The local running store had a close out sale of last years models so I picked up a new pair of Mizuno's for cheap! That always makes me happy. I guess I should not break in shoes on a 18 miler, but eh, they need it. Had an early meeting, but then Cassie showed me her local bike path to run on. It was pretty nice, followed the river (of course with all the rain, the latter half of the path was closed so we did an out and back). She joined me for the 1st of 3 laps I ran. Let's see... saw a hawk twice withing 5 feet of me just sitting there and chilling out - never even thought about moving as I ran by. I also saw one angry squirrel. Seriously it look mad! I did not take squirrel culture (see 'Emperors New Groove') so I have no idea why it looked so mad. I know it wanted to take me out if I ran towards it. There was a muskrat swimming by the spill well and he was happy enough. Go figure. Anyway, decent temps, decided to rain after about 12 miles and then rain steady for the last 4 miles. Legs were pretty tired so kept a slower pace (8:39) until the last few miles where I ran harder. 8:03, 7:45, 8:02, but the 2 8's were on a steady incline with a strong headwind and driving rain, so the effort was there even if the clock says otherwise. Good day! | 