Release the hounds!!

Killed a great 8-miler today on MY path. Normal route closed at 2 miles, so came home and took the road less travelled south. Fall was in the air and the path was damasked with sunlight hidden by the leaves through the summer, now peaking through as the trees shed their summer green. Pace was 2 full minutes faster than any other 8 miler I've run. Weather was ideal and hopefully a preview of next Sunday. This week will bring lots thinking and finalizing strategy. Should I run with 11:00 or 10:45 pace group? Should I cut carbs next 4 days and carb up last 3 or manage day to day? What do I wear if in the 40's? 50's? Raining? What is the perfect dinner Sat Night? What needs to be packed for my road crew to best support me? Lots of questions. None of which will make or break my performance.

Funny end to my run today. I thought I lived in Suburban Illinois, but was suddenly in an Old English countryside as my run came to a close. Coming home from the South on the Il Prairie Path, about a mile out, there is a series of downhill "steps" made from railroad timbers. As I approached, I ran into 4 horses coming up the steps. The riders were properly dressed in traditional Red jackets, jodhpurs and hats. Interesting I thought. Just after the steps, I cross the tracks and make my kick home, running hard to the edge of the parking lot. Feel great after strong run with really great pace. I'm parked on opposite side of the street. As I approach the street, I look left and see this:



It's the Wayne, IL annual fox hunt. Approximately 30 Hounds and 200 Horses approached and turned right onto the path I had just vacated. It was a sight to be seen and if not for perfect timing, I would have faced the entire "herd" and forced off the path. An admittedly unique ending to my last run on the path for this training season. 3 more runs before 10/11. Plan on my favorite routes. South to Adler for 7 on Tues, North to the point for 5 on Thursday and an easy 3 to the end of Navy Pier to take it all in on Friday. It's going to be a good week.

Check out the new stuff I added today on the blog. 2 documents from Joe about PD and his history with it and a link to Darryl Hill's journal of Shirley's journey with the disease. In addition, I have added some new great pictures from Chicago '08 from Kim to the slideshow. Love the new series of pics from Chinatown...says it all!

thanks for reading and have a great week. P