Shelley Lake and GU

Work wore me out this week. Not only does the short sleep and quick pace tire me, but also the inconsistent eating and constant dehydration! I left Monday and arrived home today, Thursday. I didn't train yesterday on the account of a long day. Today, after arriving home, I really enjoyed the time with Andrea and the baby, so I didn't get the minimum swim or ride in that I had hoped to complete.
2-Days off. OOPs.
On the other hand, while at work, I did have the opportunity to spend some time in beautiful Raleigh, North Carolina. Our crew stayed at the Holiday Inn - Crabtree. Our very informative van driver gave us a great explanation of the area, including a great place to run. As soon as I arrived at the hotel, I changed clothes and made my way out the front door to find the Green Belt Trail system. The trail started right behind the BP station near the hotel and ran along a beautiful, crystal clear creek. The weather was perfect. Sunny, and very comfortable, somewhere in the upper 70's. I followed along the paved trail through the woods up and down rolling hills until it ended at a road crossing. Disappointed with the abrupt end, I crossed the street, took a right turn and ran up a pretty good size hill until I found the continuation of the trail to my left. Happily, I entered the woods again and ran along the trail over wooden bridges and around a few locals walking their dog. The trail ran into a small little open area near Shelley Lake. I followed the trail around the lake at a tempo pace. After about 1/2 mile I saw another trail off to the left, so I turned and ran further into the woods. The pavement gave way to rocks, roots, and packed dirt. The trail narrowed, and the trees swallowed me as I ran up and over the bumpy terrain. It was great. I felt like I was running cross country again, hopping over roots and rocks pushing a comfortably fast pace. A few times, my steps would startle the little critters along the trail; their rustling changing my steps to frightened leaps. After reaching the end, I turned around and retraced the path and resumed the trail around Shelley Lake. After completing two loops, I headed back to the hotel. I took a few wrong turns on the way back, but with the help of some friendly walkers, I found my way after running about 90 minutes. It was an awesome run. I doubt the pace was stellar, but it felt great!! Average heart rate was 153.
(After the run, I felt some pressure/swelling on the ball of my right foot. Probably a result of running too hard on a paved surface and needing new running shoes, so taking an extra day off from running seemed prudent - now is not the time to get injured!!!)

After arriving home today, I received a Package from the company GU. They make many types of nutritional products. I noticed they had an ad in Triathlete magazine offering a bunch of nutritional products and other goodies to Kona Qualifiers. I followed the directions they provided, and today received a fantastic box full of GU products. They were very generous. The total value of all the products was over $200.00! I really appreciate the company making such an offer and being so generous. I will try everything they sent and report my findings! I will definitely wear their promotional hat and T-shirt too! Thanks GU.

I am off for a few days and will get those last few big workouts completed. Sunday should be the last day of the Long Bike and Run workouts, then just smart tapering!

Thanks for checking in.