Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-01-29: Trainspotting

Running Journal, Saturday, 2011-01-29
Resting heart rate: 76 bpm (60 second test, about two hours after running)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.32 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,821 calories
Weather: overcast; 4-6 km/h (2.5-3.7 m/h) winds; 82% humidity; 102 KPA (30.08 inches pressure)
Temp: 11 C (59 F)
Time: 12:00-3:48 p.m. (~3:48:00; 13:49 min/mi pace)
Terrain: flat; +/- 8 m (~25 ft)
Comments: Waved at a Union Pacific train and received a wave back and a horn blast from the conductor. This occurred at the trestle track running along the east side of CostCo and REI at Exposition Boulevard. I had no idea where I was, at that point, however, as the levee completed blocked my view. Ran 2.0 miles farther than my recent previous best from two weeks ago. I found the weather very agreeable. Saw riders on two black horses, one at a moderate trot. This was followed by a flock of ducks gliding into the river. Great visuals with which to start a run. The area between Watt Avenue and Howe Avenue remains one of my favorite stretches of the bike trail--long stretches adjacent to the water, with lush greens and lots of tree canopy. Just beyond the line of trees next to the bike path, a large grassy open space exists, ending at the levee. Passed under Howe Avenue bridge and next reached CSUS. The paint of the Guy West bridge looks really faded. A private firm, in 1966, modeled the pedestrian-only bridge after the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, even (I believe) originally painting it the same color, orange vermillion, also called international orange. Unfortunately, since they used lead-based paint, it will need to be removed before repainting, at a cost of $2 million. The bridge cost $636,000 to build, in 1967. Farther along, I discovered one of the world's most dangerous places to eat--the hundred Canadian Geese grazing on the fairways of the Campus Commons Golf Course. No geese were harmed during my run, to my knowledge. I got to see four more miles of the Parkway, from mile markers seven to three, ending at the Highway 160 overpass. I started using the Hammer Nutrition gels at the mile eight marker. The run back took a lot out of me. It was all muscular exhaustion, though, which I will take over joint pain any day. Forgot how lonely and boring running on the Parkway can be. Not a lot of people, and away from the American River, it just gets really closed in between the levee and blackberry bushes. The County of Sacramento needs to repair the shoulders of the bike path, as they have slopes, making it taxing to run on for extended periods. Passed one or two people who appeared homeless, as well as two men carrying weed trimmers over their shoulders. People fished in the American River from boats; others played with their dogs in the shallows. Watched a red-tailed hawk dive into the grasses of the levee, then fly up and retreat as two crows approached. I stopped and watched the spray-painted murals on the sides of the train as it passed. I also walked under the trestle as it passed, to listen. One read, "RIP Juan Diaz". Some were very good. Around mile markers 3-5, there are pools of water very close to the trail, and I passed a pair of Canadian Geese sitting quietly on the exposed branches of fallen, submerged trees. Watched the Regional Transit light rail pass by; each day I ride it and get a very different view of the bike path. I found an abandoned watercolor artwork. At the end of my run, just as I returned to mile marker 11, a woman who appeared to be in her 60's or 70's walked onto the shoulder ahead of me and began running. As a testament to how fast I was running, I kept pace with her! I walked one mile, took another Hammer Nutrition gel pack, and felt much better.
Goal Time: n/a
Distance (running): ~26.52 km (~16.5 miles); http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4261502; ~2299 calories burned
Weight (after run): 76.4 kg (168.4 lbs); ??% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Muscular soreness
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + raisins + banana, banana, four Hammer Nutrition Gel packs, LL Cool J Ultimate Smoothie