Saturday, November 13, 2010

Forest Park Run

Just a quickie post about my long run today. I went up to Forest Park and ran 15 miles on the Leif Erickson trail. It’s one of my favorite places to run because it’s a nice dirt path in the forest, so much better than any concrete run. But, it’s not very hilly or technical so it doesn’t require as much concentration and I can let my mind wander and listen to music.

It was super foggy and cold, like 40. I was comfy in tights, a couple layers on top, and gloves. The trail was very muddy and squishy with fallen leaves. The fog settled on my eyelashes and I could see my breath. It was quiet and lovely and I was lost in my own world as the miles flew by.

I kept the pace pretty easy for the first few miles and at two Gu’s along the way. My pace for the first half was 9:29. I picked it up a little on the way back and then really cranked out the last couple of miles. The last mile and a half or so of the trail have a nice decline and it’s fun to hammer it out. I ran a negative split with the second half at a 8:40 pace (last two miles at 7:30)! My feet were a little sore but I finished feeling great and on a big runner’s high. A great run!!

Here are a couple of pictures. Thanks for reading!! :)

11 13 10c 

11 13 10b

11 13 10a

9 comments:

Amy said...

I love reading your trail running post! Almost like actually being there. Thanks for sharing!

Jo Lynn said...

Mmmmm. So pretty. ;)

Amanda@runninghood said...

Awesome! I love Forest Park! I have not been there since my big fall in August. :( I hope to get there again soon and when I do I'll try not to trip over any rocks. Great pace! Way to pick it up at the end.

Alisa said...

Purrty!

I didn't do my long run until Sunday.

Teamarcia said...

Looks like a gorgeous run!

Marya said...

I was up in Forest Park on Saturday, too, but I was on Wildwood. I'm pretty sure I saw Zach running in the opposite direction, though! Glad you had a great run. It was really pretty on Saturday, even with the rain, but then again, I really like mud! Even when I fall in it...Oops!

Petraruns said...

Gorgeous! Lucky you for getting the miles in there!

Michael said...

Great run and great pics, Jen. Been there many times and it's still beautiful!

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