Today was one of the most enjoyable runs I've ever experienced. My dad and I left Medford @ 7:30 and drove 45 minutes to run around Applegate Reservoir. We found the trailhead no problem and started out in a casual 8:00/mile pace. I'm not sure how far we ran together; I'm guessing 10 miles or so on the East side of the lake. The route was entirely single-track with lots of ups, downs, arounds and everything in-between. We jumped back on the main road just North of California and headed back towards the dam and our car. At this point my dad stayed on the highway and I hopped back on the trail for the next 5-6 miles until the dam. After that it was 1 mile across the dam to the car/finish line. Maybe we were a little naive before we began, but we didn't drink any water to carry any type of fuel--by the end I was wishing I had some gummy bears, jolly ranchers, etc to keep me going. All's well that ends well though... This run may not have been the best training run for Eugene but I don't much care. We ran just over 2:30:00 so the pace was nothing special but I had a blast. The course was amazing, just like I was imagining. 90% was ran on single-track under the shade of the trees, the forest on the left and the lake just a stones-throw to the right. Perfect weather, great course, lots of fun. I'm seriously considering running the Litha Loop Trail Marathon in Ashland now, most likely in either of the next 2 years when they host the U.S. National Trail Marathon Championships.
Sinister (316) My highest week ever...
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