12 miles @ 10:05/mi. Great run with Kevin, Wayne, Larry & Jo.
We headed up the hillside from Timpanogos park and ran about 2.75 miles together at easy sightseeing pace until we descended to Nunn's park. At that point Larry and Jo headed back to Timp park on the Provo River trail. Kevin, Wayne, and I continue up to Vivian park. Kevin had to get back so he headed back and Wayne and I continued on up South Fork a ways (to the 6 mile mark on my watch).
On the way back down, shortly after leaving Vivian park Wayne encourage to go on ahead, so I did. After having my legs feel so tired last Saturday, I had taken Friday off this week, hoping to be able to push sub-8:00 at the end of today's run. (I only managed about 8:20 pace for a couple of miles last week as I recall.)
I only managed 8:25 the first mile, and was feeling pretty tired. I was a little discouraged, but rationalized that the hill running had zapped my legs some. Perhaps it was more that the trail is more level than downhill at that point, or I was just warming up. I was very pleased to average 7:38/mi for the next 3.5 miles (7:46, 7:36, 7;35, 7:31/mi for 0.5). I cooled down with a 1/2 mile down to the fountain and back for a total of 12 miles.
I think it was about 15° colder this week than last, and there was a cold breeze. I felt a little cold at times, but ended up removing my gloves and headband by the end. It was a great run. I'm so blessed with time and ability to run, beautiful places to run nearby, and best of all great running friends.
Based on Jo's suggestion during the run, I stopped by Costco for roses and Godiva chocolates for Karen for Valentine's day. They were well received. The blessings from running are myriad.
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