Seeking a better country...

8 am.  Anna came with.  We stopped to visit the park, the peacocks, the burros, the park, and the park again.  She is out of shape, but we had a nice time.  'Twas very hot by the time we got home; despite stopping at three parks, she was ready for a big drink at home.

7:30 am  Some runs never feel right.  This was one of them.  Pace was around 8:20, but it felt like a minute faster.  Cold shower when I got home was nice.  I need to stop running to check on all the signs.  It keeps bothering me when a sign is newly missing or blocked by a tool candidate. 

6:30 am.  I skipped Tempo Tuesday because I didn't want to be wiped out to run with Russ tomorrow @ desnews.  The alternate route was BST to Freedom Hills.  It was under 70 when I started, but the soak at the park felt great.   This was a much better run than yesterday and Sunday.

7:20 am.  I ran with Russ from mile 15 to the finish of the Desnews marathon today.  He turned in a solid performance, beating his pr by 8 minutes, and destroying his course PR by 2 hours.  I think one could really turn in a fast time on this course if it wasn't held in late-July.  The heat is too much of a factor, though.  Those uphill sections along Wasatch, 1300 E, and Foothill aren't much fun either.

Way to go, Russ!!

6:45 am.  Ash wouldn't come, so I took to the trails.  I wore a belt, and was glad to have 20 oz.  The trail was lonely and quiet.  I was only 15 degrees away from being comfortable; September can't come soon enough.  I came off the trail in Farmington, cutting through someone's backyard and firepit.  Bombed down the steep road, trying to toughen up the legs for Huntsville, then picked off 8 or 9 lady runners on Main Street.  Where are all the men?  It's always about 6:1 in favor of women harriers.  Finished up with a 6:38 mile, then lay down on the driveway to make a beautiful sweat angel. 

I hate showing up to work on Friday at 9:15, but it was worth it for this run.  The desnews race reports have been delightful to read...thanks, everyone. 

7:15 am.  For some reason it took me 45 minutes to eat a bowl of oatmeal and get out the door.  It never cooled off overnight, and my plan was to do a double today for a total of 12-14.  Once I got going, it seemed stupid to dread another run all day long, so I just kept going.  I got to Legacy and was nearly run over by dozens of bikers, and a crowd of crazy inline skaters.  I saw very few runners.  It sprinkled a bit, but not enough to cool anything off.  At Farmington State street I headed east, then followed the Lincoln Highway all the way home.  The final miles were tough, but felt better after I ate some smarties.  

It took until 7 tonight to not feel wiped out, and I considered going out for a few more.  Instead of actually running, I got on the computer to write about running.  What a chump.

A stranger runner I chatted with briefly today asked me if I was getting ready for a fall marathon.  Out of my mouth came the reply, "Why yes, I'm running Huntsville at the end of September."  I guess I better get signed up for reals.  I guess worst case I will miss the race on account of a new baby.