20 Miles! Always rewarding to finish up those. I woke up at 5:00, got ready and rode my bike two miles to the start of Starkey Blvd. Ran from there to the entrance of Starkey park and then to the bike trail inside. As I was running along the road, some of my running friends beeped as they drove by. Jorge slowed down, rolled down his window and said hi. Last time I did this route I ended up getting into his car as it was much darker out, but this morning it was already getting a hint of light. I was just over 5 miles when I was inside the park and next to where I usually start, so the plan was another 7.5 miles out before turning around so I could finish up at the usual spot and get a ride back to my bike. For the first few miles I had felt kind of sluggish, but I was able to eventually pick up the pace. 7:50's felt like 7:20's, but I didn't care too much, just get the miles in. As I approached the 4 mile water stop (which was 9 for me today), I saw Dixie heading back. He turned around and ran with me to the water stop. I refilled my water bottles and stretched out a bit. My hips kept on getting tight. I had thought about just trying to run through it but decided against it and tried stretching it out. It actually helped quite a bit. I continued on - legs feeling heavy again but I shook it off after a mile or so. Made it out to 12.5 miles total, stretched briefly (didn't stop the watch) and turned back. Was able to pick up some more speed despite the warming sun. I was getting closer to finishing which always seems to get me going faster. Finally, at the last mile, I picked it up some more and finished under 7:00. Average pace: 7:50 (8:12 average pace at 10 miles)
Had some cold water, a banana and some grapes at the social hour, then got a ride with Dixie back to my bike. Short two mile bike ride, then I was back home!
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