/8 - PM 65 minutes plus 25 minutes in Lake Cochituate

Weston aqueduct to Getchell trail, then over to Wayland town beach before jumping in. Absolutely filthy conditions with record high temps throughout the area and oppressive humidity as well. Massive relief to get in the water. Calf still somewhat stiff but nothing like yesterday thankfully.

Mon 9/7 - 60 minutes plus 20 minutes in Walden

After a long hot day spent traveling back from the Berkshires, squeezed in a run and dip just before sunset. Right calf felt like absolute garbage for a good 20 minutes or so, tight and stiff and like a block of granite. Eventually though it loosened up some and just in time as I realized I would be late for my rendezvous at the pond with the lovely SO. Picked up the pace multiple times, realizing each time it still wasn't quick enough. Not exactly the recovery run I had in mind for the day after yesterday's race but it worked out well enough. Toe no more sore than it usually is. Temperature and humidity at stultifying levels which made the pond a great relief.

Sun 9/6 - AM 80 minutes incl. uphill road race

Umpteenth time up Mt. Greylock. The race was pushed forward a day this year, and I believe an earlier start as well. I appreciated both changes, particularly with the heat and sticky air that built up over the course of the day. Feeling strung out and tired after the week's exertions and the resumption of coaching duties, which left me feeling really flat while trying to warm up. Had me thinking the race wouldn't exactly be a stellar affair which turned out to be the case. Took it out at what I felt was a relatively conservative pace but wilted anyway further up the hill. The short climb near mile 6 just after entering the War Memorial park was particularly pathetic. Unable to match the guy I beat last year after he passed me at about the same point as in last year's race. Instead I fell back gradually and inexorably. Overall the time was almost exactly the same as a year ago but I think a lot of that can be put down to more favorable conditions this time around. Toe was feeling fairly sore by the end, as the pushing off in thinner racing shoes didn't treat it well. After a brief cooldown jog in the parking lot, joined my SO for a nice hike from the summit to Peck Brook Falls which included a fairly sublime foot soak. Later in the afternoon a bike ride a few miles down the rail trail, again with the loveliest of company. Overall a very active day.

Sat 9/5 - AM 45 minutes

Northfield Mountain. Cut the length of the run a bit short so as to enjoy a riverboat cruise with the best of company. Much of the run was along the Rock Oak Ramble which dragged on for longer than I thought it would. Calf and toe feeling better than yesterday, by a little at least. Fantastic morning to be outside with plenty of sun, warmth and no humidity to speak of.

Fri 9/4 - 80 minutes very easy

Lincoln woods. Rare weekday afternoon run with the kiddies as there was no school for them today. Very relaxed effort throughout which was fine with me as I was feeling quite overbaked at the end of the workweek. Right calf tighter than I'd like from favoring the toe, and the toe itself more sore than I'd like. Hit the pond for a brief swim with the SO which made the week's travails worthwhile. Much cooler and drier conditions which was a great change.

Thu 9/3 - PM 45 minutes plus 24 minutes in Lake Cochituate

Pressed for time again, run time squeezed as a result. Oppressive heat mitigated somewhat by overcast and breezes that didn't bring rain but did cool things off a bit.