The Newtons met at my house for a loop to get out of this inversion. I didn't tell them how much of a fun climb it was going to be, I figured they could find that out for themselves :) Chad, George and Ronnie and I headed up into Hi Country to do something I've always been to chicken to do. Run to the top. I usually cut back about 2/3rds of the way up and avoid the big hills. Not today. It was time to go UP and enjoy some fresh air. Oh, was it nice up there! I could breathe! The air was clear and I really enjoyed the run. I did have to power walk a couple times, but Ronnie didn't gain anything on me so I figured I was keeping a good pace :) Almost to the top, the second car we had encountered the whole run pulled over with their window open. I know lots of people that live up there so I stopped. She asked if I lived up there, "no, but I've been up here a lot and know most of the people that do" She then cautioned me about how BUSY the road was and that even with my head lamp and reflective gear I would get hit. I kind of chuckled to myself and carried on. Busy according to her and what herd of deer?!? :) We did run into one other car on that upper loop while we ran. It was a CRAZY busy day up there on that road. The way down was wonderful. There are still some good rolling hills and some good climbs, but with 1300ft of gain I'm calling this a good run! Excellent prep for the hills on my first trail 50K in March. I want to do this run again.
AP: 8:52 splits: 9:05, 9:02, 10:06, 11:13, 8:01, 7:52, 7:56, 7:45 Came home and warmed up (it was actually almost warm this morning starting at 19 degrees!!) under my electric blanket. Oh how I love that thing. I got the kids ready for school from my bed :) okay, I just yelled at them to get their stuff done. I didn't want to get out of bed!! I finally got up and out of the house. I noticed that it had started raining a bit (it was dry our whole run!), but it didn't seem bad. Went to the rec center and did spin. Teacher wasn't my favorite, but it was still a good class with a hard push! Lots of climbing. Finished off the morning with TRX. Legs were super tired! But, I got through it with Kelli showing me how it was done. Now I think I'm going to climb back under my blanket and sleep for a few hours. It might keep the grumpies away today.
| 
