This has been a very unproductive week. I only ran once so far and it was short. Most of the week, I was busy putting together the Eastern States 100 video. Yesterday evening, it rained a lot so I stayed in. The summer weather is finally getting to me.
I got out there to Jacobsburg tonight. It was supposed to be less humid. However, I started in the setting sun and found it to be quite warm. I ran shirtless. By the end, it was much better, especially when I got into the shade of the woods.
My plan was a solid 10 miles. I decided to start with the open field loop first and then go and do the main loop. I ate dinner before the run and didn't feel all that great. I started off easy. The path along the creek was busy.
The first climb took some work. I gradually made my way up. I was breathing heavy. They legs didn't feel all that great. I sputtered along. The open field seemed hot and it was very buggy. At least the grass was freshly cut. I saw a few rabbits and a groundhog. I smelled a skunk, but luckily I never saw it.
Things got better toward the end of this loop. The downhill was a big help. I cruised right on in and back to my car. Even with a minute break to refill my water bottle, my pace was still a sub 9:30.
I headed back out for the main loop. Again, the slight climbs were taking some work. A mountain biker passed me on the one to the road. This was right near a funky tree that had fallen. It was good to get back on to some flat stuff.
I wasn't feeling great or terrible, as I went over mile 5. I was breathing a bit heavy, but cruising along. The mountain biker stopped and I passed him. He annoyed me a few minutes later, as he came up from behind. I had to move over on the fun singletrack.
Although I didn't feel great, I just kept going. I went over the three road crossings. I was still running okay. I entered the Sober's Run Loop.
I knew the hardest part would be the powerline climb and it was. If I didn't know how long it was or what was after it, I might not have kept running. There is a slight flat part as it goes into the woods. The path then climbs again. That was a big help.
I now looked forward to flying downhill. I started to do that. The issue was that I had to go to the bathroom. Being a couple miles out with no bathroom around, I elected not to risk it. I just started walking back after 8.32 miles. It was a solid run anyway.
My legs were a little beat. I think the stone they put down in spots really bothers me. I'd like to do some long runs there in the future, but not sure I can.
I really need some long runs now. I signed up for the West Virginia Trilogy. It is a 50K on a Friday, a 50M on Saturday and a Half Marathon on Sunday. It will be a test like nothing else I've done. I'd really like a couple good back to back weekend long runs. That won't happen this weekend, but maybe next.
I think I'm going to do loops at South Mountain tomorrow. I'm hoping for 20+ miles. That is somewhat difficult, so it should be a solid test.
8.32 miles - 1:17:24 (9:18 pace) 579 feet of elevation gain
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