I mentioned in my earlier post that I wanted to check out another trail nearby that would allow for a bit longer runs. There's a Rails to Trails location that starts about 2 miles from my house and goes all the way to base (Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune) that's about a 10-mile out-n-back. I headed out last Friday to check it out. It's a nice trail, but I had a hard time figuring out where to park based on where they say the trail starts.
I started at the beginning of the trail and turned around as I approached the pedestrian walkway that goes over Hwy 24, logging 4 miles on that first trip. It's a really nice trail, with just a few twists and turns and having to cross a couple of side streets, but flat and fully paved.
While I was out that day, I noticed a few other places I could park further along the trail, so I went out again Wednesday and started at a park (with bathrooms!), hoping to get closer to base on this trip. Conditions were near perfect - approximately 55°, sun with a few clouds, little to no wind. I was a little stiff so started off slow, wanting to just enjoy the trot and see where it took me.
I hadn't gone far when I saw the pedestrian walkway ahead of me. It goes up and over, crossing 6 lanes of traffic. Have I mentioned that I don't do heights? As I went up the short incline to get onto the bridge, I spooked and almost turned around, but somehow managed to talk myself into it. I took a few pictures, then literally tiptoed the span, shaking like a leaf all the way. I'm pretty sure my heart rate was highest at that point of the run, even though I wasn't even walking at a normal speed, much less trotting. The worst part was knowing that even if I managed to get over it without a full-on anxiety attack, I would still have to come back!
But make it I did. The rest of the trail was flat and straight and I continued on without issue. I was just shy of the 2.5 mile point when I came upon a Marine holding a stopwatch, timing the turnaround of a PFT. I paused and chatted with her for a bit before moving on, then thought to holler back and ask her how far to the main gate. She said it was about a mile and a half, to which I replied 'NOPE, not today!', knowing that would have put me at 8 miles or so ... risking injury at my current weight. Not happening, GI. I did an about face and headed for home.
The return trip was uneventful, and I stayed at an easy lope. I was still a little apprehensive when I got to the bridge, but I did push myself over at a slightly slower than normal pace (but better than my earlier crawl), so hopefully it'll get easier each time I do it. A glance at my watch told me that stopping at the park would put me at around 4.8 mi, so I trotted a short distance beyond, then around the park area to get a full 5 miles in.
All in all I was pleased with the run. I'm still slower than I'd like to be, but I'm also older, just getting back into it, and carrying more weight than I was when doing 3-6 miles fairly consistently several times a week two years ago. I want it all ... today ... but after previous debilitating injuries, I know I have to pace myself.
I felt great on this trip, even logged negative splits for the first time, which was a nice bonus. I hit my max heart rate too, so will need to watch that. It might take a while, but my goal is to do the full 8 mile or so distance from the park to base and back. Maybe next time I'll park at the main gate and start at the other end.
Next stop? Onslow Beach!
~ Marie Anne
While I was out that day, I noticed a few other places I could park further along the trail, so I went out again Wednesday and started at a park (with bathrooms!), hoping to get closer to base on this trip. Conditions were near perfect - approximately 55°, sun with a few clouds, little to no wind. I was a little stiff so started off slow, wanting to just enjoy the trot and see where it took me.
I hadn't gone far when I saw the pedestrian walkway ahead of me. It goes up and over, crossing 6 lanes of traffic. Have I mentioned that I don't do heights? As I went up the short incline to get onto the bridge, I spooked and almost turned around, but somehow managed to talk myself into it. I took a few pictures, then literally tiptoed the span, shaking like a leaf all the way. I'm pretty sure my heart rate was highest at that point of the run, even though I wasn't even walking at a normal speed, much less trotting. The worst part was knowing that even if I managed to get over it without a full-on anxiety attack, I would still have to come back!
(The cars and street look closer and don't show the full height of the bridge.
I forgot that I still had a bit of zoom on from earlier photos. It was definitely higher than I was comfortable with!).
The return trip was uneventful, and I stayed at an easy lope. I was still a little apprehensive when I got to the bridge, but I did push myself over at a slightly slower than normal pace (but better than my earlier crawl), so hopefully it'll get easier each time I do it. A glance at my watch told me that stopping at the park would put me at around 4.8 mi, so I trotted a short distance beyond, then around the park area to get a full 5 miles in.
All in all I was pleased with the run. I'm still slower than I'd like to be, but I'm also older, just getting back into it, and carrying more weight than I was when doing 3-6 miles fairly consistently several times a week two years ago. I want it all ... today ... but after previous debilitating injuries, I know I have to pace myself.
I felt great on this trip, even logged negative splits for the first time, which was a nice bonus. I hit my max heart rate too, so will need to watch that. It might take a while, but my goal is to do the full 8 mile or so distance from the park to base and back. Maybe next time I'll park at the main gate and start at the other end.
Next stop? Onslow Beach!
~ Marie Anne
Keep it up! You'll get to that turn-around! ;-)
ReplyDeleteAs long as I can ward off injuries, I'll get there! My first run on the long trail in Ohio a couple of years ago was 7+ miles. :)
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