Eric Walker

  • Early run today as I wanted to get this done before an early morning and the day gets away from me. Lets just hope I feel better than this on Saturday otherwise it is going to be a long run that morning as today my whole body felt tired. Maybe I should have had a coffee first. 😄

    A tranquil lake scene at night, with faint lights from houses visible across the water. The sky is mostly dark with a soft glow, and silhouettes of trees line the background. Reeds and grasses frame the foreground.

  • I really don’t like running on a treadmill but the day got away from me work wise. Not to mention it rained all day and it was a cold rain so I did run on a treadmill against my own will. The only positive is I did it while my daughter was at swimming practice so I could watch while running.

    A swimmer in a blue cap and goggles performs a butterfly stroke in a pool, with black and white lane dividers visible alongside.

  • Was able to get a run in today and felt good after Saturday. It ended up being slightly more difficult to get the “millage” in as the trail I was going to take was closed about .3 miles in so I had to explore the areas in loops as I was short on time and didn’t want to drive somewhere else.

    A trail closed sign with barriers is positioned across a dirt path surrounded by trees with green and yellow leaves, indicating it’s autumn. The ground is covered with fallen leaves. As always I took this as a suggestion only to find active work equipment building a bridge across where a path once was.

    A sunlit dirt path winding through a dense forest with green and yellow foliage. Trees line both sides, casting dappled shadows on the ground. A small creek can be seen on the left. Nice trail on a fall day.

    A wooden bridge crosses a small, dry creek in a lush forest with vibrant green foliage and a few scattered autumn leaves on the ground. Found some single tracks to run along to add some miles

  • 2025 Trout Brook 10 Miler Trail Run

    2025 Trout Brook 10 Miler Trail Run

    Another year in the books for the Trout Brook (not quite) 10 mile Trail run at Willow River State Park. Now that I have done it 3 times I think I can confirm that it is not a true 10 miles but that was OK as now it played to my advantage on what could have been that last 2 miles I knew in my head it was only 1.8 miles left 🤣.

    It was a great day for the race again with the starting temps that morning at around 33°F but once running and by the end I didn’t even notice the cold. This is such a fun event and time of year as it has always been great running weather and really it has some really nice scenery along the route. Though I might be the very few people that stop along the way to take pictures in a “race.” However, how can you pass a waterfall and not take a picture? Or once climbing to the top of a stair tower why would you not run extra by turning the wrong direction on the course to get to the overlook?

    My goal for this race, or run was to really use it as training for what I am still hoping will be another trail race of longer distance next weekend. So I didn’t want to kill myself and make my legs to angry at me from this run. I just need to not get caught up chasing people and run at my own pace. To help with this there was two really steep parts one hill and one set of stairs and I walked both of them. Oddly enough, even walking up both of these and getting passed on both I caught all of those people later in the race as they were dying on the back half of the race. I did find it interesting that my time this year was only 1 minute slower than last year where I was actually giving it a little more effort (or I thought). Also, I did take the time to chat with a couple people for about 3 miles of the route which helped me stay a little more in check with my pace as I might have otherwise started to pick up speed on the flatter sections.

    Overall, my legs were not too worse for the wear and the rest of the day I spent powerwashing the deck so I think with Sunday as a rest day I am hoping I will be good to go come next weekend (if I remember to sign up). 🫠

    A scenic view of cascading waterfalls surrounded by rocky cliffs and greenery, with two people walking along a path near the water’s edge. The sky is clear, indicating a peaceful outdoor setting. Willow Falls

    A scenic view of a river winding through a dense forest, with hills in the background under a clear blue sky. The landscape features a mix of green pine and autumn-colored trees. Shadows from the trees add depth to the image. Picture from the top of the stairs, the waterfall is underneath this overhang and this is not really on the running route.

    A scenic view of a river surrounded by trees and hills under a clear blue sky, with the sun shining brightly above. In the foreground, green leaves frame the image. Picture looking back towards Willow River and where the waterfall was but you can’t see it.

