taking a page from Frank’s book of travels, I too decided to do a road trip. I drove 5 or so hours north to block island for the weekend. What to pack…sunscreen, bathing suit, good book, t-shirts, and of course my garmin and running sneakers. Something about an island that seems to encourage running. Located about 13 miles straight shot from the tip of Long Island off the coast of Rhode Island, block island is only about 9 miles long by 3 miles wide so hard to get lost out there. But the running is fantastic. Lots of hills, great views, and some shade. My favorite run (which I did twice over the weekend) was the 10+ mile out and back on Corn Neck Road. Just to get out was hard enough and my target was Settlers Rock as the turnaround point which is a good thing as that’s the end of the road. Settlers Rock has a plaque proclaiming the location of the initial settlement back in the 1600’s.  Anyway I was glad to lay a very sweaty hand on this lonely rock and then head back.

Heading back while I didnt see a groundhog or poor turtle, I did see plenty of these fellows ready to steal my pwer bar. Going out I would see runners heading back on the other side of the road and I was jealous that they were almost done. Now it was my turn to laugh at the runners as they headed out and the day was only getting hotter.

One more pic. of a street scene along the route. Nothing special but has nice flowers, and the sea beyond. My pace was low 9’s which I guess is ok. I mean it was hot and hilly and the course was tough. Like Steamtown, the end of the run had an uphill which is torture at that point but good practice. While many miles from Steamtown the marathon was never far from my mind. One of the things I like best about getting that hard run done though was the guilt-free eating and drinking which I could really take advantage of. “Yes my good man, one more budweiser and a clam chowdah will do fine, thank you!”