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May 27, 2008
Weekend Update
Vermont City Marathon
On Sunday I ran the Vermont City Marathon in Burlington. I did not really have a plan and only had some vague goals. I mostly wanted to run for fun and see what I could do on the minimal training I have recently been doing. I have been busy preparing for our move out west, coaching, and just life in general.
The Vermont City marathon is fun because there are relays happening at the same time with the potential for a team to have five relay members. During the race you constantly see relay team members and you get a lot of support. I was on a relay team with my cousins and ran the first two legs.
I was hoping to run 7 min. pace as long as it felt comfortable. I averaged about a 7.05 pace for the first half of the marathon and then my legs just felt dead. I ran easy the rest of the way and really tried to focus on being positive and finishing the race. I was so lucky because I had my own relay team members running with me and friends who were doing relays jump in and run with me. This made the marathon go by really fast. I ran 3.17.30 and was really happy to finish because I did not feel my best. My relay team finished 4th overall in a time of 3.15 which was great for us. Mark's relay team was 2nd with a time of 2.38.
Johnson to Sterling Pond Trail
On Monday Mark and I biked into the village and met some friends for an easy run. I only ran 20 minutes. My legs were really tired. We then biked to the camp for a great breakfast with our cousins.
In the afternoon I did my first practice long trail hike. I hiked about 13 miles mostly uphill from Johnson to the top of Mt. Mansfield in the afternoon. I was hoping it would take 4 hours. It took 4 hours and 20 minutes. The scenary at the top was terrific. I really love the single track trails but those are very technical. There were moments when it was raining and I was afraid it might thunder and lightening. I was able to avoid the thunder and lightening but I did not avoid the rain. When I finished I was a mess - covered in mud and pretty wet but I had fun.
I did realize I have a lot of courage to muster up before I do my long trail solo trip. I was nervous when it was getting stormy and at times I was surprised not to see anyone else on the trail. I also realize it will be very hard to get 30 to 35 miles a day.
Next weekend I have a trail marathon planned in CT. I may instead do an overnight hike/trip on the long trail to prepare for my solo hike.
This was the scenary of the last section of my hike this weekend.
Posted by mary at May 27, 2008 11:14 AM
Comments
Wow the lake is beautiful. I wish I could have hiked with you! Liz
Posted by: Liz at May 28, 2008 11:02 AM
Wow - that picture is straight out of a movie! It looks like it might just be the deepest, darkest pond in North America. My guess is you were probably awake as the sun was rising just as the mist and clouds began to part. I'm glad one of us was. Keep taking pictures.
b
Posted by: Bill Fagan at May 28, 2008 7:03 PM
Hi Mary! It's awesome to see you posting again, here and there.
That photo is gorgeous, thanks for posting it!
Posted by: Meghan at May 30, 2008 9:07 PM
Mary, I didn't realize you were doing solo hikes at such distances. We have to catch up sometime. I'd love to hear about your adventures.
Posted by: Tami at June 5, 2008 3:31 PM