Tag: Spider Run

Seven spider run alums appeared from the ether to take on this iteration of our weekly gathering.  To everyone’s surprise a +1 got a head start with a few laps around the lake before getting started.  Here’s how it went down:

Route:

• Meander east from the commons and head toward the river road entrance
• Turn right and head up Crenshaw
• Exit UR and cross College drive to Westham.
• Right on Westham to Baldwin
• Right on Baldwin which turns to Hampshire which turns to Horsepen
• Climb Horsepen to Patterson
• Right on Patterson for a brief jog then right on Ridge Top
• Descend Ridge top to… oh no!  Chandler
• Up Chandler to the top back down then left on Gardiner
• Meander back to the VSF

Moleskin:
The route was basically 5 miles.  Those in front got a little extra by mother goosing where appropriate to assist with directions as well as keep the PAX together.

Marv and/or Sippy were lost until they saw Chandler.  Then they were lost no more.

Pucker persevered even though he was noncommittal at the start.  You show up, you do what the Q says.  Lucky for you there was nothing less than 5 planned.

Great to see Bleeder get a head start today.  Had YHC known he could have planned for a rendezvous point somewhere on Westham.  Bleeder’s navigation ability allowed him to meet us up anyhow.  Way to push it Bleeder.

Annoucements:
CSAUP – you know it
Podcast – coming soon

Splinter out

5 intrepid runners presented themselves for a jaunt around UR.  Although the temperature was about 15 degrees, it seemed pleasant given the single digit temperatures we had experienced in prior days.

Given the conditions in surrounding neighborhoods due to the recent snowfall, YHC chose to keep the run within UR grounds.  The route was essentially a “figure-eight” covering the two main loops among the campus.  Some ran two iterations while others in added one more loop at the end.

YHC enjoyed his run and conversation with Sippy and Marv.  Not too much else to report, but YHC did take pride in being called-out for wearing shorts by some local moms walking their dogs (oh yeah)

Announcements:  Warmer weather is on the way!

Saab abides

7 intrepid men showed in various types and layers in the hope of shielding themselves from a very cold and rainy run.  This is what transpired.

As a extension to the “four finger” route introduced a few weeks ago, YHC wanted to add another digit.  Thus we added Boatright Drive to the mix making it a full-fisted route of hill-work (effectively 5 out and back routes – all of which extended to Three Chopt).  In the interest of squeezing in the fifth finger, YHC had those in the front who first reached the top of each hill (Three Chopt), run back and scoop up all remaining runners who would then all turn around.  This kept the PAX reasonably together while ensuring everyone had time to traverse most or all of each leg.

Regarding the weather, one can guess how nasty it was to run in cold, saturating rain.  YHC personally felt miserable and did not have a dry piece of clothing or skin by the conclusion of the run. (There is a significant difference between a “wind” and “rain” jacket as Saab and Swirly quickly learned.)  Marv appeared to have the all-weather gear from head to toe, while BT opted-out for the ninja look and instead chose to express himself in rainbow colors (not quite LTBT however).

Although it may be fleeting, YHC felt better physically than he has in a long time.  I really appreciate everyone of you gents for coming out in such miserable weather.  Once through it, it made for a great start to my day.

Note:  On my run home, not a sign of Seal Team in the parking lot nor anywhere on the grounds….just sayin’

Saab abides

10 strong and fleet and one four legged friend (Oakley) posted for a Spider run on a glorious Tuesday morning.

The Thang:

Mount Henrico: From the lake take the road around to the baseball field and through the parking lot to the main road, turn left, right on lakewood, right on wood, left on baldwin, right on westham parkway, left on baldwin, left on rock creek, left on ridge, right on university, right on julian, summit the hill to Parham road.  Reverse directions for five milers.  Six milers add the loop on Arlington on the way back.

NMM:

Two choices offered to the PAX today for the run.  1) over the river and through the woods – across Huguenot bridge to she south side and then either up or down river and 2) Mount Henrico  Second, hillier route was chose.  As Sippy Cup said “we came to run hills, we might as well do them”.   I was hoping the PAX would choose the easier river route, but in the end was glad to summit Mt. Henrico again.  YHC was told that when the faster crew reached the top, Marv insisted that the group take a right onto Parham and navigate to intersection of Patterson to make sure they had indeed made it to the highest point.

