I was nervous about this long run today what with all the issues with the calf this week. So what a pleasant surprise to enjoy the best run I've had all week and the calf felt the best it has since I tweaked it. Good to know that a strategic extra rest day or cross-train day here and there can work wonders on my aging legs.
With UVM approaching I was eager to get up the canyon and start running the course. So today I drove up to near Bridal Veil, ran up about 4.5 miles then down mostly on the course route 15 miles. I wasn't sure how safe it would be to run on the road but it turned out fine. I waited until it was pretty light and ran against traffic. Turns out most of the road coming down the canyon has plenty of extra room on the side for runners/bikers so there is a good margin of safety.
I think this will be a great marathon course. The middle section has some tough sections with the up/down rolling hills but the last 6-8 miles are nice gradual downhill with just a couple of "bumps". I look forward to checking out the first 10 miles of the course in the coming weeks.
Pushed the pace just enough to beat the 8-min man.
7:57/164
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