Gaither Plantation 14 miler

I had several choices today.

First choice: Run the Reagan? That's a half marathon, and I needed to run 14 miles today. I decided it was too far to drive, and besides, I was ready for a long slow distance close to home. So despite the fact that I like this race, my decision was no.

Second choice: Attend a Kodaly Workshop at Clayton State? These are always very good, but I have sworn off musical activity for the long weekend. I need a break. So the answer was no!

Third choice: run 14 miles in the morning and hang out with my wife for the afternoon and evening. I made this choice.

I decided to run this at an easy pace using my heart rate monitor as my guide. I did not need to push myself for this training run, but I definitely needed to keep my heart rate within the 70-75% zone. I succeeded in doing that today.

The Gaither Plantation course takes me across the Alcovy River. It is out and back. Going out is easier than coming back, because there are more hills to climb on the return trip. The half mile hill at the river is especially challenging. The heart rate monitor kept me in check, since I had no desire to charge up the hills today.

As I ran, I kept thinking about Jim Solomon's percussion piece, "Thump, Thump". I think I will teach it to my 4th and 5th graders. The lyrics were appropriate for today's run:

"Listen to my heart beat thump, thump.
Listen to my heart beat thump, thump.
Listen to my heart beat thump, thump.
Listen to my heart beat heart beat heart beat heart beat!"

The weather and scenery on this run were magnificent. Sometimes I see deer on this route, but not today. I'll get some pictures and share them when I run an extended 16 mile version in two weeks.

The course is hilly and challenging, so the heart rate pacing was a great idea. I'm feeling great and prepared for a pleasant afternoon!!