Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness

Pushing the limit.

Pushing my body into the unknown with the assistance of my new forefoot striking Newton shoes…not knowing what to expect.

I’ve never heard of Newtons, and they were expensive. But they give me a bounce as my forefoot rebounds off the “lugs” in the front of the shoe.

Longest run in six months, and 25% longer than my previous longest. I’m talking six miles versus four. This would not be a big deal twenty years ago, but as I approach seventy years old, it seems overwhelming…and it may be.

Aquidneck Land Trust (ALT) trails all the way…running the Sakonnet Greenway. Trails are my forte now. I love the varied paths, lack of vehicles, the sounds of nature and striking views.

Starting at the massive sports complex of the Glen…soccer and baseball fields abound, accompanied by the meticulously groomed enormous Polo field.

Firing up my iPod and off at a slow-pace into the wooded path behind Pennfield School toward Sandy Point Ave…about half a mile.

Crossing Sandy Point to cow pastures inhabited by Big Brown cows wearing ear tags and protected by an electric fence.

Feeling good… edging around the pasture, music blasting….Stones: “Brown Sugar” lighting up my psyche.

Crossing a dry creek to Vacluse Farm. Sign: “no horses beyond this point.”

Transitioning  from pasture to woods. Trees glowing–infused with brilliant sunlight. Bright green leaves dancing–reflecting the noon sun. Sunglasses off to enjoying the vividness.

The path feels challenging. Gotta watch the complex of roots and rocks.. leaping, twisting and jumping with joy, negotiating the obstacles…music turned off so I can inhale the sounds and sights of the forest…birds, breeze and wonder.

The path feels welcoming…periodically padded with leaves and pine needles.

Transitioning to semi wetlands but  mostly dry now. Big leaves like lily pads.

On to a boardwalk over the wetlands and still under the sparkling canopy.

Sprinting out of the woods to more pasture, electric fences, and cows staring impassively as I go by…their attention focusing on chewing grass, and an occaisional glance of relative boredom.

Feeling good…breathing smoothly, knees good, but metatarsals hurting as always.

Trail narrowing between a long row of trees. Its loaded with branches that snake back, forth and across, commanding my complete attention.

Braman’s Lane looming ahead and open spaces…back to music.

Cover gone, sun bearing down drawing lots of sweat. Crossing the road, heading for the golf course and semi shade.

Turning onto the forested golf course trail…about 1.75 miles so far. Starting to feel the run. and I’m nowhere near half way. Holding an almost exact 15 minute pace. So that’s good.

Golf course provides some needed shade. Resisting the desire to look for balls staying the course.

Leaden legs and screaming metatarsals…par for the course as forefoot striking takes its toll.

Passing knots of golfers as they slice and hook some gems into the briar infested woods.

Harlow Pond on the left, bringing nostalgia, sadness and beauty.

Over the Little Creek bridge and nearing the end of the golf leg (3.75 miles) at Mitchells Lane.

Everything hurts…this is where I usually stop.

Not today.

Crossing the road to the new circuit with its cornfields, woods and a confusing myriad of trails….I inevitably get lost every time I run this area.

This time its better. Managing to stay on the official trail which (in many places) is layered with mulch and even gravel. The trek through the woods is particularly rewarding with all sorts of trees, bushes and little side paths.

The plan is to cut across the middle of the trail complex and end the run after doing the Albro woods loop.

Really struggling at this point…wishing I brought some water.

Emerging from the woods, noting that many of the corn fields are plowed. No stalks yet…visibility is good.

Taking the “green” trail toward the deep dark Albro woods with its convoluted system of  branches and roots snaking across the trail…strategically placed for a stubbed toe or a crash. I’ve done both before and its no fun.

Finishing the loop with burning feet, sore knees and general exhaustion, and guess what? I have to run the loop  again.

Unfortunately, the loop was not long enough. I’m only at about 5 miles. Gross miscalculation!

I just want it to end. Please!

But no,  I have to run the loop again!

Albro is so confusing with forks to nowhere and pesky disorientation under the big trees.

Anyway, I’m doing the loop twice to add distance…aggravating and discouraging in my exhausted state.

But no matter.

Finished another loop and check my iPod distance “app”…still not enough. After two loops!!

Gotta do a little back and forth after Albro to get the right distance.

Finally ducking out of the forest and seeing the end ahead.

Seeing Diane and the car at East Main gives me a boost as I stagger to the finish.

Six miles….my pace slipped in the second half and the official mark was 15:46. This was a big decrease from the 15 even during the first half.

But again, no matter.

Went home and slept for two hours.