Eaton's Neck

Yesterday I woke up to rain...yeah, better than snow...so I hopped on the spinbike for an indoor cross training session.  I tuned in a VH1 Classic on-demand...an early 1980s U2 concert.  Bono had a mullett.  It was pretty funny.  This morning I woke up with fresh legs and decided to head out to Eaton's Neck for a 13 miler.

This is another one of my favorite runs, although considerably more enjoyable in the summertime when the sun and heat allow you to enjoy the beach views a bit more.  Years ago, before 9/11, I used to be able to run to the lighthouse at the Coast Guard station.  Now the road to the lighthouse is plastered with "no trespassing" and warning signs.  I've thought about running there anyway and pleading ignorance "oh, I thought you meant cars..." if I should get stopped, but figured better safe than sorry.  In any case, a run out to Eaton's Neck now ends at its farthest point, Sand City beach.  Having spent an afternoon at this beach - once - it would actually be better named Rocky No Sign of Sand City beach.  But as a turnaround point for a run, it fits the bill.

It's an easy, breezy, hilly out and back course and today I felt pretty good on it.  Still no sign of speed, but when I finished, I felt like I could have gone back and done it again...a good sign.  I'm starting to settle into the longer runs and have reached a point where a shorter, say, a five or six miler, would feel too easy.  With another 5 weeks or so before I have to taper I'm feeling good about the race.  I've resigned myself that I will have to run it as a tourist since it's unlikely my hamstring will be better before, but I'm OK with that.  I'm happy to slow down and take in the scenery.

232 miles down, 268 miles to go...