Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured

I met Ashley, Tim and Wendy at 4:45 to run Bryant Irvin, Dutch Branch and the QuickTrip hill.    We started out slow and then kept a moderate pace for the rest of the run.   I really enjoy running with these guys and look forward to the couple of runs we get to do together each week.  They are all running SG and I wish I was, but with the work and family issues I have had lately, I know I would not be able to run my best and be disappointed with the results.  This is a pretty good run because most the hills are between .5 and 1.1 miles long and most are at a pretty good grade and the QuickTrip hill is a good Veyo simulation.  

Avg Pace 8:46 ( splits were very consistent 8:39 on the up hill, 8:25 on the down) + warm up and cool down.

What a day to end a really tough week.   I spent most the week trying to recover from the previous week and dealing with work issues.   No fun.    My last 20 miler too weeks ago went really well and I was expecting this week to be the same.  No such luck.   I felt miserable the first couple of miles and wanted to throw in the towel, but pushed through and started to feel better.  We ran up Hidden Road and I finally got to find out what everyone was talking about.....It was tough but not as bad as I had imagined and even though I wanted to walk, I pushed through.   We ran out about another mile and then ran back.   By mile 14, it was just Ashley, Wendy and I and my attitude was terrible and we all wanted to be done.   By mile 16 I was ready to quit but they were very kind and encouraged me to finish....it was UGLY!.   2:54:00 for 20 miles but with all our stops, it was much longer....We got it done.