SRRC run -- Sun. May 10

Nice sun but a cool and gusty wind, dry and jst right for running: no wonder we had a good turnout today. Bill, Andy, Amy, Steve L., Jim F., John and Nick, Savanna and Maddie, and Ken G., Maddie's dad (his first SRRC run, I think). Pleasant chats, and all full of spirit -- I propose a Mountain view hill run, and Bill jumps on it; Andy agrees to join us. Remainder set for an Enfield, except Ken G. who has a short 4-miler planned. All set off together onto Jackson, then at Hamilton they branch off and Steve L. decides to join us, so we are four -- well, five, as Andy has Yarrow running along. The kids set a brisker pace than usual, just about 7:30's, and we pretty much keep it up as far as the hill. Then we fade a little, but mainly just me: the other three are very strong, and about half-way up I'm falling behind. Then Yarrow gets hot and slows Andy down, so by the top it's us maybe 20-30 yards back. Good pace though, and all quite satisfied (and tired!). Then Bill leads us down the longer way, to Rockrimmon and then out to 21, going right along to Old Spfield, where we turn in. Steve L. and I getting a bit ahead, and as we chat about motorbikes we pick up the pace a bit, putting in two sub-7 miles as we head back to the high school. Then last push up the hill into the wind, and back towards Dunkin. Spot Nick and John and go for a wee pursuit right at the end, just catching them (but too hungry at that point to push it, for fear of retching). Overall:

Time: 1:15:46
Distance: 10.28 miles
Pace/Speed: 7:22s/ 8.22 mph

Comments: We were at 7.97 on the hour, so running 7:30s (despite the hill) -- but then our overall was faster, so a good negative split. Satisfying!

Chatted a good bit with Bill too about the marathon and training up -- my 18 weeks begin next Sunday. More on that when I get time (Wed.?). Also, it was my turn to take home the cup we won at Rafters -- very nice up close!