Today I drove into Providence to bypass some road miles and enjoy some trail. I parked at the Park/School and headed up to Providence canyon. I then jumped on the Deer Fence trail and headed to dry canyon and ventured about a half mile up the canyon before running out of time. The way back was faster with the final 3 miles quite quick (for me). Great morning to be on the trails. Too bad its dark now for the first half of my runs. Makes it less inviting for sure.
Sadly (a small part of me) I didn't run the Top of Utah Half marathon today. It was the first year in 4 years not running it. I thought about the many runners out today while on my trail run. Losers. Just kidding....
Joe and I got an early start again today (since he had to work at 11) and hit the trails in the dark again. Joe wanted to recon his section of pacing duties for Jon and I happily obliged. We started at Right Hand Fork (after dropping a car at Temple Fork) and ran up the Willow Creek Trail to mud flats. We followed the course to Temple Fork mostly uneventfully. The highlight of the morning was the spectacular lightning storm taking place just north of us. Luckily it had just moved through so we weren't in any danger, but it left behind some muddy trails and very wet plants.
We hit Temple Fork in 1:19 (mile 8.1) and the real climbing began. The grunt up Blind Hollow wasn't as steep as I remember. I figure I have gotten used to some steeper stuff since last running this section. It did get a bit tedious at the top, but we made steady (but not fast) progress. We hit the lake at Tony Grove in 2:43 (mile 14.4), ate a snack and got back at it. On the downhill, my legs were very unhappy with me and let me know. Once again the pace was steady, but not fast. That trail wasn't half bad though and I am glad I got to run it again knowing what to expect as it did seem easier and more fun this time. I am thinking a good run would be RHF to Temple Fork up Blind to Tony Grove over to White Pine and down to Franklin Basin. 24 miles or so. Not a bad shuttle either.
Another great run and glad Joe could join me.
T- 3:40:00 (10:29) *5000' vert gain *4500' descent
Weekly summary - Crazy busy week at work and I was lucky to get out running as much as I did. I am feeling the effects of the long hours and have to go in today for more. Considering all that, not a bad week. I am still feeling the effects of all the racing I have done as well.
