Recovery Run

The 50K training plan called for 10 miles today, but considering how yesterday's run went, Brig and I thought it would be better to just get out the door. We started from the Tree House and put together a Figure 8 loop, first meandering down and across Bells Mill Bridge down to Rex Ave Bridge, across Forbidden Drive and up into the meadows, and down to Bells Mill Rd. One thing I did not anticipate was the severity of the climb that takes you back up to the Tree House. During all these years I've always run down this hill and never took the time to appreciate just how steep the grade is. Well we had to walk a good portion of the uphill and my lungs and legs never stopped screaming.

The park was full to the brim today with hikers, mountain bikers, and other joggers. There must be an increase in Wissahickon awareness, hiking, or just an influx in active recreational enthusiasts. Combined with the advent of Spring and the earlier start of Daylight Savings time, it's pretty much the perfect storm. I guess it's a good thing that the park is a void for rudeness and overall apathetic behavior. You could get drunk on all of the Hellos!, Excuse me's, and "He's a friendly dog". Nobody (for the most part) is plugged into an iPod. There is no standard "On your left" before someone comes barreling past you without more warning. It really does support a sense of calmness and always leaves you feeling better about your day, even if it didn't start out so well.

I would call this about 5 miles in 50 minutes.