I am one with the levee and the levee with me

Tanner and I have been talking about running Skyline Divide by Mt. Baker for months now, and this was our last chance. Do or die. We did despite overcast skies and rain. It was stunning anyway.

After driving to the trailhead (elev 4300 ft) the trail immediately climbs to 5800 ft on the steepest switchbacks I've ever seen. In places it made more sense to walk. The climb was worth it as the ridge opens up to some dramatic scenery of Baker and the surrounding hills. We got lost at one point, but the trail was amazing and I wish I had spent more time up here.

Google images of Skyline Divide:

https://www.google.com/search?q=skyline+divide&biw=1457&bih=975&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMIyZO58efgxwIV1ICSCh1eLgpx

1:18:30 up to campus, down Boulevard, and fiddling around in Happy Trails. 11 total.

Tempo day: 6 mile ladder with 3 mile, 2 mile, 1 mile (1:00 rests per mile). Tanner helped out on a few sections. I felt sluggish on the warm up but GREAT during the workout.

15:42 (5:14s throughout), 10:28 (5:15, 5:13), 5:10

The target was to go a few seconds per mile faster than HM pace. I'm very pleased with this workout and how good I felt.

Finished with 2x200m in 32.6, 32.8.

AM - Work loop (3.25)

PM - Urb. Slow. My body hurts from yesterday. Estimating 8:00 pace, no watch.

AM - Work loop (3.25)

PM - 10 miles with Tim. The guy always puts on a strong pace, average of 6:55.

AM - Work loop (3.25)

PM - Another solid workout on the track. Things are starting to click. 6x800m @ 5k pace w/ 2:20 rests. 

2:26.1, 2:25.1, 2:25.1, 2:23.8, 2:23.5, 2:22.8

Controlled and smooth. My hips are acting up again and that worries me. I'm great as long as I'm running fast, but post-run I'm hobbling around.