Tag: Sunday Funday

Five towering Redwoods overcame the seductive draw of their respective fartsacks, posted just before 0700 at Pumphouse, and took a spin around our city’s glorious downtown river trails with Johnsonville (YHFA = Your Humble Flesh Anchor) self-designating as Q. The PAX took the normal route in clockwise fashion, running down past Maymont, Hollywood Cemetary, and the old Tredegar Iron Works. We crossed to the southside via the T. Potterfield Memorial Bridge. On the southside, part of the route was blocked for construction. We redirected ourselves up the steep wooden stairs to the top of the climbing wall and then down to SunTrust Mortgage complex. We took the normal path over to the Buttermilk trail complex.

Saab ran well ahead in order to add the challenging 3 mi Forest Hill Park trails. The PAX made its way back to the Boulevard Bridge, crossed, and did a COT with YHFA taking us out. Soon thereafter, Saab came flying in from his extended route.

Thank you all for permitting me to lead each morning for 7 days in a row. Thank you for lifting my spirits as physical limitations threatened to block my way. It has been a humbling experience, but it has helped me to better understand and appreciate F3RVA’s character and cohesiveness.

See ya in the gloom! Jville

4 determined souls posted for a Sunday morning trail run.  Weather is looking up in the RVA, so short sleeves and shorts was all that was needed.

The Thang

Northbank to potter bridge to buttermilk and back to the parking lot.  Approximately 7.25 miles covered.

NMM

It was a wildlife experience to behold this morning.  We started out on the northbank and when we went to make the turn onto the path just behind maymont, a pack of deer (somewhere between 3 – 100) go spooked by our approach and were scrambling out of there to get away.  One (or maybe 40) was stuck between Lab Rat and the path and was totally freaked out until Mr. Rat moved away.  We continued further down the path to see an otter in the water and 2 more deer on the railroad tracks (that were again spooked by our presences).  Along the way we encountered additional wildlife including a woodpecker and a few squirrels.  Reminded me of the scene in Ace Ventura when his landlord leaves the apartment and all of the animals come out of the woodworks to greet Ace.

Trails were quiet today with only four of our PAX members (Saab was away on a camping trip) and not many others seen on the trail.  When we got back to the parking lot, it was packed, so they must have just gotten a later start than us today.  It was a great departure from last week when we were the only cars in the lot before and after our run.

The trail running contingent continues to get stronger everyday.  Lab Rat is now working on his technical skills (rock hopping, etc) to get faster.  Offshore was also pushing the pace today making sure the PAX were moving along.  Taxi Cab, despite have only posted a few times to the trail run put in a great pace.  YHC had a good first half of the run, but is still not fully recovered from his race a couple of weeks ago and had a slow second half.

5 hearty souls failed to look out the window before deciding to run this morning.  Trails were deemed too nice to ruin, so the Q took the pax on an alternate journey, saving the trails for fairer weather:

Route:  Boulevard to Buttermilk trailhead, down to the river and along the access road.  Take the bridge to Belle Isle, loop around the island and head back to the truck via Riverside Drive.  Right at 7 miles.

NMS:  Saab and TYA had visions of another double digit trail day, but finally gave in to the idea that maybe…..just maybe a shorter run might be the better call in order to let their bodies heal from the grueling mileage they did last week.  Saab however looked no worse for the wear, ready to tackle (with gusto) any hill we came upon.

Great to see Offshore back out, deciding that pain while running is better than pain while not running.  When YHC told him how happy he was to see him back out on Sunday, he replied “I was here last week.  Remember, you said you were going to come then didnt?”  Touche.  Still, YHC has missed him.

Also, welcome to the Sunday group to Taxi Cab….who may have also posted before without YHC’s knowledge.  Lab Rat has made many claims in his day…..all knowing has never been one of them.  Taxi is upping his weekly mileage to get ready for Smoky Mtn relay.  Hopefully, we can get him hooked on the beauty that is trail running in that time and have another regular on our hands.

TYA’s heart grew 3 sizes when we returned to the trailhead and the same 5 vehicles were in the parking lot….all belonging to F3 runners.

All hands on deck for ET’s this morning.  Conversations revolved around many topics as usual, most notable topic to other pax members would be our possible future workings with the Sportables team.

Lab Rat apologizes.

A two PAX beat the fartsack, daylight savings time, and alarm clock incompetence to hit the trails this morning.

