Friday, October 26, 2007

HARVEST MOON

I was going to start this post by talking about how incredible the moon has been during the last 3 mornings. Then I got this photo in my in box from Jim and I thought it’d be a nice tie-in. It turns out a bright full moon trumps a headlamp. In the woods I still needed the lamp, but otherwise the moon was bright enough.

Today’s “deep thoughts” involved how I believe the odd numbers get short changed. I have lots of 6, 8, 10 and 12 mile runs in my log book, but there really aren’t a lot of 7, 9, 11, 13 and 17 mile runs. Sure there are some 5 mile recovery runs and 15 mile medium-long runs, but really, who wants to write 9, 11 or 19 miles in their log book? 10 and 20 look better, right? Of course, that doesn’t help explain the lack of 7, 13, and 17 milers. Anyway, I now have back-to-back 9 milers in my log book, so here’s to the odd numbers.

Hey, the all can’t be incredibly deep, thoughtful runs.

Actually, I’ve been have some really good email back-and-forths lately that are percolating and will probably turn into posts next week. That along with all the hype and talk surrounding the Trials has really gotten me fired up. It doesn’t hurt that my trip to NYC has received spousal approval, the plane ticket is purchased and the hotel room is reserved. I can’t wait! And speaking of the Trials, next Wednesday I plan on posting an article I wrote that previews the favorites, as well as the locals.

It turns out the best prep runner in the state and one of the best boys teams ran their Sectional Meet at the golf course near my house. Too bad I had to work, it would have been great to run over there and see him win by nearly a minute. The interview linked above comes from Scott Bush, who writes this fine blog on U.S. Distance Running.

After asking what drives us yesterday, I came across this quote that seemed appropriate.

Quote of the day;

"Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision." – Muhammad Ali

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just to even the scale towards the odd numbers, I'm fond of the five-mile recovery runs, plus I run a lot of 7.5 mile runs.

Thanks for the work you do on this blog as well as with the interviews. I enjoy both.

Bart

Anonymous said...

In your recent posts your love of the Hyland Park Reserve trails has been more evident than ever. I've been in that area biking before on the blacktop trails but never been running on the unpaved paths. Where do you start your runs to access the great paths you describe? I won't be out there in the dark with you but I would like to run on some dirt paths as I recover from an injury.

Thanks,

Chris

Chad said...

Bart, thanks for the kind words, but don't get me started on the ".5" mile runs. Can't stand putting half miles in my log book.

Chris, I love Hyland, but I also run there because it makes the most sense with my family/work schedule.

Just so you know, the dirt paths are much hillier than the blacktop paths. I usually access the trail on the west side of Normandale Lake. On the south end of the parking lot there's a little building that has a single track path behind it.

If you're going to drive there, I'd probably suggest parking at the visitor center off of East Bush Lake Road and accessing the trails from there.

Nathan said...

Funny, I just got back from a run at Hyland which was so beautiful it compelled me to update my blog too. I mentioned the harvest moon too. I guess when you're enjoying the outdoors as much as we do, you start to notice the same things! Great (or at least similarly twisted) minds think alike!