I wasn't sure I could do it - like always. I was tired, worn out from running crazy all day yesterday and a tough racquetball game 9-10 last night. But, I knew I wouldn't regret it, I just had to do it. Tackled the hi country hill loop -over 900ft of gain in the loop, 200-250ft/mile for the first 3 miles. My wonderful hubby went to work late so that I could sleep in and run in the daylight when I wasn't afraid of the mtn lions eating me. No, really. They take down horses that live in hi-country frequently, so they certainly wouldn't hesitate to nab me in the breaking dawn. I can't find my mace and Lucy can't run that far anymore, so I'll only go with someone else or in the light. Anyway, just went out to tackle them. Felt decent (for hills) on the uphill and then when the downhill hits it is just amazing! A friend that lives on the upper loop I'm too much of a pansy to tackle yet, (but will!) drove past and kept me company for about 50 yds. That was a nice break in the toughest part of the climb. After the toughest climbs you get a little reprieve before hitting an Ogden like hill for about 1/2 mile. I decided on the break I was going to push and try to tackle it like I want to tackle Ogden. I didn't look at my pace, just kept the effort where I thought I could maintain the Ogden hill. You do get a good 100 yd downhill, but then it flattens out - just like heading to the dam at Ogden, so again I went to Ogden in my mind and just tried to keep a comfortably hard pace. I was happy to see the splits for those miles come in at 7:56 and 7:32. I really can do this...I can and I WILL! My confidence and resolve is growing daily. There are 2 other short, but steep hill climbs on the way home and I resolved to tackle them with a good pace as well and I did. I really felt good heading on home, the only way I get downhill home :) Got home and kids were ready to go to school and hubby headed out for work (until probably midnight tonight...whatever). Now I've got a day to fill with family fun and housework again :) That is what I get for being lazy the first few days of the week! AP: 8:30 splits: 9:20, 9:32, 9:28, 7:56, 7:32, 7:35, 7:24 (last .3) -I think this is by FAR the fastest I've ever run this loop. The slowest split only 9:30? I'm usually a LOT closer to or over 10mm. ***DON'T FORGET ABOUT MY AMAZING SATURDAY RUN! A gradual uphill (2-3% overall) for 8 miles, then you turn and get to run MP (if you want) back down. Best 'last run' for a full I've ever done! Let me know if you're coming and I'll drop water for everyone at miles 4,8,12 - Meeting at In N Out Burger on 12600S and Bangerter Hwy at 6AM. *** c'mon guys...I need some company :(
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