Newfield Trails Revisited

I had a brief taste of the Vernon Wallker Wildlife management Area last week and couldn't wait to run there again. Finally, today my work travels brought me back there for a late afternoon run. I brought my digital camera and took photos at all the intersections so I could find my way back. This is a trick I learned from BJ. It's easy and effective.



First, I climbed up to a scenic overlook from which I could see Mount Washington in the distance. It was very pretty with clear blue skies. I was having an easy relaxed run today, so I took the time to enjoy the scenary for a few minutes. On the way down from the overlook, I practiced fast downhill running. I could feel that I have really improved on my steep rocky downhills. No more tiptoeing carefully, I just let myself roll!

I took a side trail and climbed up to some grassy fields with three turkeys picking at something on the ground. Then the trail led me down another steep rocky descent for more downhill practice. I eventually reached some wetlands that were very noisy with the sound of birds singing. I ran very slow on all the uphills and flats, and flew on all the downhills. The trail did not seem to be circling back toward my car, so I turned around and ran back the same way I had come. I ran just over an hour and I'm guessing it was about 6 miles.



My plan is to get up very early and do a long run before work tomorrow. It will be my longest run before Massanutten. I sure hope I will have the will power to drag myself out early. I have to work and take call all weekend, so if the long run doesn't happen tomorrow it won't happen this week.