Back at it

Well, i've been away for a while.
Guess it's time to get back at it.

Nipmuck Trail Marathon -

so the heavy forest thinned and we came to almost a clearing.

I had started a jog at this point, but still had time for a quick picture. No issues with the leg, except the occasional twinge.

Nipmuck Trail Marathon -

another beautiful little stream. Wonder if there are trout lurking in the shadows?

Nipmuck Trail Marathon -

First water/aid stop. Nice kids - friendly and helpful.

Temperature is beginning to rise.

By this point it was supposed to begin raining. Weatherman assured us that it would pour 9-12 today. It didn't. I kinda wish it had because it was so awfully humid for most of the day.

Nipmuck Trail Marathon -

just a morning hike on the trail.


I had run the Coeur d'Alene marathon the weekend before, and on Wednesday I pulled something in my right lower leg (still not sure what - could be Proneus, doesn't act like gastroc). I wasn't sure I was going to be able to complete this race at all. Last few days this week I worked from home, used lots of ice, and did as little walking as possible.

I walked the beginning of this race, intended to walk the entire thing if my leg kept on hurting. The leg warmed up and felt pretty good.

Nipmuck Trail Marathon -

Trail markings were very obvious. The trail is marked with blue "blazes" (more later), and most of the turns where an inattentive runner could get lost are marked like this - very obvious. A runner would really have to be oblivious to miss them.

There is one section in the second half where the main road goes straight and the trail goes left, which made me stop and look around. Following the blazes kept me on-course. That was the only one which caused me any confusion.

Nipmuck Trail Marathon -

The trail crosses CT Route 74. Runners were advised that traffic does not stop. The speed limit here is 45, but it seems like most drivers have the number "74" more firmly in mind. Crossing was completely uneventful.