Screech

Basically another recovery day.  I feel as though I can run again but prefer to take a little more time to heal.  I did get out for a series of hikes today with the last after dusk.  

There is a tree that I pass under that has resulted in what I imagine to be some sort of warning... a strange, trill, bark along with beak snapping.  Apparently, Screech Owls exhibit this behavior when defending their territory and I believe they could be nesting or raising young at this time.

This has occurred  4 or 5 times in the past week and half.

8 miles on the day.

Raspberries

The pain in my butt was back again last night so I skipped the hike and got to bed early.  But it didn't feel much better when I woke.  After breakfast and moving around a while, it disappeared so I headed out for a test run.

The run went well and I could move with ease at about any pace I wanted.  There had been an early morning rain shower so there was a bit of mud and wet grass.

Some interesting observances on the trail today: A mother raccoon with four little babies following her, as fast as they could but not fast enough for her wanting to get out of sight;  a riderless horse, with saddle and bit but the reins were missing and her rear quarters scratched and bleeding.. I eventually came across two other horses, one with riders doubled-up, that were asking if I had seen a horse go by?; and then I got some bonus breakfast as the wild black raspberries were ripening.  The wildflowers have also begun to shift from the spring bloomers to summer.

Purple Prairie Clover

10 miles this AM.

Bandits...not race intruders but raccoons!

One of the bonuses of walking at dusk is you can sometimes get a bit closer or even surprise wildlife.  That's been the case the past couple nights as I was out for my hikes.   Busy little shapes ahead of me has turned out to be raccoon in more than one location.  They scurry off to the nearest tree then sit there waiting to see if I pay them any additional attention.  Interesting to see as long as they're running away rather than towards. I worked on a rabies project during college and would not want to unnecessarily risk being bitten by a raccoon.

I wanted an easier day again today and it was relaxed.  Turns out we may be travelling this weekend and that could interfere with my plans for another 30 miler on Friday.  Perhaps I'll try that tomorrow if my legs feel fresh enough, otherwise it'll be put off till Monday.  There's no way I'll attempt a 30 in Chicago!

10 miles this AM.

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.

Slower than a Toad

Historically, I have found that I'll be more stiff and sore on the 2nd day following a race, but today I actually felt better than yesterday.  The hamstrings do still have some extra tightness but I felt very good and relaxed while running.  Wanting to be a bit conservative, I decided against adding an extra 5 mile loop and headed home for a standard 10!

I wasn't quite fast enough with getting the camera out to capture an image of an American Toad along the trail. When dog-sitting either of Cory's dogs, they have been adept at toad hunting when hiking these trails.

(borrowed image)

10 miles this AM.  Hike yet this evening.

Cardinal Rule

Today was to be the second day of back-to-back long runs training.  I bailed a bit early yesterday because my legs were worked and I didn't want to hurt myself.  Today, however, felt much better and I cruised through the 20 miles at a pace that I felt I could sustain for even longer if needed.  I think that over the years I'm finally beginning to obey the cardinal rule of "listening to your body."

Oh, and I did see cardinals on the trail today...

Male Northern Cardinal (borrowed photo)

While the male is strikingly brilliant. it's the more subtle color of the female that intrigues me.  Sometimes "more subtle" is perhaps more appropriate for training, too. 

Female Northern Cardinal  (borrowed photo)

I didn't take any podcasts or music out today and had lots of time to think.  One question that came to mind, while watching so many butterflies flit around, was "If you see a Morning Cloak after 12PM, is it socially acceptable to call it an Afternoon Cloak?

 20 miles for the afternoon run and another 3 mile recovery hike after dusk

Not Too Chipper

There was a temptation to get rolling again today because I was still feeling so optimistic about yesterday's finish.  Curt "The Younger" would have caved in and tried to repeat the tempo, however, Curt "The McDuffer" prevailed and I stayed reserved in order to help promote better recovery.  I would like to be fresh again by Saturday for another long run going in to next week's forced cut-back in mileage while travelling to Texas for the NJCAA outdoor nationals. 

I was amused by the scampering of an Eastern Chipmunk along the trail early in today's outing.

And apparently I wasn't the only one not feeling very chipper today.  Wild turkey are typically very elusive but this guy didn't seem to be quite right and allowed for easy approach for photos!  I didn't see or hear signs of any young ones but perhaps this adult was feigning injury to lure me away from the vicinity of some poults?

6 miles this AM and some additional hiking planned for after dusk.

Vultures

My legs were feeling pretty good today, especially knowing that I have just put a 30-miler on them and that capped a 102-mile week.  So I opened up a bit during the inner loop and they did, indeed, get a bit sluggish again.  I must be moving slower than I feel as the Turkey Vultures along the river were circling and slowly moved upriver with me!

I experimented a bit with a waist pack for an extra water bottle.  I didn't like the feel so stashed the holder for the rest of the run and just held the bottle.  In South Dakota, if I see the need for more than one hand-held, I'll carry a second rather than use the fanny-pack holder.

15 miles in the AM. 3 mile recovery hike planned for PM.

"Half Fast"

Trying to be conservative today and not attempt to tackle too much too soon after the long Saturday run.  I felt OK but the legs were a bit "heavy."  I have noticed that my distances often takes me about twice the time they did  before my knee issues...therefore, my runs are only "half fast."

Saw some interesting birds today...a Great Blue Heron, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and the advance of the warbler wave..some Yellow-rumped Warblers!

