#F3DevilsTurn – Returned unharmed

#F3DevilsTurn – Returned unharmed

13 DevilsTurn faithful launched from the parking area at Four-mile-creek/Lower McAlpine Creek greenway in Piper Glen for a potpourri of a run.  1 PAX came running in at COT smelling like Starbucks, but claimed he had been running.  We’ll include him in our count.

The THANG:

• Explore the Lower McAlpine / McMullen / Four_Mile_Creek greenway starting from the far East side at the Bevington parking lot (Mile Marker 1.75).  Full map here – http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ParkandRec/Greenways/OpenGreenways/Documents/Lower_McAlpine_and_McMullen_and_Four_Mile_Creek_Map.pdf. Give instructions to regroup between 0550 and 0555 at the Johnston Rd parking area (considered the “Midway point, though it’s 1.75mi from one end and 4.0mi from the other).
• Notes, there are two sets of mileage markers on this greenway end-to-end.  From the Bevington end, they count down every 0.25mi from 1.75 to 0.0 near Johnston Rd.  Then, they restart from 4.0 and decrement every 0.25mi down to 0.0 at the Hwy 51 end.  Why they don’t just have 0 to 5.75mi is beyond my pay grade, for it’s basically one continuous trail.  For the purposes of this, I’ll pretend the East set is really 4.0 to 5.75mi.
• First section today was https://www.strava.com/activities/253843985 – Most of the PAX explored from MM5.75 down past Johnston Rd and split off near MM3.5 on a branch off to Pike’s Nursery parking area at Toringdon.  Then back to trail and continued toward I-485, but turned back near MM2.75 to head back to Johnston Rd parking area near MM4.0 to regroup with the rest of PAX.
• At 0555 at the parking area, instructions given to start Progression Run back to home (approx 1.9mi away).  Goal is to run each 0.25mi 5 seconds faster than the previous.  This could be easily done by checking watch at each 0.25 post.  If you started at a 8:00/mi pace (2:00 per 0.25mi), then you would finish around a 5:40/mi pace.  Therefore, make sure you start slow enough so you can increase along the way.  Second section was https://www.strava.com/activities/253844041
• Total miles about 6.2.

The Moleskin:

• The casual exploration nature of the first section afforded some great 2nd F this morning.  The trail is wide enough to run 3 wide, so good conversations all around.  Most of the PAX did have headlamps, but there sure were a lot of poles around boardwalk sections to keep the PAX calling out, “Pole!”.  While there was one puddle and a couple of icy boards, Greenway was free of obstacles other than a really old guy running by the light of the moon, some tomatoes towards the 2nd section, and a little otter splashing around.  TigerRag would have lost on the Over/Under for predicting # of PAX to go down.
• PAX strung out a little during first section, but nature of the out and back keeps everyone closer.  Notice Outback and Mr. Bean have a good pairing, so good idea for the PAX to always try and stay in 2 or more.  Push yourself to go just a little bit harder to stay with that guy in front, or hang back and pull someone along to enjoy some good conversation.
• Progression Run teaches some pacing discipline and helps you to know there is always another gear to go into.  Last time we did this was after the 1mi time trial early Fall, so fun to pull this out occasionally in an environment (track or marked mileage path) where a simple timer can help you keep tabs on your workout.  No fancy wrist computer needed.
• Tootie looked a little cold, but wore the shortsleeves and gloves with pride.  Don’t know if that contributed to him becoming hypothermic and missing the regroup point, but he survived the coyotes and we found him headed back to COT.
• Abacus was mistaken for the Yeti this morning almost giving Horsehead a heart attack on the bridge or boardwalk.  He either was trying to spook HH or HH is spooked easily.
• Mallcop joined us at COT out of breath and slightly sweaty.  He was either suffering from an espresso overdose at Starbucks, or he really did arrive late and run a different route.

Thanks for Horsehead taking us out!

Announcements – Team Chepul Hill 5K/10K, Golf outing, Mud Run prep at the Brave tomorrow – bring your Teams!

And, just for fun, anyone visited here – https://www.facebook.com/Area51FireworksFortMill.  Wonder if they would give us a discount with the BRR shirts?