    A tranquil lakeside scene at dawn, featuring gentle mist rising from the water’s surface, with a calm reflection of trees and the sky. The shoreline is sandy, and faint outlined markers can be seen in the water. Picture before the start of the run looking out at Little Falls Lake

  • Almost didn’t get this in today but found a quick break in meetings to squeeze this run in. It was a little bit warmer out by the time I did this but still a nice fall day and the run felt good too. Probably faster than I should have been but I was racing the clock.

    A winding pathway bordered by tall grasses and trees on either side, leading towards a distant view of houses and a water tower under a partly cloudy blue sky.

  • I wanted to say, well another year and last min registration as that is exactly what it is again but this is starting to become my regular routine signing up for The Trout Brook race the week of the event. This year I will be solo and my reasons for signing up are very simple that I wanted to run 10 miles this Saturday for maybe other plans not flushed out yet. So I am really going to try too not “race” this and use it as a normal long run.

    Confirmation receipt for Eric Walker’s registration for “The Trout Brook” 10 Miler event, scheduled for October 11, 2025. Order number 4080393, dated October 8, 2025. Waiver initials: EM

    Recaps- 2024, 2023

  • The weather was just too good to pass up getting a run in today after a busy day of meetings, odd projects and running the kids around. I had some time so I took it as what better way to spend a nice cool evening.

    A wooden path winds through tall grasses, leading towards a sunset sky with hues of orange and blue. Silhouettes of trees are visible in the background.

  • Wow the weather was just amazing today so as I rounded back to my house I decided to add another mile to my run. I hope this time fall sticks around! 😄

    A sunlit forest scene featuring green foliage, trees, and a grassy area, with blue skies and clouds in the background.

  • Against my better judgement I went on this run today. I knew it was going to be hot (cooler tomorrow) and I was tired. However, there was a slight underline plan to walk and run at points to see how I could handle that. Overall went well but wish I could have slowed the pace a little.

    A narrow winding path through a forested area, surrounded by green bushes and trees, with fallen leaves covering the ground. Sunlight filters through the branches, illuminating parts of the trail and the creek to the side.

    A narrow, winding trail through a lush, green wooded area, surrounded by tall trees and blooming wildflowers under a clear blue sky.

    A dense path through a lush, green area with large leaves, wildflowers, and scattered weeds, surrounded by trees and underbrush.

  • Even getting this run done a little earlier today it still felt warm with the cooler temps. However, I did decided to go longer than planned as I am not sure what the weekend will hold and I am just shooting for miles now.

    A serene landscape featuring a field of tall grass, illuminated by the warm glow of the rising sun. Trees frame the scene on either side, and a light mist hovers above the field, under a clear blue sky.

  • The stars aligned this morning and I had cloud cover and an hour free to get out for a run. Tried to keep this run at an easy workout just to get miles and after the past two days I felt good and was faster than I was thinking.

    A scenic view of a field surrounded by trees, with a bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds. The foliage shows signs of autumn, with hints of color in the trees.

  • Decided to try to get some miles in tonight during my youngest volleyball practice. The trail started to get a little dark but thankfully I wasn’t on it for too long.

    A narrow, winding dirt path through a dense forest, surrounded by tall trees and lush green undergrowth. The scene appears dimly lit, suggesting a tranquil, secluded atmosphere.

  • From the time I started this run till the end the temperature rose almost 20°F. Glad I got it done and had the trail to myself with a little speed in there.

    A sandy path bordered by lush green trees and bushes, with sunlight filtering through the leaves. Leaves are scattered along the ground.

  • Last run in Portland today before heading home. At least it wasn’t raining but it was very humid out today as I made my typical trek into the Back Cove.

    A scenic view of a calm river at sunset, with dark clouds above and a soft orange glow on the horizon. The foreground features grassy land leading to the water, while the background shows a silhouette of buildings and trees. A tranquil sunset over a calm body of water, featuring old wooden pilings sticking out from the water’s surface. Sailboats are moored in the background against a colorful sky filled with clouds.

  • Last minute I decided to do a short run today in the fog and mist. It wasn’t all that bad out but I was short on time before the day started. Maybe tomorrow I will try to get a longer run in before flying home.

