Notes
Great run on the trails this morning. I had a free Saturday morning in Decorah, and in celebration of those racing the superior trail race this morning I decided to have a little solo trail extravaganza of my own. Lower pali to dead pet, and then middle and upper palisades trails. My legs took a few miles to warm up after a big effort yesterday, but after that I was able to forget about them and just enjoy a comfortable pace, effort, and beautiful morning in my favorite place. Exited Palisades past Bruening's garage and headed up log chute and across the valley to Rocky Road. Turned off Rocky Rd. onto Little Bighorn, still perhaps my favorite trail in Decorah, and ran the full ~2 mile little bighorn loop all the way back to Rocky Rd again. Then I ran first right up to the prairie and cruised for 2 laps of pines East, which is perhaps the most runnable trail in all of Decorah. After my 2nd loop I left the pines and stopped for a moment at the edge of the prairie to consider my next move. At this point I was about 8.5 in and my legs were starting to feel tired, but all the changes in topography was enough to help keep some spark and I decided I could meander a bit on my way out. Ran back little Bighorn a bit to Dust Bowl, and ran dust bowl all the way across the bluff and down to the junction with North 40. Finished up by taking Public TV out to Quarry Hill Rd. and over the bridge. The most tired I felt was coming down Quarry Rd. I often feel the most fatigued just after exiting the trails and hitting pavement again. I ran the dike a little ways, and the grass felt great again after a short section of pavement. It is amazing how much better long runs feel on soft surfaces. I must remember that. By the time I got back to downtown I was cruising again and my legs felt great. Could have easily kept going, but I figured it was unnecessary, especially after racing yesterday, and ending on a great high was better than pushing for 3 or 4 more and risking the chance of bonking and having to slog the last couple miles.
Great run, great fun! I love the driftless region.
After the run I had a great breakfast of oatmeal, and then a trip to the farmer's market where there were many baked good and sweets to be tasted and enjoyed! Great morning!