1:59:32. I ran out in the mountains today -- I decided that I need to start running my long runs in the hills every-other-week. Even though I run hilly runs pretty much every day, there is something about the stimulus of running hilly long runs that really helps (especially for the marathon). So, I ran ~3 miles (25:43 -- it was uphill out and downhill back, I ran 13:30 and then turned around) and then did two loops of the hilly course (5.5 miles). I have talked about this course before ... suffice to say there is nothing but uphill climbs for the first 2.5 or so miles, then there is a nice 2.5 mile downhill portion (with small rollers) and then another .5 uphill. I did my first loop in 48:50 and the second in 44:58. The fastest I have ever done a loop before was 46 something. I was stunned. I ran the first one very conservative because I was thinking about how I planned to use this as a fitness marker, and as my marathon training continues, I would like to do a 22 miler out here - which would be 4 loops. So, I am pretty happy. Speaking of happy!! The McMillan Elite group had some spectacular races today!! Kellyn (who stayed at our house last night) blew away the competition today (including NCAA All-American Maggie Callahan), with her 13th overall, and first woman win of a 28:18 8K. Brett Gotcher was 3rd in the USATF 10 mile championship and Jordon Horn (miler and 5K specialist) with his OT qualifier of 1:03:xx for the 1/2 marathon. But the day belongs to Emily Harrison who placed a 10 minute PR at the Twin Cities marathon -- with her 3rd place 2:32:55 finish!!! YEA!! I hope you are all having a wonderful Sunday, and enjoy general conference!! | 