MHM -64/Long one -- Sat. Aug. 7

Out early, meeting Bill at 7:30 on a *gorgeous* day, almost too cool -- wore my Boston long-sleeved shirt, and didn't regret it. Dry, mild breeze, sunny, with occasional clouds, and maybe mid-70s at the hottest. Set off at an easy pace, on first of three loops--Boardman/Eskett/202/Howard/Jackson and home again. Average pace 8:30s, then off after a quick stop for the second: Hamilton/Allen/Enfield/9 and home again, opening up a little, probably averaged 8:10? Then after getting fresh water off for the last short bit: Jackson/Howard; *up* 202 (the toughest bit of the run, what I'd been un-looking forward to throughout -- Bill got away on that climb, but by the lights, where the gradient eases, I rejoined him and we both opened up a bit (by prior agreement!). I was feeling great -- I love that 202 downhill -- and just rolled down to the turn into LordJeff, then through there and stopped the clock, thus:

Time: 2:27:50
Distance: 18.18 miles
Pace: 8:08s

Comment: first of planned series of long ones leading up to the MHM. This was a well varied run, overlall elevation 750' climb, and similar descent. Felt great, for sure.