Running (Trail) 1:07:47 [3] 7.26 mi (9:20 / mi) +241m 8:28 / mi
slept:8.0 weight:176.5lbs
Starting from the DC/MD border on a flat portion of the Valley Trail, I turned off up the Pine Trail to the eastern top of the park, then looped back to the Valley Trail via the Holly Trail. I dislodged some phlem in the beginning and noted some sinus pressure when I had bent down before starting; indications of a little bit of sickness left with me. Continuing south, I crossed over to the western side of the valley at Military Rd. and kept going until the Rapids Bridge. Just past that, I began a climb ot of the valley on an unammed trail that I think Peggy had been recommending I take last January. It brought me under the arched bridge at Ross Dr., and kept climbing to the maintenance yard and horse center. It was getting dark and I was tired. Rather than continue down to the Western Ridge Trail there, I climbed a little more and took the road to the Nature Center. From there I followed the Western Ridge Trail back to the border where I had started. I could have used a bathroom the last couple of miles. I trudged on but fell into a more comfortable slower pace on climbs. My knees were aching so I tried not to run downhill too fast. In the twighlight and being tired I was worried about taking a fall. After crossing Wise Rd., there was still a smidgen of light but I could also see my moon shadow from the gibbous moon almost directly overhead--I was still under the trees. The weather was better than the last 2 days--clear skies, 39 F starting out and 34 F when finished.
