Long Likely Lester Longing

Okay, I'll admit that this post's subject don't make much sense, but I'll try to explain. I hadn't run on the Lester Rail Trail for a few weeks, and I was longing to do so. And today's run was to be a long one. At least, it had seemed likely that I'd get the desired mileage. Capisce? Okay, forget it. I'll just move on to tell the story.

It's my last, or possibly next-to-last long run before the Tallahassee Marathon. I arrive a bit before five, enough for an initial mile. I needed to do that because I seem to require more and more time and miles to wake up lately. The first mile is always the slowest, so I may as well get it done early. At 5, Michelle Wolff shows up, and she and I run the initial six-mile double out-and-back loop. It's cold (around 30F) but not windy. We hardly notice, since we're talking and sharing stories.

At 6, Sarah Joan and Harold Dravenstott show up to join the fray. We do another six (all while talking and telling more stories) before it's time for everyone to leave. Everyone except me, that is.

Now, at about 7:30 and about thirteen-plus miles in, I'm on my own. After a slowish start, I decide that it would be better all around if I can run faster for these final six, rather than slower. That's a big IF, of course. But somehow, I do manage to pick it up a little. The last two miles are my best. That's a good sign.