The last two weeks I was slated to start a schedule of track sessions to get myself race ready for fast winter running. Here is my proposed schedule:

Check out the rest of the article at:
http://monkawe.blogspot.com/2008/11/track-work-nohill-work.html

7:00 PM

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Seawell School Parking Lot

Carrboro, NC

Greetings Trail Runners!

I cannot express how meaningful the past several weeks have been as we have gathered in the forest for various musings, fellowship and exercise!

This has been a lot of fun, and keeping fun central in our thoughts I look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening for the Summer Survivor Trail Run Series Navigational Challenge!

Don't worry, this will be more a test of your patience with the organizer (me) than anything else. Most of you have toured the trails attentively and won't have any trouble getting out there and back.

Sign-in Sheet: Prior to kicking off the NavChal, we'd like you to sign in. The form will ask how many SSTRS runs you attended and if you would like to keep in touch with other opportunities of the sort.

Also, I'll have some information about up coming trail runs this fall and winter. If you've run 3 to 5 miles on the trails in Carolina North Forest, then you certainly have a base to potentially double that distance at a trail race late fall and early winter.

Did I mention Fall - Autumn?! Oh my, imagine running in the forest with cooler temps, changing leaves, crisp mornings! There's nothing more beautiful!

Finally, we're always receptive to feedback; if you've got ideas, suggestions, criticisms, toss 'em in.

I know it's a busy week with schools opening and all, but I'm hoping for a great turnout tomorrow evening! See you at seven, at Seawell.

all bests...

squonk

When: 7Pm Tuesday, August 5th

Where: Trail entrance off of Municipal Drive

What: 3ish and 5ish mile trail runs in Carolina North Forest

No bathrooms at this location

Read more for map to start, etc.

See you tomorrow!

(Image Info)

Series Run #3 will meet this Tuesday, 7/29 at Seawall School's Parking lot in Carrboro. 7:00 PM. (No Restrooms)

Speaker: Greg Kopsch: Carolina North Forest Manager

Read on for course information and maps.

See you tomorrow evening!

More Info on SSTRS Run #3 coming soon.

We look forward to seeing you next Tuesday evening!

Here's an article about the series in The Chapel Hill News. Thanks Yellow Dog!

Greetings Forest Creatures!

This week's trail run will begin from the same location at the same time:

Seawall School Parking Lot [NO RESTROOMS]

7 PM, Tuesday, July 15

Speaker: Brian "Gyro" Beatty, Balanced Physical Therapy: Strength & Balance on the Trail

ROUTES: 5.5 and 3.5 miles (woo-hoo!)

READ MORE FOR MAPS AND SUMMARY

Greetings Trail Runners!

Thanks to all of you for coming out last Tuesday. It was an amazing
turnout (around 70) and I'm glad everyone stuck together in their
waves and got back to their vehicles as planned.

I'm always eager for feedback and have received some from several of
you.

I know that many of you noticed that towards the end of our run it was
growing dark. At first you may have thought that it was getting late.
Did you notice the winds increasing high in the trees? Yes, an
approaching thunderstorm in the forest can decrease visibility
somewhat. I hope you all enjoyed the heavy rains as much as I did! I
was impressed - no one freaked out and there was a lot of puddle
splashing going on. GOOD!

Also, you may have felt some soreness in places you don't after your
"normal" road runs? If so, it's because the trails do strengthen
muscles a bit differently than you're used too - legs, ankles, core,
lower back. Some of you remarked after the 3 mile wave that you felt
you had run longer. Well, keep in mind that we stopped several times,
we did a little bit of walking to regroup and that trail running is
generally slower than road. But, it also requires greater effort.

So, that may have "only" been 3 or 5 miles, but the effort required to
do it was about 15% more than your typical 3 to 5 mile road run.
That's not a bad combination: forest, thunderstorm, company and
safety, and greater overall workout.

We're laying out the course for next Tuesday's run and will have
details on the site by Monday evening. Also, we'll have a speaker
lined up for you.

Thanks from coming out!

squonk

PS: I've still got some Open Eye Cafe coffee coupons and will have
them on hand Tuesday.

Tuesday, July 8th, 2008, 7PM

START LOCATION & PARKING: Seawall School, Carrboro, NC (no restrooms)

ROUTE OVERVIEW: Take your pick between of 3 or 5 mile courses. Both routes will parallel Seawall School Road which provides runners new to the forest trails a North – South reference point that divides the forest: Carrboro to the West and Chapel Hill to the East.

The course is heavily wooded with a couple of sharp down hills. One gathering point on this run will be at the cairn-strewn rock outcropping.

Read more for instructions!

(Light and Strength)

It's time to head into the woods - join us!

...read more....a note to those who have expressed interest in the series.

(Photo by Transit - Near Calloway Peak, NC)

Now amidst the summer training pathos, the hot days make outings that were once like gliding seem heavy and bogged down in humidity, sapping us of energy.

...or maybe that's just me...

Still, do we ever question what we bring to a run when we begin it? Do we consider the impact the trail has on us, as we consider our footprint on it?

Tweak sent me a link to an audio chapter of Dean Ottati's book The Runner and the Path. I listened to it, liked what I heard and bought the book 5 minutes later.

I recommend it, highly...feel free to read more for a couple of reasons why....