Friday we set out on our last run together before the move. We got up early, warmed up, and headed down to the trail like we have done so many mornings over the last 7 years. We have ran on the Nathaniel Greene trail over 1,000 times. Marlie knows it by heart, along with the areas we let him run off the leash (he starts looking back at us pleading to run free if we forget). We know we aren't supposed to do that, but he really enjoys it and doesn't bother anyone. Only one time did a lady show us her notepad and pen while asking us what are names were so she could turn us in. HA!
We know that if you run really early you will run into a family of skunks that reside under the storage shed. We could tell you the distances from our house to any spot on the trail (which shifted a bit once we got our Garmens). The water fountain is only available in the summer and the water is normally warm. Although there are large signs saying not to feed the geese, there is always someone there doing just that (sometimes it is us with Max) -hence all the poo everywhere around the lake. We have learned that Marlie must be on a leash when we pass the pond, or else he will chase the ducks into the water and swim for hours while we call his name (remember John and Tracy??). Marlie keeps us entertained by bounding (not running - remember he is part gazelle) through the fields and stopping at his favorite creeks to get a drink and, sometimes, plop down in to cool off. This trail is also where I bonked in the last few miles of the Bass Pro Marathon to miss qualifying for Boston by a few minutes. I didn't run on the trail for months after that!
For the past three years the Washam 5K course ran on this trail. We are not sure whether there will be a forth annual Washam 5K, and if it will be in Springfield or Farmington. The greenway trails in Springfield will definately be missed. I hope all you Springfieldians recognize what a gem you have! The trails, Dustin, and I have had a good run!
Monday I ran on the golf cart path that goes around our house. It is a 5-mile run that isn't flat! I have a feeling that between golf and running this path and I will become good friends! Tuesday we went out to St. Joe Park to run a 6-miler. It was REALLY hilly. We finished the run and I could here the trail mocking us, "welcome to Farmington"! I got my first-ever mid-run calf cramp. I always wondered why athletes would run off the field with cramps because I only got them in my sleep. Now I know.
Running is going to be different here, that is for sure. I like to run hills from time to time, but there is nothing like stretching your stride out on a flat course. But, as long as we can handle it, the hills will make us stronger. Dustin sees it as a challenge; I see it as a reminder that I'm really not in as good of shape that I would like to be (and torture). We have a couple of ideas up our sleeves for changing it up (track, trail running, STL running club - we will post more about these later). As long as there is land, we can run.
Aimee coming out of final mud pit
The 417 Mag Pic