The THANG:  Northside to the new bridge to the southside. ~7 miles.

NMM:  PAX will recall Helix’s Shoe Goo Shoes.  YHC is sad to report that they were laid to rest as they had become more goo than shoe.  Applications are being accepted for replacements.

YHC properly adjusted the time on his alarm clock but screwed up the alarm time and awoke at 6:41am.  Google Maps says it should take 17 minutes to reach the AO.  YHC arrived at 7:01 AM.  YHC thinks as a general rule it’s probably best not to know the shortest amount of time required to reach the AO.

YHC was glad to see Helix, and grateful for his patience with a late arrival.  It was a beautiful morning for a trail run: clear, calm, and a little cold.  Lights were needed only on the initial descent – the days are getting longer.  For YHC, the bigger challenge was seeing through the sleep in his eyes.

YHC is anxious to hear stories about the Belmont and hope the PAX are recovering well.

4 running studs and YHC posted for a Sunday morning walk in the woods.  Weather was high twenties and a bit windy, but 70 and sunny in our minds….

The Thang:

Northbank to pipeline, cross the potterfield bridge to buttermilk and back to the pump house parking lot.  8.3 miles, 1.5 hours total…

NMM

The group stayed pretty close together today.  Not sure if the running studs slowed down or I sped up because of the cold.  Either way, it was good to stay in contact the whole way.  I enjoyed spending some time chatting to Phonics today.  We touched on Big Data, zip codes (if you ever need to know and RVA zip code, just ask Phonics, I think he knows them all), neighborhood strip clubs and a variety of other topics.  Helix and Lab Rat were at the lead of the group for most of the morning.  Not sure how the two of them got along…my guess, lots of talking from Lab Rat and an EF Hutton like performance from Helix.

Two or three PAX members declared they would participate this morning, but were no where to be found.  No names.

One shy of 11 PAX arrived for a trail run along the scenic James.  Here is the rundown:

Route A:  North Bank, cross at the new bridge, then take Buttermilk trail on back.

Route B:  Above, but add-in Forest Hill loop

Route C:  Above…repeato

YHC can’t begin without making mention of TYA who is on the DL today, and thus the inspiration for today’s BB title.  Get well Brother.

Most of the PAX opted for option A, while Lab Rat, Hat Trick, and Saab ventured off through Forest Hill.  TClaps to HT for both pushing through the miles and expressing his plans to attend future trail runs as often as he can…Helix’s 2.0 is clearly a committed runner.   Hat Trick also brought his friend Jacob who will be named the next time he posts.

A few other observations:

• Phonics demonstrated his appreciation for the trail on numerous occasions by getting down and as close to it as possible.  The man recovered well after each spill and maintained his usual positive demeanor.
• On the topic of Phonics, the guy is quick…whether it involves catching up to the PAX due to a late arrival, or taking a speedy pit-stop that would make a NASCAR crew blush with envy
• Enjoyed the company and conversation as usual.  No shortage of entertaining topics when LR is in the house
• Happened to meet up with Taxi Cab and Mile High near the end of my run.  It was nice to chat with them and YHC hopes they can advance their alarm clocks a bit earlier next time and join the rest of the PAX.

Saab abides

8 veterans and two FNG posted for a Sunday in the woods.  Weather was 70 and sunny.  Really, it was 70 and sunny at the end of the workout.  Certainly unseasonably warm for February in Richmond.

The Thang:

South side to Forrest hill park loop and back to the parking lot.  4 of the PAX took a second loop, Northside to new bridge and back on the south side.  Saab added and extra loop thru Forrest hill park.

NMM:

Phonics posted with 50% of his children this morning.  His 15 year old boy, Andrew (F3 name Monarch), and 13 year old girl, Rachel (F3 name Betsy Ross) joined us for their first sunday trail run.  The crew was coming in hot as they were a few minutes past 7am, but the benevolant Q decided to hold the PAX since some FNG’s were on the way.  TSB certainly enjoyed having some other “hate, hate, hate, respect” folks in the ranks.  For the first time in a long time, she wasn’t the war baby on the run.   Phonics reports that at least one of his other children was chomping at the bit to post this morning.

Monarch and Betsy Ross acquitted themselves well this morning.  They both had strong runs and seemed to enjoy the trails.  The one place that Betsy was not comfortable was when she found out she was going to get a nickname.  She clearly did not want to go through that process.  I think the group alleviated her fears and gave her a user friendly name.

