This weekend was once again filled with great training runs.  Saturday morning I met up with Ultra and Downhill for a 3+ hour run on a 15 mile section of the Bluff 50k course.  This particular section features lots of climbs and rocks, but does offer up some wonderful views.  The hot and muggy weather made for some sticky situations and made for a feeding frenzy by the local mosquito population.

Sunday I would bike over to the Branford green and then do the Wagon Wheel loop of the Supply Pond trail system.  I would run for just over an hour before finishing up.  The Branford Road Race was starting to bring runners to the center of town, so I was in debate on whether or not I should take part in the classic 5 mile jaunt.  Around 9:15 or so I said what the heck and signed up.  I wasn’t well prepared and would have to settle for my lightweight new Balance 790 trail shoes.  I must say, they actually felt great even while pounding on the roads.

Some 1500 runners take part in this event, particularly because it is part of a local series of road races in CT.  At 10:15 the gun went off and I tried hard to just run strong and steady without too much effort. I have run this course so many times over the last few years, but it still can creep up on you in certain places. I tried my best to surge the hills and use the downhills that followed as a recovery zone.  This seemed to work and I felt solid throughout the race.  When the final quarter mile stretch comes, I find I am running on pure adrenaline.  Hundreds of spectators line the streets and and cheer on the runners as the near the finish line.  I round the corner onto Main Street and give it everything I have.  I would finish at a time of 34:11.  This was only 20 seconds behind last years time, but I know that I gave everything I had last year to run under 34 minutes.  I feel I have a much mire solid base and a stronger build than I had last year.  As much as I am not a fan of pounding the streets, it was a nice break from the trails, and with the crowd support, made for a great day to run Branford.

I would take Monday off from running but I did manage to put in over 25 miles on my fixed gear.I ventured into West Haven, then made my way into New Haven for a burst of East Rock.  After a brief rest to enjoy the view, I followed rte 80 into North Branford.  I stopped by a friends house to take in some volleyball and before I knew it, the thunder and lightning came rolling in.  Instead of trying my best to make it home before being struck by lightning, I decided to take a ride home.  Smart move…

So I am just about a month away from Vermont.  WOW!!  Hard to believe, but I think all my hard work is paying off.  I am still due for a few more long runs, but now is the time to focus on staying strong and injury free.  I must keep up with proper fueling and adequate rest.

My friend Jerry runs Western States next week, and I must say I am a bit jealous, that I will be missing out. Good Luck my man!!