20.2 miles @ 9:30/mi. Mouth of Provo Canyon to top of South Fork solo.
What a beautiful run! With crisp, clean "right after rain" air and perfect running temps, and even some sunshine, it was a great morning for a long run. I ran "cruising" pace the whole run, though I did push a little for several miles down South Fork, and the final mile.
As usual, I tried to say "Good Morning" to everyone, and nearly everyone was cheerful and friendly. I had a few fun interactions. Near the top of South Fork a couple of recreational bikers slowing overtook me. I told them I was glad they were on bikes because they were catching me too quickly. About a half mile later I was actually gaining on them and one of them looked back and said I was now catching them too quickly. He then took off and they both sprinted the last 1/2 mile or so to the Trefoil gate. They were waiting when I got there and called me an animal. I said something like, "It's good to get to the gate. Now for the downhill." then immediately turned around and started down at a pretty fast pace. Of course, I slowed down a little after I had made my impression. (Oh, the vanity.)
About that time I met a bearded runner coming up who I thought was ahead of me. He started up South Fork ahead of me but apparently had stopped at the bathroom at South Fork or Big Springs Park. He said, "You're speedy." I guess maybe he had seem me go by as he came out of the bathroom and maybe had tried to catch me.
It's been a while since I've been called "animal" and "speedy". I have to admit it feels pretty good. I'm grateful. I hope I can avoid injury and continue improving.
How blessed I am to be able to run, and to be able to run in beautiful places like Provo Canyon along the river and up South Fork Canyon. Oh, and it feels good to have a 20-miler behind me.
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