Closed Trail? WTF?

I wrapped up last week just a tad short of my planned mileage. On Sunday's schedule was a 12 miler - the last long run before this weekend's festivities. It was a busy day, so I wasn't able to get out for my run until 6 PM - which pretty much meant running in the dark. I broke out all the night running gear - fluorescent yellow shirt, headlamp, reflective vest, red flashers (man I'm a dork!) and took off for what I was figuring would be a run around the Newport Back Bay. Little did I know the surprise that awaited me!

Well - I guess you learn something new every day. I had enjoyed a great sunset and was waiting for the full moon to appear from behind the bluffs I was running along. I was keeping within myself, running a little harder than a typical long run, but still clipping along at a heart rate right at 75% of max. I turned onto the trail that runs behind the Newport Dunes Resort (anyone who has run this trail knows where I'm talking about) and ran right into a .... LOCKED GATE! WTF? Well, the portion of the trail that runs behind Newport Dunes must run on an easement on private land. There was a big sign on the gate stating that the trail was open between dawn and dusk. Okay. But a locked gate? And it wasn't one of those little road gates that you can just walk around - it was a full 8 foot chain link fence gate! I had no choice but to turn around and retrace my steps. At least I got to run back under a wonderful, bright, full moon!

Final stats - 11 miles with the first 8 at marathon pace minus 30 seconds. Success in my book. I ended the week one mile short of plan at 31 miles.

Week 24 of my training plan begins today. This week - nothing further than 7 miles. Nothing faster than molasses. Nothing else needs to be said....