Notes
What started as a 4-6 mile run ended up being an impromptu long run. I started by trying out what looked like trails close by me. They ended up being pretty terrible and I turned around after a minute. I then headed out towards Merrimack for what I thought would be 5 but then realized would be 6. Then I went a little farther, and realized I'd be doing closer to 8. At that point I figured, might as well add on a little bit on Naticook and make it 10.
I went down Naticook, past Wasserman Park, and remembered there were some Wasserman trails that went on the other side of the road. I found the entrance and went down the trail a little ways. The trail was really nice. Well groomed and intended for mountain bikes. Lots of little plank bridges and a couple jumps. Then I saw a sign that said the trail went straight to Horse Hill nature preserve. At that point I said F it and went all in.
I knew it'd be at least 13 but I wanted to see how the trails connected. The trail I was on, Quarry trail, dumped straight onto the "Loop trail" of Horse Hill. I just kept following the signs, knowing from the last time I ran it I'd eventually get back to the Amherst St. parking lot. I remembered some bits of the trail but not everything. These trails were also well-kept which was nice. Got back to the road and then took Peaslee back. I considered going back on Tinker, but after a while it became evident even the shortest way back would be over 13. So I took the back neighborhoods back to Continental and 101 to get back quickly. 13 was sufficient for me.
All in all this run was easy and fun. Definitely on the slow side pace-wise but I had some decent trail miles and some decent hills too. Some little niggles, strange left (not right like before) plantar pain on and off for like a mile. Same for the left IT band. I'll be keeping an eye on both, especially the plantar since I noticed it while lifting the past couple weeks too. But energy-wise felt great. I have made some great progress so far in taking control of my schedule/routine, and the stress has been leaving me. Took the rest of the week off so hopefully that'll be enough time to finish getting things back in order.