Tag: Spider Run

With sustained rain upon us, Pax converged by the Commons under the enclosure.  YHC gave the route and off we went.

Out the Bat Cave exit and across the Huguenot Bridge.  Take the Riverside exit and then a left to head west on Riverside.  4s turn around at the park entrance and 5s turn around at Hickory for out and back routes.

6s continue up Hickory to Cherokee and hang a left.  Cross Huguenot Rd and take a left on Arrowhead which will turn into Oxford Pkwy.  Take Riverside back to the bridge and return home.

NMS

When the bat cave was called, the Pax groaned in anticipation of deep water.  The bat cave did not disappoint as we navigated the trail via sparse lights and how the person in front of you fared on the terrain.

Many opted for the shirtless option since the humidity was 100% and soaking.  The view over the river was serene as the waters were calm despite recent rain.  Riverside never disappoints and is certainly one of the top running roads in Richmond (when you can see the river).

As we returned to the AO, one of the Spider Buses had a destination titled “Special Run” displayed.  Most days with this Pax are indeed special and always better than going it solo.  Add some rain, snow, or challenging terrain, and it gets very special.

I am glad the bus driver agrees as well.

Time to Taper,

Lockjaw

Twelve fleet-a-foot gathered near the commons for a birthday iteration of Spider Run.  Parking logistics were altered from the norm, causing a scattering of PAX members.  Eventually we all met up for:

The Thang
Warm up lap around the lake before convening at the base of gateway and richmond way.  Partner up for beat your partner to the spot.  One partner runs clockwise back up the hill towards the stadium while the other runs counter.  When you meet, tag hands and return to the start.  Repeat, attempting to beat your partner to where you tagged the first time.

Quick shuffle along the path, through the woods to the base of towana and roselawn for hill repeats.  1 minute up roselawn at ~80%.  Recover back to the bottom of the hill in 1:45.  Repeat for a total of 6 iterations, attempting to meet or beat your previous apex on the hill.

Mosey back to the flag for COT where YHC took us out.

Moleskin
This morning was a wonderfully warm and humid day.  YHC picked this day on the calendar back in January and have been thinking about how to challenge the PAX ever since.  We could have done typical 4, 5, and 6 mile routes but that wouldn’t have been very exciting.  Since we haven’t pulled out intervals or hill repeats in a while, YHC figured we could do both.

Lug was likely disappointed he found us after our jaunt around the lake as he was probably about to embark on his own journey for the day.  Luckily Bleeder found him and he joined in with the rest of us.

Singer was eager for instructions this morning, and as 530 approached all YHC said was 1 minute gentlemen.  I think everyone knew what was in store after that point.

Great to see Rosie and Swiper punching their tickets today.  Both of them were crushing the hills today.  Speaking of crushing the hills, there was a little father / son battle one of the final repeats of the morning.  Swirly took off like a cannon only to have Grunt blaze his own trail to the top.  I’ll let either one of them disclose the results.

Title of the BB today is fair warning to the PAX.  If you attempt to wear heart-shaped sequin tassel pasties (I’ll let you google that on your own) on your birthday while running, you may want to consider some localized prep in the area.  Saab suggested perhaps some more powerful adhesive or proper shaving of the area.  YHC did neither.

Announcements
CSAUP
Puppy Pile

Enjoy the day gentlemen.  I know I will.

Splinter out.

A cool dozen runners, including one FNG, took off for a cruise down Westham Parkway.  4, 5, and 6 mile options were invoked and all returned safely.

Big Tennessee took us out.

NMS

The rolling hills of Westham Parkway never disappoint, nor does the Westham Station extension.  Today’s backblast title comes from a story Saab shared pre-run.  Imagine Homer Simpson running out of the front door in his underwear to dispatch with a screech owl that disrupts his sleep invoking memories of Poe’s “The Raven”.

Welcome Brita!  Hopefully we will see you out soon.  It’s always great to have a Trophy siting as well.

Announcement:

• July 21 – Puppy Pile – 7:05 @ the Carillon
• October 20 – A CSAUP shrouded in secrecy.  TYA is doing research in South America as we speak.

Always Be Tapering,

Lockjaw

• 11 congregated around the U of R lake, showing varying degrees of interest regarding which route they would take;
• As YHC spouted instructions with a map in tow, many expressed uncertainty on which direction to go;
• Lab Rat took off on his own direction, with Fudd as a companion upon later inspection;
• Sippy, Splinter, and Hardywood in front as one could plainly see, yet Hardywood dropped off near the end – supposedly having to pee;
• In hitting the steepest hills Pucker showed just what to do, while Two Can was not far behind sporting his new Scorpion tattoo;
• Bootleg was strong as ever as he ran toward others to join, while Circle K peddled off somewhere pondering his next pork-loin;
• And lastly TYA wearing nothing but his Nike-Pro tights, left little to the imagination for awakening residents just turning-on their lights;

Saab Abides

9 Pax arrived and YHC called the infinity loop.  Off we went with Opus catching us a little later.

Some did 4 loops, some dig 3 and some time around the lake, and others did 2 plus a cross campus excursion.

