20 Mile Run

This morning I got up at 5:00 to go for a 20 mile run so that I could be back by nine to go and help someone move. It was a perfect morning for running. It was a little cold, but it felt great. I was a bit slow for the first eight miles or so because it was dark and I was running on trails. I think the greatest thing about my run this morning, watching the dark, starlit sky lighten up as the dawn approached. When I first saw Mount Rainier this morning I could just barely make out its silhouette. It was awesome. Then gradually as the horizon started to get lighter, it became a more defined silhouette. Finally I could actually see the mountain and make out features on it. Then the sun hit the top of the mountain and then slowly climbed down the mountain. That was just so cool to see. Maybe I should have had my camera to take pictures. Oh well. Sometimes you just need to enjoy the moment. The run went well. When it was dark I averaged about 9:30 per mile, then it lightened up and I averaged about 8:30-8:40 miles. My overall pace was 8:58. Maybe it wasn't the dark that caused me to go so slow, but the breathtaking views of Mount Rainier. By the time I was finished with my run the mountain was covered in clouds. It was good while it lasted.

I have just five weeks until the Yakima River Canyon Marathon. I just signed up for it today. I'm definetly doing it. There is no way that I would pay 65 dollars then back out at the last moment. I am excited. I think it will be a great run. Maybe we'll go up the night before and go camping or something, otherwise we'll have to leave here by about five in the morning.