Mush

That was exactly like my run today. Well, the parts where Rocky is running in the snow, anyway. Minus the Sorels and the KGB agents following me.

I headed out from home onto the powerlines that we often run in the summer. There is some snowmobile traffic on these trails, so I hoped they would be well packed. Not so much. First of all, there was clearly not as much traffic as I had hoped. And, secondly, it was 37 degrees out. Not a good combination for firm conditions, and they certainly were not.

The plan was for an out and back of about 5 miles, and even though it was clear in the first quarter mile or so of snowmobile trail that it was going to be slow going. The better part of the first 1.5 miles was very soft. Sometimes I only sunk in a couple inches. Other times I was in well over my ankle. For some reason, even though I crossed a could roads, I decided to still to the snowmobile trails. Perhaps because I'm so hardcore. Or perhaps I'm an idiot.

However, once I crossed Rt. 24, the trail turned off the powerlines and into the woods. More tree cover meant less new snow and a firmer packed trail. This section of trail was completely new to me as in the summer, we stick to the powerlines. And, as it was new to me, I had no idea where I was. I followed the trail until almost 3 miles, reached a seemingly randomly plowed lot, and decided to turn back.


(The stop and start points are different due to some problems I had using the GPS properly.)

The snow was even softer on the return thanks to two snowmobiles that passed me going in the opposite direction. At times, I felt like I was barely moving.

It was great to be out exploring the new trails, so I went a touch longer than planned. I ended up with a little over 6 miles. It was definitely work because of the soft snow, but I felt good the whole way. My heart rate was where I think it should be: avg 145. (Although, I have no baseline.)

Speaking of the heart rate monitor, I don't think I'll be wearing it much. I can't stand the strap. This is my second run with it, and I do not like it. I feel constricted the whole time. So, I've decided I'm not going to be concerned with heart rate. As long as it's pumping, but not exploding, then I'm in a good range.

More Rocky anyone?