hazy eleven -- Sat. September 8

Last chance for a run this week, and determined to get out despite the record awful (hot hazy humid) weather. Yesterday it reached 90 or 91, way hotter than usual for this time of year (equalled the record). The ground is so hard and dry I can hardly believe it'll ever recover. But no excuse not to run; just have to take lots of water. Didn't get out until just after 10, so 36 hours from the last run -- nice recovery time, though I was still pretty wiped from teaching a double stint in an uncooled room with full afternoon sun exposure yesterday, on top of a pretty stressful week. So I wasn't looking for much other than a few miles of peace, plus any shade I could find.

Went up 202 (via VFW), planning to do Munsell and Packardville back, but then figured a more direct route would be better given the heat and my tiredness. Pace was gentle - -it's a l o n g way up the hill to the turn off into the lake area; I took this, and headed down, not all the way to the water, but just to Jucket, then another long and tough uphill there. I'd forgotten how tough trail running is: the slopes are steeper, it seems, and the ground breaks pace constantly. But it was lovely to look at, and there was a breeze and shade in the trees. Back out onto tarmac finally, and from Allen to Enfield, then back along 9. Stopped the clock a bit early, but I wanted to stop for a drink and save energy for later in the day. So, here it is:

Time: 1:24:54
Distance: 11.08 miles
Speed: 7.8 mph

Comment: well, the change of pace is good for me, even if it doesn't look very impressive. Hopefully a more regular week to come. . .