20 miles around GP. It's been a while since I've gone this far and I wasn't looking forward to it. In fact, this whole week has been a bit of a grind. Running was feeling like a chore, something I had to do rather than something I wanted to do. In fact, when I woke up I laid there and had to talk myself into getting out the door. Thankfully it was a somewhat fleeting thought and I was out before too long. I took it easy the first 5 miles around the hospital and WalMart and then I ran hills for the next 10 miles behind the HS. Up Beacon st, down 10th, back up 9th and then down 7th. One more trip up 6th St. before coming down by Sorweide's office (mile 14 and I picked up the pace for sub-6 the last 6 miles) and home via F st through town and past Fred Meyer. I felt great through 19 miles and was just a little thirsty the last mile. Average pace was 6:35 for the run which was surprising given the 1050 ft of climbing throughout the course. I'm glad I made it out the door and had an enjoyable experience after a so-so week. | 