I was a little beat up on Saturday after that run at Lehigh Gap. I almost got out to Riverview Park yesterday. That would've been my first road run in over a year. I just couldn't drag myself out there.
I did need to end this trail running streak. I wanted to head north today, but didn't have the energy. Instead, I elected to finally get on some rail trail. The last time I did that was on the Nor-Bath Trail over a year ago. Much like today, I would run in the darkness.
It was a little chilly. I wore a short sleeve shirt with my shell over it. I was sweating by the end with my visor to hold up the head lamp. Not surprisingly, I ran a little faster than I wanted to. It has been so long since I've been on this type of surface. I actually had to use old road shoes.
I parked at the Bath end of the trail. There were some dogs about to go for a walk. They barked at me. I knew that I'd have the trail all to myself. I did see animal eyes twice, but that was it.
I started off nice and comfortable. I felt amazing and fast. Of course I knew I wasn't going as quick as I felt. It felt good to run a little differently though. Not only do I not run with speed any more, but I stop and start so much. Running the planned 6 miles straight through would be a big thing.
I was thrilled to cross Airport Road with ease. There would only be two road crossings, but I feared that would cause me some trouble. Although the miles went by kind of quickly, I sure got bored early. I was happy that when I first looked at my watch near Bicentennial Park, it was 2.16 miles. I had less than a mile to turn around.
I focused on the Weaversville Road crossing. Even now, my legs were a little uncomfortable. I was definitely working different muscles than I normally do. I crossed over the road with ease and over the foot bridges farther down. I turned around at 3 miles.
I was shooting for a sub 8 minute pace. I was glad to see that I had built up a decent cushion to that. Of course I wouldn't settle for that. I knew I'd end up picking things up a little more. It was nice to be on the back half of this run.
Again, I was able to cross the road with ease. I was shocked by this, as it looked busy. I cruised past Bicentennial Park again. My legs were definitely hanging on. I focused on each half mile.
Getting through mile 4 was huge. I was now looking at a sub 7:45 pace and figured I could do that. This stretch from the park to Airport Road is simply a lot of nothing. I got very bored, as I focused on mile 5. It was great to get there and be well under 7:45 pace.
I calculated pace in my head again and realized a good final mile would put me under 7:40, so I shot for that. At least I had something to keep me busy. Once I got past Airport Road, smoothly again I might add, I picked up the tempo. I wasn't going all out, but was definitely a little uncomfortable.
I finished up under 7:40 pace. My breathing for most of the run wasn't too bad, although I did get a side stitch. It was my legs that were holding me back. They need to get stronger. I need to mix in more runs like this and faster ones. I still want to focus on endurance, but find a nice mix of speed. I think adding striders would help with that too.
Tomorrow, I'm hoping to get back on the trails. We'll see what I'm up for. I'd love to go somewhere new. Maybe I can make it to the Thunder Swamp Trail System this time around.
6 miles - 45:38 (7:36 pace) 68 feet of elevation gain
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