I conquered Mt Bonnell

OK...I haven't done any hilly runs since Boston and I haven't done a run with Rogue since Boston either.  Today I met up with the 6am group of runners leaving from Barton Springs.  I chatted briefly with Ed and Bruce but it was dark so I didn't see a whole lot of other people I recognized.  I felt a little sluggish on the trail section but that's not unsual for me...takes 4-5 miles for me to loosen up.  Once we got to Lake Austin Blvd, my legs kind of clicked into gear and I had to work not to run too fast.  At this point I was pretty much running on my own.  At the water stop with Amy I asked where the turn around was for the 10 mile run and she said it was at the bottom of the Scenic hill so I figured if I was going to have to run up that, I might as well run all the way to the top of Mount Bonnell.  I had done a 12 mile run a couple of weeks ago so 14 wasn't that big of a stretch.  I was slow on Mt Bonnell but no problem...I know I am very slow on that sort of hill and I wasn't about to blow a gasket trying to prove something.  Had a couple of Shot Bloks at the turn around (thanks to Karen) and headed back.  It was great running down the hill high 5'ing all the people I had run with last summer who were running up (I suspect they were doing the 18mile version).  At this point I met up with a couple of people training for Chicago and San Antonio and the three of us ran the rest of the way back together.  It was fun to share stories and hear the excitement of someone preparing for his first marathon.  I did suggest he run the long runs a little slower (he was shooting for a 4 hr marathon and at this point we were averaging around 8:3o) but he seemed determined and to be enjoying himself so I'll bet he'll achieve his goal.  I felt surprisingly good today and still quite fresh at the end.  It is so great to be back with the group.

Passed on soaking at Barton Springs and hopped in to a 2 bag ice bath after a bowl of Cherrios and blueberries.  Off now for a pedicure!