I was not sure about how long Catherine wanted to run on Saturday, so I switched my long run to today. Although I felt strong yesterday, performance running is different than regular training, so my legs were a little tired and I kept having issues (thirsty, foot pain, bathroom stops). My friend Marisa drove out from Mapleton, and we ran the canyon. Only, at Bridal Veil Falls, they had the whole thing cordoned off due to the fire that was started last night, so we had to turn around and run my least favorite part of the trail twice to accumulte the miles. So twice uphill, twice against the mouth-of-the-canyon winds in the early a.m. I hope that somehow that counts as reisistance training. Marisa is a really fast runner, but has only ever run a half marathon. She was really pleased to go 17 miles today. It was good to have her along. We got in about 4 faster downhill miles (8:17/8:22/8:13/8:27) but the average run was 8:52 by the garmin, but adding in bathroom and drink stops, the average was more like 9:17. But it feels good to have a 17 miler in the bank already I can't wait to run my favorite trails in Marblehead, Cape Cod MA, and Newport, RI next week. I may be able to squeeze one in to Providence RI as well. Running with a view of the ocean is so fantastic, I can't wait. I was going to go to NYC but decided to spend more time with family and friends in MA. I always run in the same place in the city (Hudson River Parkway), and it's hard on my feet, ankles, and hips (it's granite flagstone). Today, I'm going to spend afteroon lounging with Catherine and the kids at her pool.. I can't believe how lucky to have these past two days to relax--and that's before my real vacation even starts. Bonus. | 