I’d been planning to write about how the local government folks in Lancaster City really blew it with the snow and ice storm that turned the roads and sidewalks into glaciers. How come they could clean up the streets in Harrisburg and other nearby cities, but not Lancaster? Was it because our city was laid out in the 18th Century? Maybe they’re just smarter than we are?
Whatever the reason, we’re really bad at moving snow off the streets here in Lancaster. But then again, no one had an easy time this past week. And the funny (ironical not ha-ha) part is that it’s just as bad now is it was the day after it happened. For instance, it’s been seven days and I still can’t get my car out of my driveway because the front tires are resting on top of a sheet of ice. Oh I shoveled quite a bit last Wednesday. In fact, I was out there for about four hours – more if Tuesday night’s preliminary shoveling is thrown in. But this stuff just ain’t going anywhere.
Needless to say, running was pretty difficult last week as evidenced by the picture of one of my routes (upper right). Though the roads in my neighborhood were passable, there still was some ice here and there, plus most people who drive cars aren’t too keen on sharing them with anyone.
But the worst part about last week’s runs came when I crossed into the Lancaster city limits. Oddly, the worst spots were on sidewalks on city property. They appeared to be untouched, while it seemed as if the residents at least gave an effort to get some of the sheets of ice off the sidewalks. Not the city though.
That’s the weird part, too. Politicians don’t seem to understand that quality of life issues are what people (voters) remember. If the mayor, the city council or the county commissioners (whoever the hell decides to do something) can get the snow of the sidewalks and the trash off the streets, people will remember. Better yet, businesses will be attracted to the town because everything is clean and safe.
Taking care of the quality of life stuff means the politicians and special-interest business folks can build their convention centers and hotels without much resistance. After all, wo wants to hold a convention in a town where the streets are covered with snow and trash and the only downtown business open after 5 p.m. on a Friday is the pawn shop?
Not anyone who has any self respect – and not anyone who might want to go out for a run.
Anyway, I put in 49 miles for the week in six runs. That’s definitely not where I want to be this late in the year. However, the upcoming week looks good. Temperatures should climb into the 40s and my normal routines should come off without a hitch. Maybe a 60-mile week is in the offing?
Then 70?
Then 80?
And so on and so on …
Monday -- 11.6 miles in 1:19:11
Felt pretty good, but I'm still not there. I'm not as strong as I was a couple of weeks ago and I can really tell. My legs -- especially my calves -- were tired about an hour into the run.
Tuesday -- 6.8 miles in 47:11
Ran in the snow. The conditions were a little slippery, but not bad. Y legs felt kind of tight, though.
Wednesday -- nothing
Spent the day shoveling. After that I ate pizza. I guess that makes me a lacto vegetarian for those into labels.
Thursday -- 6.8 miles in 48:02
The roads were pretty icy and really tough to run on. I really, really, really hate this weather.
Friday -- 6.8 miles in 47:22
Not as icy as yesterday, but I cut out the bad parts. Wasn't as cold either. Still, I'm going crazy -- I'm out of my routine and it sucks.
Saturday -- 8.5 in 60:55
My mistake was running into the city... the sidewalks were so icy that it ruined the run. Otherwise, I felt pretty good and showed a little bit of strength.
Sunday -- 8.5 miles
The roads are still really bad and the wind made the conditions tough, but I got it in. I ran the last 63 minutes with John May, which was fun. I like to run.