This was a run I've been wanting to do for a while--up the Suncrest road. Whenever I've seen this particular road, it has intrigued me, wondering what it would be like to run up. So today was the day. We met at 5:30, explored the neighborhoods around there, then at 6:00 started our long trek up. I just kept thinking, keep things easy and relaxed, just complete the workout. There were parts of it where I thought we were crazy for doing this, but overall I didn't really hate it like maybe I thought I would. I was very happy to see what I considered to be the summit, by the information center. However, Jameson told me he and Peggy went a little higher and it was a lot steeper there. I heard later that that was probably the real summit. It was amazing to watch Peggy and Jameson pull away from the rest of us, I think they get the award for best climbers (I've been watching a lot of the Tour de France lately). I would call them the "mountain goats" of our group (that is a compliment). Anyway, I was glad to complete the run without too much damage. The pace up was 11:25. I obviously need to work on downhill running, because on the way down, I was afraid of falling or possibly twisting an ankle that I put on the brakes too much. My pace there was 7:58. On a more gradual downhill I would be able to pace faster, but not on a 10% grade. Overall, it was a good run, I would like to try it again sometime. Everyone who ran up, good job, I think we deserve something special for taking on such a tough run. |