Awesome run of 16.6 miles. Typical heart rate was between 145 and 150. Relaxing 8:45 to 9:00 pace most of the way. A fun enjoyable run with no soreness at all after the run. A few weeks ago after our 17 mile run I was very sore, so this is a good sign that some level of conditioning is returning.
This was the first group run from the new RunTex store in Georgetown. Donnie is going to manage the new store and he was hoping to have a nice kick-off run today. He and Jill and Sunshine got up at 4:00 AM this morning and took out the coolers and tables for the aid stations at 4 or 5 locations on the route, lots of work.
We met at 6:00 AM at the new RunTex store and by the time we took off there were over 40 of us. Donnie had the runners sign a log register so we would know who to be looking for to ensure everyone made it back okay.
The temps were about 55degrees with a bit of a wind and lots of fog down by the San Gabriel River crossing in the park. Donnie had prepared sheets of paper with instructions and a map of the route so everyone could find their way in case they lost sight of one of the groups. Karen H and I led one of the groups for 5 miles and then we decided to do our normal Saturday method of running 8 minutes and walking 1 minute. Even with our run/walk method we still kept catching the running group at each water aid station. We ran in shorts and singlet and for the first 8 or 9 miles we were much colder than we had expected. Our hands were really getting cold but finally the sun came up and things got a little warmer. Anyway, just a really nice run.
Then after the run we went to breakfast with Tam, Karen, Lynn and I over at the Monument Cafe. Way too much food. Next time we won't order so much. Then Lynn and I went shopping at some of the small shops there in the center of Georgetown. A nice morning. Merry Christmas. | 