Training Run + Civil War History = Happiness!

In April of 1865, four broad columns of troops passed out of the trenches around Richmond and Petersburg to begin streaming toward Amelia Court House in Southside, Virginia. Southside is where I reside. Lee's troops were awaiting relief in the form of Confederate boxcars on the Danville line at Amelia. The relief never came. Lee's men staggered on towards Danville, where a million and a half rations were stored. James Longstreet, Lee's favorite commander, stopped at Rice's Depot on April 6, just as a battle at Sailor's Creek broke out. Lee's remaining forces crossed the Appomattox and arrived in Farmville, where Grant ordered his inspector general to carry a communication to Lee under a flag of truce. Days later, Lee's surrender became history. 

Below: Lee's Retreat. 

This morning I decided I would do a training run beginning at Rice's Station. 

It's part of the High Bridge Trail system. 

This is the trail where hundreds of runners will seek to complete an ultramarathon this December. My goal was to run to High Bridge Station and then back to Rice.

I ended up getting in only about 7 miles. (Today the high was over 100.) 

Through the years I've learned that long-distance running is more about tenacity than about talent. Nearly anyone who is willing to take the time to carefully prepare for an ultra can go the distance, even mere mortals like me and you. But you have to be willing to carve out time in your life and commit to a training program to go the distance. You don't have to be a professional athlete to accomplish great things. Even a slow runner like me can bask in the glory of race day success. 

Remember, your main goal is to have a good time, not to finish with a fast time. Everyone can be a long distance athlete. Someone in worse shape than you is already training. Patience is your most important training goal. There are no easy ultramarathon courses. But tenacity will see you through. 

P. S. I like taking tertiary roads when I'm driving in Southside.

Here's the trailhead at Rice.

Nice but hot day!