The Baltimore 10 Miler

The Baltimore 10 Miler is one of the few races I run for the heck of it, and not for speed. Registration fees for races can get pretty high, so I generally will only run a race if I think I’ve got a shot at a personal best. But there are other reasons I’ll run a race: if a friend is running it; if the course is supposed to be nice and scenic; if beer is involved; if I really like the charity support; or finally, if it’s got a sweet premium. The Baltimore 10 Miler happens to be known for its sweet premiums that are often, by themselves, worth the cost of registration (especially if you register early and get the early bird discount like I did because I’m a damn genius).

Snail on the Trail

My plan after coming back from Newfoundland and the Relay for Hope was to keep running about 40 miles a week, but I’ve averaged 32. No big deal though. The only race I have in the near future is the Baltimore 10-Miler this Saturday, and I don’t really “race” that one, because it’s in June, and I may have mentioned how much I hate running in the summer.

By the Numbers

I’m still gathering my thoughts for one last wrap-up post for the Relay for Hope, but in the meantime, here is my run across Newfoundland in numbers, maps, and charts. I’m also including links to all my highlight videos and a few other places, so this is your one-stop shop for all that.

Poutine Rocket Fuel

We have two days of running to go before we’re done. Remember when I said I thought I could run all the way to Hope? I was funny back in those days, a week and a half ago. The miles are catching up to me now, and I can’t wait to see the ferry in Port aux Basques. Fortunately, I’ll have about a day to recharge in Nova Scotia before I fly back to Maryland. It’s been an awesome ride, and a great opportunity. I would like to do it again next year, but maybe not for three whole weeks.

L’idiot

The miles are starting to take their toll. Not on my legs, not on my brain, not even on my ankle. But on my feet. My feet feel like they’re in the last 4 miles of a marathon. Of all the things that hurt at the end of a marathon, my feet are up there at the top. But, meh, only about 60 miles to go. No big deal.

The Life, in a Day

There is a certain appeal to life on the road. I can see why people have written so many songs about it.

Good for the Goose

We arrived, by foot naturally, in Gander, Newfoundland yesterday. Today was a rest day, so I mostly just… you know, rested and stuff.

Robyn’s Maple Bean Chili

First things first: I got through my run today, at the same pace as before. My ankle is slightly swollen, with cute little purple areas, but I guess the repetitive motion of running doesn’t use the muscle that got torn. A basketball game at this point would not be a good idea, but I can run forward on pavement. It’s a good thing, because I’m even worse at basketball than I am at running.

The Orange Lodge

We left Clarenville this morning, running a little late. Amanda has been our early runner, since morning is her usual time to run, so she went off into the fog and drizzle to kick off day 5. We got some pretty good pictures of her running into the fog. Before long, she found herself on a brutal uphill, but she killed it. I got her celebration on video. It’ll make the highlight reel.

Keep track of your hats and donuts

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We’ve completed our runs on day 4 of the Mylan Relay for Hope. Believe it or not, the days are already starting to bleed together. You know how when you’re on vacation with people, and someone mentions a restaurant you went to, and then everyone tries to figure out whether you ate there two nights ago or three nights ago? OK, well it happens to me, anyway.