MHM -88/Gulf -- Wed. July 14

Felt like a challenge after the rest day, and went out early as I had to drive to Troy later in day. Out before 8 a.m. for a basic Gulf hill route, but start via Hamilton (F had done a 5K plus even earlier). GeoHannum-Hamilton-Allen-9-Federal, all the way to the turn back across 9 to go up Gulf. Keep pace easy, starting with 8:10s, and after getting stride, slow down again as necessary on the uphill, which feels steeper than I remember! Out at the top and pick up a bit along Packardville and the big pond, then down Gold to Munsell, and start to open up a bit. Miles 10, 11, 12 and 13 all sub-7:00s, if only just, and admittedly with a hill assist, as I stride down 202 to VFW and then in towards home. Totals:

Time: 1:41:12
Distance: 13.12 miles
Pace: 7:43

Comment: aiming to conserve energy on this one, with the drive ahead, so the overall pace was pretty gentle, but good value with the longish stretch at the end, and the hill climb was good method if not toughness practice. Second half marathon distance this week. As is becoming habit, did final stretch after stopping clock with no shoes.