4 folks oped for an extra loop in preparation for the Belmont in three weeks.  Saab, Upchuck, Labrat and TYA were the takers.  As can be guessed from the participants, there were two very talkative and two relatively non talkative PAX members.  You guess which is which.

9 tour guides embarked on a segway tour…..minus the segways….to show off the RVA to 1 F3 visitor.  The Q’s job this morning was to show off what Richmond was about, so we went full on Urban Assault mode.  Below is what transpired, and please keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times:

-Down the hill on North Bank….Maymont park on the left.

-Head back up the hill and over to Texas Rd access.  Texas Beach to the right, then Hollywood Cemetery to the left.

-Finish up North Bank at Belle Isle parking lot.  Belle Isle behind and to the right, Tredeger Iron works to the left.

-Brown’s Island to Canal Walk.  Federal Reserve, the canal, graffiti art.

-Pipeline trail.  The James River….up close and personal.

-T. Potter bridge for a full view of the river during the last of the magic hour of dawn.

-Up to Suntrust over to Buttermilk.

-Saab’s got the runs….and he took them over to Forest Hill Loop for some solo action.  Hope your feeling better, there, Saab.

-Back over the river for a glorious finish on the Nickle Bridge.  Total milage:  8.3 miles

NMS

Great to have a guest, along with the regular suspects out on a stunning morning.  Hopefully, LoveShack wasnt overwhelmed by all the touristy stuff, and was able to enjoy the trails this morning.  Also, great to see TSB back out for the long distance stuff after working her tail off during track season this year.

Good times again on the trails.  Great run today, ya’ll.  Great to meet you LoveShack!  Hope to see you again soon.

Lab Rat out.

An intrepid 9 showed up for a beautiful morning on the trails, half of us representing Mechanicsville!  After some ribbing from Phonics regarding YHC’s speeding to the AO, and then TYA regarding YHC not being fast enough, a run actually did get done.  Below is what transpired:

Route:

North Bank to Brown’s Island.  Take T.Potter bridge over to the south side, and Buttermilk back.  Longer runners took Forest Hill loop in reverse to tack on 3 miles.  Common consensus should have the medium runners just over 7, and the longer route just over 10.  “Out and backs” are always supported for those who are looking for shorter routes, just as an FYI for those not up for the full route.

NMS:

-Great to see ALL the guys out this morning.  Many conversations covering the gambit this morning, feel free to add in your own in the comments section.  Lab Rat will add a list of movies that were either quoted or talked about today….consider it a list of “recommended watch” movies to be able to follow  the many conversations that break out during our jaunts on the trails:

• Caddyshack and early SNL’s (Bill Murray and Chevy Chase)
• The Big Labowski (of course)
• The Great Santini/Prince of Tides
• High Fidelity
• Grosse Point Blank
• Almost Famous
• Anything with Seth Rogen in it…..that was a weird twist

Extended visit to ET’s was full of interesting topics as well.  TYA is not into the idea of sitting at the “Friendship Table”, Saab is a card carrying dirty old man, and Upchuck has a story for all occasions.  Lab Rat as always, over-shared.

Thanks for letting me Q, at least for most of the morning.  Ya’ll rock.

Lab Rat out.

Six adventurous souls met at the trail head Sunday morning to enjoy a day created for running.  Here is what went down:

Route:

-Buttermilk (thru the tunnel) to Forest Hill Loop and back to car.  Most GPS’s had  7.0 miles.  Rosie’s took a short cut.

-Saab and TYA opted for a longer route of which YHC was not privy to.  My guess is these long runners got in around 12 or so miles.

NMS

-Saab didnt know about his Facebook fan club.   He does now.  Also, he now has a beer!

-Honeymoon was impressed with Forest Hill loop.  YHC is guessing he will be a regular on the trails in short order.

-When TYA is on a mission, he is head down plow forward.  He was all business today.  YHC thinks he may have left his tights in my bed though.  My truck bed, guys!  Grow up!

-Be careful how fast you are running on the trail, you never know when Hardywood will be coming the other way.

-Upchuck is proving to be much better versed at talking and running than Lab Rat.  There is a shifting in the universe, and Lab Rat might be losing the mumblechatter king (or at least jester) title.

-It’s really hard to make fun of Rosie, he’s just too damn nice.  Great running with you again, brother!

Lab Rat out.