Haven't been running much at all lately, but when a running buddy said lets do this 8K on the trail I thought what the heck. I've never run this distance so I'd get a PR, and besides it was on the trail so time wouldn't be that quick. This morning I awoke to thunder and lightening, and some heavy showers. I figured that would make the trail harder. However, it actually helped a little as the trail was sandy in places underfoot so it just gave you a slightly firmer footing that you;d have had otherwise. The course was out in Red Rock, Texas. The course was undulating, but no nasty hills. However, lots of changes of direction so it became hard to get into a groove. Still I decided to push for as long and as hard as I could. I had also left my watch at home...by accident...but they may have helped. I thought I was plodding round at about 8:30 pace, but was very pleased to see I crossed in 7:13 pace. Considering the lack of training, humid conditions, and that this was on the soft trail....I will take it! Still I felt the lack of training in the final 1/2 mile. Normally I'd have pushed on and caught a couple of people who finished within 10 seconds on me, but I just didn't have anything left in the tank as we trudged uphill towards the finish line. Still lots of fun, and bbq and beer at the end!!! | 