Today Kim and I got daring and attempted our first all downhill Payson Canyon run. There was a group going up to the top doing 20-22 milers but since we haven't been doing the steep, completely downhill runs we decided to start just below Payson Lakes and go 14-15.
This run has some very steep downhill sections with grades in the 6-8 percent range, similar to the very steepest sections of St. George but lasting longer. Needless to say it can be a risky run and a few runners have injured themselves pretty good while running it. But if you can survive 2 or 3 times down and get the legs used to it, it makes SGM feel a whole lot easier during the race and in days following.
The OTHER concern on this run is bears, since some of the runners saw a momma bear and 2 cubs while running this route on Wednesday. We were armed with mace just in case (would it even help?) but fortunately we had no bear encounters. All the bow hunter traffic coming up the road probably helped keep the wildlife away.
Kim hasn't had very good luck with her ITB running Payson in the past so we did our best to take it easy and hold good form. We were mostly successful, although she was feeling the first inkling of ITBS pains during the last 2 miles or so. Wisely she decided to walk the last 1/2 mile and it appears as I write this she is doing fine and the knee is feeling dandy.
Pushed the last mile a bit and ran it around 7-7:15 pace so I'll call that a MP mile.
8:57/131
Course tool data for today's run route:
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| Course Analysis Data |
| Actual course length: 15.0265 miles |
| Course length equivalent: 14.2888 miles |
| Lowest point: 4596 ft |
| Highest point: 7494 ft |
| Total elevation gain: 267.83 ft |
| Total elevation loss: 3160.46 ft |
| Net elevaion loss(+)/gain(-): 2892.63 |
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