Journey from 238.5 lbs to 2:38:30

Went out early, and headed out to the JRT, but hit some patches of black ice, so went back into the neighborhoods and wandered around doing some slow miles.  Having some hamstring pain and tightness which started Sunday, so just took it easy.  I tried to keep good form and focus on putting my energy on going forward rather than up and down, which naturally helps to go faster.  I picked up the pace a little on the last 2 miles to a 7:35 pace which was still pretty comfortable with the sore hammy.  

Went out early 5:30 on the JRT, north to the turnaround.  It was snowing lightly with the trail mostly covered with a thin layer of snow.  No ice, which is the most important.  Very good traction on the snow, even on the hills.  Ran 9.5, Hammy still a little tight/sore, but not too bad.  Left foot behind big toe started bothering me after 7, again.  Feels like too much callous or something, but not too sure yet.  Loved the early morning snowy run.

Went out early in the snow on the JRT heading north to the turnaround.  I noticed two sets of animal tracks in the snow that went for two miles up the trail.  They looked like cat tracks of a couple of cats wandering along the trail, I guess out for a little jog.  On the way back from the turn around I noticed the nice black kitty up ahead running down the trail and chased him down the trail for a minute or so before he decided he didn't like me following him anymore and he gassed the trail.  Fortunately the neighboring houses had a path so I went out on the streets from there. 

Took it easy again, mostly due to conditions, a little slippery in places, but very nice out.

Ran in the afternoon on the Jordan River trail.  Was very nice out, about 2/3rds of the snow had melted, so kind of slushy in spots, but had warmed up to be a very nice day.  Took gatorade and left at the gate to the JRT so it would be there when I finished 7th mile.  I always say if you don't go farther or faster or both, you don't improve, so I did both today.  

Mile splits,  7:30, 6:52, 6:53, 7;04, 6:58, 7, 7:13, 7:47, 7:57, 7:58, 7:38, 7:41, 8:08, 8:25, for a total average of 7:30.  Thanks garmin 305.  Heart rate averaged 160 over the 14 miles. 

When I hit 12 miles I ran out of gas, and realized I had left my Gu, which I had been bringing and not used, but really could have.  Very enjoyable run.  I was running this far about this speeed in July.  So injury recovery is coming along okay.  Weight isn't coming off like I thought it would, but I'm sure it will eventually.  Hope to make it out of the Clydsdale category eventually.