I'm on my way out with a Powerade and a bagel in hand to Iroquois for a few miles!!!

update:

8 miles at Iroquois and Southern Pkwy. Perfect running conditions!!! My 1st 7 miles were fine, but the last one about killed me. I was determined to get through it and I'm glad I did but it was torture.

I saw Kriston on the other side of Southern Pkwy. I would have crossed over to run a few miles but I was afraid to break the zone I was in. Kriston, how many miles did you get in today?

9 miles! Distance PR!!

It sucked really bad. Without going into details, it was just a weak day for my body. I expected it because I'm used to this drill. Nevertheless, I have to admit, this was probably one of my very favorite training runs ever. I will spare you all the details of why, but it was just a pleasure to run through that area and into the neighborhoods.

Joe, please tell me you noticed how BEAUTIFUL the park loop was today--it was like someone had painted the entire path and the sides of it yellow and orange. It was gorgeous today!

Plus, I saw some of the nicest people out at 7-8AM. Just a great run all around, minus the weak performance.

My pace ended up being 12:30, which was what I was shooting for honestly. The first half of my run was slower than the second. The last 4 miles were totally mental for me. But I made it and kept telling that damn part of my brain that kept saying "WALK WALK YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO WALK" to shut the hell up.

I should have crossed the road when I saw you but I only had a few miles left. I needed some motivation at that point but I was just afraid to stop, thinking I wouldn't start back.

It was a beautiful morning in the park and I'm glad I ran there. I actually had to go out there this morning to help my mom move a fridge so thats why I chose Iroquois. My parents live very close to the park. I didn't run to the top but I plan to do that in the freezing cold in the morning.

The leaves made for a softer landing almost all the way around it.

They also made for wet shoes and socks, too. Or was that the puddles I kept stepping in, even while trying to avoid them? LOL

You're a beast for doing 8 miles today and then that dreadful hill in the morning. LOL I almost want to drive over with donuts and coffee and bundle up just to watch you. Maybe I'll drive my car as a "pace car" beside you the entire time, holding donuts and fresh brewed coffee out of the window so you can smell their aroma.

Absolutely hilarious. I just had a visual of you riding beside us holding donuts and coffee out the window.

Is it just me or do those look fantastic? I am really craving a donut--I haven't had one in a year or so!

Wow, they look great!!!

You know what really makes me sad...it's sad that it makes me sad but it DOES...

I can't find apple cinnamon donuts anywhere anymore. Krispy Kreme used to have the best but now, I can't find them.

Am I like the only one who likes apples and cinnamon? I think not.

And where did DOnuts come from? How do they differ from doughnuts? LOL

Edit: I just looked on the Krispy Kreme website and they show those as available. Yet, when I go to the store, it's never there.

You really need to go get you some donuts. You've put a lot of thought into donuts!!

I'm bored, if you can't tell.

I've actually been trying to plot a path to Krispy Kreme somewhere at the beginning of my journey tomorrow. I'm pretty sure I'm going to Swag's.

Make sure you take your current pair of shoes in with you. And, take them some donuts, you might get a BIG discount!!!

I ordered 2 more pair of Injinji socks, arm warmers, and a fuel belt on Friday. I'm such a gear junkie.

You think they'll be able to tell anything with my current shoes, since I've only run about 80 miles in them? They're only a month old or so.

They are the experts. Make sure you take them with you. Every Dr in town refers their patients to Swags.

Sounds like I missed a lot of fun today. I let family matters get to me and drag me down. I actually thought last night about meeting you guys out there this morning, but then I let the negatives set in and decided I didn't have the energy .

I will see you out there in the morning Joe.