Big run today. After a weekend of “trying” to rest, I had a long run planned for today, 16-17 miles. Got in touch with my running buddies last night to see who was in. Only Kyle was going to join me.
The plan was to run the Norwottuck Rail Trail (Northampton, MA to South Amherst, MA) about 8-8.5 each way. Kyle would park his truck at one end, ride to the other end with me, and we would run back to his truck.
The weather was cooperating, as well as New England weather does on a March morning. 35 degrees to start, and clear skies (of course it was 65 when I finished about 3 hours later.)
This was the first time either of us had run the trail, so we had only a small idea of what to expect. The trail didn’t let us down. Passing through farm land, and the edge of the University of Amherst, the run was very scenic. Most impressive were the views of the Mount Holyoke Range (aka the Seven Sisters). The trail was rather busy for a Monday, as we passed walkers, runners, bikers, dog walkers, and even a group of bird watchers (I also got to see two hawks along the run).
As we made it to the parking lot at the far end of the run, I left Kyle for my return leg. Now came the challenge. The longest run that I’ve done so far was 14 miles. This was one would total 17, and the last 8.5 was solo.
The nice thing about this trail is there are no major hills, but it seemed like the whole trail was uphill (both ways). At about 15 miles, I began to get real tired (not sure if it was more physical, or mental), but kept pushing on. Then, the railroad bridge came into sight, and I knew I was almost done… Only another half mile. Finally I was done! For about 10 minutes, I just sat in the back of my SUV, and took it all in. Another personal milestone.
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