Thu 10/1 - PM 80 minutes

Lincoln woods. After three days of shuffling and feeling like utter garbage, finally a day of actually being able to run. Knew right from the get go that some of the mojo was back. Tried to hold back somewhat but still rolled through the ascent up Pine hill and got into a relatively quick cruise after that. Really opened up the last ten minutes, completed as the sun was setting and visibility in the woods was degrading. Stayed on the sidewalk and came back via Codman instead. Overcast and unusually cool for this time of year, especially noticeable given how warm it's been of late.

Wed 9/30 - PM 45 minutes very easy

Another slow shambling putter around Maynard in the gathering darkness. I had hopes of doing some kind of workout, juggling various options but it all became moot when I set out and realized the tank was still completely empty. Feeling the fatigue in every atom of my being right now and it has little to do with the race that was three days ago now, more like the overextended schedule and inability to get to bed at a decent hour. Taking my lumps at the moment. Overcast and kind of gross conditions after heavy rain in the morning, cloying stickiness.

Tue 9/29 - 45 minutes easy

Area 51 outskirts. Feeling quite tired and combined with a late start it made for a slow putter with many stops. Hoping to feel better tomorrow but more sleep is desperately needed.

Mon 9/28 - PM 70 minutes easy

Area 51. The same loop as Saturday at about the same shuffling pace. Right hammie stiff, linked of course to the psoas being somewhat locked up as well. Relatively late start to the proceedings as well.

Sun 9/27 - double, 65 minutes incl. 5k road race plus 20 minutes in Walden

PM - 50 minutes incl. 5k road race, out and back down the main drag in Allston/Brighton. Successful in winning the old fart age group which was my main (only) motivation, but another potential case of self-sabotage as I arrived with barely 30 minutes to spare before the gun went off. Hasty and barely adequate warmup meant that I had no problem going out with some restraint. Settled into a sustainable rhythm, passed a guy at the halfway turnaround and was promptly passed by someone else as we started the trip back. Just after two miles the lead woman caught me and I followed in her slipstream to get back in striking distance of the guy who passed me. Took him down with around 50m to go so there's that. Splits a little dubious, but I think the first two miles were around 5:30 and the third mile (mostly downhill) a bit quicker. Overall a good effort given the circumstances and how tired I've been feeling all week. Thought about doing a poor man's version of the daily double with some strides on the Harvard track afterward, but it became clear I had neither the time nor the energy for it. Also getting quite warm under the noonday sun.

later PM - 15 minutes easy plus 20 minutes in Walden. With the warm day, I was struck by the urge to get in the water for what may well be the final time of the season. Took the shortest route possible to get to the water. Water was cool enough for blue fingertips but not that uncomfortable. Some stiffness in right hammie from the race.

Sat 9/26 - PM 70 minutes easy

Area 51. Back to the jogging after feeling something resembling spry yesterday. Early wakeup call followed by a morning spent traipsing back and forth across the grassy plain of Wrentham in coaching duty. Would seem like a good day for a nap after returning from the morning meet, but that wasn't happening thanks to errands. Got out the door eventually and quickly realized there was little in the tank. Another nice day with sun and warmth, cooling rapidly with the sunset.