Shakedown took us out in observance of his race this weekend.

NMS

Though we had done this route one time before, the speedy Pax was a little unaware of the course.  YHC said that they would all stick together for the first lap, but none the less a trio took off.  Let’s just say they missed the turn and got some extra miles in.

Three Qs in 24 hours.  YHC is starting to feel like F3RVA’s Ryan Adams with prolific backblast publications across a diverse backdrop of AOs.  It’s been fun.

Speaking of fun.  There was a Keymaster sighting as we wrapped up the COT.  Keymaster was leading his local running group.  (But wait! F3 has a Tuesday run location in this very location.)  Not satisfied with making just one pass, they circled the lake a second time provoking Swirly to provide commentary on his ass kicking prowess.  That is reason #38 why it is better to be a part of this Pax then against it.

Announcements:

• Paddling Thursday after work.  Looks like there are two or three of us going.  This will not be the only time we go this summer, so plenty of future opportunities.
• July 4 convergence downtown – Kubota is on point

Time to Taper,

Lockjaw

13 Heat Seeking Missiles targeted Spider Run this morning to try to find the heat.  It didn’t take long!  PAX studies laminated route maps.  5:30am and BOOM!  Off we go!

Route:

4’s, 5’s and 6’s all head around the top side of the lake and escape campus via University Dr.  Take University up to Ralston.  Left on Ralston to River.  River to E. Glenbrooke Circle.  Turn on W. Glenbrooke Circle and wind around to Twin Lake.  4’s hang a right on Roslyn Hills and then a hard right into the playground.  5’s take Melwood from Twin Lake up to September and then a right on Roslyn Hills.  Hard left into playground.  6’s take a left on Roslyn Hills from Twin Lake and then a right on Ruggles.  Right on Charnwood up to Melwood up to September over to and down Roslyn Hills and a hard left into the playground.  All routes then run through the playground, up the trail, by the old house, down the driveway and hop onto University to Ralston to University back down to the lake.  4’s take the bridge route back to VSF.  5’s and 6’s take the top side of the lake to the VSF with 6’s running a third of the way to the bridge and back to VSF.

Numberama, Namearama and YHC took us out

NMS:

Great run this morning.  Lots of hills and heat.  We couldn’t have gotten any wetter if we had jumped in the lake.  Several PAX’s abodes were passed this morning including YHC’s, Keymaster’s, Slurpee’s and Honeydo’s on the 6 mile route.  YHC drove the route yesterday and didn’t realized the amount of hills that were included on the route until YHC actually ran the route.  Of course when one drives the route, the legs do not feel the inclines!  YHC was shooting for 5 this morning, but the heat and hills brought him back to reality and he settled for the 4 mile route which ended up being 4.25!(BOOM!)  The title of this Backblast and the name of the route is due to YHC telling everyone that instead of selling tractors at work yesterday, YHC was printing out and laminating maps for the different routes.  Bleeder then suggested that YHC should have been making laminated maps for tractor demonstration routes instead while at work.

Announcements:

It looks as though Breaking Bread does not have a Q for this Sunday!!!!  Someone sign up, please!  It is something you will never forget especially if you take your 2.0’s!  YHC is surprised Lab Rat is not jumping up and down about this.  (Your welcome for the Backblast mention, Lab Rat!)

Puppypile is this Saturday at 7:05am immediately following Dogpile.  Sippy Cup had the lead.

4th of July convergence at Tredegar at 7am on July 4!  YHC will start us off and then pass the hot potato.  Hardywood/Kubota sponsored Coffeteria/Breakfast immediately following.  There may be a swim involved after, as well.

Lockjaw and Kubota are planning on a kayak/canoe trip soon while the water level looks good.  Huguenot Flatwater is the possible AO.  This would count as an Off the Books post for those trying to complete the Summer challenge.  We will let everyone know when.  (note: canoes/kayaks are not supplied)

Have a great Tuesday all!

Kubota

keep posting

13 strong converged on the U of R lake to attack the “Butt(e) Route” or the “Up to the Butt(e) Route.”

4’s, 5’s and 6’s all exited campus via the River Road entrance and skirted through the shopping center parking lot and headed across the river.  Exit right at the end of the bridge and head up river.  All routes turn around at Butte Road.  4’s return as you came for a 4.3 mile run (yes, YHC miscalculated, but YHC feels good about it!)  5’s return across bridge and hop onto Westham Station and go down and take Old Bridge up to Highland to River Rd.  Left on the grass strip by River to a right on College down to the lake and come around the top side of the lake.  6’s come back across bridge, hop onto Westham Station and take it around to S. Ridge.  Up S. Ridge to River Rd.  Ease left until you get to Gaymont and take Gaymont up to University.  University down to the lake and come around the top side of the lake.

