Running Virtually

Thank you for your time and attention. Just Plain Dave shares three chapters recorded across the month of January 2021: 1st his experience with the CV19 testing process; 2nd a sunset trail run that got a little spooky in Massasoit State Park, and 3rd a run that finished in a heavy snow squall. I am staying healthy and well, and am very grateful for you all, my friends and family. Happy trails!

Happy holidays and Merry Christmas. First, a random interaction with my neighbor Edith, with “see you tomorrow” familiarity. Second, a random act of kindness on the Wapack Trail and the pleasant neurochemical boost from helping a stranger. Third, a flashback to November 2018 when international travel seemed normal. This 2020 holiday season has me thinking about travel and family, and creating great memories. My trip to Israel in 2018 is a big highlight for me. The recording includes a 20-sec call to prayer, a sound that transports me back to Jerusalem. Happy trails, my friends.

The EDS project took 36 days of consistent effort and big logistical challenges to try to map a route with minimal duplication. Lots of cul-de-sacs and private roads. I am very fortunate for my health and well-being so that I can attempt crazy challenges. /-/ This episode and my whole EDS Project are dedicated to the memory of my Uncle John, who crossed the final finish line in the Ultramarathon that we call life, Rest In Peace.

Update on my “Every Damn Street” running project. 17 runs complete, about 60 percent of the 170 miles of roads in Rehoboth. Comments on some of the critters I’ve seen while out and about. And Happy Thanksgiving to you, my friends.

New goal for the last two months of 2020: “Run Every Street” in my town. 170 miles of roads in 47 square miles. /-/ Does it feel like the world is out to get you? Hanlon’s Razor says that it’s more likely that they just don’t care. Incompetence and apathy are more frequently the explanation for misfortune than bad intentions.

October is a great time to go to the beach in New England. There may be a gale force wind on the Sakonet River (Little Compton, Rhode Island) or glassy smooth conditions on Vineyard Sound (Cape Cod) but life is good when you can enjoy the sun and sand. My brown dog and I enjoyed a long walk at Horseneck Beach in Westport (Massachusetts) while I recorded my recap of the Falmouth Unofficial Road Race brought yo you by the Flying Quahog Running Club.

D&D attempt the 43-mile “Wapack and Back” trail ultramarathon. The adventure was a success, even if the total miles run was “only” 31 miles (50 km). Eight lessons learned to increase the chance for success on your next adventure. Plus some musings on history and perspective, and points of reference. I think it is human nature to think that the world as we see it now is “normal.” It’s always been this way . . . . (This episode dedicated to my Uncle John, who is demonstrating many of the strengths of an ultra endurance athlete in the 1,000+ days since his cancer diagnosis)

Putting to the test, the Ultimate Ultrarunner skill: Dealing with change and adversity with a smile. Join my real life running friends - - the Flying Quahog Running Club - - for an Ultra Grand Adventure. A 41-mile run from my house in southeastern Massachusetts to the beach in Narragansett RI. Adventures are better when shared with friends, even with (especially with) social distancing in the time of Covid. Four friends joined Just Plain Dave for a sunny, summer trek through west bay Rhode Island to spend some time TOGETHER at the beach. Key words: Friends & Together. /-/ FQ is a noncompetitive and inclusive group, most of whom run a little, some of whom run a lot. In a different time or place we would be Hash House Harriers. /-/ A Quahog is a salt water clam, usually not harvested till they are larger than your fist. And it’s pronounced: KO - hog

Run training, using elevation gain as a metric during marathon training. Summary of vert - - elevation gain - - during 2020 monthly training. Feedback from Coach Chris Twiggs on potential benefits of hill training. And Just Plain Dave’s discussion of seven reasons why he includes hill training in his running program. Thank you to Kevin Gwin (The ExtraMile Podcast) and Coach Twiggs (Jeff Galloway training system).

Meandering thoughts from a couple of very long runs. A brief recap of a solo self-supported 50 kilometer run and a Patriots Day hike on Mt. Greylock. Seth Godin commentary on people being bad a making predictions. And a 10-minute recollection about marine geology research from my graduate studies at the University of Hawaii. A simple sound triggered the memory from more than 25 years ago. Happy trails and Aloha.