This run was well-planned but poorly executed. Nena came with on the bike for the anticipated 19-20 miler. We started at the north end of Bountiful Blvd, .5 miles north of the temple. The plan was to run into City Creek Canyon far enough to get the required miles. The Blvd. portion went fine. The road isn't flat, but it was early enough and I was fresh enough to do fine on the hills. Nena couldn't ride up all of them, so I'd get a ways ahead, and she'd pass me later on the flats or downhill. We stopped at North Canyon for a pit stop, and continued south past Eaglewood, and onto another road that ends at the BST. I think it was around 6.5 miles on pavement. The trail was quiet, and the view was beautiful between NSL and SL. We got to the cellphone towers, and still needed more mileage, so we decided to head for Ensign peak. We took a turn that didn't lead that way, and Nena was really lagging on the hills, so rather than keep her with me, I sent her back to the cellphone towers to meet me, or wait for me after I went far enough. She left, along with all the water/gatorade. I continued along to the southern face of Ensign peak, and found a trail that took me right up the front. It was close to hands and knees steep. My heart was pounding pretty hard. I got up there, and there were 20-25 people up there looking at geological stuff in the basin. They all had on reflective orange vests, and waterbottles. I had on a garmin and my shorts. Feeling out of place, and jealous of their water, I stayed only briefly and headed back down the backside to reunite with my daughter. Whatever somebody tells you, there is no drinking fountain at Ensign peak. Not knowing the best route, I took an equivalently steep way back down the north side. I caught up to Nena much sooner than the towers, and was glad I had sent her back early. The steep ascent and lack of fluids was getting to me, and I really slowed down, also to not leave her in the dust. These were slow miles. We finally made it back to the flat portion of the trail, and there were several people out walking their dogs. I hate dogs that aren't leashed. They run at your groin, then circle around and come back and clip your heels. I muttered bad words at both the dogs and the owners that let them run loose. It's very inconsiderate. I do not like your dog. Your dog licks it's own butt. Keep it away from me. So anyway, we finally made it back to pavement, and refilled the water bottles at a church. I gagged down a gu with 4 miles to go, and it was helpful. I was more than a little happy to reach the north end of the boulevard. I rested on the sidewalk for a few minutes while Nena put her bike in the car and we drove home. I should have made her ride down the hill home so she could have a real 20 mile ride under her belt. So...the poor execution came in not leaving earlier. It was much warmer than I anticipated overnight. I wore a long sleeve shirt, and took it off 3 miles in. I spent 2/3 of the miles running in the sun, which wasn't in the plan. Also, I should have let Nena know she needed to provide her own beverages. I wish I had better knowledge of the route, as well. All that aside, I got the time in. The canyon and hills were beautiful. I'm glad I didn't do this run along Legacy trail or routine Main Street. I wish it had been Saturday, as well. I'm looking ahead to next week's run. It will be the Mueller to North Canyon loop, with the fall colors at or near their peak of beauty. This is such a great time of year. The following Saturday is the Layton Marathon. This run tells me not to expect a command performance at the marathon. I know I've shorted this training cycle, but I really haven't had much choice. I've been averaging 60 hours/week at work, while we push for deadline after deadline. Excuses, excuses I know, but I just haven't had the time or energy or impetus to care very much about killing it at this marathon. It will be a course record for me no matter what, and it will be interesting to run a marathon when I'm not shooting for a BQ. | 