I've been trying to get ready for Yakima which is rapidly approaching. My training prior to last week has been....lacking. Last week was a good week but the two weeks prior were pathetic. One thing or excuse after another kept getting in the way. Got back on track last week but had yet to do a long run this year. I decided if I didn't do it today then Yakima was in jeopardy of being just very long and painful jaunt. It's so hard for me to get ready for a Spring marathon and this one is really early. Just 3 1/2 weeks away. I've been considering doing a Soos Creek to Lake Youngs loop ever since I found a connector trail between the two. Very challenging course because they're both so hilly, especially Lake Youngs. So off I went down the hill to Soos Creek, hung a left and headed north. Arrived at Lake Youngs after 5 miles and refueled a little with a couple of bite size Snickers and some Gatorade I'd stashed on my way home from work. Stashed the bottle and headed around Lake Youngs for 9.4 miles. Finished the loop, my Gatorade and 1 more Snicker before heading back down to Soos Creek. The last mile is crazy steep going back up hill. I was proud of my effort even though my mile split was slow. So tired when I finished. First 14.17 Miles AP: 9:28 8:49 / 8:58 / 9:05 / 8:59 / 10:54 (wicked steep hill getting up to Lk Y) / 9:31 / 9:48 / 9:26 / 9:20 / 9:26 / 10:16 / 9:02 / 9:52 / 8:58 / 9:50 Reset my Garmin because it started beeping which usually means it's getting ready to lock up and I didn't want to lose my splits. Next 5.83 Miles AP: 9:40 9:48 / 9:16 / 9:14 / 9:42 / 10:25 / 9:40 Glad that's done! | 