6:30 am Very good run on the course this morning with Angie and Jasmine. We backtracked the marathon course 20 miles, and finished the race. Overall pace was 7:10, which was extremely easy on the downhill, challenging on the flat final 6 miles. We held, and even dropped pace on the flats, finishing up with 3 sub-7 miles. Temps were great, the scenery was wonderful, with trees beginning to change, birds aloft, and a rising sun. I slept the night before at Anderson cove, under the stars, enjoying the view on a moonless night. Even without my glasses I could make out several constellations.
I feel encouraged by the outcome of this run. I figured the girls would drop me like a bad habit, but we stuck together and got it done. I've been doing some year to year comparison, and my mileage this year is comprable to last. I don't have a single switchback to my name, but have banked 7 tempo tuesdays. With a taper, better sleep, and cooler conditions on marathon day...well, who knows? At least my pacing should be better this year.
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