Running on a Full Tank

On Tuesday May 17th while cruising through an easy start of a planned 20-24 miles I fortunately caught sight of this fellow above (to avoid stepping on him/her). It was a perfectly still 5 foot King snake processing quite a bit of food, as you can see from its lumpy torso. About 200 meters further, of course I warned an approaching runner so she wouldn't be startled by its presence next to the winding path near Owl's Creek Tennis Center on General Booth Boulevard (Virginia Beach). And prior to that, I shared a moment telling the two ladies playing on the court nearby so they wouldn't be startled when reaching for a difficult shot and seeing it in the near distance.

When arriving to the oceanfront I thought about my last breakfast-break fiasco and was determined to remedy the situation by stopping at a different eatery, one I knew would be tasty and satisfying beyond any doubts. Sure it would just be adding another 25+ blocks (more than the intended distance for the day) but the breakfast at Pocahontas Pancakes is definitely worth it. The legs and rest of the body couldn't be happier knowing this destination was the decided upon halfway re-fuel and break station (which ended up being 14.34 miles into the run).

While eating a hefty serving of Eggs Benedict, a side of biscuits that I smothered with butter and was constantly dipping into a pool of maple syrup, and very tasty hash browns that were a respectable mound of crispy golden potato strands, the elderly couple next to me was also knees-deep into their delectable journey. I admired a fellow who seemed to be hovering around 70 years old impressively crush a huge dinner-size plate waffle covered with a significant serving of fruit and pralines, leaving only an empty white circular dish when done. His wife wasn't shy either, downing a lengthy giant burrito-shaped omelet in what seemed like record time. But she awkwardly left her two pieces of toast completely untouched...by hand, knife, and fork. While having a fascinating conversation throughout this meal (even though we were at distinctly different tables and just met) my eyes kept going back to that toast. After they left while I was still working on my substance, I even considered snatching the toast off the table knowing at least another 14 miles was now in the plan. I don't know why but I just couldn't do it, so an internal frown had to just gaze woefully as two slices of perfectly-good carbs were tossed into a tray of trash by an efficient busboy sweeping the tables.

On the return trek I immediately headed for the beach to run on the sand as far as possible before returning to the grass and pavement. A supportive low tide left plenty of room to wander forward in relaxed form on a very full tank from 35th street to the Jetty (at 1st street). Maybe the King snake I had seen on the way up was a foreshadowing of this abdominal feeling?

Total Distance and Pace
14.34 miles (average 10:58/mile)
breakfast break (I now stop my GPS when sitting down to eat)
9.16 miles (average 12:54/mile)
6.44 miles (average 14:38/mile)

Sure this run was progressively slower but this wasn't a race, it was like any other run as of late; an adventure to continue the 100 miles/week for one year goal...The Streak...which was wrapped up (right on schedule) Friday morning. Week 27 (101.2 miles) done.