After 20 trail miles yesterday, I wanted to run again today. The quads were a little sore, but overall I felt like I recovered quite well. I didn't get back from camping until almost dinner time. I had to wait some time for my food to settle before I headed out to run. I decided to run on the trails at Lehigh's Mountaintop Campus. I started after 8 PM.
The plan was to run 10 miles. I thought about parking at the bottom of the mountain, but I didn't want to get lost, since I didn't know the trails from that spot. I hoped that the Lehigh security didn't mind my car being parked at night at the Mountaintop Campus. I left a note on my car just in case.
The plan was to run the trail from Dave Decker's Loopy run last month. I ran the 4.5 mile loop 4 times that day, so I figured I knew it pretty well. Plus, there are still ribbons on the course.
It felt comfortable when I was about to start, but I know better this time of year. It is always humid. I think it was more damp today since it had rained. Regardless, I was sweating early and often during the run and was glad that I went shirtless.
The run starts off downhill. I cruised along, taking it nice and easy. I was just enjoying the run. I ran up the first short uphill, but after that, I walked most of the uphill sections, particularly the other early long one.
At times, the trail looked familiar. Other times, I wasn't so sure. Luckily, I continued to see ribbons, so I knew I was on the right track. It was cloudy and with being in the woods, I lost visibility in a hurry. I figured that I wouldn't need a headlamp until the second loop, but now I was regretting that I didn't have one.
I had to be careful. Not only did I have some trouble seeing the rocks, but they were slippery too. I sure didn't want to fall out there all alone by myself.
I figured that since it was dusk, I would see a lot of deer. I often see them on this trail. I was surprised that it took until almost the end of the first mile until I saw one. I actually saw two of them and I ended up splitting them up. Hopefully, they got back together.
At one point, I thought maybe I missed a turn. Eventually, I came to the correct turn. This happened later on too. I thought I was supposed to cross the road, but that was actually farther down. This part wasn't too bad, but I knew it would get tougher.
It was getting darker and darker and I knew the last 2 or more miles would be very rocky. I had to take it easy downhill and take small steps. I had to make sure that I didn't trip. This section really winds through the woods. I figured by now that I should probably head back at the next road crossing. The final section would probably be too dangerous.
My decision to cut back early was quickly confirmed. I was near the road and I saw the silhoutte of something climb quickly up a tree. I think there were two of them. They ran up the trees fast like a squirrel, but they were much bigger, possibly a raccoon or possum. That made me a little uncomfortable running under them.
I came to the road crossing and the funny part of the run. I emerged from the dark woods and there happened to be a Lehigh student running on the road. I completely scared the crap out of him. I had to say, "Sorry. I was just running through the woods." He really must've thought I was crazy. I saw him again later on the road as I was running up the mountain.
I ran along the shoulder of the road, up the mountain. It was less than a mile to the top. I got to the building next to my car at exactly 4 miles. I didn't feel like running another loop at this point, even though I had a headlamp in the car. It was the time to just call it a night. The 4 miles would have to do.
I might not have run as much as I wanted, but it was still a fun and quality session. I'm also thrilled with how well I had recovered. My quads do feel pretty sore now, so I'm glad I didn't run too much more though.
Tomorrow, I will definitely just be riding my bike. I'm hoping that I can ride 20 to 25 miles. That should be a good recovery exercise. On Tuesday, I'd like to ride and run. Summer basketball season is just about over, so I'll have more time to workout soon.
4 miles - 51:50 (12:58 pace)
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