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The M@Deads run together almost every Saturday morning at 8:00 at Pierce Mill, within Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC. The runs are as long and as short as desired. The roadway is closed to traffic and there are miles of excellent off-road trails to explore. The closed roadway provides a clear, safe paved surface that is free of cars. The runs are winding affairs, up and down the valley walls of Rock Creek Park. While the runs are fairly social, the combination of time, hills, and pace makes for a gruelling workouts. We like to end the runs with a little spice. A little test to see if you really are ready to run. We call this little finishing flourish, The Final Test. The following is a post from a time when Sonny Young decided to come out and play in the woods. Date: Mon, 03 Feb 97 11:48:50 EST To: Dead Runners Society-Mid Atlantic Subject: The Final Test Proud Papa Sonny said: It's time to take on T-Bone and the hills of the Pierce Mill trails! David Kemp and Sonny showed up for the Saturday trail run, appearing fresh and ready to go. From their race times recently, they looked to be in good shape. Determining that the
As with all newbies, you need to find out what they've got. I plotted a looping meander among the hills and trails of Rock Creek, with an emphasis on hills. The introductory hills did David in, as Charles County is a bit flatter than Rock Creek Park. He was also tired from an all-night partying binge up in Bu Fu, I mean Gaithersburg. David retired to the friendly confines of the road. Sonny jumped right into the hills, several times having the nerve to go into the lead. He kept up a steady stream of talk with our World-Class Miler, Linda, (except when we were climbing when most conversations seem to stop). Our loops took a tougher than usual track today as part of my jumping back into shape with Both Feet. Dan had turned back to reorient David to the roadway, and once he rejoined the group we decided that Sonny needed a test. Sonny needed a test because he was running a little too strong, and being a little too perky. Figuring the loops on the trails to the finish along Rock Creek, we told Sonny that the pace was going to increase. He jetted into overdrive instantly and I had to reel him in and remind him we weren't quite home free yet. He might consider saving something for later. The pace dropped 15-20 seconds per mile along the gently rolling terrain. Sonny, Dan, and Linda all kept pace. The fun part of this finishing drive is that about a
The point of the Final Test is to get to the top on this hill nonstop. While a short hill, it could be described as tough. I lead the way and at the turn looked back to check on Sonny. Sonny hung tightly to Dan's shoulder, slopping his way through the gooey mud, and avoiding eric. Cresting the hill, Dan and I stopped to breathe, while Sonny trotted another 20 yards before doubling over. He had passed. Linda, saving herself for that big track meet, decided to do a Gallawalk approach to the hill. She had hung with the pack until the hill, and then she found it was time for the scheduled walk break. She wanted to run up the hill, but when it is time for the walking break you have to stop. Okay, I'm tired of typing now. I'll stop. T-Bone Reed
OFamilyN: Sonny brought out the whole family for the Whitey's experience after the run. After dispensing the wonderful Whitey's doughnuts, the littlest Young was presented with his own Whitey's sweatshirt! Once they restock, I might have to pick one of those up for myself. Jess-Man, whose father always has lots of quarters, made his mark by showing much promise at various bar games. Like father, like Son! |
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Electronic Editor, nor the SpiderMan Larcher were making an appearance, we headed out for the trails.
