7 miles

Last night Carly and I ran 7 miles...OOOOWWW it was AWESOME!

The run started by heading down 'the hill' through Madison valley.  It's a pretty steep decline, so a fun way to start the run...feeling like a super hero (I really need a cape).  Then we turned left to head through the arboretum, around Lake Washington Boulevard, across the bridge to the UW and then onto the Burke Gilman trail. Then up a decent incline to the University bridge.

The city was so beautiful while heading over the bridge with the deep purple sky (indigo with a touch of plum) and the twinkling lights of the buildings in the distance.  The nice steady decline of the bridge marked the half way point of the run. 

Then we started the climb...what a climb it was.  Turn onto Shelby St. and see a wicked hill just ahead.  The promise was that I was going to keep running...but I never said how fast. After mastering the hill (and by mastering I mean anything better than passing out) we were rewarded with some sprinklers that welcomed us to the park, and then our good friend the water fountain.  Oh sweet water fountain how you love me so!

Properly hydrated, we left the park to start the 1 mile slow climb back to the top of 'the hill'.  By the top I was wheezing and felt like I almost couldn't catch my breath.  But THEN it was a slow downward hill to the Safeway on 15th and John.  We went quick and even had some gusto left to race to the finish.

The final count: 7.02 miles in 74 minutes 32 seconds.  10:32 minute mile. 
K!CK @$$!!

Today I feel strong and awesome, not even sore, just STRONG!