    A view of a gravel path alongside a set of railway tracks, with trees and greenery on one side and a fence along a body of water in the distance. A light pole is visible along the path, and the sky appears overcast.

  • Glad to get this run in today circling around the city of Portland, ME peninsula. I found a trail on the far side that I had never been on before and it reminded me that maybe my ankles are still a little beat up from the hiking this weekend.

    A narrow dirt path winds through a colorful forest, lined with trees and vibrant foliage in shades of green, red, and orange.

    A scenic view of a calm bay at sunset, featuring several sailboats on the water, a cloudy sky with hues of blue and orange, and a silhouette of a tree and grassy area in the foreground.

  • Can’t believe I haven’t run for 5 days now but I figured the rest day was good after all the hiking over the weekend. Glad to get out there again the legs were feeling OK but I didn’t push it either. Also, you can’t beat the views this morning either.

    Silhouette of old wooden pilings in the foreground, reflecting in still water. A colorful sunset with shades of orange and purple in the sky, alongside distant boats in the harbor.

  • I felt really tired and sluggish during this run. It was probably a combination of not getting good sleep and a busy day without a good plan of running and I just found myself with some time and did it.

    Two pairs of skis lean against a wooden fence surrounded by tall evergreen trees and a grassy area. There are wooden gates with colorful stripes in the background. I love the odd fencing with old skis on them.

  • I couldn’t have wished for this run to get done faster with out actually wanting to run faster. Thinking back the whole thing was a blur, it was super sunny and humid so might have been the issue. 🥵

    A peaceful trail lined with lush green trees and plants, with a paved path gently curving through it, scattered with fallen leaves. This picture really doesn’t give justice to the heat out there as this looks pleasant.

  • Used my time wisely today and ran for as long as I could while the oldest daughter was at strength training. It was a nice out and back shaded most of the way that helped in the heat.

    A sandy path runs through a green, wooded area, framed by trees on either side.

  • It was a very warm and tiring run this evening. However, with a work trip coming up I decided to get some miles in today that I am telling myself are for next week.

    A peaceful landscape at sunset, featuring a horizon of trees silhouetted against a gradient of orange and blue sky. Tall grasses are visible in the foreground, creating a serene natural scene.

  • Decided to get my long run in today as I had some time before my afternoon got busy for work. Not sure where the humid and sun came from again I guess… I am done with it now and this distance always gets the best of me but minus a road closed I didn’t have any issues just rerouting.

    A serene view of a calm lake under a clear blue sky, with lush green trees lining the horizon and a few leafy branches in the foreground. Had pockets of a nice view of Lake Minnetonka.

    A long, straight dirt path flanked by dense green and reddish foliage, extending into the distance under a clear blue sky. The Minnetonka trail was actually a little busy at the hour I was out but I snapped this photo when I realized at a point I was the only one out there.

    A construction site with dirt mounds and an excavator partially visible behind dense trees. A stop sign is located near the excavator. This turned out to be not as bad as I thought but I did have to consult with my map as I was to turn right here. I did look closer but there was no way short of walking though peoples houses.

  • Decided to get a handful of miles in today over lunch so I could listen to my audiobook. For being cooler yesterday it felt much more humid today than I was thinking it was going to be.

    A lush green forest with dense foliage and tall trees under a partly cloudy blue sky. White wildflowers dot the forest floor, creating a serene and vibrant natural scene.

  • Was able to get out for a run today in between meeting and before the ran came down as well so the timing was perfect.

    A densely wooded area with various trees and thick green foliage. A small, muddy stream runs through the center, partially covered by fallen branches. The foreground features lush grass and undergrowth.

  • Trying to stick with my last couple of weeks and start the week off with a longer run. Legs felt kind of tired during the but it might have just been that I was tired today. Also, surprising how having the weather slightly warmer today zapped me, maybe I was getting used to the cooler weather.

    A serene landscape with a small stream winding through a meadow surrounded by green grass and trees under a clear blue sky.

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