SRRC double digits -- Sun. October 5

Ready for a tough but not *too* long run, I was happy to see the three serious young runners there at D&D at 10. It was only us in the end, and Bill W had a plan -- 15 miles, with 5 at his marathon pace so he could get Andy used to it (7:00 ~7:10 pace, he said), and a run over Summit Road. Jay and I were unsure about the distance, but figured we'd go and see how it went.

Started down 202 to Eskett, with an 8:00 and a 7:00, then into the timed section, a loop and a half around Rural and Stebbins, etc. Definitely NOT the pace Bill had advertised, faster, and it felt it, but we worked together to smooth it out and by mile 4 we were doing about 7:00s. After the initial burst had pushed me a bit, I felt fine, but still Jay and I figured we'd go back directly along 202, aiming for a 10 instead of 12 -14. So Andy and Bill split off at Boardman, and Jay and I motored on, but it was already nearly 9 miles. . . We realised we'd have a bit more than 10 miles by the end, and Jay was feeling very low sugar, so he advised me to go on ahead. I thought we were nearly back in town and pushed off hard, keeping around the 7:00 pace, but in fact there was a ways to go, including two (short) hills. Oops. Still, managed to keep up the pace to the end, which was over *twelve* miles in all. Details:

Time: 1:26:37
Distance: 12:17 miles
Speed: 8.43 mph

Comment: I'm surprised I had that pace in me for the distance. Good sign, I hope, and a perfect blast out before the next half marathon next weekend . . . I got donuts and coffees in for me and Jay, wondering how he was, but he came in fine about four minutes behind, while I was still queuing (D&D was very busy!). Man, I enjoyed the croissant with egg and cheese!