Ode to the O & B

One of the greatest tools of the runner is the mighty out & back.  I'm and O & B guy from way back.  It's like you are getting away with something.  I mean a 6 miler should be like a day off.  You no sooner are getting warmed up and it's time to turn around and get back to the barn.  Then it's like you're done for the day.  I'm not sure why every 6 miler isn't an 8.  Perhaps because 6 miles takes an hour now-a-days.


It is also real useful when picking the direction you are heading into.  Take the bad stuff early on and get the reprieve on the way back.  It seems like common sense.  I'm the guy who plays a game with the climate control on the dash.  I only allow myself one button decision, or one turn up or down per mile.  The odometer has to hit the .0 for me to choose.  If I forget or am distracted tough luck.  Not sure of the purpose, but it makes me value my decision.  Just like which direction I head out first running.


As I travel for work I end up in a lot of new destinations.  What would life be like without the steady hand of the O & B?  Keep it simple and head for the side roads.  Again I say roads because all runners know that sidewalks in the winter are a cancer.  Many do not shovel.  Many do not look backing out the driveway.  Many have hidden ice like a glazed donut.  Many are real close to houses who let their dogs out at 5:30am and they try and play superhero.  They are just no match for experienced dog warriors such as myself.  It is all most embarrassing for the dog.  For whatever reason they feel obligated to get up in here on me.  It is just easier to be out on the road in these cases and have people flick their high beams at me to be assured I see them.  Sometimes it's the zero move over policy so they can send me a message that I need to be on the sidewalk.  What am I telling you all this for?  You live it.


1/8 = 4.6 (10:29) roads home
1/9 = 4.6 (9:50) t-mill in Superior
1/10 = 6.0 (10:19) roads in Superior
1/11 = 4.6 (9:38) roads in Green Bay in shorts for a bonus 46F morning
1/12 = 5.3 (10:13) roads home
1/13 = 10.3 (9:47) roads in The Sha w/ Christine
1/14 = 8.0 (10:06) roads and trail home
Week = 43.4