Park Hill Loop

Here's an earmark of a good run for me: I topped the hill on Orange Street, felt fresh and strong after nearly five miles and thought, "You know, I'm pretty sure I'm going to break 50 minutes. Maybe 49." I wondered. I checked my split after the first mile. It was 9:37 and that surprised me. I gave it an over-under of 10:15. It seemed relatively effortless. Thereafter I tried to slow the pace, aiming for 10 minutes a mile, but didn't again look at my watch until I finished the Park Hill Loop, through steady rain and temporary ponds and creeks (it has rained five inches in the last 24 hours) in 46:56, with splits of 9:37, 9:57, 9:15, 9:28, and 8:39. This was a very easy run, a float, truly, and I am pleased and encouraged.