Calm before the storm.

The week of regular training routine is rounding up nicely. I did that second run on Thursday for 10 miles, although unlike Rob's "tempo" pace, mine was at 8:30, and it was super-exciting! I don't remember when I ran that long that fast and felt that I could go for much longer. However, the negative things about running roads (besides shin splints and tight calf/hamstring muscles) is that there are no bathrooms! So I had to really push it to get home and then decided against going back out. I had more running planned ahead anyway.

Last night we had a torrential downpour with knocking winds, and I woke up at 2:30 am certain that the 6 am meeting with my running partner Gail will be cancelled. I set on a couch for a couple of hours calculating how the heck will I do a 4 hrs run on treadmill before dosing off again, and woke up to a total calm...no rain, no wind, and I am late! I am never late, so I grabbed my stuff and was out of the door in 5 min, arriving at Gail's 5:55, as usual, early (this is my trademark, and I am not giving it up). We went to Columbia Gorge, we call it "mental health place", besides been one tough trail system with hundreds 3 mile hills at over 10% grade. It is gorgeous! The snow started below 2500 feet, and after crossing a few creeks our feet went numb. I screamed to shake it off - I do that - and after about 3200 feet gain (5 miles) we turned to a different route. The soft pine needles felt much better...

It was great to see her. Gail was the first person in Portland to accept me in an ultra community when we moved here, introduce me to runners and trails. We fit great running together. She is fantastic uphill pusher, and I pull her downhill, and neither one of us ever have to feel sorry if we need to split up for a workout - we have different goals for the season, and when I am at my high, she may not be. I am also stronger on technical down hills, so, just as usual, she just yelled today: I know the way, I'll see you by the car - and it felt right. We were still together, but working as separate units, and we were able to spend some time with our own thoughts. Because the most for what I love Gail - she is my mentor in life. I share everything with her, and I couldn't wait for today's run after a few weeks break - there was so much to tell. She gives best advice without it sounded like one. She never makes me feel inferior at that either. Just chat, open up...I needed it.

Things are sorting out. It will be tough, but it needs to be done. I might be out of posting for a bit. Or may be not. It soothing me, to hear the keypad typing, and concentrate on simple words...
Until then - I will just run on.