Today, I ran Candy Mountain. It was a chilly, foggy day. The weather forecast suggested it was going to be in the mid-50s during this run, but it didn’t get above 50F. I ended up being comfortable, but the first few miles were chilly enough that I’m glad I brought my gloves.

I focused on “power hiking” on the way up. It took me about 36 minutes to get to the top. That’s just about a minute faster than the first time I did this route. On the way down, I focused on keep my feet moving and trying to keep moving forward. I was almost 90 seconds faster on this section today than previously – despite having one moment when I ended up on my rump. (Steep section with rocks, my feet slid forward, my butt ended up on the ground. It was remarkably controlled – in contrast with my getting airborne when running downhill the first time I ran Candy – and I doubt I’ll even have a small bruise.)

The calendar called for an 8-mile run. As I got to mile 6.5, I had a hard time convincing myself to not just stop at the truck. I even got my legs to do some running – albeit a slow, shuffling run – while headed back to the parking area at Badger Mountain.

I had to walk once I turned east. I kept going, walking up the access road. It was difficult. My legs were tired and really wanted to quit. I quit sooner than I should — I ended up 14/100ths of a mile short — but I’m pleased with what I got done today.

Tomorrow’s workout is a 5-mile run at steady or easy pace, whichever my body wants. I’m going to a conference with Jane tomorrow, and I have to be at her house at 8:00 a.m. (she’s driving). That means getting up at 5:00 a.m. on a Saturday to do this run. As I wrote that, I made a sad face. But it will feel good to get that out of the way and have the evening available once I return home. If I don’t run in the morning, it’s most likely that I won’t do it at all. Tomorrow’s run is important, as it’s time for my body to get used to running on tired legs — and they will be tired!