10 miles in the AM and 3 PM recovery miles.

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.

Easy Day #2

Today was another day of easy jogging and some hiking as I want to freshen my legs for a more difficult session tomorrow.

Still finding a few mushrooms beside the trail along my regular routes.

Saw a Mallard hen today with a brood of ducklings and some Canada Geese with goslings!

10 miles in the AM.

To The Morning

Truly an enjoyable morning to hit the trails.  I couldn't help but remember an old favorite by Dan Fogelberg.

Sunday's post claimed that I was "getting serious" then I promptly followed that with two days of messing around collecting mushrooms during my workouts.  Today I wanted to stay focused on the run but still couldn't resist a couple short stops when I could see mushrooms as I ran by!

It had rained quite a bit overnight and there was a fair amount of mud today.

A turkey strutting along in the mud.

Another turkey wearing Salomon S-labs

The middle loop became my "sweet spot" and I felt great while running the 5 mile loop non-stop and at a faster pace than what I've been holding lately.

15 miles on the morning with a 3 mile recovery hike planned ...weather permitting.

You Don't Know Jack

Noticed one of my favorite wildflowers today... Jack In the Pulpit.  They've been emerging for a few days and have become more noticeable.

emerging

But not to be out-done, there are now Mayapple blossoms and another favorite (state flower of Colorado) Columbine.

Mayapple blossom

Columbine

Then to cap it all off, I ran across more morel mushrooms in one outing than I've found in a long time.  Good for a side dish at tonight's meal and likely some left for tomorrow.

I was quite sore waking up this morning so started with brisk hiking then after a couple miles things loosened up and was moving without any complaining from my knees.  Since this was designed to be a recovery day, I took the time to look for mushrooms around half way, then hurried home with the bounty!

10 miles today and another hiking session for tonight.

Inspiration

Today's run was postponed til after lunch because I attended a celebration of life for Mason City boy's cross-country coach, Dave Wilson.  Dave had died earlier this week after bravely fighting cancer in recent years.  We had had some great XC camps in the past and it had always been a privilege to be asked to volunteer at the camps and work beside Dave with the boys. 

Surprised by a Cooper's Hawk while in the woods this afternoon.  The trails were muddy and trees still dripping from rain.  The hawk just swooped down and landed in the tree above my shoulder ...so close I was counting feathers!

(borrowed photo)

I took it easy again while out today and also looked for more mushrooms...found my largest one yet this year but not many out due to cold , wet conditions.

almost the size of a fist

11 miles for the day

Drake Relays

Back late last night, then up early this morning to drive my wife to Des Moines for a Junk Jubilee at the fairgrounds.  While there, she met a friend from Mason City that happened to have an extra ticket available for the relays today...so off I went...another day at a track meet.  That makes for four different track venues within a week!  

Also came across an article that may help explain or at least give me another excuse to head out to the woods! 

3 mile hike in evening after arriving back home.  Slight bit of recovery today and tomorrow to prepare for a long run on Sunday.

1st Day Region XI Outdoor T&F

Bus leaves before lunch to head to Council Bluffs for regionals so I got out early this morning to get some miles.  At one point, I felt I was being watched.

The morning lent itself to peaceful, easy running and I hit the back trails while listening to podcasts.  I also took a few moments to scout for morel mushrooms and lucked out with more than yesterday in about a quarter of the time!

I wish I had thought to take a photo of the prairie yesterday while the county crew was performing a controlled burn in order to promote the proper growth of native prairie grasses.  I took a couple shots of that prairie today.

10 miles.

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.

Back to Normal?

It was great to be back on the Lime Creek trails today.  Breezy and cool but sunny none the less.  I started a bit conservatively and found another load of cans and bottles because I've been gone for a few days and they seem to accumulate!  But eventually I got on a roll and ran some significant stretches.

I had begun the morning dog-sitting my son's new puppy then went to the cardiologist for a checkup before ramping my training up for the Black Hills 50.  So far, so good with the doctor but we're scheduled for a stress test later this week as a precaution.

I took some time to research a natural phenomenon that I had noticed last week.  A very bright orange slime growing in the oozing sap of a tree that had been cleared from around the old brewery.

Turns out, this is most likely caused by a yeast.  There was a good discussion of this in an article from Cornell University....

"Root sap gets stirring in the Spring, and even if the stems are gone, the roots may still be alive and pumping liquids, unaware there is no top to feed. Any self-respecting microorganism knows a free meal when it sees one, and soon the watery slime is translucent and greasy with yeast and bacterial and filamentous fungal growth."....  

The resulting stem is quite bizarre when seen from the trail.

7 miles in the AM and additional mile or so scheduled tonight.

Foxy Lady

Beautiful on the trails today, even with a steady breeze.  But for some reason it seemed as if I were under attack. First a shadow overhead caused me to duck but it was only a Great Blue Heron blocking out the sun.  Then it seemed as if a gang of wild turkeys were racing me, as they trotted away ahead of me, then ran in from another angle further up the trail...pretty neat to see how fast they were but I doubt if they ran as far as I did!  Then when crossing the prairie I was startled by a Fox Snake that was sunning itself.

It was stretched out until I came back for this photo.

With the potential of holiday travel interrupting my weekend schedule, and to see if I could do it, I tried for a longer run today with very little hiking.  Pleased that some sections felt great and I could open up without knee pain.

15 miles in the AM. 3 miles PM