10:57

Fall is here and the marathon training runs continue!

I'm about 80% into the training program I started back in July,  and we've passed the time I call "go/no-go." It's the ultimate decision as to whether I feel I'm on track to continue training up to the big running event or whether that would not be in my best interest this year.

This year's decision is brought to you by... Commodus!

He seems very convinced that I can handle a marathon, doesn't he?

But you're probably one of the two people in existence impatiently waiting for the true reveal: what/where/when the big event is... and the answer to that is... (insert drum roll)

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Toronto Waterfront Marathon

Sunday, October 22

http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/

So, my third marathon will be my first international marathon, as well as my first trip to Toronto.  And, there's no better way to spend six hours in a city than running 26.2 miles of it! Er -- 42 km.  Let's stick to the preferred local units.

I'm going to keep this post short, since tomorrow I face the "dress rehearsal run."  Three weeks out from the main event: a 20-miler.  I'll be tackling the full length of the Nashua River Rail Trail, which I introduced earlier.

I'll leave you tonight with a late summer sunset view of the reservoir overlook from my local rail trail.  (You may recall the view from my post in May.)  Good night!

11:11

Yesterday evening was a 3-rabbit run.  A little surprising, since I was running the gravel track at our well-used public park, and the summer heat has broken; but a 3-rabbit run nonetheless!

It is usually my local rail trail that provides some nice chances for wildlife spotting, even though it is not quite as wild as some of the other rail trails I've tried.  Over the years, aside from the standard array of squirrels, chipmunks and birds, I've spotted deer, turtles, snakes, turkeys, possum, and my personal favorite:

This year must be the year of the rabbit, though.  Those critters are out in a force I have never seen before this year. They're so abundant that I've actually seen them in unusual places, such as hopping down sidewalks on busy streets.  Washington and Boston reports seem to corroborate this.

By the way, did you know that rabbit is the "ultimate in sustainable meat"?

Mostly, I see them on the sides of the rail trail during my runs, just nibbling grass and watching the trail traffic warily. They tend to prefer the twilight to make an appearance. The truth is that there have been very very few runs over the summer that I did not see any rabbits at all, so I'd begun grading my runs by the number I positively spot. Hence, yesterday was a 3-rabbit run. What about my best run? Count 'em up!

Speaking of rail trails, there's another one I should mention.  The West Boylston section of the Mass Central Rail Trail is where I did my latest long run, and it provides a wooded (shaded) dirt track -- a very comfortable experience. The trail runs alongside a river and is really a scenic spot to just go for a hike and a picnic, explore the many side trails and fish in the streams.

The trail also features a historic mill site which is neat to walk around.  I'm curious what the area looked like when there was an operating mill on the river and an operating railroad adjacent.

I also used this trail last year in my marathon training, and it provides a welcome alternative to the pounding of runs on asphalt.  I like to park my car at the West Boylston end and break up my runs in half.  Run out on the trail a quarter of the run and back to the car, which serves as my water/medical station.  Then repeat to finish the run! This trail also has portable toilets in the parking areas, though not very clean. At least they have something to make a pit stop in -- unlike my local rail trail, which forces me to hop off into a nearby McDonald's or Dunkin Donuts to do my business. (And sometimes undo my run with a caloric purchase, hehe...)

After a run, it's great to relax with some cat yoga!

My buddy Nightpelt here uses his solid color to his advantage when he's outside; he's a prolific hunter of mice and birds. This year, however, his main catch has been... you guessed it.  Rabbits, of the juvenile variety.