Boiled potatoes, beavers, and
how do you eat a potato while running?
Delaney and I are reading a few pages every night of Beaversprite by Dorothy Richards. We’re in love with beavers.
It’s sparked some great conversations and questions. The most repeated one, “Mom, I want a beaver, when can we get one?”
I smiled. It would be great to have a beaver in our back creek.
Instead, I compromise, “We’ll plan a trip to the beaver sanctuary to see them. We can’t get one as a pet.”
She appeared content with that answer as I tucked her in bed.
Beavers have been on my mind.
Saturday’s long run was at the Erie Canal Trail. The training consisted of 4 miles easy, 2 miles moderate pace, and 1 mile at marathon race pace with 1-minute walks in between, repeated two times. We would end with a 1 mile easy run.
As Felicia and I began running, I wondered if we would see a beaver on the bank or in the water. I recalled two years ago when we discovered a baby beaver swimming. It was the most amazing sight. I haven’t seen one since and was hoping I would this morning.
Felicia and I talked the entire 4 miles sharing our thoughts on the 50-mile race coming up (10 weeks away!), finicky feet, black toenails, and boiled potatoes. After the 2 mile pick up I walked for a minute while Felicia continued. I hydrated a bit then began the 1 mile.
At about 6.5 miles, my mind returned to beavers. I better pay attention, I might see one. I focused on the water and spotted a stocky brown body across the bank. My eyes narrowed, is that a beaver? The broad, flat tail gave her away.
She was busy at work on top of her lodge and just below her were two kits. I was thrilled. I couldn’t help but slow down to admire them and be thankful. What luck!
How cool would it be to see the mama work? Did she get more sticks, or seaweed from the water to fix up her lodge? What will her kits do? Will they ride on her tail or help out?
I wouldn’t know. I was still on the 1 mile marathon race pace pick-up and decided to stay on track. I’ll see them when I turn around.
I picked up my pace to where I needed to be.
I caught up with Felicia and told her what I discovered. We turned around. I kept my eyes on the water making sure I didn’t miss the spot.
There’s the lodge!
Ten minutes ago there was a mama beaver and her two kits, now—no one. I stopped my watch and got closer to the bank scanning the water. There! There is a baby swimming!
I pointed in the water so Felicia could see. I was thrilled. Felicia probably thought I was nuts.
Beaver lover, what can I say?
We stood on the bank. The beaver swam right towards us and veered to the right before she dove into the water.
It made my day. I couldn’t wait to tell Delaney.
What an amazing morning to be alive, working hard like the beavers.
Here’s what I learned last week:
A boiled potato is an excellent option for nutrition on a training run or for race day. It’s easy to digest and provides the fuel we need—carbohydrates and electrolytes to keep us going.
The bonus… reduces the risk of stomach issues and is easy on the wallet! Woohoo! I’m going to try this on my next training run—ideal for the JFK 50-Miler.
How do you eat a potato while running?
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I did not think you were nuts at all. I was admirering how at ease the baby was just swimming. So relaxed, enjoying him/herself. Not thinking about form, pace, or anything, just doing what it does with pure ease and grace, calm, relaxed and happy.
Home schooling with Mom
Surely is never boring?
She's "awe and wonder"
Love how you bring the Great Outdoors ( G.O.D.) to your children and all of us. Thanks for inspiring Jules. May your ripples of curiosity and kindness spread throughout the Universe.