Running hurts.  Not the running itself so much, I enjoy that.  But the recovery.  It’s a pain I don’t mind so much because it’s positive feedback that I’m working out.  But I’ve dropped my mileage this summer, or more importantly I’ve reduced the number of days I run, and that makes my legs more sore in between runs.

That I’ve been more sore in between runs tells me I’m not doing enough to maintain my fitness.  I could reduce the distance of my runs, but I don’t want to do that.  I enjoy running 8 to 10 miles.  Anything less isn’t worth a shower afterward.  Research suggests there’s no health benefit to running beyond 35 miles per week, but I like the 45 to 60 mile range.  Running is a hobby that I like to put that much time into, essentially 6 to 8 hours per week.  And I think 5 days per week keeps the pain away more than only 3 days per week.

Discovering a new trail will help me run the miles this summer.  Dave explained to me how there’s a trail that branches off LoBo at the softball diamond near the corner of 83rd and Niwot Road.  I’ve never seen it because I turn a few feet before the street crossing to take the unofficial dirt trail along the creek that cuts behind the softball field.  This new spur gives me a 10 miler if I take it up behind NHS.  Ellie tells me the section around NHS is called the Cross Country Loop, and that a heavily-canopied section is called the Jungle Trail.  That’s a pretty cool single track.  Best feature is a strong hill near the turn-around.  Worst part of LoBo is it’s so flat.  This greatly enhances my workout.  I ran it both yesterday and today for a total of twenty miles.

I ran it yesterday, smartly wearing a hydration pack.  Not sure why I thought I could forego water today.  I think I was only planning to run 8 but got lured into running the new trail again.  Dipping my hat in the irrigation ditch helped on my return.  What really saved me from walking though was the Sebestas came up from behind me on their bikes at 7 miles and Dave left me with his water bottle.  That carried me home.

A couple of ten milers.  A new trail.  And brunch with my girls at the Greenbriar Inn.  The perfect Father’s Day weekend.