Chad's Runs

Ran a relaxing 9:00 minute pace this morning.  The weather was calm.  Props to every one that went out yesterday morning.  You have my admiration.  I took one look at the howling winds at 4:30 and went back to bed.

I had a heart pounding scare this morning when I ran across a skunk in the dark just after 5am.  The JRP is fairly narrow at this point with a drop off on the left and a fence on the right.  I heard something by the fence and took a look and saw it with it's rear pointed at me.  The only comfort was that the tail was not raised.  I was jittery for a while after that and took a different route on the way home.  I hate those things. 

 One more thing.  171 miles for August beats my personal best by almost 30 miles.  It still isn't very close to how many I wanted to get in, but I'm not sure my body was ready for too many more this month.  I need to stay motivated over the winter so I can come back with bigger months in the spring.  I usually don't run very many races, but maybe adding some more next year will help keep me motivated.  I'd also like to try the Wasatch Back but I don't know of any teams I could join, but it's still early. 

Saw that dang skunk again.  This time he was on the trail so I saw him earlier.  I waddled of the trail but stopped just off the trail onto the shoulder.  I just turned around and ran the other way.  It turned out to be pretty nice.  The area between the Pioneer Crossing tunnel and the RC Airplane field is untouched open space and a bit creepy in the dark.  It was also significantly colder.  I was a bit chilled.  The rest of the run was in Saratoga Springs.  It was nice and quiet with some great views of the lake; the valley lights reflecting off the glass smooth surface.

As for the run, I ran at 9:15 pace.  I didn't feel very strong so I kept easy.

Most of my run was along the St. George Marathon route.  The think I wanted to do was gain a little confidence from running close to marathon pace.  I did that so I'm excited.  The pace was under a 9:00 minute mile until my left knee started to ache and feel loose and unstable, about mile 15.  That down hill did a number on that knee.  It still feels achy and week when I walk down a hill or stairs.  I think it will feel fine in a few days.  I don't think I should run on it though.  Maybe I should go to the Legacy Center to peddle a cycle or an elliptical.