9:42 Ave. Catherine, Smooth, RAD, Kelli, Scott, Mark, Mark's wife, and SMOOTH came to run a variety of distances in our own Provo Canyon. Catherine, Rad and I took off a little ahead because those two girls had to be back early. Those poor girls ran 7 10:00 minute miles with me (of course, they were up hill against gales of headwind, but never the less). Thanks girls, Mommy needed her cane this morning. Further along, Cath turned around at 10 and I followed Kelli up the canyon till we hit 12, and then ran back down South Fork with her to Vivians (8:57/8:46 etc). Met up with Smooth so she could babysit me the rest of the run. She told me all her secrets, efficient running form, recovery, tempo/interval training. She also told me how she got to be such an amazing person :) Another one straight out of the refiner's fire. That lady, I tell you what....On mile 21 when I was trying to maintain 9:09 she would run a little ahead and say "Can't be tired at the finish! Gotta look good! Dig it up from deep inside you--show me what you're made of!" To which my mind went completely blank "What am I made of Smooth?" She turned around waving her arms in the air and said "Gold!Titanium!Diamonds!" So that is my new mantra, I am made of titanium and diamonds! She also assured me that the pain of running is only temporary, but pride lasts forever. She said "no one ever died because of the pain of running". I wanted to tell her a lady died of a heart attack at the Moab Half Marathon....but you get the point! I will not die of pain! I am made of titanium! I have advised Smooth to begin her book and to hire herself out as a personal trainer. P.S. She comes with a gallon of chocolate milk. Thanks girls (and boys) for the beautiful morning. Goin' back to Kidney Kamp now that I'm showered. I'll tell you what, skip the Gatorade for milk. I feel 100% right now (stretching, walking, ice bathing too). But I really think the milk was a great recovery tool. Love you guys! | 