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For every run like Saturday, there are at least 4 like today. This morning's run was one that makes me remember why I do this. I woke up this morning feeling a little sore from yesterday's spinning class. I thought for a minute about punting my run, Saturday's debacle still fresh in my mind, but I mustered some energy and got and got dressed. I knew as soon as I walked out the door that it would be a good morning. My legs felt pleasantly sore and... strong. After walking a half mile or so and stretching, I set out. I usually have a route in mind when I start, but not today. I figured I would just run east for a while, and then a different direction, and then another and then head home. As I started, I listened to my legs. I felt a brief twinge in my shin, but it went away after a few steps. My quads felt sore from biking. But I said (half aloud), "Good morning legs. Are you guys up for a run?" They seemed to be amused that I was talking to them, because they quickly loosened up. I turned east on Encanto Blvd. and then headed south down 16th Ave. to Palm Lane. I turned east on Palm ran as far as it went. They have some streets permanently blocked off in the Willo neighborhood, and I turned north when I reached on of these barriers. As I was running, I was constantly checking in with my body, and everything felt great. Lungs? CHECK! Shins? CHECK! Hydration? CHECK! With all systems go, I continued winding through Willo at a fun, but not killer, pace. As I crossed 7th Ave. at Encanto Blvd., I didn't even think about heading home. I headed north on 7th Ave., and then west on Thomas. After taking a tour of the 2-block Margarita Place neighborhood, I headed south on 15th Ave. As I headed up my usual home stretch on Virginia, I decided to really turn it up for the last quarter mile or so. As I crossed 16th Ave., I turned it up. When I turned onto 17th Ave., I really opened it up. My Garmin claims that I ran the last 200 yards or so at a sub 5:00 pace. Usain Bolt better look out! When I was done, I felt good and strong. I was sweaty, but not the energy-sapping sweat I've been feeling for the last month or so. Hooray for running! Activity Route: -- Elev. Avg: 0 ft Location: Phoenix, AZ Elev. Gain: +0 ft Date: 08/20/08 Up/Downhill: [+0/-0] Time: 06:16 AM Difficulty: 0 / 5.0 Weather: A Few Clouds 85 F temp; 40% humidity 85 F heat index; winds SE 7 Performance Distance: 4.11 miles Time: 0:36:16 Speed: 6.8 mph Pace: 8' 49 /mi Calories: 584 Map Elevation (ft) Pace (min/mile) Splits Mile Pace (min/mile) Speed (mph) Elevation Gain actual +/- avg actual +/- avg 1 8' 44 -0' 05 6.9 +0.1 -- ft 2 9' 21 +0' 32 6.4 -0.4 -- ft 3 8' 50 +0' 01 6.8 -0.0 -- ft 4 9' 09 +0' 20 6.5 -0.3 -- ft end 5' 58 -2' 51 10.0 +3.2 -- ft Versus average of 8' 49 min/mile

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