I had the opportunity to run out in Fruita today. Back on some of the same trails I did my 50 mile race on last April. It was quite a bit warmer today – in the 90’s, and I didn’t start running until 1:30 in the afternoon. Good heat training, I guess.

Water was a concern. I had a 70z camelbak fully stocked and headed out to see how long that would last me. Running with the load on my back wasn’t the greatest feeling, but I kept the pace slow for the first few miles and just tried to ease into it.

Even though it was a Saturday, things seemed pretty deserted. I guess all the smart people got their fun in before things got too hot…

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Yesterday I rolled out of bed at 6:00 and took off in the cold and dark for a 10 miler. I did ok, but it was tough. My legs weren’t very loose and my range of motion seemed quite limited.

Today I ran in the middle of the day – in shorts for the first time this year (62 deg!). The legs were happy! I don’t think they like being bound up in tights very well. My stride was relaxed and free, and my pace was quick with less effort than yesteday. In fact, my average pace per mile was 1:40 faster, and it was a whooole lot easier.

I actually felt like a runner today, running… Instead of a cyclist trying to run. It was awesome!

I was trying hard to hold back for the first four miles, because this is supposed to be an easy/rest week, but I couldn’t take it anymore and let it rip at the turnaround. I did the second half 6 minutes faster than the first. Man, that felt good!