It had to happen this way, didn’t it? I knew when signing up for the 10 mile loop (10.41 miles, to be exact) of the Psycho Psummer “Run Toto, Run” Trail Run that it would be brutal. I’ve volunteered at aid stations for this race twice and both times it was extremely hot.

It is called “Psycho Psummer”, after all.

But in the week leading up to the race, the temperatures were very unseasonably moderate…because it just would not stop raining.

A couple of years ago I ran this course for the winter version, Psycho Wyco Run Toto Run, right after a massive snowstorm that stopped the city dead for two days and then quickly melted, leaving the course a muddy disaster. I was overconfident because of a 13.1 mile race the November before, had not trained well, and the course destroyed me. My legs hurt for days. The course kicked my proverbial behind.

But this time would be different. The course would be hard packed and I would only have the heat to contend with. What could go wrong?

Remember that rain I mentioned?

Continue reading Getting Psychotic with the Trail Nerds →

Happy Independence Day, America! I hope everyone has plans to enjoy good food, good fellowship with friends and loved ones, and a night filled with colorful explosions. My 4th of July started out with a listen to various people reading the Declaration of Independence on NPR as I drove out in the wee hours to participate in an early morning run. In addition to celebrating the men and women throughout our history who strove to give us freedom, today also marks a day of personal freedom–today ends the Runner’s World Run Streak.

The commitment was to run at least one mile per day from Memorial Day to July 4th. Sadly I failed, missing one run last week when I left it until the evening and a lightning storm stopped me from making it out that day. In order to celebrate the end I participated in the Ward Parkway Four on the Fourth here in Kansas City. The weather was gorgeous at the 7 a.m. start. Low 60’s, Sunny. The course was on a city street (Ward Parkway) that has several gradual inclines and declines. I was thrilled to finish the 4 miles with an 8:31 second mile average, and I ran the final mile in 7:54. Felt great!

I’m looking forward to getting back to a regular running schedule with alternating cross-training days. I’m eying my next Half-Marathon and am going to be starting that training routine.

Have a Happy Independence Day, everyone, and a Happy Thursday to those of you not celebrating today.

Tomorrow begins The Dragon’s Path Group Read. Late tonight or early tomorrow morning the schedule will be posted. Look forward to experiencing Daniel Abraham’s fantasy adventure with all of you participating.