Story
After arriving to the Greenstar Coop parking lot (see East Hill Dryden Rail Trail post East Hill Dryden Rail Trail Star Posts - #41 by buhillrunner), I sat in the car and waited for a few minutes. It was definitely cloudy, but no rain was falling. I checked the radar again and realized the squall line had stayed more north of Ithaca, and the little southern bit that clipped Ithaca was probably the few seconds of sprinkles that fell while I was driving over. So I decided to head out.
Other than a mild spritz as I was approaching the turnaround point to the south, no rain fell. But it was WINDY. Clouds meant shade, which was very much appreciated. I completed this course with a run-for-8-counts/walk-for-8-counts approach, which is what I do when I’m beat but don’t want to walk it outright.
I enjoyed running this course as well and exploring more of the Inlet Shore Trail. It was a breezy and beautiful and I loved seeing ducks and even osprey? That’s what the tall nest and birds looked like anyway. So many monarch butterflies. There are some pretty cool areas there and how great for Ithaca to have this (and the various other pathways) in town for people to stay active on.
In the end, three courses in one day totaled 24.35 miles and I was very satisfied with this distance AND being down to just one course left: the Sweet 1600. I can do that course at the Binghamton University track once my legs have a day to recover.
But I was sooooo thirsty by the time I finished. I preceded to drink what was left of my fluids on the drive home, including any water and Tailwind Recovery. I came home to inhale a bunch of watermelon, vodka lime seltzer, and more ice water. When that cue to drink comes on, it’s amazing how powerful it can be. The reality is that I was likely dehydrated, but it’s challenging to stay fully hydrated during a heat advisory. I’ll make sure I keep taking in extra fluids today.
And one could argue that I didn’t need that vodka lime spritzer! But I earned that spritzer and it tasted divine!
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I originally had good intentions of heading back to Eddydale’s for another dozen ears of sweet corn, another watermelon, and more peaches, but I was pretty beat. And I was in no shape to walk into Greenstar (I was literally a hot mess). I was also no longer getting home in time for my daughter’s soccer practice (or dinner). I finally made the call to get myself home, fed, hydrated, and not to mention, SHOWERED. But I loved Eddydale’s and will be back. (I am also still trying to get to South Hill Cider!)