Left the house about 5:20 with Laureen. She wanted to get a long run in this morning before it got too hot, but that meant starting out in the dark. And it was dark this morning. No moonlight whatsoever and not even a hint of light on the horizon. She's been having some soreness in her legs so we started out very easy. We dropped off some water and then ran along the canal road, which is a bit of hazard even with the light from my headlamp. Laureen was feeling pretty good and even remarked how much she liked running in the dark. We ran up north of the high school and dropped off so more water and then headed southwest into Highland Glen Park. After looping around the pond and heading up the hill on the west side of the park we parted company as it was light enough to see by that time and I needed to get back and get ready for work. It felt great to run after a few days off and I gradually increased the pace heading up towards Kohlers and then heading east towards the mouth of the canyon. I noticed a little stiffness in my hips and upper thighs, but no soreness in my knee. I pushed the pace even more as I rounded the turn and headed back south. I couldn't believe how good I felt. I finished the run with a good strong effort. I think I should be good for 55 or so miles this week. | 