Don't Know Spit

There was a great change in the weather that allowed for cooler, dryer conditions...but it was still very windy.  Once I hit the trail, it felt really good and relaxed to run and I didn't feel the need to rest the knees very often.  I tacked on an extra 5 in the middle and clipped through in what seemed like no time at all.

When I was running past some of the plants along the path, I noticed the tell-tale sign of the spittlebug, also known as a "froghopper".  I've noticed the froth on the plants before but in today's sun I just had to stop briefly for a photo!

From Wikipedia:

The froth serves a number of purposes. It hides the nymph from the view of predators and parasites, it insulates against heat and cold, thus providing thermal control and also moisture control. Without the froth the bug would quickly dry up. The nymphs pierce plants and suck sap causing damage, and much of the excess filtered fluids go into the production of the froth, which has an acrid taste, deterring predators.

15 miles this AM and hiking yet this evening.

Angry Crayfish

Headed back to Pilot Knob State Park to allow for some distance on more rugged terrain than Mason City provides.  It had stormed last night so I was fully expecting some mud.  It also became quite foggy after I arrived so the humidity was very high, as well.

I used an early start to my day to get me there at a time that would let me get in a long run and still be home shortly after lunch.  I had some added incentive midway through the workout as the spring version of a local trail race kicked off at least half of my 3rd loop.

The run went even better than I had hoped and I also was able to learn a bit about dealing with stomach issues and what I do or do not need for relief of knee pain.  I believe my stomach problems always occurred shortly after taking electrolyte capsules but I would always recover and it seemed to help avoid cramping when my hamstrings began to twinge.

My 2nd and 3rd loops felt the best and the last miles were fine if I provided short hiking breaks.  I was pleased to have run most of the distance with some very sporadic hiking.

Bonus observations today...an unusual visual of mushrooms growing out of some horse droppings...in another spot of cut logs, a rather good cluster of edible oyster mushrooms (I picked some to add to yesterdays morels for a treat this evening)...and an angry crayfish on the path for at least two of my loops near the prairie ponds!

Amazed by how the appearance of these mushrooms changed each time I passed. The gills began to blacken by the last pass.

Love the look of birch trees across water!

Oyster  Mushrooms...very edible.

Angry Crayfish

30 miles for the park run then 3 mile recovery hike for the evening.

Stormy and more in the Forecast

Lots of lightening and thunder overnight meant for wet trails and extra mud.  There was one section of trail that I've almost never witnessed being in the flow from the draw but today the trail was moving!

In anticipation of another longer run this Saturday, I'm taking it easy for the next couple of days.  Today was just easy jogging.

6 miles in the AM. 3 miles in the PM.

Eye of the Tiger...Competition

Absolutely perfect running day today.  At one point, I had a Tiger Swallowtail flit by and land on nearby bush.  

As I ran this morning, I was acutely aware of competition in the woods...others looking for the elusive morel mushrooms.

Although I, like most mushroom hunters, get protective of "their" hunting grounds, I tolerated with full knowledge that I could cover more ground and get out to my secret places before they could!

There was a change in the dates of the Junior College Regional meet so they can compete without worry of weather that threatens to cancel.  So instead of this Friday and Saturday, it'll be tomorrow and Thursday.  So because I'll either ride along on the charter or maybe drive the NIACC bus if needed, this is important to  how I plan my own workouts this week.  Instead of the very long run tomorrow, I'll likely switch back to this weekend.  So that meant I wanted a bit more mileage out of today's run.  The extra was accomplished but I did, successfully, take some time in the middle to finally find a hat-full of morels that will become part of our evening meal tonight.

15 miles and recovery hiking later.

I'm King of the World

Sorry for the title of today's blog...but this weekend was an anniversary of the sinking of the Titantic...the saying is a classic from the movie...and I was reminded of it by sighting a Belted Kingfisher during today's run. Quite a strange series of associations, I know, but that's what it's like out there alone sometimes!

 Not another sole on the trail today as it was cloudy, windy, and cold.  It still felt good to get out even though I was later due to watching the live webcast of the Boston Marathon.  The recent winds have really raised some havoc with the trail conditions and makes me wonder what would ever happen if I happened along the trail at precisely the wrong moment?

10 miles running at noon and 2 miles hiking later in the day.

Calm Before The Storm

Today's weather was a bit unpredictable yet it was quite pleasant when I got out for an easy run.  The forecast is for some more storms to roll in this evening.  But clearing skys and sunshine greeted me for most of the time I was out.  

Also today's title is referring to a calm run day in anticipation of a long run tomorrow (weather permitting).  Results from the doctors visits earlier this week help to fire me up for the increase in mileage and length of long runs each week.

I've had occasion to mention my son's puppy in recent posts but haven't taken the chance to post a photo. So here she is...Piper...see a little resemblance to Diablo?

Helping me by picking up a recyclable bottle.

Asleep at the wheel (of the Jeep)

Ever wonder why photos of people are plagued with red-eye yet dogs seem to have green-eye?

6 miles jogging and 2 additional hiking for 8 miles today.