I Hit the Tra1l…

… literally and figuratively. 

While I was away these past two weeks, I enjoyed taking A FEW RUNS IN THE C0UNTRY.

I made the decision after I got home to prepare for the GR3AT RAC3 1OK at the end of September.  Since I’m not really running for ‘time’ – I want to be sure that I can do the 1Ok distance [6.2 miles] – I thought it would be fun to change the scene where I run.

Yes, it’s good to do the track at the local H*S.  Or my usual r0ute around the neighborhood.

I discovered while I was away that I really like running outdoors NEW places.  It not only breaks up the boredom and monotony, I’ve found that I really look forward to the run more – the expectation of the unknown AND the challenge.

Not far from our house is the M0NTOUR TRA1L which is an old railway route that has been updated with pavement or limestone. GREAT for running/walking/biking.

I figured it was the perfect way to gradually increase my distance for the 1Ok as well as get a long run in for my JULY F0URTH RAC3.  I know I have the 3.1 miles for next week – but I thought I’d add a bit more for training.  so, I planned to run 4 miles.

I set my G*P*S and after a warm up, ran 15 steps further than 2 miles, then turned around and ran back.  THANKFULLY MOST OF THE RETURN RUN WAS DOWNHILL!

I won’t kid – it was tough because the first two miles were a very S-L-O-W grade ALL UP HILL. I just kept reminding myself, when I get to turn around, it’s ALL DOWN HILL!!

I only had to talk to myself the last .5 miles or so – the balls of my feet were a little on the ‘burn-y’ side and they hurt.  I started to sing and say 'Good Morning’ to every one I passed on the trail, which distracted me just enough to finish.

And. I. Was. Glad.

4.08 miles in 55 minutes?  Furthest I’ve ever run continuously in my life.

2.12 more miles and I’ll have the 1Ok in the bag!!

I got this, y’all…