Nine Wonderful Miles

St Croix Valley Runners:

What a pleasure to be running with the St Croix Valley Runners once again. I’ve missed that. Five miles in 41:30, pace 8:18. Good enough for today. I intended to run a little slower, but ended up in front with Doug and Al. 45 degrees with no wind, a rising sun, and good company. It doesn’t get much better than this. No problem with the plantar fasciitis; I did wear my orthotics of course.

Race for a Safe Place 5k:

This is a sweet little race in Stillwater hosted by the Stillwater Fitness Club to benefit the Tubman Family Alliance, which provides safe havens for women and children, and other services.

The race starts at an elementary school (read: no porta-potties needed) and winds through a sleepy neighborhood, then returns on a superb paved trail along a picturesque lake. There is even a wooden bridge, not to mention exquisite fall color. The sun was bright, and welcome in the 50-degree temperatures. Very low humidity - what a contrast with last weekend.

I ran 24:53, for a pace of 8:02, good enough for second place in 60-69, and satisfactory to me considering my current state of training and the earlier five miles today. Then I jogged back to bring in my sweeties, for a total of about 9 miles on the morning. There is a little pain in the right hamstring, that nagging problem, but not bad. Right now I’m still enjoying the runner’s high - aren’t endorphins wonderful?



Today's breakfast after the runs: Organic oatmeal, organic nonfat milk, organic plum, organic nectarine, organic grapes, roasted & salted cashews. Estimated Weight Watcher points = 7. The leaves on the picnic table are from a white oak and a red oak - can you tell which is which? Click the picture to enlarge it if you like.


Friday night's salad: Organic romaine, home-roasted organic filberts, blue cheese, organic nectarine, with a dash of olive oil and raspberry vinegar. Estimated Weight Watcher points = 4.


Friday's lunch: Organic swiss chard with almonds and onions (probably more good stuff; I can't ask Sunshine right now because she's out doing a 20-miler!), cantaloupe, pineapple. Estimated Weight Watcher points = 4.