My Inner Roadrunner

Today I was a true road runner! Dropped my car off at Barton Springs, and hooked a ride with the guys to the Arboretum. From there our fearless leader, Steve, gave the instruction: 8 miles EZ, 10 mile MGP, rest cooldown (we were going 24 total).

Let me back up. I do actually run roads quite frequently: hills, tempo, easy...it is just easier to find company and speed that way. But, the last time I endeavored on my long run on the road (over 10-15 miles) was Austin Marathon last Feb. where I paced. But it worked in my schedule, the other guys were in Bandera, and I wanted to be done early to go enjoy Swedish Waffles!

I will be the first to admit I have no idea what my current road pace is. I have been known recently, and apparently am getting quite the reputation, for taking an easy run to a 7:05 pace...thanks for all the grief! But I figured if I hung with the crowd for warm-up, stayed with Bruce (7:15 or a little faster) for MGP, and then home free I would be fine. This would give me a solid run without any fatigue going into Headlands.

Well, what a treat this run was! I spent most of the early part, and until she had to get to work, with Asia (sp?) one of the UT Cross-Country girls. We had a great time visiting! I spent some time just listening to the guys and their banter. And, I spent some time letting Bruce and Jason (yes, Mike, Jason was not pulling the crowd!!) keep me in check pre-MGP. The miles (even the bonus wrong turn +1mile) flew by. Then it was time to pick it up. It's so weird, and I was telling Nedra later, that I was a little nervous picking it up. I run too fast all the time, but I didn't know if I could hold the pace for 10 miles and on the hills.

Well, actually Bruce and I did pretty darn well, and Charles TOTALLY rallied after an early show stopper! Here's what Bruce had to say about our pace splits: "Actually I think those are pretty good considering the terrain, especially the last four miles. I know mile four was 7:14 so if I factor that in our overall pace was 7:12 on a course designed to slap us around a bit. It was expected that many people wouldn't be able to keep pace for ten miles."

I can't believe I am typing this, but I think some of my inner roadrunner is back :) Probably most of it is because I don't do long runs on the road very often, and the company is fantastic, but I think I might do that again...and maybe soon!! Thanks for letting me play with the black short boys!!

Next stop, Trattoria Lisina and a wonderful anniversary evening! 5years!

Oh, and by the way, Swedish Waffles (crunchy) are the best!
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