Rebekah Speaks

Am I crazy? Don't answer that. I might not like the answer. What makes me think that I can run/hike/trek/waddle/or crawl 560 miles in 14 days, with a warmup of 8 miles the day before the real adventure begins? But actually, the new data says the mileage is really 597. That's not the kind of news flash I was looking for. I just had a friend ask, "Do you think you'll have to walk at all?" Seriously? Can you tell they aren't a trail runner? No matter the style or speed of pedestrianizing, that's a long, long way in a relatively short period of time. There are five of us, one other girl and three guys, who are planning on traversing all the miles of the Appalachian Trail that reside within Virginia's borders. If you aren't familiar with the area, that means mountains, a lot of big, tough mountains. The Trail has a habit of going up and down, up and down, over and over again. Sure, there are great views along the way, but each one has to be earned

Day 170 – June 18, 2012 Track camp. 45 kids ages 8 - 14. Interesting experience. But it was one of those days that some work-related issues popped up, distracting me from dusk to dawn. I convinced myself that since I was tapering for my big upcoming run, I would settle for the measly 2.5 miles I ran with the kids. Total – 2.5 miles Day 171 – June 19, 2012 I was proud of about 15 of my XC kids who showed up for a team run at 7:30 this morning. Shrouded in heavy fog, we ran trails before some of us headed off to track camp for another three hours. Total – 5 trail and road miles Day 172 – June 20, 2012 More track camp today. Managed to get all 45 kids up the mountain to the LU gazebo. Then ran with the distance kids for several more miles. They were troopers in the 90 plus degree heat! Total – 5 trail miles Day 173 – June 21, 2012 There’s nothing like a run with the team before three hours of track camp. I am excited to have some new cross country kids

Day 163 – June 11, 2012 This was a light day as I had to squeeze in a short one before my dinner guests arrived. Still, miles are miles. I didn’t feel quite as quick as last night but the pace was decent despite the high humidity. Total – 4 road miles Day 164 – June 12, 2012 Ah. A trail run with newbie cross country wanna-be runners. It was fun and I am so pleased to have a number of new faces come out for our summer training runs. They all got their feet wet – literally- on this first of many trail runs. Total – 4 trail miles Day 165 – June 13, 2012 The run today was very different from yesterday’s. A trip to my son’s new (to him) boat in Hampton gave rise to running along marinas and old, cobbled-stoned streets lined with quaint houses more than a century old. The sweet smell of salty air and gentle breezes made the evening run quite pleasant. More to come for the next several days. Caleb hoisting the jib sail Total – 4.5 road miles Day 166 – Jun

The morning was cool and inviting. Drawing in the air, still damp from an overnight rain, I stepped out the door for a run. In the early dawn, I had the streets of this quaint village to myself. Trees eighty feet tall rimmed the perfectly manicured yards. Flowers cascaded over stone walls like water rushing down the falls. In the middle of town stood a granite tribute to the fallen soldiers of the Civil War, approximately one hundred-eighty names strong. Still running down one hill and up another, I turned onto a particularly steep street. There at the top, an old cemetery stood guard over the hillside. With the mist rising into the first rays of dawn, it was breathtaking. The straight rows summoned me to run amongst the graves. The dates on the stones indicated the long history of this town. There were simple graves marked by small, flat stones, the etchings worn and barely legible. Tall monuments stood nearby in contrast, perhaps indicating the social standing of the family.

Day 156 – June 4, 2012 I tried to run more, I really did. But alas, I just wanted to get in the car and start driving to my mom’s house in PA. It was going to be along drive and I wanted be on the road headed north. So when I got down to the big turn in the road, I turned right around and headed back. I guess this is the lead off to a relative rest week with a long run on Sat. when I get back. Total – 2 road miles Day 157 – June 5, 2012 The first run back home is always a treat. It’s a spin around my old stomping grounds that prompts memories. It’s a juxta-position of old verses new. The old stone houses still stand but farmers’ fields have given way to packed-in housing developments. My old high school has been bulldozed and a new one stands in its place. New playground and parks are in place but in a little-used section stands an ancient, tall slide that liability policies would never allow to be built today. Of course, I had to have a slide on my way by. It’s good to

Day 149 – May 28, 2012 Memorial Day! After entertaining about fifteen guests last night, we enjoyed some down time today with Gary’s sister and husband who came for a short overnight visit. I got in some miles before the temps warmed up hotter than the first cup of coffee. Total – 6 road miles Day 150 – May 29, 2012 I think I am stuck in a 6-mile rut but that’s what I could handle (and not well) on a hot (90) and humid day. Ugh. I really don’t do heat all that well. Thank goodness for a pool to jump into! Total – 6 road miles Day 151 – May 30, 2012 It was well worth the six-mile drive to Bedford’s Falling Creek Park. I am really tired of running the same road routes and opted for the narrow, quiet trails in the park. It was peaceful and shaded, a gentle wind blowing. Lovely “me” time after sending off my final manuscripts to my publisher. Total – 7.5 trail miles Day 152 – May 31, 2012 What a great way to end May. I ran 16 miles of the MMTR to Hog Camp G