Here we are in late October, 2022 and have traversed through all of the 16 towns in Sullivan County. What better time, while there are still some fresh memories, to look back at the time spent on this running quest traveling through the county.
First some numbers -- gotta have those -- to help put things in perspective:
16 -- Number of Towns
140 -- Number of Miles
23 Hrs -- Time Spent Running
11K feet -- Elevation Climbed
So let's go one by one and recall something memorable for each:
Washington to Lempster -- first siting of the Wind Turbines and images of Don Quixote. Found a Boston Red Sox hat along the way -- can understand, was a terrible season for them
Lempster to Acworth -- Class 6 road/hill climb that started next to Chain Saw guy. Quite a climb on Lynn Hill dirt road making it up to town hall.
Acworth to Langdon -- Loved the route, especially down hill dirt road descent on Crane Brook Rd and then first glimpse of Vermont across Connecticut River Valley when running on Holden Hill Rd. Corn was knee high by fourth of July. Sign of things to come where Town Hall and Town Office buildings in different locations.
Langdon to Charlestown -- More backroad peaceful dirt road running. Was very thankful to be running down (and not up) Breakneck Hill road into Charlestown.
Charlestown to Unity -- Enjoyed company with Matias and Dan. Long one with hills at the end made for quite a challenge. The value in scouting ahead came in handy as we encountered a huge German Shephard (Libby) whom I met on a scouting trip so knew was friendly. She was the size of a Dire Wolf. This leg included 2 unknown off road connector sessions. Was very glad for the company.
Unity to Goshen -- Once off the main road was peaceful dirt road. Stopped at the Red Barn sale that happens every weekend and met owners.
Goshen to Sunapee -- Where's the town? The run to Sunapee town hall was on main roads and not much on the scenery front, though nice residential dirt roads along the way. Ran to town offices. Would see the original Town Hall on next leg.
Sunapee to Croydon -- Detoured by the Lake Harbor, the annual duck race was taking place. Got a pic with old town hall in background. Sunapee was the highlight. The route to Croydon seemed to grow drearier as I got closer to Croydon. Town Hall was pretty unkempt along Route 10. Highlight was visiting PolyCulture home brewery for an after run ale out back at patio tables.
Croydon to Newport -- First flat run in ages. I hadn't planned, but once I got going decided I'd treat it more like a race - pushing myself. My pace isn't what it once was, but to finish 7.2 miles averaging close to 8:30 pace (under 8:30 first 6 miles / slowed the last 1.2) was very heartening.
Newport to Claremont -- Memorable start up Elm Street hill then after stretch on 103 enjoyed the Chandlers Mill Rd along Sugar River. Covered bridge stop. Was very thankful for Nancy support as my legs were a bit worn down from running so hard the prior run. While entering Claremont I ran past a house with free items out on lawn. Couldn't resist and picked up a pillow with sheep on front. Expect it was an odd site seeing a guy running along with a sheep pillow.
Claremont to Cornish -- Another case of town offices and town hall. Ran past the town offices and finished off at the Fair Grounds where old town hall sits. Another opportunity to find a route that took dirt back roads with limited cars.
Cornish to Plainfield -- Very memorable with 3 covered bridges. Ran across the Windsor Cornish bridge over to Vermont side and back. Stopped at a number of historical signs and even though mostly on main road (12A) it was very scenic - especially along the Connecticut River. I missed one covered bridge - I started towards it, but was behind schedule so opted to visit it by car the following week.
Plainfield to Meriden -- Meriden is part of Plainfield and is their town office location. Before the run we visited the library and found that there was a Maxfield Parrish vintage print sale the next week that we planned to visit.
Meriden to Grantham -- Most memorable of all the Sullivan runs, shared it with Haley - though she was frequently waiting for me, she's in great shape. We stopped in at Plainfield Town Hall and bought a Maxfield Parrish vintage print - Twilight. The run was a tough one - especially the 4 mile stretch up/down Methodist Hill and the deceptive rolling terrain along 89. 3 hill climbs on the route - I had nothing left at the end.
Grantham to Springfield -- Straight shot along 114. Beautiful fall morning. Highlight was a seeing brown furred pigs running along side for a short stretch.
Those are my recollections - plenty of dirt roads, hilly terrain, beautiful scenery, lunches with Nancy at some great spots and good weather. Enjoyed the company and very thankful for all of Nancy's support. Got it done!
How about you? I hope you are inspired to "Get up, Get out, Get going" at whatever you want to do that gets your body moving, your heart pumping, your lungs filling and brings you a good good feeling.
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