Yesterday was frustrating with only 3 total miles. At least I got to climb. Today, I had to run more, but was going to cut back on the climbing. I thought of traveling, but didn't have the energy. I also didn't make it out until the evening.
I headed to Jacobsburg to run 10 miles. I had to really hustle there after dinner. It is getting darker and darker, earlier and earlier these days. Doing 10 miles would take around an hour and a half.
It was relatively cool out, but I still went shirtless. That was an awesome decision, as I felt great. I wore my grey shorts and somehow they were still soaked by the end though.
I rarely push myself at all on trails, even fast ones like this. I often take it easy. However, with the sun rapidly setting, I knew I needed a decent effort. It was about 6:45 when I finally started.
The plan was to start with the regular 6 mile loop. After that, I figured somehow I'd go to the open field section. That would have more light by that time. It ended up working out pretty well.
I didn't start off pushing too much, but with rested legs, the pace was fairly brisk. It was a great night and I enjoyed the early part along the creek. The short climb after that and across the road wasn't bad.
I'm not a huge fan of this park, but trail running in definitely awesome, just about anywhere, anytime. On a nice evening like this, it is very enjoyable. I should probably be thankful for such a nice park that is close by.
Mile 1 was a 9:12. The second mile was a much quicker 8:07. I cruised on the downhills. I wasn't pushing hard, but I can't say I was going easy either. I saw a few mountain bikers and two deer on the run. I guess I can't say that I don't see deer any more at Jacobsburg. It is now frequent.
A lot of the run was peaceful and by myself. The singletrack through the road crossings slowed me a little and so did the powerline climb. I tried to take that easy. At least the sun wasn't beating on me. Because of the powerline, mile 3 was a 9:00.
I knew that once I made it to the top of the powerline, I could fly most of the way back to my car. There's a lot of downhill, then some road and just a couple very short climbs. I did just that, as mile 4 was 8:17 and mile 5 was an even quicker 7:43. I don't often run that fast on this trail.
I was now almost back to my car. I thought about running the ridge section, but I wasn't sure how light it would be. That section would surely be dangerous in the dark. I opted to take it easy and stick to the main route. I'd have to add a little distance later.
I got back to the car right at mile 6. It was a super quick 7:23. I wondered how I could sustain this speed for so long. I just kept going though. By now, my shorts were surprisingly soaked and got more soaked, as I ran along.
I had to navigate by some people on the main path. That's the one thing I don't care for about that area. I felt awesome though and was simply flying up the short hills. Mile 7 was an 8:01. I had just begun the long ascend up to the field section.
I tried to back down my effort before this climb. That sort of worked, however, I had been pushing too hard. I was exhausted. I saw another trail runner here going the other way and a hiker too. The second switchback made it tough and so did the uneven gradual grassy part after that.
I knew I had to survive to the top. I guess I had worked too hard though, as I started getting a side sticker. I continued on. Mile 8 was an 8:56.
I thought I was in the clear at this point, as I had all descending to do. However, the side sticker didn't go away and in fact it got worse. It was so bad that I almost had to stop while going downhill. I was taking it easy too.
Eventually, it alleviated itself, but not before I ran an 8:37 downhill mile 9. I guess in the grand scheme of things, that wasn't so bad. Eventually I got back to my car and passed the runner again. I was at 9.25 miles.
It was getting very dark by now. I couldn't see my watch at all. I had the bezel locked, so I couldn't light it up either. I decided to go out and back on the main path again.
It was super dark now amongst the trees. I passed the woman and then I turned around when the trail started to climb. I had no idea how far I had to go. I scared the woman, as I came back from behind her.
My watch clicked as I neared the end of the trail. I was now at mile 10. That mile was an 8:45. I went to the end of the path, just slightly farther, and then walked back to the car.
It was a good run as I pushed fairly hard on trails. I was close to my limit. I might've done better if it wasn't so close after dinner time. I don't know, but I was happy with the run. I need to push myself here more often, since it is an easy trail. It's good for speed practice.
Tomorrow, I'm hoping to get on trails again. If I don't work, Angie and I will drive down to Philly. I want to run the Wissahickon Valley Park trails. I haven't been there since the winter of 2013. I love it there and miss that place. We could have a good 10 mile run. I love introducing people to new trails, so I hope it works out. I'll probably do a short run as well too. Maybe I'll do trail hill repeats, if I feel good.
10.06 miles - 1:24:33 (8:24 pace)
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