Something in the air.

On Saturday I had a fantastic run. I love it when my pre-run strategy actually works. We had 10 miles on the schedule. We met at Lloyd Hall for a trip around the East-West  River drive loop (Kelly Drive-MLK) and then an extra spur up, over and down Lemon Hill.

My plan was to run MY PACE to the falls bridge. Take a walk, water and gel break across the bridge. Run MY PACE to the Rocky Statue. Take a walk, water and stretch break. Then finish the run back to Lloyd hall and Lemon Hill. I managed almost all of it. It really felt good.

My only small failure was in running MY PACE during the first section. I always feel good and go too fast. I ran the first section with Mark, Christina, Jill and Collene. I know these folks are all faster than me. I get wrapped up in the conversation and off I go. On the second leg Jill and Collene did not take a break so they were off well ahead of me. Mark and Christina managed to keep their pace after the break but I was a little used up and lagged behind them. I was disappointed in myself for this but the good news is I didn't let the disappointment get into my head. I just kept at it and finished running the entire second leg - albeit slower- by myself.

I conquered Lemon Hill which, previously - during my first marathon in 2008 - knocked me on my butt. It had taken on mythic proportions in my head. So this run was returning to the scene of the crime so to speak. At the end of the run I felt good and still had some energy left. Perhaps I could have pushed that second leg a bit more. If I meet up with other Phillyfitters during the week (as we have been) I can use their pace to push myself. They are all faster than me.... and that's ok.

As for the title of this entry. It was a gorgeous day on Saturday. I know that helps make any run more enjoyable.