So I just went out for a nice and easy recovery run to ease back into running after the 50K last weekend. First run of the week. But as I was sucked in by the mountain, It turned out I couldn't let it get the better of me. And after only a mile or two my legs were feeling as good or better than they've ever felt, so I decided I was running every step to the top of Green mtn. And that's what I did. But let me tell you, that was no easy task. Because first you run up very steep inclines for 6 straight miles, then the last quarter mile to the top is like 2+ foot boulder steps straight up for almost the entire 1/4 mile. Its AWESOME to finish off a peak that way. I was NOT going to let the mountain win today. It turns out it was just over 300 feet of ascent in 1/4 mile. When I hit the peak I was hands on knees heaving breaths like a mad-man. The old dude on the peak must have thought I was crazy, but he didn't say anything. I sat down for 2 and a half minutes to absorb the amazing views and catch my breath, then I headed home. Took it really easy on the way down. Total: 2:33:00 - 12.5 Miles - 12:27/mile pace - 4643 feet of ascent according to the garmin. (I likey!) That's half of the climbing I did on saturday over 30 miles, and this time I ran the whole thing instead of hiking. I think my goal next year is to run the entire dirty thirty course with no hiking. None of it is as hard as steep or long as what I did today...its just 2.5 times more miles. Legs are feeling great afterward, I didn't push the pace, the only really tough part was the quarter mile to the peak, otherwise just a cruise through the mountains, albeit a really steep one. And I'm pretty stoked because its the first time I have run every step to the peak of Green, and it feels good to know I can do it. Mountain running = good stuff.
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