my longest training run yet

on Saturday, George and i ran my longest training run that i have ever ran, not including organized races. our journey was 5,000 feet up to Santiago Peak and back down again. a 28 mile round trip. the climb went well and we felt pretty good. we had some shade and cool temps at the beginning. after nine miles we switched direction and had a lot of exposure to the sun. up high it was still cool enough but the temperature was climbing. it was going to be a hot one. George was carrying about 40 pounds up the hill. me, only about 10 or so. once we reached the towers we had lunch. it took us about 4:40 to get to the top. there were plenty of off road want to be's driving their 4x4's. a few boy scout troops and lots of mt. bikers. George had fried chicken and oranges for us. we went through our water faster then we had anticipated and this would be a problem later on.

this is looking back at the first and last 9 miles. it was at this point, about 8 miles left to go that i started to have a problem. it came in the form of a big bonk. from out of nowhere. we were expecting to be able to have a nice run down this section. well that turned into a slog. with about 3 miles left, we had both run out of water. that was miserable but we made it. it was a very long day.
the towers are behind me. at this point it is starting to heat up. maybe 4 more miles to go and we get to have lunch.
i made it to the top. this is my second time being up here. when look at this mountain and see it's peak, it has a different meaning to me. now it's personal.

i will be at camp this week. can't wait.