Long run -- Sat. May 29

Just couldn't get on track for the race; I'm really not ready yet, still coughing too much, and tired. So, instead a Quabbin run, starting out by car a bit after 10; park at the visitor center, and start off directly--a bit too much so, as achilles in both legs felt leaden. But by the other side of the dam I was fine; it was hot, but I was carrying water and the sun wasn't too bad. Up toward tower, but past it and on all the way to Goodnough Dike--road closed in parts from fallen trees (this week's storm) still not cleared up. Cross dike and go on into trail, climbing the steeper part but slowed down by a series of big trees right across the trail (had to clamber through them, carefully). Continue to the main trail, then left and follow on aiming to reach the water, but run out of time, so instead follow a side trail down by a stream bed--leads to a beaver pond, not the Quabbin, apparently; then turn round and head back, intending to head out on to 9 and go back the shorter way--but after Goodnough dike, taking the low route this time, as I approach the main Quabbin park road I see a bear ahead: black, about as tall as me when it stands up, which it does as I approach. Talk and whistle at it, and eventually it decides to hop into the woods again (phew!).

Slower after that, but backtrack exactly with a target of 15 miles, and pick up a bit on the downhill to the dam. Finish up thus:

Time: 1:55:18
Distance: 15.01 miles
Pace: 7:41s

Comment: too bad I missed *another* race, but this was a useful long run, and brings me almost to 40 for the week. I'll take that. Refilled empty water bottle at visitor center and got information on doing an organised run at Quabbin. Looks good for the fall.