YHC had “promised” a couple of the PAX that were doing the Appalachian trail on  wednesday that we would do an easy four miler.  After the PAX chose mount henrico and given the groupings and numbers, I reneged on my promise and made Lab Rat and Upchuck come along for the full tour de Mount Henrico.  Lab Rat had EH’d FNG Rex to come along for the run.  He told Rex that the plan was for an easy 4 miler.  When Rex saw the speedsters and heard the option, he quickly changed his mind and went all in with the fast group (one of the benefits of being young and in college is that speed is still in your side).  Glad to have him out there with us.

When i saw Saab this morning, i was a little disappointed.  I also punched him to show my displeasure with his posting.  I had the mistaken impression that Saab was going to take the week between Christmas and New Years to let his body rest and heal.  Alas, he posted for Spider Run after all, not being able to resist the workout.  I am not one to take time off either, but sometimes discretion is the better part of valor.  Hopefully he will take some time off while in NJ (if Mama Saab lets him)

Seven Spider Run regulars + 1 FNC (friendly new car) convened at the commons for the weekly hillfest known as Spider Run.  Route was a somewhat basic loop with various offshoots to add mileage.  Prescribed route was:

– Head south to the entrance on River Road
– Down the hill, through the parking lot and west towards the bridge
– Take a right at the fork to stay on Westham Station
– First offshoot was right on Panorama, up to River and back down
– Second offshoot was supposed to be right on Highland, up to River and back down
– Third offshoot was for 6 milers and was left on Ross, down to the tracks and back up
– Everyone return back via South Ridge, Westham Parkway, Lakewood, around the ball field and back to the virtual shovel flag

Moleskin
The route was inspired by Saab’s 5 finger run last week.  For the most part the directions were followed.  On paper this route seemed simple; however, the second offshoot was actually a right up Old Bridge when then veered off to Highland.  Apologies for the confusion on that turn.  Luckily the PAX is becoming well versed in the streets around Spider Run to be able to improvise as necessary.  Perhaps there should have been a little mother goose in there.

Great to see Copernicus back on the run.  Always good when a Kotter makes it back in the mix.

YHC pulled up and noticed that TYA was sporting a new vehicle, presumably one that runs on petroleum products.  YHC took the opportunity to name the FNC the Shaggin’ Wagon.  Welcome Shaggin’ Wagon!

Great way to start the morning gents.  See you soon.

Splinter out.

9 men arrived in the gloom to take in a morning run in only slightly damp and chilly whether…

Route:  Progress out and back through a 5 roads leading from UR to Three Chopt (Robin, Iris, Tapoan, Ridgeway, Old Mill).  Mother-goose approach where leads circle back until last has reached the top (i.e. end of each road).

YHC enjoys his hills and, despite residual pain from this past weekend’s trail run, he wanted to offer a sampling of the various ascents surrounding the campus.  Five out-and-back legs were chosen (or what was later dubbed “5 fingers”).  The entire PAX performed extremely well on all fronts, grinding out some very steep hills.  There was mumble chatter along the way such as “remnants of the BRR”, to “which leg represents the middle finger…”.  Overall, YHC appreciated everyone’s effort given either their participation in this past weekend’s trail race, continued running and/or training for a future event or goal, or just running to and from the AO like Marv and Sippy are always prone to do. (Respect to all of you guys!).

Announcements:  Please offer up or help support a 3rd F for this month.  Given the holiday season, it is easy to forget those for whom this time of year is simply a reminder of their ongoing struggles.  Case in point, TYA will be sharing information regarding an organization that offers meals to homeless high school students (one of which works at our stomping ground ET).  DK is also working on an event so please reach out to him.

Saab abides

6 intrepid gentlemen arrived at University of Richmond commons for a post-holiday run.

Route (Splinter Special): Take university entrance, run through river road shopping center and head toward bridge.

