Goshen to Sunapee

Distance: 9.42 Time: 1:33:17

The Course: Headed southeast on Rte 10 for a stones throw to Brook Rd (blinking light) took a right and 3+ miles of climb (grade 5) began. Not much chance to get into a rythm, it was more about finding a comfortable pace that I could maintain. After 1 mile Brook bears to the right, but stay straight onto Province (dirt rd). Stayed on that for nearly 3 miles before coming back out on Brook Rd.

Brook then feeds down to Rte 103 - take a right there and follow east for just over 1 mile. This was a chance to run on level terrain and get a true sense of pace. Then on to 103B at the rotary at the entrance to Sunapee state park.

103B does have some hilly sections at 6 1/2 and 8. Once at 9 miles it was down hill to the finish. Brook Rd and 103B newly paved and surface was excellent with plenty of shoulder room. Province Rd was a very nice stretch of peaceful dirt road. Heard multiple Roosters and had a rafter of 8 turkeys scatter off the road as I came through.

In Advance: This past weekend I had an Afib episode that left me very fatigued - wasn't able to do much of anything, let alone run. I wasn't sure how my body would respond. I wrote the "Man's Got to Know His Limitations" blog on Sunday in lieu of running. Took a pre-run snapshot of newly opening sunflower. I've tried for years to grow tall sunflowers - this is the first year with any success (usually the critters got to them in Hampstead).

During the Run: I started out slow around 9:30am from Goshen Town Hall, wary of the first 3 miles of hills and knowing that I was bouncing back from Afib. It was overcast and misty - not too warm. Slow and steady fit the bill. I gained confidence as I got through the opening 2 miles and settled in nicely. I opted not to run with the water pack so that I could be more relaxed. I drank quite a bit before starting and figured (correctly) that I'd be good without water until around mile 4 or 5. Nancy met me after I got out onto Brook Rd downhill section and then met me twice more after that. Worked out perfectly. Got sunny and steamy when I hit about mile 6. I did start to feel a bit of tightness coming down the last hill at mile 9, but eased on in without issue.

Post Run: I'm learning that getting in the car after running takes about 20 minutes to cool down and it's important to get fluids and use the roller. My clothes were soaked afterward - the sun and humidity really kicked in at the end. Once in the car we scouted the next route (to Croyden) and then drove the route after that (to Newport) as the leg just travels on 10. Then it was a disappointing lunch at Salt Box. I was very stiff - hobbled in and out of the restaurant doing my best Walter Brennan imitation. Was even more stiff when we made it back home ... pleased with the result!