Numberama, Namearama, Announcements and YHC took us out.

NMS:

Nice temperature for a stroll this morning!  YHC was hoping to get a sunrise in over the river, but the clouds dominated.  A few deer were hanging out in the field below the bridge.  YHC tried to EH a couple other runners that passed Slurpee and I on the bridge.  It ended up that one of them knew Splinter.  Splinter told YHC that guy ran the Boston Marathon in 3 hours, so YHC is not sure he wants that guy to post and show us up.  The 4 mile route ended up being 4.3, so “your welcome” to everyone who chose that route.  All came in under 45 minutes!  Swirly and Grunt did a cool 5 and Marv, Splinter and Sippy Cup crushed the 6 mile route which may have been a tenth or so over 6??  7.22 minute miles I heard??  Great job!  Great to see Vinny and Slurpee out to their first Spider Run!  Sugar Sock, Vinny and Wedding Singer checked this AO off on the challenge.

Announcements:

HDHH this Wednesday at 6pm at Hardywood West.  Come out and help us honor and send off Flashdance and Fudd to new lands!

Old School Field Day at Vinny’s Dogpile VQ this Saturday.  Wear a cheap t-shirt from your formative years.

Puppy Pile 6/23 at 7:05am.  Sippy Cup has the Q.

July 4th Convergence at Tredegar 7am.  YHC will start us off.  Only AO in town that day!!  Coffeteria/Breakfast immediately following.

Summer Challenge is in full force!  Who is going to catch Vinny, Shakedown or Sugar Sock??

Shakedown and Rosie are competing in an Ultimate on June 30th on and around the High Bridge Trail near Farmville.  Sugar Sock is helping with logistics.  If anyone else would like to help him(them), contact Sugar Sock.

RAMM Amateur Gears is this Friday.  Lockjaw has the Q for what could be a comedy fan’s dream come true!

Have a great Tuesday all!!

Kubota

keep posting!!

14 on the finest arrived for unseasonably low humidity and a chance to tackle some miles.  YHC called the Cardinal Run and off we went.

Around the Robins Center and up Boatwright.  Take Honaker to Patterson and take a right followed by an immediate left on Roxbury.  Roxbury to West Franklin and head west.

At the intersection of Charles, 5s/6s take a right and take an out and back detour to Crestview Elementary (home of the Cardinals).  All routes then continue west on W. Franklin to Donald. Take a left and Donald turns into Register Pkwy.

At Patterson and Three Chopt, 6s continue west on Patterson to Westham Pkwy and a left on University Dr to come through the trails to the lake.

4s and 5s head south on Three Chopt and take a right on the access road just beyond Bandy Field.  Drop down the hill on the trail and pick up the road.  Take the cut through back to the main UR entrance and come down around the Robins Center to the lake.

Gomer Pyle took us out.

Mumble chatter was light at the end, however a subset of the Pax was singing the accolades of Pitch Perfect.  YHC inquired if that was the one with Jimmy Fallon (Fever Pitch) but was informed Pitch Perfect was not about baseball in any way.

Welcome Gomer Pyle’s 2.0 “Tippecanoe”.  Hopefully that name nicely combines your interest in politics and military strategy.

Announcements:

• Ronnie’s on the mend.  Hopefully we will see him “back” in action soon.
• June 15 – Amateur day at RAMM GEARs.  Bring any bike and be prepared to be underwhelmed.  See Lockjaw for details.
• June 23 – Puppy Pile – 2.0 friendly workout after Dogpile.  Sippy is on point to kick it off.
• July 4 – Convergence downtown.  Patriots welcome.
• Once the river levels drop, YHC is going to get an off the books kayak/canoe group together.  See Lockjaw for details.

Time to Taper,

Lockajaw

15 emerged from post holiday (as well as basketball and hockey) slumbers for this week’s Spider Run.

The Kanawha route was called in 4, 5, and 6 mile variations.  Out the River Rd entrance and hang a left and then immediate right in front of the shopping center.  Hang a right on Westham Station and begin the ascent up a nice hill.  Hang a right at the top onto Country Squire which will put you out on Westham Pkwy.

4s – Hang a right on University Dr and back to campus with a lap and half around the lake.

5s/6s – Hang a left on University Drive, right on Ralston, left on University Dr to Ziontown.  Cross Ridge and cut through the parking lot to Forest.

5s take a right on Lakewood and then a right on Westham Parkway and a left on University Drive to return to the lake.

6s take a left on Forest and then a right on Rock Creek, right on Baldwin, and a right on Westham Pkwy.  Take a left on University Drive to return to the lake.

Bleeder took us out.

Announcements:

• Summer Challenge is in full effect.  Sign up!
• Puppy Pile on 6/23 – Sippy will kick things off.

Time to Taper,

Lockjaw