Finally dragged myself out of bed early enough on a Saturday to put in a longish run. Up before the sun and out the door by 6:40am, just in time to see the sun begin peaking over the horizon. Didn’t have a set route or goal, but wanted to put in at least an hour. So off I headed to campus letting the sun warm the 60 degree morning. Almost wanted a jacket for the first 3/4 mile, but after that, the temp was just glorious.
Had the roads to myself until I got fairly near campus where there were a couple brave souls stirring, getting the tailgating supplies out and cranking. Not too many folks, and surpirsing, didn’t see a single beer. Turned north at the end of the stadium, say the crew getting ready for the crowds, and then headed back toward home. As I neared the road home, I felt a few extra miles at least, so I turned north for a bit before heading into the neighborhood. Finished with 7.6 on the iPod, so probably more like 8 miles. The legs felt surprising great given I haven’t been over 5 miles in at least 5 months.
Saturday we were surprised that the Cossatot was holding out very well, so we scheduled a rare warm weather run for Sunday. Got up bright and early to meet the crew at 5am. Loaded the truck and headed to Arkayakansas. Got to the put in 9:45 and were paddling by 10:20. Had a great run of the middle section, including a combat roll in the last drop of “the Esses”. Proceeded down to the falls for my first run on them. Made clean drops in Cossatosser, Eye-Opener and BMF. Had the line on Washing Machine, but ended up pointing too far right and nudged bowling ball rock which gave me a bit of kick back into the machine, so I was hard a paddling and went right into the rock which rolled me. Unfortunately I was unable to roll back up in the foamy washout and swam. Didn’t flush into Whiplash, but my boat did take the left sneak route before coming to rest on a rock feet away from the final drop. Picked the boat out and carried back up the hellish 1/3 mile portage to the take out.
Great day on the river with a great group of paddlers. Completed the day with dinner at Pete’s Place in Krebs, Okla. Best gnocchi on earth. Try it if you get the chance.
Finished off the weekend with a 3.75 miler on Monday morning before taking G&A to the Dr for their 1 yr check-up and shots. I was sore, but was able to work some of it out.