Did That Dog In

We finally got some well needed rain yesterday, so I decided to take the day off from running after running 3 in a row.

I am going to try and take my camera with me on the occasional run so you all can get an idea of where I live and my surroundings. This morning I took the dog for a hike/run and snapped some photos and shot a few 5-10 sec videos.

I ran 2 miles in about 30 minutes, which included the occasional stoppage for "snapshots" and the dog stopping to sniff every other tree. One of the things that I find exciting is the fact that my dog can't keep up with me!! After the intial 1/2 mile sprint by the dog, he had to stop frequently. Few photos:

Can you tell that I am breathing harder on the last video?

Good Running and Olympics

First of all,

Freakin awesome game last night between the Indians and Redsox.

Second, Michael Phelps Rocks! It makes you proud to be an American and proud to know that he is one of us.
5 golds(so far) and 5 World Records!!! SWEET.................4 x 100m Free Final was worth watching!
Final:
I had another great day of running. That would be 4; yes I said 4, straight days of running. It was one of those very few great days when you have tons of energy and you can go fast and run forever. Remember "fast" is a relative term.
LOL. I did 5.0 miles with strides and intervals intermixed. My overall time was 48:50( 9:46 avg.) I did (2) - 1/2 mile intervals @ 8:00 min pace. My HR did climb high today - MAX of 184. It was hot 84 deg.
After the run, I still had energy so I went to the park and hiked the trails for about 45mins. If I could just bottle the small amount of energy I have today and use for other days. My ribs still hurt, but it seems after 1/4 mile the pain seems to ease up.

Hiking in the Smokey's

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Happy 4th!
2 days late on posting. I had a great time camping in the Great Smoky Mountains. The boys and I went camping in the true wilderness - no electricity, showers; just tents and a slingshot. LOL! Monday we setup the tent, ate ,then went on our first hike to Laurel Falls.
Tuesday, I got up early and went for a 5 mile run. I must admit , it was alittle scary @ times due to my seclusion in the woods. I was always checking my up/down/front/back for any wildlife. My paranoia was well warranted after a copperhead snake crossed my path, and a wild turkey flew over my head. I don't know which was scared more- me or the turkey. I nearly sh*t myself after the turkey came within inches of my head (jumping out of the woods), in fact the turkey almost crapped on my head. Luckily it missed. Also the bear(tell later.) Back to the run - the last 2.5 miles was + 400 feet of elevation. Tough run, but enjoyable.
Got back from the run, ate some grub, then went on a 5 mile hike to Abram's Falls.

I must admit that after my busy day, I was "bushed!" The elevation change made a huge difference in my stamina. 5 mile running, 15 miles of hiking on my short getaway.
I have been blessed to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Less than an hour, I am @ the Smokey's.
Oh yeah, the bear. We had just left Cade's Cove - ( an 11 mile loop that is filled with wildlife.) A black bear was waddling up the road, heading for the Little Pigeon River, to eat I guess.. Yes, the same road that I did my 5 mile run on in the morning . GASP!!!!!
Sidebar: The Cade's Cove 11mile loop is a runners paradise. The rangers don't open it to cars until 10am, so that runners and cyclists can enjoy it without getting run over

Running Blind

Nice to finally get some rain after our couple week drought.
Got in 13 miles for the week, 52 miles for the month. And quite a few walks ( hikes.) Not too bad.. Especially for my work schedule. I'll take it.
I had a couple of 2.7 mile runs earlier in the week then a nice 8 mile run today. I forgot my Running watch today, so I had to run " blind." It turned out to be a blessing. I didn't pay attention to miles or pace or HR. I just ran for the enjoyment of running. Ran a new route and it felt great. I checked my time and it was 1hr 22 mins. I figured I had gone about 7 miles. Nope. 8.1!! Checked the mileage with the truck. I avg 10:07, which is great for me. I could've gone another 2-3 miles, but it began to rain.
I only seen 2 other runners today while I was out, but very interesting. Two fairly amazing runners. 1st person was a gentleman that I had seen @ a couple of races. He was over 70 years old ( body looked like a fit 40 yr old), tan, and wearing a "little" pair of shorts (Ewww). He had won his age group races. He could clock sub 50, 10k's. The second person was a girl - I couldn't figure where I knew here from ; then it hit me! She was the winner of the Knoxville Marathon last year, and I also found out that she was my "new" neighbor. A few doors down - cool huh?
Anyway.. Both are equally great racers. You see, I like running- I am defintely not a racer, at least not anymore. Those days are long gone. I use to race in college. Actually pretty fast..
15:02 5K and 4:19 mile were my fastest. *Sigh* Yes they are longggggg goneeee.................
Heading up to the Smokey's for the next couple of days to camp and hike. Really looking forward to it!!!

Salvaged the week

Salvaged the week and got in ten miles yesterday. Finished with 12 miles running and 5 of walking after my big work week.
I started a little late; around 10am, and I paid for it too. I ran 5 miles in about 85 deg/ 70% humidity/ no wind. It was a tough run. I got overheated and had to walk a couple of times; no more than about 15 seconds. I was very happy to get in that many miles and very happy for it to end! After the run, I took the boys to the park and we hiked another 5 miles over an hour & a half. Good active day. Crashed hard in bed..