4 milers:  traverse bridge and cloverleaf, then return.    5 milers:  head East, turn around at Rock Falls.  6 milers:  go past z-dam…to somewhere (or turn around at z-dam if you want a slightly shorter run – which is what we did).

NMS:  Whether it was illness, copious amounts of food and spirits, or a trip to a resort in the Bahamas, it was clear the PAX was still shaking off the long holiday.   All mile options were covered by at least one.  Those who targeted the 6 mile made a deliberate decision to turn early given aforementioned recoveries.  Otherwise it was a solid run in unusually warm and only slightly damp weather.

Chalking it up to distraction, YHC completely bypassed the name-o-rama (sorry guys).  Marv took us out – which was uplifting as usual.

Announcements:

There is one more contingent headed to Virginia Beach.  See Rosie for details (there was debate as to whether it was this Saturday or next)

There are still a couple of t-shirts options available (DaVille, Circus Maximus).  Purchases are still needed to meet the minimum.

Saab abides

4 gathered at UofR on a (very) frigid morning to take on various hills in and around the campus and surrounding neighborhood.  Total distance was between 5 and 6 miles – coupled by some obligatory merkins in the beginning and end.

Moleskin:

With TYA off running a 20 miler in the mountains with Lab Rat, Marv in the Bahamas, and other regulars among the missing, it was a fairly light crew but we made the best of it.  Since Swirly was elsewhere (No Toll), YHC took it upon himself to crank out some solo merkins – many of which were performed in the comfort of the Student Commons.  Other than that, it was great to be running along with Sippy again and catching up on things.  Through this, YHC learned that Marv is currently in the Bahamas with the VCU Rams.  Assuming Marv will post some runs down there, let’s hope he experiences some weather in the low 70’s, so he can (almost) know what we are going through up here.

BackBay and TwoCan did a great job today.  We stayed together as a pack and knocked out some really good hills.  YHC first wondered why he didn’t encounter Seal Team anywhere on the campus, but then he remembered that the temperature was below 35.

The COT was brief considering the loss of feeling in various extremities.

Saab abides

10 men posted on a beautiful fall morning.  Weather was 47 degrees and gloomy.  Perfect for a run

The Thang:

Mount Henrico redux.  Run the side of the lake and around the baseball field.  Left on the main road, right onto lakewood, right onto wood, left onto Baldwin, right onto Westham, left onto Baldwin, left onto Rock Creek, Left onto ridge, right onto university, right onto Glendale, left onto Julian.  Run to top of Julian at the intersection of Parham (highest point in Henrico county – according to Splinter), turn around and return using the same route.  6 milers take a loop around Arlington on the way out and on the way back

NMM

Splinter did this route about a month ago and it is a great run.  Lots of hills (and turns) makes for a good challenging run  Splinter led Marv and Sippy along the way making sure no one got lost.  BT and Swirly had done the route once before, but had trouble navigating a couple of turns.  They circled back to get direction from YHC and found their way on the rest of the run.  Backbay made most of the way, but not quite to the last turn at Julian. Toucan, Taxi Cab and I took a slightly shorter route hitting the Arlington loop and a run around the lake to finish things off.

Many thanks to Marv for his outward show of support for YHC this morning.  After getting bullied and harassed in the backblast because of my wardrobe choices yesterday, it was a welcome site to see Marv enter in his running tights this morning to show his support for me and against this brutish type of behavior.  I am looking forward to the day when the whole Pax unites in support and posts in this form fitting, comfortable and supportive garb.  Running tights, yoga pants, leggings, compression tights – all are a beautiful way to add some fashion to your running attire. #shortsareboring\

Announcements

4 shirts are up on the website: Keep Calm and Mosey on, Daville, Circus Maximus (Toga and Wilson are sure to buy many of this clown themed shirt), and W-Dog (I hear their is a special or an extra fee on this shirt since it is a  knockoff of the Woodfin corporate garb)

HDHH tomorrow.  M’s and 2.0s welcome.  1701 Buford road (see my previous backblast)